Some 5,000 hectares of sal forest north of Dhaka, with picnic spots, lakes and forest walks — the classic winter picnic outing from the capital.
Bhawal National Park protects more than 5,000 hectares of sal forest on the Dhaka–Mymensingh highway, about 40 km north of Dhaka. Its trees shelter monkeys, foxes, mongooses and many birds.
For decades it has been the place Dhaka goes for a picnic: there are about 20 picnic spots, rest houses, small lakes with pedal boats, and walks under the sal trees. November to February is the busy season.
It has lost some of its shine — a Dhaka Tribune report found only one of its six gates open, few staff and a children's park with broken rides — but the forest itself is still a welcome escape. Picnic spots must be booked in advance.
Tourist Spots
Recommended
About 120 km of unbroken sand running south from Cox's Bazar town — the longest natural sea beach in Asia. Free, and open all day.
Kolatoli, Cox's Bazar
Every day: Open all day
Free entry
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Tourist Spots
Recommended
Humayun Ahmed's country estate at Pirujali: the writer's ponds, sculptures, cottages and gardens, and his grave.
Pirujali, Gazipur
Every day: Daylight hours
৳200
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Tourist Spots
The easiest way into the Sundarbans: a Forest Department station on the Pashur river with deer and crocodile breeding, a 1.2 km mangrove trail and a watch tower.
Karamjal, Khulna
September – May: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, every day
From ৳23
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