12 Best Places to Visit Near Dhaka in One Day

For people working in the capital, planning a long trip is often difficult. Even during the two major Eid holidays, most of the time is spent visiting family in the village, and then there’s the rush to return to work. But if you want, you can still make the most of your weekends by exploring places close to Dhaka. There are many nearby spots where you can go again and again. These trips don’t require much time or money, yet they satisfy the traveler in you — a small but refreshing escape! Here are 12 such places you can visit in a single day:

1. Belai Beel

Located in Gazipur, Belai Beel is a beautiful wetland area just 26.5 km away from Dhaka, connected to the Chelai River. Without traffic, it takes about 1 hour 15 minutes by bus or private car. You can rent engine boats or traditional dinghies for the whole day, and even try rowing yourself. In the afternoon, the lotus-covered beel creates a magical view. Nearby, there is the historic cremation house known as Bhawal Pargana, which you can also visit.

2. Nuhash Polli

Created by the famous writer Humayun Ahmed, Nuhash Polli is a 40-bigha garden estate in Gazipur, about 44 km from Dhaka. It serves as a filming spot, family retreat, and cultural center. One of the highlights is a treehouse built high above the ground, which surprises many visitors. Many of Humayun Ahmed’s plays and films were shot here. The entry fee is 200 taka per person (above 12 years old). It takes about 2 hours to reach from Dhaka.

3. Golap Gram (The Rose Village)

Just 23.7 km from Dhaka, Golap Gram in Sadullapur is known as the “village of roses.” From Mirpur Diabari Bottola Ghat, engine boats leave every 30 minutes for Sadullapur. The entire village feels like a rose garden. You can pick fresh roses at a low cost for your loved ones. Along with roses, there are tuberose, gerbera, and gladiolus farms. This village supplies most of Dhaka’s rose demand. Small food shops nearby serve traditional dishes.

4. Panam City

Panam City in Sonargaon, Narayanganj, is one of the world’s 100 most endangered historic cities. About 33 km southeast of Dhaka, this “lost city” was once the capital during the rule of Isa Khan, the famous leader of the Baro Bhuiyans. The area is full of centuries-old buildings tied to Bengal’s history. Nearby is the Meghna River, and across the river you’ll find wide fields covered with white kash flowers in bloom.

5. Baliati Zamindar House

One of the largest zamindar (landlord) mansions in Bangladesh, the Baliati Zamindar House is located in Saturia, Manikganj, about 56 km from Dhaka. The estate has seven grand buildings, some of which now function as museums under the Department of Archaeology. Entry costs just 10 taka per person. The mansion is closed on Sundays (full day) and Mondays (half day).

6. Mahera Zamindar House

In Tangail, the Mahera Zamindar House is another beautiful estate, about 58 km from Dhaka. It consists of three stunningly designed buildings, each decorated with artistic carvings. Inside, you’ll also find a large aviary with different kinds of birds. Today, it serves as the Mahera Police Training Center. Buses named “Jhatika Service” leave from Mohakhali for Mahera. Entry costs 20 taka per person.

7. Mainot Ghat (Mini Cox’s Bazar)

Located on the banks of the Padma River in Dohar, Dhaka, Mainot Ghat is often called “Mini Cox’s Bazar.” It is about 56 km from Dhaka and famous for its wide sandy banks and beautiful sunsets. On the opposite side of the river lies Charbhadrason in Faridpur. Along the way, you can also see landmarks like Lakshmiprasad, Judge’s House, Lawyer’s House, and Andhar Kotha. A must-try local specialty here is fried hilsa fish cooked with dried chili in mustard oil.

8. Bangabandhu Safari Park

Spread over 3,690 acres in Sripur, Gazipur, the Bangabandhu Safari Park is just 43.6 km from Dhaka. Visitors can see wild animals roaming freely in a natural environment. The park also includes a bird sanctuary, butterfly safari, giraffe feeding zone, orchid house, owl and vulture corners, an egg world, boating areas, nature observation centers, and rare animal collections. From Bagher Bazar in Gazipur, you can easily reach the park by rickshaw or auto-rickshaw.

9. Jahangirnagar University

Only 26 km (about 1 hour 15 minutes) from Dhaka, Jahangirnagar University is famous for its winter migratory birds and lush green beauty. Established in 1970 on 697 acres, the campus is also known as a cultural hub, hosting festivals, plays, baul music, and folk performances year-round. The open-air stage resembles Greek amphitheaters and is tied to the memory of playwright Selim Al-Deen. And don’t miss the legendary bot-tola eateries, where you can try 30–35 varieties of mashed dishes (bharta)!

10. Saint Nicholas Church

Saint Nicholas Church, a Christian holy site, is located in Nagari Union, Kaliganj, Gazipur, about 40 km from Dhaka. Built in 1963 on the banks of the Shitalakkhya River, it is historically significant. The first bilingual Bible in regional Bangla was translated here, along with the first bilingual dictionary and prose works. Originally established by Portuguese Christians during the late 16th century under Emperor Jahangir’s order, the church was destroyed in WWII bombings in Hamburg. It was later rebuilt in 1990 and again in 2012, restoring its present form.

11. Shalban Buddhist Monastery (Shalban Bihar)

Located in Kotbari, Cumilla, Shalban Bihar is one of Bangladesh’s most important ancient archaeological sites. The area was once covered in sal and gazari forests, which gave the monastery its name. Similar to the famous Paharpur Buddhist Monastery but smaller in size, Shalban Bihar reflects the deep Buddhist heritage of this region. From Dhaka, numerous buses go to Cumilla. After reaching the Tomchom Bridge bus stand, visitors can take a CNG or auto-rickshaw to Kotbari and easily reach the monastery.

12. Diabari

Inside Dhaka itself, Diabari in Uttara Sector 15 is a popular spot. Especially during autumn, it becomes a favorite place to see blooming kash flowers. Even if the flowers aren’t in season, it remains a peaceful spot to enjoy fresh air and natural beauty without leaving the city. Many people come here to relax, walk, and spend quiet time away from the city’s chaos.

These 12 destinations are perfect for short escapes. Whether you love history, nature, culture, or just a peaceful break — each place offers something refreshing without the need for long holidays.