Along the banks of the Padma, a central garden and zoo have been developed over an area of 32.76 acres of the erstwhile race course grounds. The zoo is only 4.2 km from Rajshahi city. In 1972, the construction work of Rajshahi Central Zoo near Shaheed AHM Kamaruzzam Road was started, and in 1974-76, with the permission of the Revenue Department, the construction of a children’s park was completed here along with the zoo. As a result, the Rajshahi Central Zoo came to be known as Shaheed A.H.M. Kamruzzaman Central Park & Zoo.
At the main entrance gate to the zoo, there is a giant sculpture of a giraffe and a fountain of the mermaid. Shaded by a variety of flowers, fruits and medicinal plants, the park has beautiful sculptures and a small lake with a famous bridge. The notable collection in the zoo includes various aquatic and terrestrial animals including banjarika, balihas, horse, deer, wildebeest, python, snake, tumir. The beauty of the Padma river can be enjoyed from the artificial hills of this park in a beautiful natural environment. Apart from this, Pak has several interesting rides including Jana Paddle Boat, Nagar Dola to entertain the visitors.
Today, this children’s park has become one of the entertainment centers of Rajshahi city. In addition to the local visitors of Kazshahi, students and tourists from various educational institutions gather here every day for the purpose of educational tours and picnics.
How to go
Rajshahi is accessible by road, rail and air from the capital Dhaka city. From Dhaka’s Mahakali, Abdullahpur, Gabtali and Kalyanpur, Green Line, Ekota and Desh Travels AC buses travel to Rajshahi at a fare of Tk 900 to 1400. And Shamli, Hanif, National Travels, Bablu Enterprise Prep Non AC buses operate at a fare of Tk 710 to 750.
Silk City, Dhumketu, Banalta and Padma Express trains ply to Rajshahi from Kamalapur Railway Station. The fare will be Tk 350 to Tk 856 depending on the train class. Besides, if you want to go to Rajshahi in less time, you can go to Rajshahi by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Harts Bangla Airlines and NovoAir flights from Dhaka’s Shahjalal International Airport.
Rajshahi National Park and Zoo is located just 3 km from the zero point of Rajshahi city on the east side of Rajshahi Divisional Commissioner’s Office and Police Line. You can easily reach this park by taking a rickshaw or an auto from Zero Point in the city.