Ramshagar National Park & Historic Lake
The largest man-made historic lake in Bangladesh and royal deer sanctuary
Quick Travel Facts & Visitor Guide (2026)
Ramshagar National Park & Historic Lake is a prominent travel destination in Dinajpur, Rangpur Division, Bangladesh. The optimal time to visit is October to March for cool, pleasant walking temperatures and clear skies; evenings are lively year-round. for a recommended trip duration of Half day (Easily combined with Dinajpur Rajbari and Kantajew Temple). Entry ticket is 30 BDT per person and weekly off day is Open Daily. The largest man-made historic water reservoir in Bangladesh, spanning 78 acres in Dinajpur, excavated in the 1750s by Raja Ramnath, featuring protected national park forests, spotted deer, and pedal boating.
Overview
Ramshagar National Park (Ramshagar Dighi & Eco Park) is the largest man-made historic water reservoir in Bangladesh and the premier national park of Dinajpur district, situated in Tejpur village, just 8 kilometres south of Dinajpur town centre. Covering an immense area of over 78 acres (with water surface measuring 1,079 metres by 192 metres), this colossal royal lake was excavated in the 1750s by Raja Ramnath, the illustrious Maharaja of Dinajpur.
Excavated during a devastating regional drought to provide pure drinking water and irrigation for over 1.5 million subjects, the lake is an extraordinary engineering marvel of 18th-century Bengal. According to legendary folklore, when the excavated lake remained dry, King Ramnath's beloved son Prince Ram sacrificed his life in the lake bed, after which crystal-clear water surged forth, prompting the king to name it 'Ramshagar' (The Sea of Ram).
In 2001, the Government of Bangladesh declared the surrounding 120-acre forest a protected National Park. The lake is encircled by towering embankments densely planted with mahogany, teak, acacia, and blooming royal poinciana (krishnachura) trees. The park features a resident spotted deer breeding sanctuary, mini zoo, children's amusement zone, and pedal boating facilities.
With paved walking and jogging promenades, picnic pavilions, and peaceful water breeze ambiance, Ramshagar is an unmissable heritage and nature destination in northern Bengal.
History & Culture
Excavated between 1750 and 1755 CE by Raja Ramnath, who spent over 30,000 rupees and employed 1.5 million laborers during a catastrophic regional famine.
The lake's crystal-clear water has never dried up in over 270 years, fed by natural underground aquifer springs.
In 2001, the Forest Department designated it a National Park, introducing wildlife conservation, spotted deer herds, and eco-tourism amenities.
Top things to do in Ramshagar National Park & Historic Lake
Walk the Scenic Perimeter Promenade
Stroll along the paved lakeside path shaded by red krishnachura trees and enjoy invigorating water breezes.
Ride a Pedal Boat Across Ramshagar
Rent a 2 or 4-person pedal boat to cruise across the vast, crystalline waters of Bangladesh's largest historic lake.
Visit the Spotted Deer Sanctuary
Observe the resident herd of spotted deer grazing peacefully in their shaded forest enclosure.
Explore the Historic Baroduari Ruins
Inspect the 18th-century brick ruins of Raja Ramnath's twelve-doored royal lakeside rest house.
Video Guide: Experience Ramshagar National Park & Historic Lake
Watch cinematic 4K footage and essential visual travel highlights before planning your trip to Ramshagar National Park & Historic Lake.
Ramshagar National Park & Historic Lake in pictures
Curated photography via Wikimedia Commons under Creative Commons licensing.
Highlights
- ✓The largest man-made historic lake in Bangladesh (measuring 1,079m by 192m over 78 acres)
- ✓Excavated in the 1750s by Maharaja Raja Ramnath to save his kingdom from famine
- ✓Protected 120-acre National Park forest shaded by century-old timber and flowering trees
- ✓Resident spotted deer breeding sanctuary and mini zoo on the lake embankment
- ✓Paved perimeter walking promenade and pedal boating across clean, deep waters
- ✓Historic 18th-century Baroduari (Twelve-Doored) rest house ruins on the bank
How to reach Ramshagar National Park & Historic Lake (Transport Routes)
Take a 15 to 20-minute auto-rickshaw (CNG or battery easy-bike) south from Dinajpur city (Fulbari Bus Stand / Goneshtola) directly to Ramshagar National Park gate (approx. 8 km).
