Explore accommodations in Dhaka sorted by distance
Standing proud amidst the bustling Dhaka University campus, Curzon Hall is a breathtaking testament to colonial-era architecture.
This magnificent red brick building has witnessed over a century of history, serving as an iconic landmark that bridges Bangladesh's colonial past with its academic present.
Built in the early 1900s, it now houses the Faculty of Sciences and remains one of the most photographed buildings in Dhaka.
The building showcases stunning Mughal Revival architecture, a style that blends traditional Islamic design elements with British colonial construction techniques.
Its striking red brick facade catches the eye immediately, adorned with white stone accents that create a beautiful contrast.
The structure features distinctive domes, elegant arches, and intricate terracotta decorations that reflect the artistic sensibilities of the era.
The symmetrical design and ornate details make it a photographer's paradise.
Originally conceived as a town hall for the city of Dhaka, the building was named after Lord Curzon, the British Viceroy of India who laid its foundation stone in 1904.
Construction was completed in 1905.
However, destiny had different plans.
Following the partition of Bengal in 1911, the building's purpose changed dramatically.
When Dhaka University was established in 1921, Curzon Hall became part of the university campus and has served as an academic building ever since.
It has educated generations of scientists and scholars who have gone on to shape Bangladesh's future.
The building's design elements are truly captivating.
Three distinctive domes crown the structure, with the central dome being the most prominent.
Graceful horseshoe arches frame doorways and windows throughout the building.
The interior courtyards provide natural light and ventilation, a practical solution for Dhaka's hot climate.
The surrounding gardens, with their manicured lawns and shaded walking paths, offer a peaceful retreat from the city's chaos.
Located in the heart of Shahbagh, the building sits near other cultural landmarks like the Bangladesh National Museum and Ramna Park.
Standing before Curzon Hall, you can't help but feel transported to another era, where craftsmanship and beauty were paramount in public architecture.
Free entry (exterior viewing).
Interior access restricted to university students and staff.
Campus is open daily.
Best to visit during regular university hours (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM).
Avoid visiting during exam periods (typically December and June), university holidays, and weekends when the campus is less active.
Fridays may have limited access due to prayer times.
1-2 hours
October to March is the ideal period to visit Curzon Hall.
The weather during these months is pleasant with cooler temperatures and less humidity, making it comfortable to explore the campus and take photographs.
The winter months (December-February) offer the best lighting conditions for photography.
Early morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM) provides soft, golden light perfect for capturing the building's red brick facade.
The campus is also less crowded during this time.
Late afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM) offers dramatic lighting with long shadows that highlight the architectural details beautifully.
Visit during university cultural events or pohela Boishakh celebrations when the campus comes alive with students and festivities.
The building looks particularly beautiful during these times.
Curzon Hall is located in the heart of Shahbagh area, one of Dhaka's most accessible locations.
From Shahbagh intersection, walk towards the university campus entrance near the National Museum.
Curzon Hall is visible from the main road and is about a 5-minute walk into the campus.
Limited parking is available on campus roads.
It's better to use public transport or drop off at the main gate and walk.
As an active university building, Curzon Hall houses several science departments including Chemistry, Physics, and other faculty offices.
The building remains a functioning academic space where research and teaching take place daily.
While the interior is primarily reserved for students and faculty, the exterior and surrounding areas are accessible to visitors who want to admire this architectural gem.
For those visiting Curzon Hall, several amenities enhance the experience:
The surrounding Dhaka University campus offers additional facilities like the Teachers-Students Centre (TSC) cafeteria, various food stalls, and small shops selling books and stationery.
Curzon Hall is a dream location for photography enthusiasts.
The building's stunning facade offers countless angles for capturing its beauty.
Early morning light creates a golden glow on the red bricks, while late afternoon provides dramatic shadows that highlight the architectural details.
The symmetrical design makes for perfect composition.
Don't forget to capture the ornate domes, graceful arches, and terracotta decorations up close.
