Lalbagh Fort, Dhaka Division Travel Guide

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Explore the unfinished Mughal masterpiece of Lalbagh Fort in Old Dhaka, a testament to the region's rich history and architectural splendor.

Lalbagh Fort, an incomplete 17th-century Mughal fort in Dhaka, Bangladesh, offers a glimpse into the region's rich history. Construction began in 1678 by Prince Muhammad Azam, son of Emperor Aurangzeb, but was never finished due to his departure and later, the death of Shaista Khan's daughter, Pari Bibi. The fort's structures, including the Diwan-i-Aam, Pari Bibi's Mausoleum, and the Quilla Mosque, showcase Mughal architecture and design.

A brief summary to Lalbagh Fort

Lalbagh Rd, Dhaka, Lalbagh, 1211, BD
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Monday 2 pm-5 pm
Tuesday 10 am-1 pm
Wednesday 10 am-1 pm
Thursday 10 am-1 pm
Friday 10 am-12:30 pm
Saturday 10 am-1 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Lalbagh Fort.

Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven surfaces.
Visit during the cooler months (October to March) for a more comfortable experience.
Hire a local guide at the entrance for in-depth historical context and anecdotes.
Bring your own water and snacks, as there are no food vendors inside the fort complex.

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Explore Lalbagh Fort on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Lalbagh Fort, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Kamalapur Railway Station, take a local bus heading towards Lalbagh or Azimpur and ask the conductor to drop you near the fort. Bus fares typically range from 10-20 BDT. From Gulistan, you can take a bus to Shahbag, which takes approximately 48 minutes.
Taxi/Ride-Sharing

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Pathao are readily available throughout Dhaka. A taxi ride from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to Lalbagh Fort typically costs between 300-400 BDT and takes approximately 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic. A short taxi ride within Old Dhaka to the fort should cost around 200-300 BDT.
Walking

If you are already in the Lalbagh area or nearby locations like Azimpur, walking to the fort is a viable option. From Azimpur bus stand, you can hire a rickshaw for 15-20 BDT. Follow Lalbagh Road; the fort will be on your left. Be mindful of traffic and road conditions.

Discover more about Lalbagh Fort

Lalbagh Fort, also known as Fort Aurangabad, is a 17th-century Mughal fort complex in Dhaka, Bangladesh, that remains incomplete. Its construction was initiated in 1678 by Prince Muhammad Azam, the son of Emperor Aurangzeb, who served as the Mughal Subahdar (governor) of Bengal. However, Prince Azam was soon called away by his father, and the fort's construction was taken over by Shaista Khan, the new governor.Unfortunately, the fort's construction was halted again in 1684 after the untimely death of Shaista Khan's daughter, Iran Dukht, also known as Pari Bibi. Her mausoleum stands as one of the fort's most notable structures. Popular belief suggests that Shaista Khan considered the fort unlucky after this tragedy, leading him to abandon the project. The shift of the capital from Dhaka to Murshidabad further contributed to the fort's decline in popularity.Today, Lalbagh Fort stands as a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors a chance to explore Mughal-era architecture and learn about the history of the region. Key structures within the fort include the Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience), the Tomb of Pari Bibi, and the Quilla Mosque, a three-domed mosque that exemplifies Bengali Mughal architectural style. Recent excavations have also revealed the existence of additional structures and intricate water supply systems. Visitors can also explore the fort's museum, which houses artifacts from the Mughal period, including paintings, textiles and calligraphy.