Dhaka – The capital of Mughal Bengal
Dhaka is a popular destination not only among travellers, who want to witness the glorious past of the Mughal era in Bengal. The city is a melting pot of diverse religions and cultures with over 2000 heritage sites, mosques and temples, forts and museums.
Things to do in Dhaka
- Take a boat ride on River Buriganga
- Explore the narrow lanes of Old Dhaka
- Visit the mosques and forts that adorn the city
Tourist attractions in Dhaka
- Lalbagh Fort – The 17th century Lalbagh Fort located in Old Dhaka houses a museum displaying Mughal calligraphy and paintings, along with firearms and swords.
- Dhakeshwari Temple – The famous Dhakeshwari Temple is dedicated to Dhakeshwari, an incarnation of the Hindu Goddess Durga and the protector of Dhaka.
- Khan Mohammad Mridha Mosque – Built in 1704-04 AD, the historic Khan Mohammad Mridha Mosque stands on an elevated platform with three domes on top of it and pointed minarets in each corner.
- Various mosques and museums – Star Mosque, Ahsan Manzil, Bait Ur Rouf Mosque, Armenian Church, Liberation War Museum and National Museum are a few other tourist attractions that one must not miss out on.
Places to shop in Dhaka
- One can spend an entire day exploring the largest street market in the city, New Market. From jewellery and clothing to leather items, kitchenware, electronics and books, it stocks just about everything.
- Jatra is the perfect place to go if you are looking to buy some souvenirs. It is famous for its Bangladeshi artwork with a touch of modernity. You will find a range of products with unique designs, such as lamps, wall hangings, home furnishings and clothing at reasonable prices.
- Aarong is famous for leather and bamboo articles, clothing, jewellery and ceramics.
- Bashundhara City is a sprawling shopping complex housing over 2000 stores selling local and international brands. From clothes and jewellery to handicrafts and electronics, you will find everything you are looking for under one roof.
Best time to visit Dhaka
October to March is the best time to visit Dhaka, as the weather remains cool and dry at the time, making it perfect for outdoor ventures.
Modes of transport
The easiest and most efficient way of roaming around the city is a three-wheeled cycle rickshaw. These are available for short distances. Buses and CNG-driven auto-rickshaws are an important mode of commute to longer routes.
Weather in Dhaka
Bangladesh enjoys a tropical monsoon climate. In Dhaka, the winters are sunny and warm, lasting from November to February. March marks the onset of spring, which lasts until May, followed by prolonged monsoon (June to October) with moderate to heavy rainfall.
Airport in Dhaka
Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport is the chief airport in the city. It has one domestic terminal and two terminals operating international flights.
(IATA code: DAC)