The Guava Express

Snaking through eye-soothing guava orchards is the Bhimruli Canal in Jhalakathi, a destination fast-becoming a tourist spot. While the canal and the vista it provides can be two facets attracting visitors, the real reason though is the floating guava market.  The Bhimruli canal hosts the country's largest guava market. Ripened guava, also known as the “Bengal's Apple”, are brought in their thousands by boats to the market. The flurry of constant soothing motions, the haggling, and the scent of the fruit, make quite a spectacle. It is said that the first guava orchards were set up using seeds brought from India. The guavas are sold for around Tk three to four per kg, with the remarkably low prices being another reason for the market to thrive as much.

Photo: Rashed Shumon