Dhaka City Tour

This is a full day’s tour of both old and new Dhaka and you will be collected from your accommodation at approximately 8.00am.  The tour will take in the following places:

Morning Activities

Sadarghat river terminal. This is the main river terminal in Dhaka and a super busy place. Every day a great many vessels transport passengers and goods to and from Southern Bangladesh, and thousands of rowing boats constantly cross the river, taking passengers from one side to another.  If you are feeling adventurous you will be invited to enjoy a short boat ride in a rowing boat on the Buriganga River.

AhsahnManzil was the residence of the Nawab of Dhaka. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Dhaka, located at Kumartali, around 10 minutes walk from Sadarghat terminal.

Shankharia Bazar, also known as Hindu Street is famous for the Hindu artisans who came here over 300 years ago. They specialised in making ‘Shaka’ jewellery (intricate womens jewellery often used at wedding ceremonies).  Nowadays the Shankaharis (Hindu artisans) still make a range of items, including bangles from conch shells.  Hindu Street is a particularly photogenic place, with its bright colours, garlands of marigolds and mystical old doorways leading to tiny shops and workshops. A visit to Shankharia Bazar will allow you to feel the true colour of local life.

Armenian Church of the Holy Resurrection, situated in an area known as Armanitola and named after the Armenian colony that settled here in the late 17th century. A quaint little church with beautifully inscribed gravestones in the grounds.

Star Mosque, with its striking mosaic decoration dates from the 18th century, although it has been altered since. Originally it was built in typical Mughal style with four corner towers.   Star Mosque is one of the most beautiful mosques in Dhaka.

Dhakeswari temple is the centre of the Hindu faith in Bangladesh. It is dedicated to Dhakeswari, the protector of Dhaka, and an incarnation of the goddess Durga.  Although relatively modern in design, there has been a Hindu temple at this location for nine centuries.

We will now break for lunch.  Lunch will be arranged at a local restaurant where you can sample the best local food.

Afternoon Activities

Lalbagh Fort is a half completed Mughal fort, located at Lalbagh in old Dhaka. Construction began in 1677 under the direction of Mughal Mohammad Azom.

The Central Language Martyrs Memorial. This important structure was built to honour the lives of the students and other people who died during the language movement.

Curzon Hall, situated in the grounds of Dhaka University is an impressive example of the British-Mughal style of building erected after the first partition of Bengal in 1905.

The first Buddhist Vihara (monastery) to be built in Dhaka.

Kamlapur Railway Station. An impressive building and the largest railway station in the country, linking Dhaka with all major locations in Bangladesh.

National Parliament House (Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban) (exterior only). This building is one of the largest legislative complexes in the world, comprising 200 acres, and one of finest examples of 20th century architecture by the famous American architect Louis Khan.