Sonargaon Old Capital & Panam City Day Tour from Dhaka
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Sonargaon Old Capital & Panam City Day Tour from Dhaka

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(20 reviews)
6h - 8h
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About this experience

Discover Sonargaon, the ancient capital of Bengal, on a day trip from Dhaka. Just 30 km away, this heritage site offers a glimpse into Bangladesh’s rich past. Explore the abandoned Panam City, the 16th-century Goaldi Mosque, and the Folk Art & Craft Museum. Visit Jamdani weaving villages to see the world-famous fabric still crafted by hand. With history, culture, and local life all in one place, Sonargaon is the perfect escape from Dhaka for curious travelers.

Available options

Sonargaon Old Capital & Panam City Day Tour from Dhaka

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation
Bottled water
All Fees and Taxes
Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

1

Jamdani was originally known as Dhakai named after the city of Dhaka, one of many ancient textile weaving centers in Bengal region.[5] Under the Mughal Empire the Persian term Jamdani came to be in popular use, since it was the court language of the Mughals. Jamdanis are popularly known as Dhakai Jamdani or simply Dhakai. The earliest mention of jamdani and its development as an industry is found into Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Jamdani is a hand loom woven fabric made of cotton, which was historically referred to as muslin. The Jamdani weaving tradition is of Bengali origin. It is one of the most time and labor-intensive forms of hand loom weaving, and is considered one of the finest varieties of muslin, and the most artistic textile of Bangladeshi weavers. Traditionally woven around Dhaka and created on the loom brocade, jamdani is rich in motifs. In the first half of the nineteenth century, James Taylor described the figured or flowered jamdani; in the late 19th century, T. N. Mukharji referred to this fabric as jamdani muslin.
Whether figured or flowered, jamdani is a woven fabric in cotton. This is a supplementary weft technique of weaving, where the artistic motifs are produced by a non-structural weft, in addition to the standard weft that holds the warp threads together. The standard weft creates a fine, sheer fabric while the supplementary weft with thicker threads adds the intricate patterns to it. Each supplementary weft motif is added separately by hand by interlacing the weft threads into the warp with fine bamboo sticks using individual spools of thread. The result is a complex mix of different patterns that appear to float on a shimmering surface. The pattern is not sketched or outlined on the fabric, but is drawn on a graph paper and placed underneath the warp. Jamdani is a fine muslin cloth on which decorative motifs are woven on the loom, typically in grey and white. Often a mixture of cotton and gold thread was used.

2

Built in 1519, the graceful, single-domed Goaldi Mosque is the most impressive of the few extant monuments of the old capital city, and a good example of pre-Mughal architecture. This mosque is one of the few remnants from the Sultanate period in Sonargaon, during the reign of Sultan Hussain Shah in 925 Hijri (1519 AD). It was built by Mulla Hizabar Akbar Khan in the early 16th century, during the reign of Alauddin Husain Shah at a place called Goaldi – half a mile northeast of Panam village in Sonargaon. Sonargaon was the administrative center of medieval Muslim rulers of East Bengal. It became as the capital of Bengal during Isa Khan’s ruling. The area falls under present-day Narayanganj District, Bangladesh. This mosque is more elegant and ornate in comparison to the earlier Sultanate mosques at Bagerhat.

3

There is a folk art and craft museum for the visitors & tourist travelling in Sonargaon. Sonargaon Folk Art and Craft Museum remains open from morning to afternoon (9 AM to 5 PM). Wednesday and the Thursday, this museum is closed for weekend. This is prosperous with several unique collection those you’ll never find at any other place. Some are lost from our country, and only those are remains. The main museum building is placed at the “Sardar Bari”. “Sardar Bari” was built by a Hindu Zamindar of Sonargaon in 1901. Alike the other Zamindar house of that period, this one also looks like Indian houses, but the shape of the house was looked like the European Palaces. The baroque decoration and the elaborated painting on the plaster of the building are really eye catching.

4

Panam City is situated at Sonargaon, Narayanganj in Bangladesh. It is an ancient historical city in Bangladesh. Among the three cities of boro nogor (Big City), khas Nogor, Panam City, it was most attractive city. There are many historical buildings which were built centuries ago and those are related with the history of Baro-Bhuyan. It covered 20 km area of Sonargaon. Panam City is one of the most visited tourist spots in Bangladesh. As the capital of the fifteenth-century Bengal ruler Isa Khan, and once an important trading and political center, Sonargaon boasts architecture of the Sultanate, Mughal, and colonial periods. For travelers making their way along the 2,500-kilometer Grand Trunk Road from Peshawar in the Hindu Kush, Sonargaon marked the end of the line. Threats to the site include flooding, vandalism, unauthorized occupation, illegal development etc.

