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Zinzira Palace: A Mughal-Era Relic

Discover Zinzira Palace in Keraniganj: A Mughal-era historical landmark with a rich, yet tragic, past on the Buriganga River's southern bank.

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Explore Zinzira Palace in Keraniganj, a late 17th-century Mughal palace with a rich history, initially a retreat and later a site of imprisonment. Though dilapidated, it offers a glimpse into Bengal's past.

A brief summary to Zinzira Palace

  • 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 during the cooler months (October to March) for a more comfortable experience.
  • Entry to the palace is free, but donations for maintenance are appreciated.
  • Combine your visit with a boat ride on the Buriganga River for scenic views.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Dhaka's Gulistan Bus Terminal, take a bus towards Keraniganj. The bus fare is approximately 30 BDT. Once in Keraniganj, hire a rickshaw or local taxi to Zinzira Palace, which will cost around 100-150 BDT, depending on your negotiation skills. The distance from the bus station to Zinzira Palace is about 5 km.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Take a taxi or ride-sharing service (like Uber or Pathao) directly from Dhaka to Keraniganj. Expect to pay between 300-500 BDT depending on traffic and distance. From Keraniganj, follow local directions or use GPS to reach Zinzira Palace. Parking is available nearby.

  • Walking

    If you are staying nearby in Zinzira Kathpotti, you can walk to Zinzira Palace. Follow local signage or ask locals for directions.

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Discover more about Zinzira Palace

Zinzira Palace, also known as Jinjira Palace, is a late 17th-century Mughal-era palace located in Keraniganj, Bangladesh, on the southern banks of the Buriganga River. Constructed between 1689 and 1697 by Ibrahim Khan II, the Subedar of Bengal, it was initially designed as a pleasure retreat, offering a serene escape from the bustling city of Jahangirnagar (Old Dhaka). The name 'Jinzira' is believed to be derived from the Arabic word 'Jazira,' meaning island. The palace's history took a tragic turn when it became a site of confinement. Following Nawab Sarfaraz Khan's defeat in 1740, his family and women from his harem were imprisoned within its walls. Later, the family of Siraj-ud-Daulah, the last independent Nawab of Bengal, also faced imprisonment here. These events have imbued the palace with a sense of melancholy, forever linking it to the downfall of Bengal's independent rule. Today, Zinzira Palace stands in a dilapidated state, with only remnants of its former glory visible. The entrance arch and two palaces built on the model of Bara Katra still survive, offering a glimpse into the past. The palace complex once boasted impressive features, including two parallel domes, an extensive two-storied hammam (bathhouse), and a two-storied gateway flanked by guard rooms and octagonal towers. Local legends speak of a secret tunnel beneath the Buriganga River connecting Zinzira Palace to Lalbagh Fort in Old Dhaka, though its existence remains unconfirmed. Visiting Zinzira Palace offers a chance to reflect on the rise and fall of empires and the lives of those who once inhabited its halls. It serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving historical sites and learning from the past.

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