Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, has a lot of cultural and historical attractions. The city, known throughout the world for its famous muslin clothes and beautiful mosques, is one of the most vibrant and bustling areas in Bangladesh. It is also home to some of the most ancient monuments and buildings of Bangladesh. Let’s have a look at the top three historical attractions in Dhaka.
Dhakeshwari Temple
Built by the King Ballal Sen, of the Sena Dynasty in the 12th century, Dhakeshwari Temple is one of the most important and popular tourist attractions in Dhaka. In fact, in 1996, it was recognised as the National Temple of Bangladesh and was renamed as Dhakeshwari Jatiya Mandir (Dhakeshwari National Temple) to recognise it as the centre of the Hindu faith and culture in Bangladesh. After Ramna Kali Mandir was destroyed in 1971 by the Pakistan Army, the Dhakeshwari Temple became the most important Hindu temple in Bangladesh.
Ahsan Manzil
Built on the Buriganga River in 1872, Ahsan Manzil provides a glimpse into the past to its visitors. Often referred to as the Pink Palace, this magnificent building is like a window to the lifestyle of the Nawabs of Dhaka in the late nineteenth century. Presently, the building has been transformed into a museum, with 23 galleries showcasing different artefacts such as furniture, utensils and other household articles used by the members of the Nawab’s household. The building itself has 31 rooms and a huge dome which makes it a distinct landmark in the area.
Bangladesh National Museum
Bangladesh National Museum, located in the heart of the city in Shahbag is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Dhaka. The museum has a large collection of artefacts, including the paintings and sculptures from the Hindu, Muslim and Buddhist eras. You will find different inscriptions of Bengali works in Arabic Script and also The Holy Quran in the Persian and Arabic Letters. The museum also has a vast collection of books, silver filigree, metal images, and old coins. You can visit from Wednesdays to Fridays between 9 AM and 6 PM. The tickets for Bangladeshi citizens and citizens of SAARC countries cost 20 Bangladeshi taka, while for others, it is 100 Bangladeshi taka per head.