5

it is a beautiful island location in the middle of the Megha river, to go and visit there we will go by boat to enjoy the river beauty and village life of Bangladesh

What's not included

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide
HI EN BN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0
4 reviews
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Tripadvisor 4.9
16 reviews
5★
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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Dhaka

Dhaka, the bustling capital of Bangladesh, is a vibrant city where ancient history meets modern dynamism. Known for its rich cultural heritage, bustling markets, and iconic landmarks, Dhaka offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity. The city is a melting pot of diverse experiences, from exploring historic sites to indulging in flavorful street food.

Top Attractions

Lalbagh Fort

Lalbagh Fort is a 17th-century Mughal fort complex that offers a glimpse into Dhaka's rich history. The fort features beautiful architecture, gardens, and museums.

Historical 2-3 hours BDT 20 (USD 0.25)

Ahsan Manzil

Ahsan Manzil, also known as the Pink Palace, is a stunning example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. It served as the residence of the Nawabs of Dhaka and now houses a museum.

Historical 1-2 hours BDT 20 (USD 0.25)

Bangladesh National Museum

The Bangladesh National Museum is the largest museum in Bangladesh, showcasing a vast collection of artifacts, art, and historical items.

Museum 2-3 hours BDT 20 (USD 0.25)

Dhakeshwari Temple

Dhakeshwari Temple is one of the most important Hindu temples in Bangladesh, dedicated to the goddess Dhakeshwari. It is a significant cultural and religious site.

Religious 1 hour Free

Ramna Park

Ramna Park is a large urban park in the heart of Dhaka, offering a green oasis amidst the bustling city. It is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

Park 1-2 hours Free

Star Mosque

The Star Mosque, or Tara Masjid, is a beautiful mosque known for its unique star-shaped tile work. It is a prime example of Mughal and colonial architecture.

Religious 30 minutes Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Panta Bhat

Fermented rice served with fried hilsha fish, pickles, and various side dishes. It is a traditional dish often enjoyed during the Bengali New Year.

Lunch Contains fish, gluten-free

Rice

A traditional Bangladeshi dish made with rice, fish, and various side dishes. It is a staple food and a must-try for any visitor.

Lunch Contains fish, gluten-free

Hilsha Fish Curry

A flavorful curry made with hilsha fish, a popular fish in Bangladesh. It is often served with rice and is a staple dish in Bangladeshi cuisine.

Lunch Contains fish, gluten-free

Kachchi Biryani

A traditional Bangladeshi biryani made with partially cooked rice, meat, and spices. It is a flavorful and aromatic dish that is a must-try for any visitor.

Lunch Contains meat, gluten-free

Popular Activities

Boat rides on the Buriganga River Exploring historical sites Visiting parks and gardens Enjoying traditional tea at local cafes Visiting museums and historical landmarks Exploring local markets and neighborhoods Visiting during the winter festival of Eid Experiencing the vibrant street food culture

Best Time to Visit

November to February

The best time to visit Dhaka is during the winter months when the weather is pleasant and cool. This period is ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

15-25°C 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: Bengali
  • Widely spoken: English
  • English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Bangladeshi Taka (BDT)

Time Zone

GMT+6

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Dhaka is a bustling city with a mix of modern and traditional elements. While it offers a rich cultural experience, travelers should be aware of common safety issues such as traffic congestion, pickpocketing, and scams.

Important Precautions:
  • • Use reputable taxi services and agree on the fare before starting the journey.
  • • Keep valuables secure and be cautious in crowded areas.
  • • Be wary of strangers offering unsolicited help or services.

Getting there

By air
  • Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport • 20 km from city center
By train

Kamalapur Railway Station, Dhaka Railway Station

By bus

Mohakhali Bus Terminal, Sadharghat Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Dhaka has a vast network of buses, including government-run and private services. Buses are the most common mode of public transport but can be crowded and chaotic.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Pathao, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Dhaka Gulshan Banani Uttara

Day trips

Sonargaon
25 km from Dhaka • Half day to full day

Sonargaon is an ancient city known for its rich history and cultural heritage. It is home to the Folk Art Museum and the ruins of the ancient palace of the Mughal governor, Isa Khan.

Savar
30 km from Dhaka • Half day to full day

Savar is home to the National Martyrs' Memorial, a significant monument dedicated to the martyrs of the Bangladesh Liberation War. It is a place of remembrance and reflection.

Manikganj
50 km from Dhaka • Full day

Manikganj is a district known for its natural beauty and rural landscapes. It is home to the Manikganj Boat Ghats, where visitors can enjoy boat rides and experience the scenic beauty of the area.

Festivals

Eid al-Fitr • Varies by year (end of Ramadan) Pohela Boishakh • 14th April Durga Puja • Varies by year (September/October)

Pro tips

  • Use app-based transport services like Pathao or Uber for better reliability and pricing.
  • Carry small change for street vendors and small shops.
  • Dress modestly and respectfully, especially when visiting religious sites.
  • Be cautious in crowded areas and keep valuables secure.
  • Try traditional street food for an authentic and delicious culinary experience.
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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