Places of Tourist Attractions in Dhaka

DHAKA the capital of Bangladesh with its exciting history and rich culture is known all over the world as the city of mosques and muslin. Dhaka has grown into a busy city of about nine million people with an area of about 815 sq. km. Having a happy blending of old and new architectural trends, Dhaka is developing fast as a modern city. It is the centre of commercial, cultural, educational and political activities for the country. At Tongi, Tejgaon, Demra, kanchpur, there are the industrial establishments. Dhaka's major waterfront is Sadarghat; it is on the bank of the river Buriganga. Colorful rickshaws (tricycle) plying on the city streets are common attractions for the overseas visitors. Some of the major tourist attractions of Dhaka are:

 1. Mosque: Seven domed Mosque (17th century), Atia Mosque (Mugal Element), Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, Rose Garden (Rajbari), Star Mosque (18th century).

2.  Hindu Temples: Ramkrishna Mission. Dhakashwari Temple (11th Century.
3.  Churches : Armenian Church (1781). Church of Bangladesh or former St Thomas Cathedral Church (1677) at Tejgaon. St. Mary's Cathedral at Ramna,

4.   Lalbagh Fort : It was built in 1687 A.D., by Prince Mohammad Azam, son of Mughal emperor Aurangazeb. The monuments of the Lalbagh Fort are the tomb of Pari Bibi (Fairy lady), Lalbagh Mosque, audience hall and Hammam of Nawan Shaista Khan now housing a museum. 1857 Memorial (Bhahudar Shah Park): Built to commemorate the martyrs of the first liberation war (1857 - 59) against British rule.

5.  Ahsan Manzil Museum: On the bank of river Buriganga. It is an example of the nation’s rich cultural heritage. Today's renovated Ahsan Manzil is a monument of immense historical beauty. It has 31 rooms with a huge dome atop. It has 23 galleries in 31 rooms displaying portraits, furniture and household articles and utensils used by the Nawab.

6.   Curzon Hall: Beautiful architectural building named after Lord Curzon. It now houses the Science Faculty of Dhaka University. Old High Court Building: Originally built as the residence of the British Governor. It displays a happy blend of European and Mughal architecture.

7.   Dhaka Zoo: Popularly known as Mirpur Zoo. Colourful and attractive collections of different local and foreign species of animals and birds including the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger are found here.

8.   National Museum: Centrally located, the museum contains a large number of valuable collections including sculptures and paintings of the Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim periods.

9.  Botanical Garden: Built on an area of 205 acres of land at Mirpur and adjacent to Dhaka zoo. One can have a look at the zoo and the botanical garden in the same trip.

10. National Park: Situated at Rejendrapur, 40km. north of Dhaka city. This is a vast (1,600 acres), national recreational forest with facilities for picnic & rowing etc. Central

11. Shahid Minar: Symbol of Bengalee Nationalism. This monument was built to commemorate the martyrs of the historic Language Movement of 1952. Thousands of people place floral wreaths on 21 February every year to pay respect and homage.

 12. Buddhist Monastery: Kamalapur Buddhist Monastry. National Poet's Graveyard: Revolutionary poet Kazi Nazrul Islam died on the 26th August 1978 and was buried here. The graveyard is adjacent to the Dhaka University.

13. Suhrawardy Uddyan (Garden): Ramna Park. The oath for independence of Bangladesh was taken here on the 7th March 1971.

14. Mausoleum of National Leaders: Location at the south western corner of Suhrawardy Uddyan, it is the eternal resting place of three great national leaders, Sher-e-Bangla A.K. Fazlul Haque, Hossain Shahid Suhrawardy and Khawja Nazimmuddin.

15.  Banga Bhaban: The official residence of the President, located in the city. One can have the outside view.

16. Baldha Garden: It has a rare collection of botanical plants and flowers.

17.  National Assembly: Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban (Parliament House) at Shere e Bengla Nagar, designed by the famous architect Louis, Kahn. It may be called an architectural wonder of this region.

18. Science Museum: Located at Agargaon, the Museum is a modern learning centre related to the latest scientific discoveries.

19. National Memorial: Located at Savar, 35 km. from Dhaka city. The memorial designed by architect Moinul Hossain bears the  sacred memory of the millions of unknown martyrs of the 1971 war of Liberation.

20.  Sonargaon: About 29 km. from Dhaka. Sonargaon is the oldest capital of Bengal. A Folk Art and Crafts Museum has been established here. Other attractions in and around Dhaka include the institute of Arts and Crafts with its representative collection of folk art and paintings, handicraft shops.

21. Aparajeya Bangla monument, picnic spots at Chandra and Salna, cruising by country boat in the nearby river or a visit to a village to see jute cultivation, weaving and pottery making may be a good experience.