10 Must-Visit Historical Places in Bangladesh for Indian Tourists

Bangladesh sits right across India’s eastern border with historical sites that span centuries. This small but culturally rich country has ancient ruins, magnificent mosques, and grand palaces.

Many historical places in Bangladesh remain relatively less crowded compared to similar sites in India, giving visitors a more intimate experience with history. From Dhaka’s Mughal relics to ancient monasteries, these sites reveal the rich history of kingdoms, colonial powers, and cultural exchange.

This comprehensive guide explores the top 10 historical places in Bangladesh that Indian tourists should add to their itinerary.

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10 Historical Places in Bangladesh

Bangladesh offers a journey through several historical periods—Buddhist monasteries from the 8th century, Islamic architecture from the Sultanate and Mughal eras, and colonial buildings from the British period.

Many of these historical sites in Bangladesh have been recognized by UNESCO for their outstanding cultural significance. Here are the top 10 historical places in Bangladesh that deserve your attention:

1. Lalbagh Fort, Dhaka

Lalbagh Fort stands as one of the most prominent historical forts in Bangladesh, built during the Mughal era in 1678. Prince Muhammad Azam, son of Emperor Aurangzeb, began its construction, though it remained incomplete after the death of his daughter.

Highlights

• Striking red brick fortress with impressive defensive walls and gateways

• Beautiful Mughal-style gardens with fountains and water channels

• Tomb of Pari Bibi (Prince Azam’s daughter) featuring intricate marble work

• Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Audience) where the Mughal governor would meet visitors

• An on-site museum displaying weapons, coins, and domestic items from the Mughal period

• Panoramic views of Old Dhaka from the fort walls

Address: Lalbagh Road, Old Dhaka, Bangladesh

Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Closed on Sundays)

Fees:20 BDT (approximately Rs. 15) for Bangladeshis, 200 BDT (approximately Rs. 150) for foreign visitors (including Indians)

2. Ahsan Manzil, Dhaka

Often called the Pink Palace, Ahsan Manzil is among the most majestic historical palaces in Bangladesh. Built in 1872, this was the official residence of the Nawab family of Dhaka and a central hub for political activities during the late 19th century.

Highlights

• Distinctive pink façade with a blend of European and Mughal architectural styles

• Impressive dome that’s visible from miles away along the Buriganga River

• 31 rooms filled with original furniture, photographs, and paintings

• Grand central staircase made of imported marble

• Museum showcasing the lifestyle of the Nawabs and the history of Dhaka

• Beautiful riverside location offering picturesque views

Address: Kumartoli, Sadarghat, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Closed on Thursdays)

Fees:20 BDT (approximately Rs. 15) for locals, 200 BDT (approximately Rs. 150) for Indians and other foreign visitors

3. Sixty Dome Mosque, Bagerhat

The Sixty Dome Mosque (Shat Gombuj Masjid) is one of the most significant tourist attractions in Bangladesh and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 15th century during the reign of Sultan Nasiruddin Mahmud Shah, it’s a masterpiece of Muslim architecture.

Highlights

• 77 domes supported by 60 stone pillars (despite its name)

• Impressive brick construction with walls 6 feet thick

• Beautiful geometric designs and intricate terracotta decorations

• Part of the Historic Mosque City of Bagerhat

• Peaceful surroundings away from urban noise

• Perfectly symmetrical layout with multiple prayer halls

Address: Bagerhat District, Khulna Division, Bangladesh

Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily

Fees: 20 BDT (approximately Rs. 15) for locals, 100 BDT (approximately Rs. 75) for foreign tourists

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4. Mahasthangarh, Bogra

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Mahasthangarh holds the distinction of being the oldest archaeological site and one of the oldest buildings in Bangladesh. Dating back to the 3rd century BCE, it was once the ancient city of Pundranagara, the capital of the Pundra Kingdom.

Highlights

• Massive citadel ruins spanning 1.5 square kilometers

• Ancient city walls made of brick that have withstood centuries

• Archaeological museum displaying artifacts found during excavations

• Sacred bathing ghats like Govinda Bhita and Parasuramer Bedi

• Evidence of Hindu, Buddhist, and Muslim settlements across different eras

• Nearby villages maintaining traditional crafts and practices

Address: Shibganj Upazila, Bogra District, Bangladesh

Timings:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Fees: 20 BDT (approximately Rs. 15) for locals, 100 BDT (approximately Rs. 75) for foreign tourists

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5. Somapura Mahavihara, Paharpur

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Somapura Mahavihara in Paharpur is the most spectacular of all historical temples in Bangladesh. This 8th-century Buddhist monastery is one of the largest south of the Himalayas and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Highlights

• Massive cruciform structure covering 27 acres

• Central temple rising in tiers to about 70 feet

• 177 monastic cells surrounding the central courtyard

• Over 2,000 terracotta plaques depicting Buddhist stories, Hindu epics, and daily life

• Archaeological museum with sculptures and artifacts

• Evidence of its past as a major center for Buddhist learning and meditation

Address: Paharpur, Naogaon District, Bangladesh

Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily

Fees: 20 BDT (approximately Rs. 15) for locals, 200 BDT (approximately Rs. 150) for foreign tourists

Suggested Read: Temples in Bangladesh

6. Star Mosque, Dhaka

The Star Mosque (Tara Masjid) is one of the most beautiful and unusual historical places in Bangladesh, known for its stunning blue star motifs. Originally built in the early 19th century, it was extensively renovated in the early 20th century.

