Balakair Paddabil

Balakair Paddabil is located at Balakair of Karpara Union under Gopal Ganj Sadar Upazila in Gopal Ganj District, Bangladesh. Balakair Paddabil is known as a natural tourist attraction due to its lotus flower, which are in an area of about a thousand bighas of wetland. It is the only lotus flower area in Bangladesh. Both domestic and international tourists are attracted to Balakair Paddabil during the lotus flower season.

History
Balakair Paddabil is part of some of lower wetlands in the Karpara union, including Bangram Pocha Danga, Jhalla Danga, Molla Danga, part of Manikhar Bill of Kathi Union near Satpukur, North-western part of Kajulia Union, South-western part of Targram of Karpara Union. Although it is formed by various lakes, it is locally known collectively as Balakair Paddabil by the local residents and tourists. During the wet season, lotuses bloom in several thousand bighas of land. However, during the dry season, some land is cultivated by farmers, though produce yields are variable depending on flood conditions.

Location
It is located at Balakair in Gopal Ganj Sadar Upazila Gopal Ganj. Its distance by road from Gopal Ganj district headquarter is about fifteen or sixteen kilometers northeast side. On its East side is Bil Bajunia, on its West side is Bangram, on its North side is Krishnapur and its South side is Manikhar, Bhojergati and Kathi areas.

Tourist attraction
A fair called 'Padda Fuler Mela' is held here every year to attract tourists. This event is covered by various national dailies, in both electronic and print media. The area is popular as a tourist attraction among many demographics, including families, university students, and government officials.

Route Direction
Anyone can visit this tourist zone by motor vehicle from Gopal Ganj District headquarter.

Gopal Ganj District Headquarter → Kathi → Manikhar → Balakair (Tourist Zone)

Alternative Route: From any parts of the country to Tekerhat → Boultali Bazar → Balakair (Tourist Zone)

Gopal Ganj Police line → Kangsur Bus Stand → Bangram → Balakair (Tourist Zone)