Rajshai is a metropolitan city, and a major urban, commercial, and educational hub of Bangladesh. Located on the north bank of the Padma River, near the Bangladesh-India border, it's often touted as the 'Silk City' and 'City of Education' due to its vibrant sericulture industry and numerous academic institutions, including the prestigious University of Rajshahi. The city is steeped in history, with its roots stretching back to the British Raj era, oddly blending the colonial architecture with modern developments. The climate is tropical with a marked monsoon season, but winters are dry and warm. Notable landmarks within Rajshahi include the Varendra Research Museum, which houses ancient relics of Bengali civilization, and the beautiful Barendra Shilpa Gosthi (Art Gallery). Rajshahi is also renowned for its succulent mangoes and lychees, and visiting its lush orchards during the fruit-picking season is a popular activity. The Padma River adds to the city's aesthetic and is considered a lifeline for the region's agriculture.