When you think of selling fresh vegetables and fruits in floating markets, places like Cabiao Market in the Philippines or Damnoen Saduak in Thailand might come to mind first. However, many people are unaware that the largest floating market in Asia is located in Bangladesh, where guavas are sold during their peak season.
Location
This floating market is situated at the borders of three districts: Pirojpur, Barishal, and Jhalokati in Bangladesh. The market is actually established in the Vimruli area of the Jhalokati District. The main guava gardens, from which the guavas are sold at the floating market, are located in Swarupkathi (Pirojpur) and Banaripara (Barishal).
How to Get There
You can reach the market by either road or water, both of which are convenient options. Traveling by road is faster, while traveling by water allows you to enjoy the natural scenery.
By Launch
There are two ways to reach the floating guava market by launch. One route is to travel to Barishal, and the other is to travel to Jhalokati.
To use either route, you must first go to the Dhaka Sadarghat Launch Terminal, where launches departing for various destinations in Bangladesh are available.
- To Barishal:Launches typically depart from 8:00 PM to 8:30 PM and arrive at 4:00 AM to 4:30 AM.
- To Jhalokati: Launches generally leave from 5:00 PM to 5:30 PM and reach Jhalokati between 6:00 AM and 6:30 AM.
Upon reaching Barishal, you will need to take a CNG or Mahindra to Banaripara, which takes about 30 minutes. From there, you will take a boat to the floating market. The Dhaka-Barishal route has many luxurious launches.
For the easiest route, travel to the Jhalokati launch terminal by launch, then take an auto or CNG to the guava market directly.
I traveled to the guava market via the Jhalokati route by launch.
By Bus or Car
To travel to Barishal or Jhalokati by bus, go to the Gulistan or Gabtali bus terminals in Dhaka, where buses depart for Barishal or Jhalokati via the Padma Bridge. The journey to Barishal takes about 3 to 3.5 hours, which is faster compared to traveling by launch.
If you have a personal car or hire a car, this will also save time.
Best Time to Visit
The rainy season is the peak time for guava, from July to mid-September. It is best to arrive before 11:00 AM, as the market operates from early morning until noon. After 11:00 AM, the market starts closing for the day.
After mid-September, hog plums replace guavas in the market.
Where to Stay
There are rest houses and boarding options in Jhalokati, but their quality is not very high. For better quality hotels or motels, you should stay in Barishal.
Where to Eat
After arriving at the Barishal launch terminal, you can have breakfast at a nearby restaurant. Alternatively, if you reach the Jhalokati launch terminal, you can have breakfast at a local restaurant near the terminal and lunch at a local restaurant in Vimruli, Jhalokati.
My Experience
I visited the floating guava market using the Jhalokati route. The launch departed from Dhaka Sadarghat at 5:30 AM, and my tour team and I arrived at 6:00 AM. We had breakfast at a local restaurant, then took two autos to the guava market.
Our first stop was Gabkhan Setu in Jhalokati, a bridge linking Jhalokati and Pirojpur. The bridge is high enough to allow launches to pass underneath. We then reached the guava market, where we hired a motorized boat (known as a trawler) to explore from the market to Swarupkathi. We purchased some guavas from a floating shop and visited several guava gardens beside the canal. A 20 Taka entry fee allows you to visit and enjoy guavas from these gardens, either by permission or purchase.
We navigated through the curving canals to Swarupkathi, where we saw many guava gardens and trawlers coming from Barishal playing music. We took a bath near Swarupkathi Bazar, although it’s better to bathe at Vimruli Floating Market. After reaching Swarupkathi, Pirojpur, we had lunch at a tin-shed restaurant in Swarupkathi Bazar, which offered basic amenities.
We then took two Mahindras to visit the house of Sher-e-Bangla (a great leader of Bangladesh) in Chakar, Barishal. We also visited the beautiful and modern Gutia Mosque in Gutia, Barishal, which attracts visitors of different religions. In the late afternoon, we went to Durga Sagar, a large pond where you can enjoy a memorable afternoon with friends and family. Finally, we returned to the Barishal launch terminal to travel back to Dhaka, having dinner and evening snacks in Barishal town.
How to Return
- From Barishal: You can return by launch, which departs from 8:00 PM to 8:30 PM at the terminal, or by bus (AC/Non-AC) at any time.
- From Jhalokati: Launch services are limited, with only one launch departing for Dhaka at 5:30 PM. However, buses are available for return travel.
I recommend returning from Barishal by bus or launch, as I did.
Attractive Places Near the Floating Guava Market
- Gabkhan Bridge: Situated on the artificial 18 km long Gabkhan Channel in Jhalokati, this bridge links Jhalokati and Pirojpur.
- Swarupkathi Guava Garden: This area features many large guava gardens.
- Sher-e-Bangla House: The residence of Sher-e-Bangla A.K. Fazlul Haque, one of Bangladesh’s greatest politicians, located in Chakar, Barishal.
- Gutia Mosque: A modern architecturally beautiful mosque in Gutia, Barishal.
- Durga Sagar:A large pond, ideal for a leisurely visit.
Tips
- Do not throw waste into the water.
- If you don’t know how to swim, please wear a life jacket.
- Always seek permission from the garden owner before eating guavas.
