| Official Name: | Balakair Paddabil |
| Other Name: | Padda Danga |
| Settlement Type: | Tourist Area |
| Pushpin Map: | Dhaka#Bangladesh#South-East Asia |
| Subdivision Type: | Country |
| Subdivision Name: | Bangladesh |
| Subdivision Type1: | Division |
| Subdivision Name1: | Dhaka |
| Subdivision Type2: | District |
| Subdivision Name2: | Gopal Ganj |
| Subdivision Type3: | Upazila |
| Subdivision Name3: | Gopal Ganj Sadar |
Balakair Paddabil is located at Balakair of Karpara Union under Gopal Ganj Sadar Upazila in Gopal Ganj District, Bangladesh.[1] [2] 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.[3] [4] [5] It is the only lotus flower area in Bangladesh. Both domestic and international tourists are attracted to Balakair Paddabil during the lotus flower season.[6]
Balakair Paddabil is a region composed of several wetlands in the Karpara Union, including areas such as Bangram Pocha Danga, Jhalla Danga, Molla Danga, and parts of Manikhar Bill in Kathi Union. It also encompasses the northwestern part of Kajulia Union and the southwestern part of Targram. Despite being formed by various lakes, the area is collectively known as Balakair Paddabil by locals and tourists. During the wet season, thousands of bighas of land are adorned with blooming lotuses. In contrast, the dry season sees some of the land used for agriculture, although crop yields vary depending on the extent of flooding.
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.
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.[7]
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)