Bhawal Rajbari Gazipur

The historic Bhawal Rajbari stands as a witness of time on about 5 acres of land in Joydevpur of Gazipur district. In 1978, this Rajbari was declared as Zilla Parishad building, but currently, Bhawal Rajbari is being used as the office of District Commissioner. Associated with the Bhawal Rajbari is the story of the re-appearance of the Bhawal monk King Ramedra Narayan 12 years after his alleged death, giving rise to the famous Bhawal Monk case. Apart from this, the popular film Sannyasi Raja starring Uttam Kumar was made around Bhawal Rajbari.

The construction of this palace was started by Zamindar Loknarayan Roy but Raja Kalinarayan Roy completed the construction work. However, Rajkumar Ramendra Narayan and his two brother landlords looked after the house. At the entrance of the Bhawal Rajbari surrounded by intricately carved borders, the nagalingam flower tree is in full bloom throughout the year. Passing through the entrance door, one can see the spacious verandah and hall. Various parts of Vishal Bhawal Rajbari have buildings with different names like Big Dalan, Raj Vilas, Puran Bari, Nat Mandir, Hawa Mahal, Padma Nave. There are about 365 rooms in this two-storied zamindar house. On the western side of the Rajbari is a large lake and in front of it is a wide flat field.

If you want to go to Bhawal Rajbari, from anywhere in the country, first come to Gazipur Chowrasta. You can come to Gazipur intersection by bus or own transport from Dhaka. If you take a right turn from Gazipur intersection and pass Shivpur junction and proceed east along the Joydevpur-Rajbari road, you will reach Bhawal Rajbari. Besides, any CNGwala from Gazipur Chowrasta can come to Bhawal Rajbari if he mentions the Deputy Commissioner's office. And you can get down from Joydevpur railway station by train and take a rickshaw to reach Rajbari.

You can visit Bhawal Rajbari from Dhaka all day and return to Dhaka in the evening. But if necessary for overnight stay you can choose resorts such as Holiday, Sarah, Nakshatra Bari, Green View Resort, Sohag Palli, Spring Valley, Jal O Jangal Kavya etc.

Just 1 km away from Bhawal Rajbari is a crematorium called Bhawal Rajashamshaneshwari, where the members of the Bhawal royal family were cremated. Also if you have time you can visit places like Bhawal National Park, Nuhash Palli and Bangabandhu Safari Park.

Feature Image: Ismail Miah