Take an intercity train (Ekota, Drutojan, Panchagarh Express) to Dinajpur Railway Station (6.5 hrs), then take a 15-minute auto-rickshaw to Ramshagar.
Best time to visit Ramshagar National Park & Historic Lake& Seasonal Advisory
November to February: Cool winter weather; ideal for walking the extensive lakeside perimeter, pedal boating, and family picnics.
April to June: Blooming season for red krishnachura trees along the lake embankments.
Year-round: Welcoming and peaceful daily for morning walkers and afternoon visitors.
Where to stay near Ramshagar National Park & Historic Lake
Forest Department rest house at Ramshagar (advance booking required) or modern hotels in Dinajpur town centre (Hotel Diamond, Circuit House) located 8 km away.
Local food & dining
- 🍽️Authentic Dinajpur Kataribhog fragrant rice with local beef curry
- 🍽️Traditional Dinajpur Pera Sandesh (famous local sweet delicacy)
- 🍽️Fresh coconut water and hot tea from lakeside stalls
Essential Travel Tips & Rules for Ramshagar National Park & Historic Lake
- 💡Visit in the late afternoon (3:30 PM – 5:30 PM) for the best sunset reflections on the vast water surface.
- 💡Swimming is restricted in designated deep zones for safety.
- 💡Combine with Kantajew Temple and Nayabad Mosque in a comprehensive Dinajpur day tour.
- 💡Dispose of all food wrappers and plastics in designated bins to keep the national park clean.
Nearby Places to Visit around Ramshagar National Park & Historic Lake
Combine your visit to Ramshagar National Park & Historic Lake with these closely located attractions and scenic destinations.
7.9 km (N)An 18th-century Hindu temple in Dinajpur famed for its ornate terracotta panels depicting the Ramayana, Mahabharata and rural Bengal.
8.9 km (N)Dinajpur Rajbari in Dinajpur is a historic 17th-century royal palace complex featuring ruined European-influenced palaces, Krishna temples, courtyards, and ancient water reservoirs.
13.3 km (N)Discover Ramsagar, a 16th-century man-made lake near Dinajpur crowned by a Mughal-era temple ruin. Wander the causeway, watch winter birdlife, and combine your visit with nearby Kantajew Temple.
22.3 km (N)A beautiful, deeply historic 18th-century terracotta mosque located just a short distance from the famous Kantajew Temple.
Curated Destination Highlights
Frequently Asked Questions about Ramshagar National Park & Historic Lake
What is the largest man-made lake in Bangladesh?+
Ramshagar Dighi in Dinajpur is the largest man-made historical lake in Bangladesh, covering over 78 acres.
Who excavated Ramshagar?+
It was excavated between 1750 and 1755 CE by Maharaja Raja Ramnath of Dinajpur during a catastrophic famine.
What is the entry ticket fee for Ramshagar National Park?+
The entry ticket fee is 30 BDT per person. Pedal boat rentals cost approximately 100 BDT for 30 minutes.
Related Destinations & Travel Guides
Explore 5 interlinked destinations in Dinajpur, Rangpur Division& surrounding regions
A beautiful 18th-century three-domed terracotta mosque in Kaharole, Dinajpur, built in 1793 CE by Muslim master architects who constructed the world-famous Kantajew Temple along the Dhepa River.
Discover Ramsagar, a 16th-century man-made lake near Dinajpur crowned by a Mughal-era temple ruin. Wander the causeway, watch winter birdlife, and combine your visit with nearby Kantajew Temple.
An 18th-century Hindu temple in Dinajpur famed for its ornate terracotta panels depicting the Ramayana, Mahabharata and rural Bengal.
A sprawling 150-acre family theme park, amusement resort, and cinema shooting complex in Nawabganj, Dinajpur, featuring artificial lakes, giant sculptures, zoos, and landscaped botanical gardens.
A beautiful, deeply historic 18th-century terracotta mosque located just a short distance from the famous Kantajew Temple.