Ahsan Manzil Museum is a hundred-year-old architecture. The structure of the building will charm your eyes. When I visited this place, I was astonished to see it. In front of the architecture, the huge Buriganga River is flowing. Sitting on the stairs of the Manzil and watching the beauty of the river is very fascinating.
Location
Ahsan Manzil is situated in Old Dhaka, Bangladesh, near the Sadarghat launch terminal and Islampur cloth market. It is just beside the Buriganga bank.
How to get there
The place is very well-known, so everyone in Old Dhaka knows its location. As a foreigner, you can go directly there by using Uber, Pathao, or a personal car.
You have to come to Dhaka Airport first. Then you have to take Uber or Pathao to go there. Uber or Pathao will cost 500-600 BDT. Another way is to first come to Gulistan from your residence by car, CNG, or bus, then take a rickshaw from under the Gulistan flyover to go to Ahsan Manzil. Rickshaw fare will be 60-80 BDT and will depend on how clever you are (they may try to charge more).
Rickshaw is suitable for going there to enjoy the scenery of Dhaka. You must keep a local guide with you to avoid unnecessary incidents.
Parking Facilities
There are no parking facilities. You have to park your car outside the Manzil. It may be risky due to the narrow roads of Old Dhaka (narrow roads are a major problem in Old Dhaka). Sometimes your parked car can be hit by a rickshaw or auto.
Opening Hours
It is closed on Thursdays and all government holidays. Sometimes it is closed without reason.
Entrance Fee
40 BDT for Bangladeshis
500 BDT for foreigners
Don’t buy Ahsan Manzil Museum tickets online; it will cost more. but you can visit Govt official link for tickets.
History of Ahsan Manzil Museum
During the Mughal Empire, Sheikh Enayetullah owned a garden house that he later expanded into a palace called Rangmahal. After his son sold the property to French traders, Khwaja Alimullah purchased it and renovated it, including turning the trading house into a residence and adding a stable and family mosque.
The property was renamed Ahsan Manzil and was further developed by Khwaja Abdul Ghani and his son Ahsanullah. A tornado temporarily damaged the palace in 1888, and most of the buildings had to be rebuilt. The palace was repaired again after the 1897 Assam earthquake. The government acquired the property in 1952 and renovated it in 1992, preserving the remaining structure.
It was then transferred to the Bangladesh National Museum. Today, just under 5 acres (220,000 sq ft) is used for the museum, with part of the northern side given to the Dhaka City Corporation.
Activities You Can Enjoy in Ahsan Manzil Museum:
Ahsan Manzil is now a museum
Backyard Tree Garden :
You can sit there to enjoy gossiping or family gatherings. There are various types of trees.
Museum:
The main attraction of Ahsan Manzil is the museum within the building. Here you can see the furniture that the Nawab family used, beds, and household materials.
Rongoshala:
Rongoshala rooms were where dancers performed to entertain the Nawab.
Nawab Family Descriptions:
You can see descriptions and introductions of the Nawab family on the walls.
Architecture:
The building features beautiful and unique architecture. Some rooms are restricted to entry.
Front Stairs:
The front stairs are an attractive place to take selfies.
Front Field:
This is a small field in front of the building. You can enjoy the river’s beauty from there.
Things to Do Near Ahsan Manzil Museum:
Sadarghat Launch Terminal:
From here, launches go to different parts of the country.
Lalkuthi:
Northbrook Hall is British period architecture.
Ruplal Palace:
An ancient merchant palace.
Beauty Boarding:
Well-known hostels for merchants.
Hossaini Dalan:
A Shia Muslim religious place.
Chakbazar:
It is the largest wholesale market.
Here are eight tips for first-time visitors to Ahsan Manzil Museum:
1. Plan Your Visit:
Look up the museum’s hours and try to go on weekdays. This helps you avoid big crowds, which often show up on weekends.
2. Dress :
Put on comfy clothes and shoes. You’ll do a lot of walking as you check out the different rooms and displays.
3. Take a Guided Tour:
Think about joining a tour. It can give you a better understanding of the museum’s history and why its items matter.
4. Explore the Surroundings:
Don’t just stay inside. Take a walk through the pretty gardens and along the river nearby.
5. Capture Memories:
Bring a camera to take photos of the beautiful building and views. Just make sure you know the rules about taking pictures inside.
6. Learn About the History:
Before you go, read up on the Nawabs of Dhaka. Knowing this background will help you enjoy the exhibits more.
7. Keep Yourself Hydrated:
Bring water with you if you come in the hot season. You might feel thirsty as you walk around the museum and its outdoor areas.
8. Show Consideration:
Bear in mind to treat the old objects and the museum setting with care. Stick to the guidelines about keeping quiet and taking pictures.
FAQs about Ahsan Manzil
Q: Is Ahsan Manzil safe for foreigners and women?**
A:Yes, it is 100% safe for everyone. However, you need to be aware of strangers taking selfies.
Q: Can family picnics be done here?
A:No, it is only a visiting place.
Q: Is there any food stall?
A:Yes, there is a food stall inside the Manzil. Otherwise, you can get food outside the building.
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