Highlights

• Exquisite mosaic work featuring thousands of blue and white star patterns

• Unique combination of Mughal and Victorian design elements

• Five domes adorned with stars that reflect sunlight beautifully

• Interior prayer hall with space for hundreds of worshippers

• Hundreds of imported Japanese and English porcelain tiles

• Located in the historic Armanitola area of Old Dhaka

Address: Armanitola, Old Dhaka, Bangladesh

Timings: Open throughout the day except during prayer times

Fees: Free entry (donations appreciated)

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7. Panam City, Sonargaon

Panam City (a.k.a. Panam Nagar) consists of a street lined with dilapidated yet beautiful buildings from the colonial era. It stands as one of the most photogenic historical places in Bangladesh, showcasing architectural styles from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Highlights

• A row of about 52 merchant houses built in colonial style

• Unique blend of European and local architectural elements

• Intricate façades with columns, balconies, and decorative motifs

• Evidence of the prosperous Bengali merchant class of the period

• Located near the Sonargaon Folk Art Museum

• Atmospheric ruins that transport visitors to another time

Address: Sonargaon, Narayanganj District, Bangladesh

Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Fees: 20 BDT (approximately Rs. 15) for locals, 100 BDT (approximately Rs. 75) for foreign tourists

8. Mainamati Ruins, Comilla

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The Mainamati Ruins represent a collection of Buddhist historical sites in Bangladesh dating from the 7th to 12th centuries. This extensive archaeological site contains numerous monuments spread across a low hill range.

Highlights

• Remains of over 50 Buddhist sites including monasteries, temples, and stupas

• Salban Vihara: the most prominent monastery in the complex

• Kotila Mura: a unique three-temple structure representing Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha

• Museum displaying bronze sculptures, coins, jewelry, and terracotta plaques

• Charpatra Mura: remains of a small square monastery

• Queen Mainamati’s Palace ruins, from which the area derives its name

Address: Comilla District, Bangladesh

Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Closed on Sundays)

Fees: 20 BDT (approximately Rs. 15) for locals, 100 BDT (approximately Rs. 75) for foreign tourists

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9. Mausoleum of the Father of the Nation (Bangabandhu Mausoleum), Tungipara

Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Entrance_to_Mausoleum_of_Bangabandhu_Sheikh_Mujibur_Rahman.jpg

This Bangabandhu Mausoleum is the final resting place of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladesh’s founding father and first president.

Though relatively modern compared to other historical places in Bangladesh, the site holds immense cultural and political significance for Bangladeshis and offers visitors insight into the country’s struggle for independence.

Highlights:

• Elegant mausoleum complex surrounded by meticulously landscaped gardens

• Comprehensive museum dedicated to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s life and legacy

• Memorial wall listing key events in Bangladesh’s independence movement

• Prayer area for visitors to pay respects

• Historical photographs and documents from the independence period

• Sheikh Mujib’s personal belongings and memorabilia

• Peaceful, reflective spaces throughout the grounds

Address: Tungipara, Gopalganj District, Dhaka Division, Bangladesh

Timings: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Fees: BDT 10 (approximately Rs. 8) for locals, BDT 100 (approximately Rs. 75) for foreigners

10. National Martyrs’ Memorial, Savar

The National Martyrs’ Memorial represents modern Bangladesh’s most significant national monument and stands among the most important tourist attractions in Bangladesh.

Designed by architect Syed Mainul Hossain, it commemorates those who died in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.

Highlights

• Seven triangular towers symbolizing the seven stages in Bangladesh’s independence struggle

• Rising to a height of 150 feet, visible from miles around

• Set within 34 hectares of beautifully landscaped grounds

• Mass graves of martyrs located nearby

• Site for national ceremonies and commemorations

• Museum displaying artifacts and information about the Liberation War

Address: Savar, Dhaka District, Bangladesh

Timings: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily

Fees: Free entry

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FAQs

Which are the best places to visit in Bangladesh?

The best historical sites in Bangladesh for Indian tourists include Lalbagh Fort, Ahsan Manzil, Somapura Mahavihara, the Sixty Dome Mosque, and Mahasthangarh—each showcasing a different era of the country’s rich history.

Which are the best things to do in Bangladesh?

Along with visiting historical places in Bangladesh, enjoy river cruises, shop for traditional textiles in Dhaka, try Bengali cuisine, explore Sylhet’s tea gardens, and unwind at Cox’s Bazar—the world’s longest natural sea beach.

What is the best time to visit Bangladesh?

The best time to visit historical places in Bangladesh is from October to March, during the dry season. December and January offer pleasant weather, though mornings can be a bit foggy.

Are there rental and transfer facilities in Bangladesh?

Yes, cities like Dhaka and Chittagong offer car rentals with drivers—ideal for visiting historical sites in Bangladesh. Public transport includes buses, trains, and CNGs. For remote sites, a day-long car hire is recommended.

Does Bangladesh have any historical sites?

Yes, there are many historical sites in Bangladesh, from ancient monasteries and temples to Mughal forts and colonial buildings. Three—Somapura, Bagerhat, and Paharpur—are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

What is the oldest place in Bangladesh?

Mahasthangarh in Bogra is home to the oldest buildings in Bangladesh. Dating to the 3rd century BCE, it was the ancient city of Pundranagara, featuring ruins of citadels, gateways, and religious sites.

What to wear in Bangladesh?

When visiting historical places in Bangladesh, dress modestly—women should cover their shoulders and knees; men should avoid shorts at religious sites. Light, breathable fabrics are best for the humid climate.

Is Bangladesh expensive to visit?

Bangladesh is affordable for Indian tourists. Entry to famous historical places in Bangladesh costs Rs. 15–150, meals Rs. 150–300, and budget stays start at Rs. 1,000, with daily expenses around Rs. 2,000–3,000.