Dhaka's nearest real forest: a 5,000-hectare sal (Shorea robusta) woodland reserve on the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway with tracks and monkeys, but limited facilities.
Bhawal National Park, established in 1982 and covering about 5,022 hectares, protects one of the last remaining tracts of the sal forest that once covered the central Bangladesh plain. It lies in Rajendrapur, Gazipur, on the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway, roughly 40km north of Dhaka. The park has forest tracks and unmarked paths rather than a signed hiking network, so visitors walk along the main tracks, picnic areas and lakeside spots. Wildlife includes macaques, small mammals and a variety of forest birds; larger species are largely gone. Entry fees are tiny, reported at about BDT 6 (USD 0.05) per person with small vehicle fees (verify on arrival). Weekends and holidays are crowded with picnic groups, so weekday mornings are much calmer. Facilities are basic, and food and water should be brought. Trails can be slippery in the monsoon, and mosquitoes and leeches are an issue then. Solo travellers should stay on the main tracks and consider going with a driver or a small group.
| Distance | About 5-10km of forest tracks (no formal marked trail network) |
|---|---|
| Duration | Half day; 1.5-2 hours each way from Dhaka in traffic |
| Difficulty | easy to moderate |
| Trailhead | Bus or private car via the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway to Joydebpur/Rajendrapur; the return by ride-hailing can be hard to find, so arrange a driver or use a bus. |
| Best season | November to February |
| Address | Bhawal National Park, Rajendrapur, Gazipur, Bangladesh |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Rajendrapur, Gazipur District, about 40km north of Dhaka
What to bring
- Closed shoes
- Long trousers
- Repellent
- Water and snacks
- Sun hat
Location
Bhawal National Park, Rajendrapur, Gazipur, Bangladesh
24.0958, 90.4039 View on map
Highlights
- Remnant sal forest of the Modhupur tract
- Bird and monkey sightings
- Forest tracks with little traffic away from the entrance
- Picnic areas near the entrance
Tips for visiting
- Go on a weekday to avoid picnic crowds.
- Take water and food; facilities are basic.
- Wear closed shoes and long trousers in the monsoon for mosquitoes and leeches.
- Stay on established tracks and avoid remote paths alone.
- Leave Dhaka before 7:00 AM to beat the highway traffic.
When to visit
Weekday mornings, November to February.
Accessibility
Terrain is mostly flat but tracks are unpaved and uneven; not well suited to wheelchairs.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Bhawal from Dhaka?
About 40km north via the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway, typically 1.5-2 hours by road depending on traffic.
Are there marked trails?
There is no formal marked network; visitors use the main forest tracks.
Is there an entry fee?
A very small per-person fee has been reported (about BDT 6); check at the gate.