Must-see attractions in Bangladesh

  • Mymensingh Rajbari

    Bangladesh

    Built between 1905 and 1911, this well-kept former mansion in the city centre is now occupied by an organisation that trains female teachers, but much of…

  • Hussaini Dalan

    Dhaka

    A block north of the central jail is Hussaini Dalan, looking more like a Hindu rajbari (landowner’s palace) than an Islamic building. It was built in 1642…

  • Jagannath Temple

    Bangladesh

    Dedicated to the Hindu Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Vishnu, this temple is a unique sight considering that the deity is only rarely worshipped…

  • Bhawal National Park

    Bangladesh

    Located at Rajendrapur, and only one hour north of Dhaka, Bhawal National Park is where city types come to remember what a lungful of fresh country air…

  • Khan Mohammed Mridha’s Mosque

    Dhaka

    Erected in 1706, this Mughal structure is stylistically similar to Lalbagh Fort. It is built on a raised platform, up a flight of 25 steps. Three squat…

  • Old Town Bazaars

    Bangladesh

    The original alleyway-riddled core of the town, located between the train station and the waterfront, is a fascinating place in which to get lost. The…

  • Star Mosque

    Dhaka

    This unusual mosque, with its striking mosaic decoration, dates from the early 18th century, although it has been radically altered. It was originally…

  • Chunakhola Mosque

    Bangladesh

    The bulbous Chunakhola Mosque is located behind Shait Gumbad. It is single-domed, much like its neighbour Bibi Begni, and is situated in a lush paddy…

  • Bibi Begni’s Mosque

    Bangladesh

    Adorned with some interesting motifs, the single-domed Bibi Begni’s Mosque is located behind Shait Gumbad and makes for a lovely walk. To get here, walk…

  • Tribal Cultural Academy

    Bangladesh

    The only ‘sight’ in Birisiri, this small research museum is worth poking your head into. You may have to ask around to get someone to unlock the doors,…

  • Baldha Gardens

    Dhaka

    At the eastern end of Tipu Sultan Rd, and a block south of Hatkhola Rd, the Baldha Gardens are a relaxing corner in busy Dhaka. The two walled enclosures,…

  • St Peter's Church

    Bangladesh

    This tiny church, hidden under shady coconut palms and betel-nut trees, is worth exploring mainly for its serene and leafy atmosphere. Apart from mass on…

  • Botanical Gardens

    Bangladesh

    Three or four kilometres east of town, next to the Agriculture and Fisheries College, are the large and peaceful botanical gardens. Well laid out,…

  • Divisional Museum

    Bangladesh

    If you’ve got some time to kill before a bus or flight departure, the small collection of archaeological objects garnered from around Bagerhat and on…

  • Zinda Pir Mosque

    Bangladesh

    The somewhat dilapidated Zinda Pir Mosque, which stands about 500m to the west of the Tomb of Khan Jahan Ali, contains a number of small tombs within its…

  • High Court Building

    Bangladesh

    The imposing facade of the High Court is an exercise in red-brick architectural styles that date back to the British colonial era. The building is set…

  • Catholic Church

    Bangladesh

    A modest structure located along one of Jessore's main streets, this church is open for prayers and casual visits through the day. The Sunday mass (held…

  • Baitul Mukarram Mosque

    Dhaka

    West of Motijheel on Topkhana Rd, this enormous modern mosque is designed in the style of the holy Ka’aba of Mecca and is a hard-to-miss landmark. The…

  • Old High Court

    Dhaka

    The imposing old High Court, once the governor’s residence, is just north of Dhaka University’s main campus. It is the finest example in Dhaka of the…

  • Gulshan Central Mosque

    Dhaka

    Gulshan's main mosque, this is a striking white example of 1960's futurism, with rocket-like minarets and a geometric prayer hall evoking the optimism of…

  • Shiva Temple

    Bangladesh

    Mymensingh has a large Hindu minority and there are several notable Hindu shrines in the old town area, of which this Shiva temple by the river is the…

  • Sat Gumbad Mosque

    Dhaka

    Dating from 1680, Sat Gumbad Mosque is a white-washed onion-dome mosque, and the finest example of the pure Mughal-style mosque in Dhaka.

  • Faculty of Fine Art

    Dhaka

    Hosts art exhibitions, housed inside Dhaka University's Institute of Arts and Crafts.

  • DRIK

    Dhaka

    Gallery specialising in photography

  • Suhrawardi Park

    Dhaka

    Beginning near the Old High Court and stretching all the way to the National Museum, Suhrawardi Park covers an enormous area. This was once a racecourse,…

  • Chota Katra

    Dhaka

    This run-down Mughal-era structure dates from 1663, and was a caravanserai for visiting merchants. It was similar in design to nearby Bara Katra, but…

  • Ramna Park

    Dhaka

    One of Dhaka's largest green areas – a great escape if the traffic is getting too much. The Mughals first set aside the area for recreation; the British…

  • Zia Uddyan

    Dhaka

    Park near Bangladesh's National Assembly, home to the lakeside mausoleum of Zia Rahman, former prime minister of the country who was assassinated in 1981.

  • Islamic Mosque

    Bangladesh

    The central mosque of Jessore has a minaret that towers overs the urban congestion below. It's off one of the town's busiest crossings.

  • Kartalab Khan's Mosque

    Dhaka

    This historic mosque, founded in the 18th century, makes an architectural nod to the Bengali 'hut' style of temple building.

  • Islamic Mosque

    Bangladesh

    This mosque has a riverside location, but there's little of interest to see within its plain walls.

  • Old Red-Brick Water Tower

    Bangladesh

    This colonial-era brick water tower is a noticeable landmark in the old centre of Mymensingh.

  • St Thomas Church

    Dhaka

    Small gothic-style church built in 1819, home to the Anglican church in Bangladesh.

  • Mosque

    Bangladesh

    This is the main mosque in the town centre.

  • Boro Mosque

    Bangladesh

    Mosque serving Mymensingh's Boro Bazaar.

  • Water Tower

    Bangladesh

    This is Mongla's only freshwater supply.

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