With its rich cultural heritage, Dhaka is a city characterised by magnificent architecture. Muslim influence is highlighted by the presence of more than 700 mosques and historic buildings. The city boasts a wide array of notable attractions, including the Lalbagh Fort, the Central Shahid Minar and the Bangladesh national museum. The Fort of Aurangabad, popularly known as the Lalbagh Fort is a three-story structure featuring a mosque, numerous hidden passages and slender minarets. To experience Dhaka's wild side, head to the National Zoo in Mirpur, the facility is teaming with a variety of birds and animals, including the majestic royal Bengal tiger.
To enjoy pleasant weather in Dhaka, visit between November and February. This period is synonymous with clear blue skies and the temperatures hover in the mid-ranges. The monsoon season starts in May ending late September or early October, the weather is hot around this time. Dhaka showcases Bangladeshi culture through a number of colourful festivals, including the Pohela Boishakh (April), the Dhaka World Music Festival (February) and the Pohela Falgun festival (February). The Pohela Boishakh festival is celebrated with great splendour as locals take part in colourful processions.
Always make an effort to stay updated with local news to avoid the inconvenience of flash strikes that occur regularly. Wear full-length clothing when venturing into public areas. Although Dhaka is relatively safe, be on the lookout for pickpockets, including snatch and grab attackers, particularly when travelling on public transport at night.
Located 20 kilometres north of the city centre, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport handles flights arriving in Dhaka. The facility offers various airport transfer options, including car rental, shuttle buses, taxis and public buses. Yellow cab counters located in the arrival section of the terminal provide information on city transfers. You have the option of choosing pre-paid taxis or negotiating fares with the driver before departure. Baby taxis and rickshaws are not allowed to collect passengers from the airport but can drop you off. Public buses are cheaper but they are often over-crowded. Dhaka features a comprehensive array of accommodation options. From guesthouses and backpacker's inns to mid-range hotels and five-star establishments. Downtown Dhaka hosts numerous backpacker hostels and exquisite luxury hotels. The area is also home to the parliamentary buildings and the National Mosque. The Dhanmondi district is a more upmarket area featuring a wide collection high-end accommodation options.
| Flight duration | min. 00:50 / max. 02:15 |
|---|---|
| Return flight duration | min. 00:45/ max. 02:10 |
| Distance | 239 km |
| Flights per week | 83 |
| Departure airport | Airport Kolkata (Calcutta) (CCU) |
| Arrival airport | Airport Dhaka (DAC) |
| Destination country | Flights to Bangladesh |