Dhaka was the capital of Mughal Bengal for 75 years and was considered to be among the most affluent cities in India for being the hub for Bengal’s ‘muslin’. While travelling through the city, Dhaka tourism will guide you to some of the markets to taste delicious cuisines, see art-festivals and ride the cycle-rickshaws as it is a major part of the city’s culture. To experience the city’s historical journey from monuments to food that dates back to the Mughal era to the British Colonial period, you must visit old Dhaka. The place is home to almost over 2000 heritage buildings and some of the oldest eatery places that serve mouth-watering local dishes. One of the best ways to explore old Dhaka is by rickshaw that will take you through narrow busy lanes while giving you a glimpse of the regular life as well. Want to know more? Scroll down this Dhaka travel guide and plan your trip.

How to reach Dhaka?

• By air: Shahjalal International Airport or Dhaka Airport is the largest airport in Bangladesh, located about 20 km away from the north of the city. IndiGo operates non-stop flights to Dhaka and various Indian cities.
• By bus: You can also reach Dhaka by bus from Kolkata and Agartala. The Kolkata-Dhaka bus service, jointly operated by the West Bengal Surface Transport Corporation and the Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC).
• Getting around/local transport in Dhaka: There are various modes to explore the city. You can find local buses, taxis, as well as rickshaws, which is the major cultural part of Dhaka.

Explore the vibrant culinary scene with Dhaka travel guide. This city offers delicious Bengali cuisine, international flavours, and street food delights. Bon appétit!

The best time to visit Dhaka is during the winter months from November to February when the weather is mild and pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the city's attractions

The most commonly spoken languages in Dhaka are Bengali (Bangla) and English. Bengali is the official language of Bangladesh, while English is widely used in business, education, and government.

Dhaka is a shopping paradise. You will get beautiful sarees, handicrafts, bamboo products, jewellery or famous pink pearls. Jamdani sarees are a must and popular buy for all saree lovers. These sarees are entirely handwoven and take around three months to get complete.

• New Market: You will find almost everything in New Market, the city's largest market. You can practically spend an entire day here while shopping for clothing, jewellery, leather and much more.
• Jatra: If you are looking for some beautiful souvenirs to take back home then visit Jatra. It is a famous handicraft shop that sells trademark Bangladeshi artwork in a modern form. You can look through their full range of unique items such as home décor accessories, lamps, clothes and wall hangings.
• Aarong: Another fantastic place to buy Bangladeshi souvenirs. It is the retail arm of Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee (BRAC) and offers best-in-quality products in terms of leather, bamboo, clothes, jewellery, ceramics etc. BRAC provides employment for socially and economically weak people by promoting traditional Bangladeshi handicrafts.
• Bashundhara City: If you want to taste the flavour of Bangladeshi middle-class lifestyle then visit Bashundhara city, world’s 12^th largest mall. Sprawling over a whopping ten floors, you can find handicraft stores and even get your jewellery designed. There are about 2000 shops of local and international brands, restaurants, multiplexes and a bowling alley as well.

Dhaka has several festivals, but some of the most popular and traditional festivals celebrated are listed below:

In addition to its rich cultural heritage and bustling markets, Dhaka offers visitors:

• Culinary delights: Explore the city's diverse cuisine, from street food stalls to upscale restaurants serving mouthwatering Bengali dishes.
• Architectural marvels: Admire the city's impressive architecture, including historic landmarks, modern skyscrapers, and intricately designed mosques and temples.

Indian passport holders travelling to Dhaka are eligible for Visa on Arrival for the maximum stay of 30 days. Other nationals are requested to ensure that you check whether your destination requires a visa or other documentation in plenty of time before you travel, just in case you need to apply.

To ensure a hassle-free and seamless travel, here is a detailed information about the Bangladesh visa at goIndiGo.in

• Abu Dhabi Do! Here’s Everything to do in the capital city of UAE
• From shopping to food, here’s where you should go to enjoy Abu Dhabi
• 10 reasons why you should visit Dubai right now
• Nose for thought: 5 perfume stores in Sharjah worth getting lost in
• 7 reasons why Dubai is the best place to go shopping