Background

Lalbagh Fort: An Unfinished Mughal Masterpiece

Explore the unfinished Mughal masterpiece of Lalbagh Fort in Dhaka, a 17th-century testament to history, architecture, and unfulfilled dreams.

4.5

Lalbagh Fort, an unfinished 17th-century Mughal fortress in Dhaka, Bangladesh, offers a glimpse into the grandeur of the Mughal era. Construction began in 1678 by Prince Muhammad Azam, son of Emperor Aurangzeb, but was never completed due to his recall and later, the death of Shaista Khan's daughter, Pari Bibi. The fort houses notable structures like the Mausoleum of Pari Bibi, the Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Audience), and the Quilla Mosque, surrounded by lush gardens.

A brief summary to Lalbagh Fort

Local tips

  • Visit during the cooler months (October to March) for a more comfortable experience exploring the fort and its gardens.
  • Allocate at least 1-2 hours to fully explore the fort, including the museum and surrounding structures.
  • Dress modestly out of respect for local culture.
  • Check the opening hours before visiting, as they vary depending on the season and public holidays.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From most parts of Dhaka, public buses and ride-sharing services (like Uber or Pathao) are readily available to Lalbagh Fort. Several bus routes pass through or near Lalbagh. Check local bus routes for the most convenient option from your starting point. A short taxi or rickshaw ride might be necessary from the nearest bus stop to the fort entrance. Typical cost: Bus fare within Dhaka ranges from 10-30 BDT. A rickshaw or CNG ride from the bus stop to the fort may cost an additional 20-50 BDT.

  • Taxi/Ride-Sharing

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Pathao are a convenient way to reach Lalbagh Fort from anywhere in Dhaka. Simply enter 'Lalbagh Fort' as your destination in the app. Be mindful of traffic, especially during peak hours. Typical cost: A taxi or ride-sharing trip from central Dhaka to Lalbagh Fort typically costs between 150-300 BDT, depending on distance and traffic.

  • Walking

    If you are already in the Lalbagh area or nearby areas like Chawk Bazaar, walking to Lalbagh Fort is a viable option. Use a map app to guide you through the local streets. The fort is located on Lalbagh Road, making it relatively easy to find. Typical cost: Free

Unlock the Best of Lalbagh Fort

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Lalbagh Fort

Lalbagh Fort, also known as Fort Aurangabad, stands as a testament to unfulfilled Mughal ambition in the heart of Old Dhaka. Construction commenced in 1678 by Prince Muhammad Azam, then a viceroy of Bengal, but was abruptly halted when he was summoned back to Delhi by his father, Emperor Aurangzeb. His successor, Shaista Khan, continued the work, but the untimely death of his beloved daughter, Pari Bibi, in 1684 led him to deem the fort unlucky, and construction ceased. Today, Lalbagh Fort is maintained by the Archaeological Department of Bangladesh and attracts approximately three million visitors annually. The fort complex includes the three-domed Quilla Mosque, the Mausoleum of Pari Bibi (whose tomb lies in the center of a white marble room), and the Diwan-i-Aam, which now serves as a museum showcasing Mughal artifacts like coins, paintings, carpets, and weapons. Excavations have revealed remains of 26 additional structures with intricate water supply and sewerage systems, roof gardens, and fountains. The fort also features a network of underground tunnels, some of which have been sealed. The grounds feature lush lawns, fountains, and water channels, offering a respite from the bustling city. The southern gateway, though incomplete, is particularly striking, showcasing Mughal architectural elements. While stories of hauntings and lost soldiers in the tunnels add to the fort's mystique, Lalbagh Fort remains a significant historical and cultural landmark, embodying both the splendor and the incomplete dreams of the Mughal era.

Popular Experiences near Lalbagh Fort

Popular Hotels near Lalbagh Fort

Select Currency