Photo of Bhawal National Park — Shimul Mohammad · CC BY-SA 4.0
Destination guide
Bhawal National Park
ভাওয়াল জাতীয় উদ্যান
Right by Rajendrapur on the Dhaka–Mymensingh highway, this sal-forest park is Dhaka's favourite one-day escape. Shady hardwood trees, lakesides, troops of monkeys and a free watch tower with a 360-degree green view — many say there is no easier patch of nature this close to the city. It suits everything from family picnics to simply wandering for hours.
History & significance
It protects a slice of the old Bhawal Garh sal forest and was declared a national park in 1974. History nearby too — Bhawal Rajbari, a 19th-century palace that now serves as the District Commissioner's office, sits about a kilometre away.
How to get there
From Mahakhali, take any Mymensingh-bound bus and get off at the park gate — 100-150 taka, about 40 km from Dhaka. From Gazipur Chowrasta, a Sreepur-bound local bus costs 30 taka; Takwa Paribahan runs every 5-10 minutes. Cross the highway carefully — use the U-turn if you are driving.
Entry fee
৳20 · traveller-reported
Entry is 20 taka — the printed fare is 18.40 but you pay 20 and get no change. Motorcycle parking is 30 taka.
Opening hours & best time
Open 8:00 to 17:00. No evening stays — everyone is shown the gate at five.
Best time
A winter morning, or the softer light after lunch, is most comfortable. The forest turns lush in the monsoon, though mosquitoes rise too. Picnic crowds come on weekly holidays.
Traveller tips
Go as a group and let your auto driver act as the guide — he knows the tracks.
The children's corner is poorly maintained — keep little ones close.
Monkeys snatch food — don't wave plastic bags around.