DNCC Wonderland (Shishu Mela) in Dhaka is a budget‑friendly, family‑oriented amusement park that offers a welcome escape from the daily grind. Here’s an in‑depth review based on visitor feedback and recent articles:
A Family-Friendly Oasis
DNCC Wonderland—locally known as Shishu Mela—is designed with families in mind. With an array of rides ranging from gentle carousels and mini roller coasters to a towering Ferris wheel that offers panoramic views of the park, it provides ample entertainment for children and adults alike. Many visitors note that the park’s attractions, while not sprawling in number, are well‑curated to maximize fun on a modest budget. Ride prices are very affordable (often around 50–100 taka per ride), making it a popular destination for families looking to enjoy a day out without overspending.
Atmosphere and Ambience
Visitors frequently mention the nostalgic charm of Shishu Mela. The park’s vibrant colors, lively music, and cheerful energy evoke memories of childhood days spent in a simpler, more playful setting. Despite being relatively small compared to some modern theme parks, DNCC Wonderland makes excellent use of its space. Lush greenery and well‑planned walkways add to the pleasant environment, inviting families to not only enjoy the rides but also to relax with a picnic on the available seating areas.
Safety and Accessibility
One of the key strengths of DNCC Wonderland is its focus on safety and security. Reviews highlight that the park is well‑maintained with appropriate safety measures in place for each ride. For parents, this means peace of mind knowing that their children can enjoy the attractions in a secure environment. Additionally, the park’s central location on Mirpur Road in Dhaka makes it easily accessible via various modes of transport—whether you’re taking a bus, rickshaw, or driving in by car.
Points for Improvement
While DNCC Wonderland continues to be a beloved local spot, some recent reviews and articles indicate that the park faces challenges in maintaining its original charm. There have been concerns over occasional lapses in cleanliness and the need for further modernization of some rides. Moreover, changes in management and extended periods of closure in the past have left some visitors longing for the vibrant, bustling atmosphere that once defined the park. However, many still express hope that with ongoing investments and attention to maintenance, the park will reclaim its full potential.
Final Thoughts
DNCC Wonderland (Shishu Mela) remains an enchanting destination that balances affordability, nostalgia, and fun. It is a testament to the enduring appeal of simple pleasures—a place where families can bond over rides, games, and shared laughter. Whether you’re a local looking for a quick day out or a visitor seeking a slice of Dhaka’s playful culture, DNCC Wonderland offers an experience that is both heartwarming and memorable.
For a family-friendly outing that won’t break the bank and still delivers a joyful experience, DNCC Wonderland is well worth...
Read moreWhile watching your little ones to become excited and scared at the same time during riding heart thumping rides like Viking Boat ride which basically swings back and forth, subjecting riders to various levels of angular momentum ; Pendulum ride which also swings back and forth with high speed while the the gondola incorporated in it keeps rotating; Paratrooper ride where the seats which keep swinging and rocking sideways are suspended below a wheel rotating in an angle and many more or while enjoying the giant Swan ride along with your family members or while standing beside your toddler who seems to be enjoying life to the fullest on the Merry-Go-Round or while sitting beside your child who gets mesmerized enjoying the aerial view of the amusement park from the peak of Wonder Wheel, your memories definitely are going to take you back to your childhood days when you too used to come to this amusement park holding your parents' hands ; seeing your child now to beg you for allowing him or her to ride all the rides ,you would be able to recall vividly, how you too used to continuously plead your parents for letting you ride on the helicopter ride, aircraft ride, swing ride, bumper car ride ,crazy car ride, train ride and all other prepossessing rides of this park ; passing by the gift shops will make you reminiscing about those days when being enthralled by all the eye-catching toys, souvenirs, jewellery, electronic items,etc. of the shops located at this park, how you used to keep nagging your father until he would have bought you what you asked him for and waiting in the family sitting area of the food court with your kids now for the ordered menu to be served would take you walking down the memory lane when you too along with your family used to go to the food stalls located at the corner of this park after having a day-long adventure for getting treats for yourselves .
Though rust has now started to come through coated paint of the rides of this park , much of the the color of the sculptures and the decorations on the walls here have gone faded and the lighting system too has become pretty much dimmed ; though this park has become too much congested with all the twenty-five rides and twenty shops built over a land of only 1.4 acres , still no theme park or amusement park with ultra- modern captivating rides and mind-blowing facilities will either be able to offset the glory of this park with which it has been giving recreation to the urban dwellers for the last 29 years, since its establishment in 1994 or be able to take the place of this first private amusement park of the country which has been the resplendent haven of laughter and joy in the life of urban children since that time when there was a very little scope of entertainment for them in the entire city.
Though a legal fight led the name of the park now to be changed to DNCC Wonderland , it always will be in our hearts as the 'Shishumela of Shyamoli'- the park,each and every corner of which is connected to our...
Read moreDNCC Wonderland, affectionately known as Shishumela, is a popular children's amusement park located in Shyamoli, Dhaka. For generations, it has served as a cherished destination for families looking to create lasting memories. While it may not boast the scale of international theme parks, it offers a vibrant and enjoyable experience, especially for younger children.
What to Expect: The park features a good selection of rides and attractions designed to cater to various age groups. You'll find classic favorites like merry-go-rounds, mini trains, and swings for the little ones, alongside more thrilling options such as bumper cars and a mini roller coaster for older children and adults. Beyond the rides, DNCC Wonderland sometimes offers other entertainment like 3D movies and has some landscaped areas. It's a place where laughter fills the air and the colorful decorations add to the cheerful ambiance. Highlights & Tips:
Variety of Rides: There are enough rides to keep children entertained for a good few hours.
Affordable Fun: The entry fee (Tk 100 as of recent reports, though some reviews mention Tk 60) and individual ride tickets (around Tk 50) make it a relatively budget-friendly outing for families.
Family-Friendly Atmosphere: The park is generally well-maintained and provides a safe environment for children to play.
Jogging Track/Walkway: Beyond the amusement rides, the park area also has a nice walkway, popular for morning and evening strolls/jogs.
Convenient Location: Being centrally located in Shyamoli on Mirpur Road makes it easily accessible from various parts of Dhaka.
Things to Consider: Crowds: As a popular spot, it can get quite crowded, especially on weekends and public holidays. Visiting on weekdays is recommended for a more relaxed experience.
Cash: It's advisable to bring enough cash as some smaller stalls might not accept digital payments.
Outdoor Setting: The park is mostly outdoors, so be prepared for the weather. Bringing water, snacks, and sunscreen is a good idea, especially during hotter months.
Ongoing Work/Updates: Some past reviews mention ongoing work for new rides, so it's worth checking if any new attractions have been added.
Cleanliness/Security: While generally good, some past concerns have been raised about cleanliness and security, so it's wise to be mindful.
Overall: DNCC Wonderland (Shishumela) remains a beloved spot for a reason. It offers a nostalgic and fun-filled escape for families, particularly those with young children, looking for an affordable day out in Dhaka. While it has had its share of management and maintenance challenges in the past, it continues to be a go-to destination for creating joyful childhood memories. If you're looking for a simple, classic amusement park experience for your kids, it's definitely...
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