Abdullah Bake Reza and Nur Alam
Just a short drive from the busy heart of Dhaka lies a hidden natural treasure — the breathtaking red water lily wetlands of Rupganj, Narayanganj. Located in Daudpur, this vast stretch of aquatic beauty covers nearly 900 bighas, making it the largest known red water lily habitat near the capital. While the vibrant red lilies steal the spotlight, the wetlands also feature graceful lotuses and occasional white and purple lilies, creating a stunning canvas of colour.
It takes only around 40 minutes from Kuril Bishwa Road to reach this tranquil escape, making it perfect for a half-day trip. Just five minutes from Zinda Park, the wetland begins to reveal its charm — a peaceful scene that comes alive at dawn.
Two main tourist zones have grown around the wetland, both part of "Shapla Resort". The first area has fewer lilies, but the second, deeper within, offers a spectacular sight — a sea of red blossoms stretching as far as the eye can see.
Jahangir Hossain, one of the landowners, explained that the red lilies bloom from late July through to October, during the monsoon season. “You’ll also see white and purple lilies, though not as many,” he said. The resort offers six boats for visitors, each available at 300 BDT per hour. “To see the lilies in full bloom, it’s best to arrive before 7 AM — by 9, the flowers begin to close,” he added.
On a recent visit, the untouched beauty of the Lauyal and Ariyal wetlands was truly striking. Even their names evoke a sense of natural purity. Unlike many spots now overtaken by urban life, Daudpur still holds on to its rustic charm. Boats wait right beside the roadside ghat, allowing visitors to step directly into nature. As the small wooden boats glide forward, a magical world unfolds — it’s like sailing through a red velvet field on water.
Silence surrounds you, broken only by the splash of a fish or the flutter of a bird. This quiet beauty is enhanced by the calls of native birds like shalik, doel, and the tiny finge-raja, their songs blending into the peaceful atmosphere.
Boatman Mottakin, who has been working here for over six years, said the number of tourists has grown rapidly. “Before, hardly anyone came. Now people come from all over the country, which is helping the local economy,” he noted.
Nurul Islam, co-owner of Padma-Shapla Resort, added that visitor numbers peak on Fridays and Saturdays, especially during the blooming season from late monsoon to early autumn.
Among recent visitors was Umme Habiba Farzana, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Narayanganj, who came with her family. “The drifting white clouds, the national flower shapla, and the lotus ponds together look like a living painting,” she said. “Perhaps this is why poet Jibanananda Das always longed to return to Bengal. Protecting this beauty is not just the resort’s duty — it’s a responsibility we all share.”
Twelve-year-old Manha Islam Shaeera, a Year Six student visiting with her parents, shared her excitement: “I had only seen water lilies and lotus ponds on TV, but seeing them in real life felt like a dream. The white, red, and pink flowers looked like they were smiling at me. The boat ride with my family was the best day of my life.”
Other visitors expressed similar joy. Rezwanur Rahman, Officer-in-Charge at Kamalapur Railway Station (RNB), called it “a perfect example of natural beauty.”
Md. Ali Akbar, Senior Administrative Officer at the University of Dhaka, visiting with old friends, said, “This place is truly beautiful.”
Sumi Chowdhury from Bashundhara shared that she and her friends come every year, dressed in matching colours, to celebrate the beauty of the season.
From birdsong to dragonflies dancing on the lily pads, and from quiet boat rides to joyful reunions — Rupganj’s red water lily wetland offers a peaceful yet unforgettable experience. So close to Dhaka, yet worlds away, it’s a living reminder of Bengal’s unspoiled natural charm.
