Has wanderlust taken over but you neither have the time nor the money to go on a long vacation? Not to worry: one does not need to be like Ibne Batuta or Phileas Fogg to enjoy travelling. Eid is the perfect excuse to set aside a day, squeeze in a little bit of cash, and embark on a fun and memorable day trip with your friends and family.
There are several amazing places outside Dhaka city, out of which we have given our top 5 below. Regarding the budget, whether you are taking your car, renting a car, using the bus, the meals and snacks you choose to have there, any tickets or tolls you pay, etc. — each trip is unlikely to cost a group or family of four to five people more than Tk 15,000.
A not-so-long drive at Mawa Expressway and Padma Bridge
You may not be "leaving on a jet plane" with your family on a day trip with less than Tk 15,000 in your pocket, but you can switch your inspiration to another John Denver classic, Country Roads Take Me Home, to go on a drive through Dhaka-Mawa-Bhanga Expressway as well as the Padma Bridge.
This is a treat indeed, particularly for those who regularly drive on Dhaka's nightmarish streets.
A little after you cross the Buriganga, you will be met with smooth, long stretches of the Expressway, followed by the Padma Bridge, with the mighty river around you.
So, fuel up your car, pack some snacks, make a playlist, get your family or friends — and off you go, into a simple, inexpensive but at the same time pleasant trip.
Mawa Ghat, a convenient getaway
Around the same route is Mawa Ghat, a very popular hangout place where you can enjoy delicious hilsa and scenic views of the Padma River. You can also opt for a boat ride there.
Mawa Ghat is indeed a convenient retreat for Dhakaittes! The vast skies, sweet breeze, and a large and somewhat wildish Padma will surely freshen up your mind. Add to that the delectable hilsa fry and bhortas, and what you have is a tourist destination that every Dhakaitte must go to (and take others who are visiting Dhaka) at least once a year!
Panam Nagar, for history buffs
Moving our attention to Narayanganj, the overall district is great for anyone who wants to immerse in history, with several places of interest dotted throughout.
Sonargaon Upazila's Panam Nagar has a street lined with old, beautiful buildings. A walk through it will take you back in time as you marvel at the architecture around you.
Moreover, near to this street is Boro Sardar Bari, a grand old edifice. It has been restored in recent times and the outcome has been a renewed interest in this heritage spot. The overall compound is rather large, complete with a pond and plenty of space to walk around or set up a little picnic with your loved ones.
But if Panam Nagar and the Sardar Bari are too mainstream for you, there is more. To illustrate, the area is home to a Mughal bridge you should check out.
The elegant Idrakpur Fort
This one is for history buffs — advanced level! A lot of tourists flock to Sonargaon in Narayanganj, but how many of them visit Idrakpur Fort in Munshiganj?
The Mughal River fort was intended to defend against pirates, and although the river has dried up, the fort stands as a beautiful reminder of a bygone era.
A stairway topped off with a simple yet elegant gate, bastions, a round platform under the open sky, and a serene pond are some of the elements that will surely satisfy heritage and architecture enthusiasts.
This fort is also recommended to take children to. Tell them stories of Mughal soldiers and pirates, and their adventurous minds will cook up the rest. It can be a fantastic educational tour that may leave a lasting impact on your children, hopefully making them interested in our country's history.
The many adventures at Mymensingh
Another great escape from Dhaka is a trip to Mymensingh. The division has a diverse range of attractions that can cater to a wide array of tourists, be it those who enjoy history, people who love food, to anyone who enjoys being in nature. It is better to choose from options and plan accordingly; otherwise, the day trip will get too hectic or even unmanageable.
Among the heritage buildings of Mymensingh, Muktagacha Zamindar Bari is a prominent landmark, the crowned jewel. If you choose to go to Muktagacha, you must also visit the famous and iconic monda sweetshop (a couple of minutes walk from the Zamindar Bari) that has been running for generations.
On the other hand, the Birishiri region in Netrokona is a place every nature lover should flock to. The journey may take a considerably longer time compared to other places on our list: an approximately 5-hour drive from Dhaka.
But if you start from Dhaka at dawn and begin your return journey around sunset, you are in for a treat by Mother Nature, a couple of highlights and absolute must-visits being Garo Hills and the Shomeshwari River.
So, whether you prefer a drive, enjoy heritage sites, relish in amazing food, or find solace in nature, these places around Dhaka city offer you a range of spots that can make the upcoming holidays very special — without breaking the bank!
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