Dhaka Travel Diary Part 1: Attractions 🇧🇩📸
Bangladesh isn’t exactly a tourist destination, and attractions are quite limited. But as the old Chinese saying goes: "Since we’re already here..." 😅 1. Bangladesh National Museum 🏛️ Not particularly impressive, but a few things stood out: A ridiculously long python skin 🐍 An open-access sculpture exhibit (no barriers, touch at your own risk!) A terracotta warrior and ancient Chinese bells in the "World Artifacts" section?! 🤯 Ticket: Around 400-500 BDT (can’t remember exactly). 2. Lalbagh Fort 🏰 We visited on a Friday (weekend in Bangladesh), so crowds were insane. The fort itself is small—mostly gardens—but the real magic happens at sunset when you climb the weathered walls. The contrast between the crumbling structure and the well-kept (yet waterless) gardens mirrors the country’s contradictions. Verdict: Great for photos and soaking in history. Ticket: 500 BDT 3. Ahsan Manzil (Pink Palace) 💖🏛️ Arguably Bangladesh’s top tourist spot. We arrived at night—the pink facade looked softer under moonlight, almost dreamy. Inside: Antique displays, including a Chinese-style dragon vase (a weirdly heartwarming find abroad). Locals gathered in the gardens, singing traditional tunes under the crescent moon. 🌙🎶 Revisited on a weekday—quieter, but not as magical. Ticket: 500 BDT 4. University of Dhaka 🎓🏛️ The campus is scattered across several historic buildings. We explored the older section (Chemistry Dept?), which felt like a mix of European castles, Islamic arches, and South Asian flair. Bonus: Saw a couple taking wedding photos in front of the grand architecture. 👰📸 5. Panam City (Lost City) 🏚️ 2-hour drive from Dhaka—only to find it closed on Sundays! 🚫 The guard wouldn’t budge, so we peeked through the gates and headed to a nearby museum instead. The museum was meh, but the merchant’s mansion (extra ticket) was a hidden gem: Intricate tilework, colonial-era interiors, and Assassin’s Creed-worthy arches. ⚔️ 6. Baitul Mukarram Mosque 🕌 Massive, but packed with worshippers—we skipped going inside (shoes off, no thanks!). Snapped a few exterior shots and left. Final Thoughts 🤔 The sights are interesting but raw—zero tourist infrastructure. Not worth a dedicated trip, but if you’re here for work, definitely explore! #DhakaDiaries #PinkPalace #OffTheBeatenPath