Floating Gardens of Kotalipara

Where land stays under water for months, farmers in Kotalipara and nearby areas build floating beds called dhap or baira from rotted water hyacinth and other plants. On them they grow seedlings, gourds, okra and leafy greens, moving the beds by boat. The method has been practised for generations and is recognised by the FAO as a globally important agricultural heritage system. Seeing the green rafts spread across the water is unforgettable.

How to get there

From Gopalganj town take a bus or CNG to Kotalipara, then ask for a boat to the floating beds.

Good to know

Go with a local boatman and ask farmers before stepping near their beds.

• #farming
• #wetland
• #boat
• #heritage