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Lalbagh Fort Museum: A Glimpse into Mughal History

Explore Mughal history at the incomplete Lalbagh Fort, a 17th-century architectural marvel in the heart of Dhaka.

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Lalbagh Fort Museum, situated within the incomplete 17th-century Lalbagh Fort in Dhaka, Bangladesh, offers a captivating journey into the Mughal era. Explore artifacts, weaponry, and art that narrate the fort's rich history and the lives of those who once resided within its walls, providing a tangible connection to the past.

A brief summary to Lalbagh Fort Museum

  • Monday 9 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the cooler months (November to March) for a more comfortable experience, as Dhaka can get quite hot and humid.
  • Allow at least 2 hours to explore the entire fort complex, including the museum, gardens, and historical structures.
  • Photography is allowed, but commercial photography may require a separate permit.
  • Combine your visit with other nearby attractions in Old Dhaka, such as Ahsan Manzil (Pink Palace) and the Star Mosque, for a full day of exploration.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From areas like Gulistan or New Market, take a local bus heading towards Lalbagh. Look for buses with signs indicating 'Lalbagh' or 'Sadarghat'. The bus fare is approximately 20 BDT. Alight near Lalbagh and walk towards Main Road, where the fort is located, about a 10-15 minute walk.

  • Rickshaw

    From Newmarket, Shahbagh, TSC, or Azimpur, a rickshaw ride to Lalbagh Fort is a convenient option. Negotiate the fare beforehand, typically ranging from 60-80 BDT from New Market. Be prepared for a potentially bumpy ride through the narrow streets.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Ride-sharing services like Uber or Pathao are readily available in Dhaka. A taxi or ride-share from areas like Dhaka University or Sadarghat to Lalbagh Fort will cost approximately 150-250 BDT, depending on traffic and distance. This is a comfortable and relatively quick option.

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Discover more about Lalbagh Fort Museum

Lalbagh Fort Museum is housed within the historic Lalbagh Fort, an impressive yet unfinished Mughal fort complex that graces the southwestern part of Dhaka. Also known as Fort Aurangabad, this 17th-century structure offers a captivating glimpse into the grandeur of the Mughal Empire and its influence on Bengal. Construction of the fort commenced in 1678 by Prince Muhammad Azam Shah, the son of Emperor Aurangzeb. However, Azam Shah was summoned to Delhi by Emperor Aurangzeb to quell a Maratha rebellion, halting construction. Despite its incomplete state, Lalbagh Fort remains a significant historical and architectural landmark in Dhaka. The museum within the Diwan-i-Aam, or Hall of Audience, showcases artifacts discovered during excavations, including ancient coins, detailed weaponry, exquisite miniature paintings, carpets, and calligraphy, providing further insights into the fort's history and the lives of those who once lived within its walls. The three-domed Quilla Mosque, and the Tomb of Bibi Pari, daughter of Prince's successor Shaista Khan, are the main components of the fort. Pari Bibi's tomb is constructed of black basalt, white marble, and encaustic tiles. Visitors can also explore the hammam (Turkish bath). Lalbagh Fort's strategic location on the banks of the Buriganga River was crucial for defense, allowing the Mughals to control river traffic and protect the city from attacks. Although the river has receded over time, the fort continues to draw visitors from far and wide, offering a glimpse into the Mughal Empire's legacy in Bangladesh.

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