Pirojpur is the backwater paradise of Bangladesh. If you want to see the 'floating markets' that people often fly to Thailand or Vietnam for, you come here. The entire district is a maze of canals and creeks. The highlight is the floating guava market at Bhimruli. During the monsoon, the canals are filled with hundreds of small wooden boats piled high with green guavas. The farmers paddle through the water, selling their harvest to wholesalers. It is a sea of green fruit and brown water, buzzing with commerce. The area is also famous for the 'Amra' or hog plum, and you will often see boats full of these as well. The scenery is breathtaking, with wooden bridges crossing the canals and orchards lining the banks.
The district is also home to the historic Rayerkathi Zamindar Bari. This complex features a cluster of Shiva temples built in the 17th century. The architecture is intricate, and the atmosphere is ancient and heavy. It is one of the largest Shiva temple complexes in the country. Pirojpur also has a strong tradition of boat building. The Atghar Kuriana area is not just for guavas; it is where the long, slender boats used in the backwaters are crafted by hand. The smell of wood shavings and tar fills the air in these villages.
Economically, Pirojpur relies on its orchards and its coconut and betel nut production. The Swarupkathi timber market is one of the largest wood markets in the country, supplying logs to furniture makers everywhere. The district is geographically low-lying, meaning the tide affects daily life. In many villages, the water rises into the courtyards during high tide and recedes later. This tidal rhythm shapes the lifestyle, requiring bridges and boats for every house. Pirojpur is green, wet, and incredibly photogenic, a district where the road ends and the canal begins.