Lalbagh fort

Lalbagh fort – A historical representation of 400 years of Dhaka

Today we will discuss Lalbagh fort. This fort is the most popular travel destination in Dhaka city for local and foreign travelers. Lalbagh kella is an unfinished Moghul palace and fortress, situated near the bank of Buriganaga River in Dhaka, capital of Bangladesh. At the time of the fort’s building, the river was quite close to the fortes. The whole site is 18 acres in area.

Historical Background: The construction started in 1678 by Prince Muhammad Azam during his stay in Bengal as Vice-royal. The construction went on for 15 months and stopped because Muhammad Azam was called upon by Aurangzeb. After that Shaista Khan, Prince Azam’s successor did not continue with the construction.

Although the fort was thought to have three main buildings (Bibi Pari’s burial place, the mosque, and Diwan-i-Aam), 2 gates, and a fort wall, recent searches by archaeologists have found other structures.

Lalbagh fort

What to See: The Fort of Lalbagh has four significant parts. These are; -Diwan-I-Aam & Hammam
-Pond
-Barrack
-City Gate
-Tomb of Pari Bibi
-The Mosque
-Residence of the Governor
-The South Gate

There are approximately 27 structure that have sophisticated arrangements for water supply fountain, roof gardens, sewerage etc. The site is in good shape due to renovation done by the government’s Archaeology Department.

The southern gateway, running to west up to the southern bastion, is particularly prominent among the gateways. It is a three storied structure with minarets on both ends. The southern fortification wall is another prominent structure running westward staring from the southern gateway. The wall is twin in structure. At present, many archaeologists opine that the fort originally stretched east beyond the present Shaista Khan Road.

In the west portion of the site there is an exquisite roof garden with attached water-fountains and reservoir. The residential space is located near the south west of the mosque. The biggest of the bastions has an underground tunnel. The central bastion has a basement with a veranda on the sides.

The central portion of the site has the Diwan-I-Aam and the Hammam, the mosque and the tomb. There are water pathways and fountains in the site, characteristic of Mughal construction.

The tomb in the centre of the site has a prominent presence, with eight rooms surrounding the main burial space at the centre covered in a dome. The walls are designed with white marble.

Archaeologists also found through excavation pre-Muslim items, suggesting the area being inhabited before the Mughal founded Dhaka.

How to go to Lalbagh Kella: From Airport/Kamalapur Railstation Any Uber or Taxi will go. Rent would be 300-400 tk from Shahjalal Airport and 200-250 taka from Kamalapur Railway station. or from anywhere from Dhaka city a traveler may go to Shahbag or Dhaka university area. Then by Rickshah it would take 20 mins maximum.

Lalbagh fort ticket price: lalbagh kella ticket price vary based on tourist

Tourist From Bangladesh – 20 taka
Saarc Country Tourists – 100 Taka
Tourist From other countries – 200 Taka
Visiting Hours:

Tuesday- Saturday: 10 am – 6 pm (half an hour lunch Break)
Sunday: Weekly holiday ( lalbagh fort off day )
Monday: 2 pm – 6 pm (Half Day)
In government holiday the place remain closed for visitors.
Other Consideration: Lalbagh fort secret tunnel. The mysterious secret passage is currently sealed off but historics said the secret tunnel will lead to a man to the Zinzira Fort which is situated opposite of the Burigonga river. Infact, the actual purpose of these mystery architectural mazes remains undiscovered.

Contact Number & Address of Lalbagh kella dhaka:( লালবাগ কেল্লা ) 02- 9673018, Lalbagh Rd, Dhaka 1211

Overall the site is a majestic sight to behold. With historical, architectural and horticultural elegance, the lalbag kella is definitely a must see as an archeological site in Dhaka. lalbagh fort dhaka is one of the most popular among bangladeshi and foreigner visitors.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *