Lalbagh Fort: An Unfinished Mughal Masterpiece
Explore the unfinished Mughal marvel of Lalbagh Fort in Dhaka, a testament to history, architecture, and serene gardens in the heart of Old Dhaka.
Lalbagh Fort, also known as Fort Aurangabad, is an incomplete 17th-century Mughal fort in Dhaka, Bangladesh, offering a glimpse into the region's rich history and cultural heritage. Construction began in 1678 by Prince Muhammad Azam, son of Emperor Aurangzeb, but was never finished. The fort features impressive Mughal architecture, including a grand mosque, the Tomb of Pari Bibi, and a museum showcasing Mughal-era artifacts.
A brief summary to Lalbagh Fort Museum
- Main Road, Dhaka, Lalbagh, 1205, BD
- Visit website
- 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
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a fair amount of walking to explore the fort and its surroundings.
- Bring water and sunscreen, especially if visiting during the warmer months.
- Visit during the winter months (November to March) for pleasant weather.
- Allocate 2-3 hours to fully explore the fort and its museum.
Getting There
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Taxi/Ride-Share
From most locations in Dhaka, the quickest way to reach Lalbagh Fort is by taxi or ride-sharing services like Uber or Pathao. Tell the driver to take you to 'Lalbagh Fort' in Old Dhaka. A ride from areas like Gulshan or Dhanmondi typically takes 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay between 200-400 BDT. Be mindful of traffic, especially during peak hours. As of July 2025, the starting price for a taxi in Dhaka is 100 BDT, and each kilometer is priced at 40 BDT. A 5km ride would cost approximately 300 BDT.
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Public Transport
If starting from areas near Dhaka University or New Market, you can take a rickshaw to Lalbagh Fort. The ride usually costs between 60-80 BDT and takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. Alternatively, from Gulistan, take a 'Laguna' (local minibus) towards Lalbagh; these are frequent and cost around 20 BDT. Get off near Lalbagh and take a short rickshaw ride to the fort entrance for about 30 BDT. Public buses heading towards Lalbagh or Azimpur are also available from different parts of Dhaka.
Discover more about Lalbagh Fort Museum
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