Take time to wander around the historic Dhaka University campus.
Visit the nearby Shahidullah Hall, explore the Senate Bhaban, and walk through the tree-lined paths.
The campus is rich with colonial-era buildings and modern facilities.
Each corner tells a story of Bangladesh's educational heritage.
The gardens surrounding Curzon Hall provide a peaceful oasis.
Sit on a bench under the shade of ancient trees and soak in the atmosphere.
It's an ideal spot for reading, sketching, or simply enjoying the architectural beauty.
The well-maintained lawns are perfect for a quiet afternoon.
Learn about colonial architecture and its influence on Bangladesh.
Many students and locals are happy to share stories about the building's history and significance.
Visit the nearby Arts Building and Science Library to understand the university's broader architectural landscape.
Combine your visit with exploring other nearby attractions:
No reviews yet. Be the first to review!
Step into a hauntingly beautiful world frozen in time. Panam City, nestled within the historic [Sonargaon](/tourist-places/sonargaon) area just 27 kilometers from Dhaka, is an abandoned merchant city that whispers tales of a glorious past. This atmospheric ghost town features 52 colonial-era buildings lining a narrow street, their weathered facades and crumbling grandeur creating a photographer's paradise unlike any other in Bangladesh. **A Merchant's Dream Turned Ghost Town** During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Panam City thrived as the heart of a prosperous Hindu merchant community under British colonial rule. Wealthy traders dealing in the legendary Dhaka muslin, cotton, and other precious goods built impressive homes here, creating a vibrant commercial hub. The narrow main street bustled with life, its elegant buildings housing both residences and trading establishments. These merchants lived lavishly, their wealth reflected in the ornate architecture that still stands today—much like the nawabs who built [Ahsan Manzil](/tourist-places/ahsan-manzil) in Dhaka during the same era. However, the partition of India in 1947 changed everything. The predominantly Hindu merchant community fled to India, leaving behind their homes and businesses. What was once a thriving city became a silent monument to a lost era. The buildings have stood empty ever since, slowly surrendering to nature while maintaining their haunting beauty. **52 Buildings Frozen in Time** Walking through Panam City feels like stepping onto a film set from another century. A narrow street stretches approximately 600 meters, flanked by 52 impressive buildings on both sides. These structures showcase a fascinating fusion of European colonial and Mughal architectural styles, with high ceilings, ornate balconies, arched doorways, and decorative facades. Many buildings feature intricate terracotta work and detailed plasterwork that hint at their former grandeur. Today, peeling paint reveals layers of history, broken windows frame fragments of sky, and vegetation slowly reclaims the structures. Despite their decay, the buildings retain an undeniable elegance. The narrow street creates dramatic perspectives, with the parallel rows of buildings drawing the eye toward vanishing points at either end. While entering the buildings is prohibited due to structural instability, the street-level view offers endless opportunities to appreciate the architectural details and imagine the bustling commercial life that once filled these spaces. **A Photographer's Paradise** Panam City has become legendary among photographers, filmmakers, and artists seeking atmospheric locations. The interplay of light and shadow through broken windows, the textures of weathered brick and crumbling plaster, and the contrast between architectural grandeur and natural decay create endlessly compelling compositions. Morning light casts long shadows down the narrow street, while late afternoon sun illuminates the facades in warm golden tones. Many Bengali films and music videos have been shot here, drawn by the site's unique aesthetic. The location offers vintage charm without the need for elaborate set design. Every visit reveals new details and fresh perspectives, making Panam City a place photographers return to again and again. Panam City stands as a powerful time capsule, preserving a moment in colonial Bengal's history when merchant princes built their dreams in brick and mortar. Today, these silent ruins speak eloquently of prosperity, exodus, and the passage of time, offering visitors a rare glimpse into a vanished world.
**A Modern Wonder** The National Parliament House stands as one of Bangladesh's most iconic landmarks, serving as the home of the nation's parliament while being recognized worldwide as a masterpiece of modern architecture. Designed by the renowned American architect [Louis Kahn](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_Kahn), this remarkable building took over two decades to complete, with construction beginning in 1961 and finishing in 1982. The result is one of the largest legislative complexes in the world, a structure that has become synonymous with Bangladesh's capital city and democratic heritage. **Architectural Brilliance** Kahn's design for the parliament building is truly extraordinary, utilizing geometric shapes throughout the massive concrete structure to create a visual language that is both striking and deeply meaningful. Circles, triangles, and rectangles combine in unexpected ways, forming patterns that catch the eye from every angle. The complex consists of nine separate blocks that interconnect to form the main structure, each block possessing its own distinct character while contributing to the harmonious whole. What makes the design particularly special is how natural light pours through geometric openings in the walls, creating ever-changing patterns of light and shadow that transform the interior spaces throughout the day. **The Surrounding Lake** An artificial lake called Crescent Lake embraces the parliament building, its still waters creating perfect mirror images of Kahn's geometric forms. This reflecting pool serves multiple purposes - it enhances the building's visual impact, provides a cooling effect in Dhaka's tropical climate, and creates a peaceful buffer zone around the government complex. The lake area has become a favorite spot for both photographers and casual visitors, who come to walk along the shaded pathways, sit on benches beneath the trees, and experience the serene atmosphere that feels worlds away from the bustling city just beyond the grounds. For those seeking more green space, the nearby [Chandrima Udyan](/tourist-places/chandrima-udyan) offers additional gardens and walking paths. **Symbol of Democracy** This building represents far more than just impressive architecture - it stands as a proud symbol of Bangladesh's democracy and hard-won independence. Within its walls, parliament members gather to debate and create the laws that shape the nation's future. The grand assembly hall has witnessed countless historic moments since the building opened, hosting discussions and decisions that have defined modern Bangladesh. For many citizens, the building's distinctive silhouette represents the democratic ideals and sovereign identity of their nation. **Visiting Experience** Because the parliament building serves as an active government facility with ongoing legislative work, public access follows certain necessary restrictions. The interior is generally not open for casual visits, requiring special permission from the parliament secretariat for those who wish to see the assembly hall and inner chambers. However, the exterior and surrounding lake areas are typically accessible during daylight hours, offering visitors the chance to appreciate the architecture from outside, walk the peaceful grounds, and capture stunning photographs. The view from any angle around Crescent Lake is impressive, and many visitors find that experiencing the building from the outside provides a deeply satisfying encounter with this architectural masterpiece. **Architectural Recognition** Louis Kahn's design for the National Parliament House has earned widespread acclaim from architects and critics around the world, with many considering it among the finest examples of modernist government architecture ever constructed. The building appears frequently in architectural textbooks and academic studies, drawing students and professionals from across the globe who come to study its innovative use of geometry, light, and materials. Kahn's work here demonstrated how traditional geometric forms could be reimagined to create something entirely contemporary, and the building's influence can be seen in institutional architecture worldwide.
