Loading...Lalbagh Fort (Lalbagh Kella) is located in the southwestern part of Old Dhaka, near the banks of the Buriganga River. This fort was constructed in the 17th century and is the only historical monument of Bangladesh from the Mughal era, incorporating sandstone, marble, and various colored tiles in its design. No other historical monument in Bangladesh has such a diverse combination of materials.
The construction of Lalbagh Fort was started by the third son of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, Muhammad Azam Shah. He initiated the construction of this palace-fort on the banks of the Buriganga River. It was initially named Aurangabad Fort or Aurangabad Kella in honor of his father. Later, it came to be known as Lalbagh Fort. Many believe that there was a garden of red roses in the area, which gave the place its name, Lalbagh.
Carrying a 300-year-old legacy, this fort remains a popular tourist spot due to its architectural style, heritage, and beauty. Upon entering the fort, visitors are immediately struck by its natural beauty. The fort is home to rows of Bougainvillea and pine trees, as well as various flower species such as Rangan, rose, and Gada.
Among the three large gates of Lalbagh Fort, the gate currently open to the public leads directly to the tomb of Pari Bibi. The fort area also includes the Durbar Hall, Hammamkhana, and the Shah Mosque in the northwest section. Few mosques in Dhaka are as old as this one.
The Durbar Hall and Hammamkhana of Lalbagh Fort have been converted into a museum for public viewing. This area was once the residence of Nawab Shaista Khan, from where he controlled all administrative affairs.
The museum houses various artifacts from the Mughal era, including hand-painted pictures, Mughal manuscripts, pottery, carpets, handwritten scripts, and royal edicts. The museum also preserves various personal items of Shaista Khan. In addition, there are weapons, clothing, and coins from that era on display. The opportunity to see items used by emperors from 300 years ago is both a privilege and a source of awe. As you explore the items used by the emperors, you will feel transported to the time of Mughal rule.
Lalbagh Fort Opening and Closing Hours
During summer, the fort is open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and during winter, it is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The fort is closed on Sundays for the entire day, and on Mondays for half the day. It is also closed on all government holidays.
Ticket Price for Lalbagh Fort
Tickets must be purchased at the ticket counter located at the main gate of the fort. The ticket prices are as follows:
- For Bangladeshi visitors: 10 Taka per person
- For foreign visitors: 100 Taka per person
- Children under 5 years old can enter without a ticket.
Currently, a guidebook for Lalbagh Fort is available for 31 Taka (in Bengali). Previously, there was an English version of the guidebook for foreign tourists, but it is no longer available.
How to Reach Lalbagh Fort
To visit Lalbagh Fort, you can take a tempo from Gulistan’s Golap Shah Mazar for only 6 Taka. Tempos from Islambagh and Killa Mor also travel to Lalbagh Fort day and night. Alternatively, you can take a rickshaw directly from New Market or Gulistan to Lalbagh Fort. The fare will be around 30-40 Taka.
There is also a special bus service from the Bangladesh National Museum (Shahbagh) to Lalbagh Fort for 10 Taka for those interested in visiting the fort. For those looking to travel at a lower cost, they can go via Sadarghat through Gulistan and Golap Shah Mazar. The fare is only 5 Taka from Gulistan. From Dhakeshwari Temple, it’s a 5-minute walk, or you can take a rickshaw for 10 Taka to reach Lalbagh Fort.
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