Dhaka : A Historical Destination with a Sophisticated Culture

Bangladesh is a beautiful city blessed with a rich history. Dhaka is the capital of Bangladesh and one of the massive cities in the world. It has a gigantic population of about 18 million; the city is a bee-hive of cultural and economic activities. The city has a rich cultural heritage that can be seen in its ancient architecture such as Krishna Temple, Ahsan Manzil, and Lalbagh Fort. The city is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Asia. Here is a list of places that sure shot find a spot on your list.

1. Ahsan Manzil

Ahsan Manzil is a stunning pink palace having a really rich history. In 1872, it was built by Nawab Abdul Ghani, who was the wealthiest landowner of Dhaka at that time. Around two decades later, the palace was destroyed by a tornado. This palace was reconstructed by Lord Curzon. In current time, tourists visit this place to catch a glance of various family portraits and the skull of Nawab’s favorite elephant.

2. Sadarghat River Front

Sadarghat River Front is one of the busiest forts located on the southern part of Dhaka on River Buringanga. You can board a boat and enjoy the fascinating views of the rivers and surrounding area. It is really amazing to see the how the life works on the river shore works. You will notice children on the foreshores casting homemade nets into the river.

3. Lalbagh Fort

This fort is the perfect city break for Dhaka travelers. The construction of is this fort was started in 1677 by Mughal Subahdar Muhammad Azam, an ancient emperor. Shaista Khan, his successor continued with its construction by ceased due to the demise of his daughter Pari Bibi. There are three domed Diwan, Quilla Mosque, and Mausoleum of Pari Bibi. Diwan is counted as the only monument that revelers can enter. Within Diwan lies a really big arched doorway leading to the hammam (bathhouse). The Mausoleum of Pari Bibi is constructed of black basalt and the interior of the place is decorated with tiles of different colors. It is beautiful white marble finish is a real sight to behold.

4. National Assembly Building

The National Assembly building is one of Dhaka’s finest landmarks. It was designed in 1963 by Louis Kahn, a renowned American architect. The building has a huge assembly of rectangular boxes and concrete those are sliced open with bold triangular apertures in place of windows. Be sure to book for a guided tour of the National Assembly early in advance as per the building’s entry requirements. You will also need to provide two copies of your visa and passport before entering the building.

5. National Museum

The excellent National Museum, sprawling over several floors, begins with the geological formation of Bangladesh, whisks you through a rundown of the nation’s flora and fauna, saunters through a Buddhist and Hindu past, and brings you up to date with the War of Liberation and the creation of the modern state. Highlights include lively 6th-century terracotta Hindu plaques, Buddhist statuary, vignettes of village life and the 'how did they get it inside?' wooden river racing boat. Must visit if you are traveling with kids!

6. Bara Katra

This dilapidated Mughal-era structure is one of the oldest buildings in Dhaka, although searching for it among the high-walled, pinched alleyways of this part of the city can be a challenge. Bara Katra, once a palace of monumental dimensions, was built in 1644 and now has a street running through its arched entrance. While only a small portion of the original structure remains to stand, the building is still occupied, used mostly as storerooms (ask to peek inside), and there is a small prayer room on top. To find Bara Katra, walk west along Water Works Rd, turn left down the alley beside a blue-and-white, mosaic-tiled mosque.

7. National Botanical Garden

Do you love gardens? This beautiful shady, tranquil botanical garden is stretched over 40 hectares and contain over 1000 species of local and foreign plants. It also has a lot of birdlife that flock to its several lakes and ponds. It is located only some way away from the center of Dhaka, it’s a nice interval from the crowd of the city. While reaching to this place, you will see the Turag River.

8. Shankhari Bazar

Clouds of incense and a bursting paint box of colors are two words that completely describe Hindu Street is the right way. The street is lined up with old houses either side, dark doorways leading to matchbox-sized shops, garlands of lurid orange marigolds, and workshops. Now, this makes street extremely photogenic part of Old Dhaka. So, if you want to explore Dhaka in a rustic and modern way, this street is one for you.

9. Dhakeshwari Temple

Dhakeshwari Temple is one of the most popular Hindu destinations in Bangladesh. The protector of Dhaka and an incarnation of the goddess Durga is the highlight of this temple. Although the modern construction, this has been a spot for nine centuries. A number of devotees pay visit to this place every year. Supposedly, Dhaka got its name from this very holy temple.

◎ Closing

You can also pay a visit to Chota Katra. This run-down Mughal-era structure was constructed in 1663. And, it was known as the caravanserai for visiting merchants. Although Chota Katra was similar in design to nearby Bara Katra, it still has something unique of its own that no one takes their eye off. If you are willing to explore the enriched history of Dhaka, this place is the one for you. Back your bag and get ready to explore the Dhaka!