Background

Zinzira City: A Journey Through Mughal History

Explore Zinzira City: A historical gem in Keraniganj, Bangladesh, showcasing Mughal-era architecture and a poignant past on the Buriganga River's edge.

3.8

Explore Zinzira City in Keraniganj, Bangladesh, home to the late 17th-century Mughal-era Jinjira Palace, now an archaeological museum. Once a recreational retreat, it later served as a site of imprisonment, offering a glimpse into Bengal's rich history and cultural heritage.

A brief summary to Zinzira city

  • Keraniganj, Zinzira Kathpotti, BD
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and experience the historical sites in a more peaceful atmosphere.
  • Engage with local guides to gain deeper insights into the history and cultural significance of Jinjira Palace and the surrounding area.
  • Try local Bangladeshi cuisine at nearby eateries to enhance your cultural experience.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Dhaka, the most common way to reach Zinzira City is by bus from the Gulistan Bus Terminal. Look for buses heading towards Keraniganj; the fare is approximately 30 BDT. Once in Keraniganj, you can hire a rickshaw or local taxi to Zinzira City, costing around 100-150 BDT depending on your negotiation skills. The distance from the Keraniganj bus stand to Zinzira City is about 5 km.

  • Boat

    For a more scenic route, take a local boat from Sadarghat Terminal in Dhaka towards Keraniganj. Boats frequently depart from this terminal, and the ride offers a scenic view of the river. Inform the boatman that you wish to go to Zinzira Kathpotti. The journey will take approximately 30 minutes. Once you arrive at the Keraniganj side, you may need to take a rickshaw to reach Zinzira city. Make sure to negotiate the fare before starting your ride. The distance is short, around 2 kilometers.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Alternatively, a taxi or ride-sharing service (like Uber or Pathao) can be taken directly from Dhaka to Keraniganj. Expect to pay between 517-941 BDT depending on traffic and distance. From Keraniganj, follow local directions or use GPS to reach Zinzira City. Parking is available nearby.

Unlock the Best of Zinzira city

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Zinzira city

Zinzira City, located in Keraniganj, Bangladesh, offers a captivating journey through time, revealing layers of history and culture that have shaped the region. Situated on the southern bank of the Buriganga River, Zinzira's story is intertwined with the rise and fall of empires, the struggles for independence, and the everyday lives of its people. The city's most prominent landmark is the Jinjira Palace, a late 17th-century Mughal-era structure built by Ibrahim Khan II as a recreational retreat. The name 'Jinjira' is derived from the Arabic word 'Jazira,' meaning island or peninsula, reflecting the palace's original setting surrounded by water. This palace served as a pleasure resort for the Subedar of Bengal, a place to escape the bustling city of Dhaka and indulge in the tranquility of the river. However, the palace's history took a tragic turn when it became a site of imprisonment for the female members of the Bengal Nawab family following the Battle of Plassey in 1757. After Nawab Siraj ud-Daulah's defeat, his wife, Lutfunnesa, along with other women of the Nawab's family, were confined within the palace walls. Today, the Jinjira Palace stands as an archaeological museum, showcasing artifacts from the Mughal era and offering visitors a glimpse into the lives of those who once inhabited this grand structure. While time has taken its toll on the palace, its remaining structures, including the two parallel domes, the hammam complex, and the defensive walls, still evoke a sense of its former grandeur. Beyond the Jinjira Palace, Zinzira City holds a significant place in the history of Bangladesh's Liberation War in 1971. The area witnessed the Zinzira Massacre, a brutal event in which hundreds of people were killed by the Pakistani military.

Popular Experiences near Zinzira city

Popular Hotels near Zinzira city

Select Currency