Hello Fellow Local Guides,
Last Saturday, I finally explored the historic Rose Garden Palace. When I was around 10 or 12 years old, I first read about this place in a teen magazine—and from that moment, visiting it became a dream of mine. I tried to visit twice before, but both times the palace was closed due to restoration work. This time, I was lucky!
The Rose Garden Palace, popularly known as Rose Garden, is a remarkable heritage structure located in Tikatuli, Old Dhaka. It was built in the late 19th century by a wealthy businessman named Hrishikesh Das, who designed it as a private pleasure garden. Today, the palace stands as a protected historical site under the Government of Bangladesh.
There is an interesting story behind its creation. Hrishikesh Das, despite being wealthy, was not treated with respect by the elite families of Dhaka. It is believed that after being insulted at a social gathering in Baldha Garden, he decided to build his own garden palace—grand, elegant, and unforgettable. Thus, in 1931, the magnificent Rose Garden came into being, named after its once-beautiful garden full of roses.
The palace holds significant historical value. Apart from being a filming location for many Bangladeshi movies, it is also the birthplace of one of the country’s major political parties, Bangladesh Awami League. Many of the belongings from that era are still preserved inside.
The palace was built on 22 bighas of land, with the main building covering about 7,000 sq ft and rising to a height of 45 feet. It stands on six Corinthian-style pillars adorned with intricate leaf patterns and features a blend of Greek and Corinthian architecture. The ground floor has a grand hall and eight rooms, while the upper floor has another hall and five rooms. There was once a beautiful fountain in the garden, the traces of which still remain. Marble statues still decorate the front garden, but sadly, the original rose garden has completely disappeared over time.
Visitor Info:
• Entry Fee: 30 BDT
• Open Hours: 10 AM – 6 PM (Closed half-day on Mondays)
• Route: From anywhere in Dhaka, come to Gulistan or Jatrabari, then take a rickshaw to K.M. Das Lane, Tikatuli. If the rickshaw puller is unsure, mention Humayun Shaheb’s house.
Photography Note:
• Mobile photography and videography are allowed without permission.
• Professional cameras and drones require official permission.
A Friendly Tip:
Most visitors come here mainly for photoshoots, so don’t be surprised if you see photoshoots happening inside and outside the palace. Come with the mindset to enjoy the history—not just the crowd.
Maps Location of Rose Garden Palace
Despite time, neglect, and the loss of its roses, the Rose Garden Palace still stands with elegance—carrying untold stories of Dhaka’s past within its silent halls. I am truly glad I could finally explore this piece of history I once read about as a child.
Written & Captured by: Nasim M Joy
Solo Traveler | Local Guide | Travel Content Creator
I love exploring historical places and preserving stories through my photographs and travel diaries