Nestled in the bustling heart of Dhaka, Ramna Park stands as a verdant sanctuary spanning an impressive 68.5 acres. This historic urban oasis offers respite from the city's relentless pace, drawing locals and visitors alike to its shaded pathways and serene lake. As Dhaka's largest and most beloved public park, it has witnessed generations of families creating memories beneath its ancient trees. **A Colonial Era Green Space** Ramna's story begins in the Mughal period when it served as a royal garden retreat. During British colonial rule in the late 19th century, the area was formally developed into a public park. The British envisioned it as a green lung for the growing city, complete with ornamental plantings and planned walkways. Adjacent to what was then the Race Course (now [Suhrawardy Udyan](/tourist-places/suhrawardy-udyan)), Ramna Park became the recreational heart of colonial Dhaka. Its legacy continues today, with many of the original trees now towering giants that provide welcome shade. **Nature in the City** The park's centerpiece is its expansive lake, where morning mist creates an almost magical atmosphere. Ancient rain trees, mahogany, and krishnachura trees form a dense canopy overhead, their roots having witnessed decades of the city's transformation. Walking paths wind through diverse flora, from carefully maintained flower beds to wild grasses that attract numerous bird species. You might spot kingfishers diving near the lake or hear the melodious calls of doel birds among the branches. Despite the urban chaos beyond its borders, Ramna maintains a remarkably peaceful atmosphere that feels worlds away from the traffic outside. **Cultural Heart of Dhaka** Beyond its natural beauty, Ramna Park pulses with cultural significance. Every morning, it transforms into an outdoor gymnasium where Dhaka's health-conscious residents jog, practice yoga, and perform tai chi. The most iconic tradition occurs each [Pohela Boishakh](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pohela_Boishakh) (Bengali New Year) when thousands gather at Ramna Batamul beneath the historic banyan tree. Here, cultural organization Chhayanaut welcomes the new year with Rabindranath Tagore's songs, creating a spectacle that defines Bengali cultural identity. On weekends, families spread picnic blankets across the lawns while children chase butterflies and feed fish in the lake. Ramna Park isn't just Dhaka's green space—it's the city's living room, perfectly positioned in the Shahbagh cultural district near the [Bangladesh National Museum](/tourist-places/national-museum) and [Curzon Hall](/tourist-places/curzon-hall). Whether you seek morning exercise, quiet contemplation, or festive celebration, this historic park welcomes all with open arms and outstretched branches.
Tucked away in the bustling streets of Old Dhaka lies a botanical treasure that has been captivating visitors for over a century. Baldha Garden, established in 1909, stands as the oldest botanical garden in Bangladesh and one of the most remarkable green spaces in the capital. This verdant sanctuary houses an extraordinary collection of rare and exotic plants gathered from across the globe, making it a living museum of botanical wonders right in the heart of the city. **A Victorian Era Legacy** The garden owes its existence to the vision and passion of Narendra Narayan Roy Chowdhury, a wealthy zamindar and avid botanist who dedicated his life to creating this horticultural masterpiece. In the early 20th century, he transformed three acres of land into a botanical paradise, importing rare species from Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. His meticulous attention to detail and deep love for plants is evident in every corner of the garden. After his death, the garden was donated to the government and is now maintained by the Department of Forestry, preserving his legacy for future generations. **Two Gardens in One** What makes Baldha Garden unique is its division into two distinct sections, each named after Greek goddesses. The Psyche section, covering about one acre, primarily features European and Mediterranean plants including roses, cacti, and ornamental species that Roy Chowdhury carefully acclimatized to Dhaka's tropical climate. The Cybele section, spanning two acres, showcases tropical and subtropical species from around the world. Walking through these sections feels like traveling between continents, with each turn revealing plants you might never encounter elsewhere in Bangladesh. **A Living Museum of Plants** Today, Baldha Garden is home to over 672 species of plants, including more than 50 rare varieties found nowhere else in the country. The collection includes magnificent specimens of palms, cycads, exotic orchids, colorful bougainvilleas, and one of the finest cactus collections in South Asia. Century-old trees provide shade to winding pathways, while carefully maintained flowerbeds bloom throughout the year. Many plants are labeled with their botanical and common names, turning a simple walk into an educational journey through the plant kingdom. The garden serves as more than just a tourist attraction. It's a vital center for plant conservation and botanical research, protecting endangered species and providing a peaceful refuge from the chaos of urban life. For those interested in exploring more of Bangladesh's botanical heritage, the modern [National Botanical Garden](/tourist-places/national-botanical-garden) in Mirpur offers a larger, complementary experience. Whether you're a botany enthusiast, a photography lover, or simply someone seeking tranquility, Baldha Garden offers a timeless escape into nature's beauty.