A sal-forest national park of about 5,022 ha (core area about 940 ha) north of Gazipur city, declared in 1982. Visitors walk forest paths and picnic under sal trees; monkeys, foxes, wild boar, mongooses and birds live in the park. Wildlife is modest compared with the old tiger-and-elephant forest, so the draw is shade, birdsong and a day out of Dhaka.
Bhawal National Park is a sal-forest reserve of about 5,022 hectares, with a core area of roughly 940 hectares, north of Gazipur city in the Dhaka Division of Bangladesh. Declared a national park in 1982, it protects one of the last large patches of the moist deciduous sal forest that once covered the Bhawal and Madhupur tract. The address is Bhawal Garh, Gazipur Sadar Upazila, and the park is among the closest green spaces to the capital.
Visitors see tall, straight sal trees (Shorea robusta) forming a high canopy, with leaf litter paths, small clearings and shaded picnic spots beneath. Walking is the main activity. Rhesus monkeys are the most visible animals and are often seen near the gate and along the main track. Foxes, wild boar, mongooses and a range of forest birds also live in the park, although sightings are modest compared with the older tiger-and-elephant forest, so the appeal lies in shade, birdsong and a break from Dhaka's traffic.
A typical visit lasts three to four hours. Early morning, soon after the gate opens at dawn, is the best time for birdwatching and cool walking, and light filtering through the sal trunks gives the best photographic conditions in the first two hours after sunrise. Midday in the hot season is uncomfortable because the forest floor holds heat and humidity. Many families bring packed food and picnic in the open areas, and the park is quietest on weekday mornings between November and February. Fridays, Saturdays and public holidays bring large day-trip crowds from Gazipur and Dhaka, with noise and litter near the entrance.
The park is reached by bus along the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway to Gazipur Chowrasta or Joydebpur, followed by a CNG auto-rickshaw or ride-hailing car for the final 30 to 45 minutes. Fees are low for local visitors, and a higher foreign-visitor fee is reported, so carrying small notes is useful. Comfortable walking shoes, insect repellent and drinking water are practical essentials, as shops inside the park are limited.
| Admission | Adult Tk 20 for local visitors; a foreign-visitor fee of about Tk 500 (approx $4) is reported - confirm at the gate · Child Nominal; confirm at the gate |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daylight hours, roughly dawn to dusk (reported; confirm at the gate) |
| Typical visit | 3-4 hours |
| Best time | November-February mornings |
| Getting there | Bus on the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway to Gazipur Chowrasta or Joydebpur, then CNG auto-rickshaw or Uber/Pathao car (30-45 min) |
| Address | Bhawal National Park, Gazipur Sadar Upazila, Gazipur 1702 |
Location
Bhawal National Park, Gazipur Sadar Upazila, Gazipur 1702
24.0903, 90.4073 View on map
Highlights
- Walks among tall sal trees in a 5,022-hectare national park declared in 1982
- Rhesus monkeys, foxes, mongooses and forest birds in a protected habitat
- Shaded picnic spots under the canopy close to Dhaka
- Early-morning light and birdsong along the forest tracks
Tips for visiting
- Arrive near dawn for cooler air, more birds and fewer people
- Carry drinking water and snacks because shops inside are limited
- Avoid Fridays, Saturdays and holidays if quiet is the goal
- Keep food closed and do not feed the monkeys
- Wear closed shoes and insect repellent for forest paths
- Confirm the current foreign-visitor fee at the gate and carry small notes
When to visit
November to February mornings are the coolest and driest, with the best chance of birds. Weekdays are far quieter than weekends and holidays.
Accessibility
Forest tracks are mostly packed earth and leaf litter with uneven patches, so wheelchair access is limited. Areas near the gate and main paths are flatter and easier for slow walkers.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Bhawal National Park take?
Most visitors spend three to four hours walking the forest tracks and picnicking. A short stop of about an hour is possible for a quick look near the entrance.
Is Bhawal National Park worth visiting with kids?
Yes, the shaded paths, monkeys and picnic areas suit families. Children should be supervised near wildlife and kept away from the monkeys' food reach.
Will visitors see large wildlife?
Large animals are not likely. Monkeys, birds, foxes and mongooses are the realistic sightings, and the main draw is the sal forest itself.
How much does entry cost?
Local visitors pay about Tk 20, and a foreign-visitor fee of about Tk 500 is reported. Confirm the current price at the gate.