Dhaka, the bustling metropolis of Bangladesh, is not only rich in history, it is also very exuberant. It can grasp anyone with its energy the moment someone steps foot into the city. It is dotted with magnificent mosques, forts, monuments, and establishments that have their roots in the Mughal era. The contrast between old and modern Dhaka is not only immense, it is also interesting to observe. From the spellbinding Mughal architectures to sites where one can experience multicultural aspirations, there is no shortage of places to visit in Dhaka. If you are planning to visit such iconic attractions of Dhaka or are in need of relaxation, just head to one of these places.
Ahsan Manzil
Dhaka’s Ahsan Manzil stands tall not only as a powerful reminder of the Nawab era but also as a symbol of Indo-Saracenic architectural excellence. It was the official residential palace of the Nawabs. The construction of this grand building was completed in the late 19th century. The two-storied palace is divided into two parts: Rangmahal and Andarmahal.
The interior of the palace is beautifully ornamented with various types of vine leaves, attractive wooden stairs, and a vaulted artificial ceiling. This spectacular building has also stood witness to many historical events which include the English-French war. In 1985, Dhaka National Museum acquired the property and it was then designated as a museum. Situated in the banks of the Buriganga river, one must go to the Kumartuli area of Old Dhaka to visit this magnificent establishment.
Lalbagh Fort and Khan Mohammad Mridha Mosque
The Lalbagh Fort is another one of the marvelous treasures of Old Dhaka and amongst the best places to visit in Dhaka. It is one of the largest monuments in Bangladesh that dates back to the Mughal Period. Although the fort is almost 400 years old, it hasn’t lost its charm. There are many interesting facts associated with the fort. The Subadar of Bengal Shaista Khan used to live in this place. And the Hammamkhana (bathroom) was equipped with a water heating mechanism! Which at that time was quite astonishing to think of.
Situated just next to the Fort, Khan Mohammad Mridha Mosque is another iconic attraction of Dhaka. The mosque consists of three domes. Two different Persian inscriptions can be seen over the archway and the central Mihrab. The mosque was built high and one has to ascend 25 steps to access the front door. If you ever want to experience Mughal architecture at its fullest, there are no substitutes for these places.
Star Mosque
The city of mosques truly begins to become apparent when the unique sound of sonorous Azan comes from all directions and soothes the soul of people. There are over 1000 mosques in Dhaka city alone and the number of mosques is continuously growing but one of them stands out from the rest. The Star Mosque of Armanitola, Dhaka (popularly known as Tara Mosque) is famous for its ornate design and beautiful motif of blue stars and floral patterns.
If you are wondering about the best places to visit in Dhaka, the sight of Tara Mosque will not disappoint. Built around the early 19th century by Mirza Golam Pir, originally the mosque was a three-domed structure. It was then reconstructed by Mirza Ahmed Jan with star-patterned blue tiles in the early 20th century. After the renovation of the mosque, it became one of the few remaining architectural examples of the Chini Tikri decoration in Bangladesh. This superbly constructed white marble structure is a must-see sight for someone who is visiting Dhaka for the first time.
Dhaka University, Central Shaheed Minar, Suhrawardy Udyan
No one will disagree about the important role that the University of Dhaka played in the rise of our nationalism and the independence of Bangladesh in 1971. It has contributed significantly to modern history as well as in the rise of Bangladesh. For reasons like these, Dhaka University falls amongst the best places to visit in Dhaka. The university area also features some of the most spectacular sculptures in the country. The TSC area is another place where people from all walks of life come to experience multicultural aspirations.
And just next to the mathematics department of Dhaka University is the Central Shaheed Minar. This outstanding monument was built to tribute the martyrs who were shot dead in the language movement. Suhrawardy Udyan is another place of historical significance. A lot of liberation war events took place on this historic ground. Dhaka University is a must-visit place if you want to cover multiple iconic attractions of Dhaka in one go.
All these historic monuments and structures that surround the vibrant city reflect the rich culture and long history that has shaped the face of Dhaka. Visit these places if you want to reach the cultural root of the city and how it came into being.
Share your thoughts and tell us about your favorite places to visit in Dhaka in the comments section below.
