National Botanical Garden: Dhaka's Green Sanctuary
Discover Dhaka's largest botanical garden: a serene escape with diverse plant life, tranquil lakes, and themed gardens for nature lovers.
The National Botanical Garden, adjacent to the Bangladesh National Zoo in Mirpur, is a sprawling sanctuary established in 1961. This 210-acre garden is home to over 56,000 trees, shrubs, and herbs, including a diverse collection of aquatic plants. It serves as a vital plant conservation center and a popular tourist destination, offering a refreshing escape from Dhaka's bustling city life. The garden is thoughtfully divided into 57 sections, featuring a cactus house, orchid house, rose garden, lily ponds, and lotus pond. Six lakes and two nurseries add to the scenic beauty, while the tissue culture research center highlights the garden's commitment to botanical studies. Visitors can explore themed gardens, discover medicinal herbs, and admire rare and exotic plant species from around the world. The well-maintained walking paths, artificial waterfall, and peaceful ponds create a soothing environment for leisurely strolls, picnics, and birdwatching. The National Botanical Garden plays a crucial role in plant research and conservation in Bangladesh. It also provides educational opportunities, hosting programs, workshops, and community events related to gardening and environmental conservation. The garden is managed by the Forest Department under the Ministry of Environment and Forests. A visit to this green oasis offers a chance to appreciate Bangladesh's natural beauty and the importance of preserving it for future generations.
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the garden's peaceful atmosphere.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking.
- Bring water, sunscreen, and a camera to capture the diverse plant life and scenic beauty.
- Check the garden's opening hours, as they may vary depending on the season.
A brief summary to Botanical Garden
- 10 Botanical Garden Rd, Dhaka, Mirpur, BD
- Monday 8 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 8 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 8 am-5 pm
- Thursday 8 am-5 pm
- Friday 8 am-5 pm
- Saturday 8 am-5 pm
- Sunday 8 am-5 pm
Getting There
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Public Transport
From most locations in Dhaka, the most convenient way to reach the Botanical Garden is by bus. Numerous bus routes serve the Mirpur area. Look for buses heading towards Mirpur-1 or the Zoo Road. Bus fares typically range from Tk 10-40 depending on the distance. From Mirpur 1, you can take a CNG rickshaw or a local rickshaw to the garden entrance for around Tk 30-50.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Pathao are readily available in Dhaka. A ride from central Dhaka (e.g., Shahbagh) to the Botanical Garden will cost approximately Tk 250-400, depending on traffic and distance. Be sure to negotiate the fare beforehand with CNG rickshaws.
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Metro
The Dhaka Metro Rail now provides service to Mirpur. Alight at a station in Mirpur (e.g., Mirpur 10, Mirpur 11) and then take a short CNG rickshaw or bus ride to the Botanical Garden. The metro fare varies depending on the distance traveled, but will likely be between Tk 20-50 for most routes within Dhaka. The connecting CNG/rickshaw ride will cost an additional Tk 30-50.