Lalbagh Fort
Discover the Unfinished Majesty of Lalbagh Fort: A Journey Through Mughal History
Nestled in the heart of Old Dhaka, Lalbagh Fort stands as a testament to the grandeur and mystery of the Mughal Empire. This incomplete 17th-century fort, also known as Fort Aurangabad, offers a captivating blend of history, architecture, and serene gardens, making it a must-visit destination for tourists exploring Bangladesh. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply seeking a peaceful escape from the bustling city, Lalbagh Fort promises an unforgettable experience.
History of Lalbagh Fort
Lalbagh Fort's story begins in 1678 AD, during the height of the Mughal Empire. The fort was commissioned by Prince Muhammad Azam Shah, the third son of Emperor Aurangzeb, while he served as the Viceroy of Bengal. Intended as the official residence of the Mughal governor, the fort was designed to reflect the architectural splendor of Mughal strongholds like the Red Fort in Delhi. However, Muhammad Azam’s tenure in Bengal lasted only 15 months, and he was recalled by his father to assist in a war against the Marathas, leaving the fort incomplete.
The project was then handed over to Shaista Khan, the new subahdar of Dhaka. Construction continued until a tragic event halted progress: the death of Shaista Khan’s daughter, Iran Dukht Pari Bibi, in 1684. Pari Bibi, who was betrothed to Prince Azam, passed away within the fort, and her father deemed the site unlucky, abandoning the project. Her tomb, a beautifully crafted mausoleum, remains one of the fort’s most significant structures. After Shaista Khan left Dhaka in 1688, the fort lost prominence, especially as the Mughal capital shifted from Dhaka to Murshidabad. By 1844, the area was renamed Lalbagh, meaning "Red Garden," replacing its original name, Aurangabad, and the fort became known as Lalbagh Fort.
Today, the fort is maintained by the Department of Archaeology of Bangladesh, which has uncovered additional structures through recent excavations, revealing a more complete picture of this historical gem. It now attracts around three million visitors annually, mostly local tourists, drawn to its tales of love, loss, and unfulfilled dreams.
Area and Key Features
Spanning 18 acres, Lalbagh Fort is a sprawling complex that includes several notable structures despite its unfinished state. The fort features three main buildings: the tomb of Pari Bibi, the Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience), and a three-domed mosque known as Quilla Mosque. The tomb of Pari Bibi is particularly striking, with its octagonal dome, white marble interior, and decorative floral tiles. The Diwan-i-Aam, now a museum, showcases Mughal artifacts like miniature paintings, coins, and weapons, offering a glimpse into the era’s opulence. The mosque, with its water tank for ablution, reflects classic Mughal architecture.
The fort is surrounded by lush gardens, intricate water channels, and fountains, providing a tranquil space amidst the dense urban environment of Old Dhaka. A long fortification wall with a massive bastion in the southwestern corner and two surviving gateways—most notably the imposing southern gate—add to its historical charm. The fort also features hidden passages and underground tunnels, though these are not accessible to the public due to safety concerns.
Location
Lalbagh Fort is located in the southwestern part of Old Dhaka, the historic heart of Bangladesh’s capital city, near the banks of the Buriganga River. Though the river has shifted further south over the centuries, the fort’s coordinates are 23.7189, 90.3882, placing it in the Lalbagh area, a name derived from the reddish hues of Mughal architecture. The fort is surrounded by narrow alleys and modern buildings, making it a significant green space in an otherwise congested part of the city.
How to Go from the Airport
Lalbagh Fort is easily accessible from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, which is approximately 20 kilometers away, depending on the route. Here’s how you can reach the fort:
- By Taxi or Ride-Sharing Apps: The most convenient option is to hire a taxi or use a ride-sharing app like Uber or Pathao. The journey typically takes 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic, and costs around 500-800 BDT (Bangladeshi Taka). Simply input “Lalbagh Fort” as your destination.
- By Public Transport: From the airport, take a local bus or CNG auto-rickshaw to the Azimpur bus stand, which is a major transit point in Dhaka. From Azimpur, you can hire a rickshaw for 15-20 BDT to reach Lalbagh Fort, a short 10-minute ride. Alternatively, you can walk from Azimpur if you prefer a 15-20 minute stroll through the vibrant streets of Old Dhaka.
- By Airport Shuttle and Rickshaw: Some airport shuttles drop passengers at central points like Gulistan or Shahbagh. From there, you can take a rickshaw, CNG auto-rickshaw, or taxi to Lalbagh Fort for 50-100 BDT.
Dhaka’s traffic can be unpredictable, so plan your travel accordingly, especially during peak hours. The fort is best reached via rickshaw within Old Dhaka due to the narrow, congested roads.
Assistance and Chatbox Information
For additional assistance, Lalbagh Fort offers basic tourist facilities such as restrooms and a small cafeteria within the complex. Tickets can be purchased at the counter near the entrance: 20 BDT for local tourists, 100 BDT for SAARC country tourists, and 200 BDT for other foreigners. The fort is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (with a 30-minute break from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM), and on Fridays from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM. It remains closed on Sundays and during government holidays, with adjusted hours during Ramadan (closing at 4:00 PM).
Guided tours are available, either as scheduled group tours or through private guides, which can provide deeper insights into the fort’s history. Visitors are advised to dress modestly, as Bangladesh is a conservative country, and to allocate 1-2 hours to fully explore the complex.
For real-time assistance, you can reach out via our virtual chatbox, available 24/7. Whether you need help with directions, ticket pricing, or local tips, our chatbox can provide instant support to enhance your visit to Lalbagh Fort.
Why Visit Lalbagh Fort?
Lalbagh Fort is more than just a historical site—it’s a window into the Mughal era’s architectural brilliance and the poignant stories that shaped its destiny. The fort’s serene gardens, intricate designs, and haunting history make it a perfect blend of beauty and mystery. Whether you're wandering through the mosaiced paths, marveling at Pari Bibi’s tomb, or simply soaking in the early morning tranquility, Lalbagh Fort offers a unique escape into Bangladesh’s rich past. Plan your visit today and uncover the unfinished dreams of a Mughal prince!