You want to reach the Someshwari River in Netrokona district. The river flows through the Durgapur upazila, near the Indian border. The most common access point is the village of Bichanakandi, where the river forms a clear, wide channel.
Getting to Netrokona town
Start from Dhaka. Take a bus from Mohakhali or Sayedabad to Netrokona. Several companies like Shyamoli, Hanif, and S. Alam operate daily. The journey takes 4 to 5 hours. Fare is around 300 to 400 BDT per person. Buses leave every hour from early morning until midday. You can also take a train from Kamalapur to Mymensingh, then a local bus to Netrokona, but it takes longer.
From Netrokona to Durgapur
From Netrokona town, take a local bus or a CNG to Durgapur upazila. Buses run frequently from the Netrokona bus stand. The distance is about 25 kilometers. The ride takes 45 minutes to 1 hour. Fare is around 50 BDT by bus, or 150 BDT by CNG for a shared ride. Durgapur is the last stop before the river.
Reaching Bichanakandi and the river
From Durgapur, you need a CNG or a local jeep to Bichanakandi. The road is narrow but paved. The trip takes 20 to 30 minutes. Fare is about 100 to 150 BDT per person. Bichanakandi is a small village. From there, walk a few minutes to the riverbank. The Someshwari here is wide and clear, with a sandy bottom. The best time to visit is November to March when the water is low and clear. During monsoon (June to October), the river swells and can be dangerous. No permits are needed. There are no official entry fees. A few small tea stalls sell snacks and drinks. Mobile network coverage is patchy; Robi and Grameenphone work in spots. Bring cash, as no ATMs are nearby. Accommodation is limited. You can stay in Durgapur at a basic guesthouse or return to Netrokona. For a more comfortable stay, book in advance at a hotel in Netrokona town. Return travel is the same route in reverse. Confirm bus schedules before starting back, as the last bus from Netrokona to Dhaka leaves around 8 PM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to visit the Someshwari River?
No permit is required. The area is open to all visitors. However, if you plan to cross the border area, stay on the Bangladesh side. The river forms part of the border, but there are no formal checkpoints near Bichanakandi.
What is the best time of year to visit?
The dry season from November to March is best. The water is low, clear, and safe for wading. From April to October, the river is higher and may be muddy. Avoid the monsoon months (June to September) when currents are strong and roads can become slippery.
Are there any food or accommodation options near the river?
At Bichanakandi, only a few tea stalls offer biscuits, chips, and tea. No proper restaurants or hotels. You will find basic eateries in Durgapur bazaar. For overnight stays, the nearest decent accommodation is in Netrokona town. Some travelers camp by the river, but you must bring your own gear and supplies.
How do I get back to Dhaka from Someshwari River?
Return the same way: CNG from Bichanakandi to Durgapur, bus to Netrokona, then bus to Dhaka. The last bus from Netrokona to Dhaka departs around 8 PM. Plan to leave Bichanakandi by 3 PM to have enough time. Alternatively, you can hire a private car from Netrokona to Dhaka, which costs around 3000 to 4000 BDT.
