Stand on the Dhaka–Mymensingh Highway at Parajendrapur bus stop and the noise of the highway falls behind you within a few steps: Bhawal National Park begins right there, an undisturbed stretch of forest that is a rare thing in Bangladesh. Gazipur sits on the northern edge of Greater Dhaka, and its appeal is exactly this mix of green space, wildlife and the homesteads and parks that surround the city.
This guide suits travellers based in Dhaka who want a day or two out of the capital, and anyone passing north along the N3 towards Mymensingh. It covers the forest and safari park, the poet's homestead at Nuhash Polli, and the amusement parks near Ashulia, with practical notes on timing and what to combine with what.
Top things to do in Gazipur
1. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Safari Park
Spread over 3,810 acres of Sal forest, this is probably Bangladesh's most popular safari park, one of the largest in the world and the largest in Asia. It holds 47 species of animals and birds, 28 of them native, including tigers, giraffes, zebras, crocodiles, birds and fish, and you can take the safari ride to get close to the lions. Elephant rides are also available.
It sits about 20 km north on the N3, then left on Safari Park Rd in Sreepur, and opens 09:00–17:00 daily. Entry is ৳50. Because it is the biggest single draw in the area, give it the best part of a day rather than squeezing it in beside something else.
2. Bhawal National Park
An undisturbed forest, which is a rare thing in Bangladesh. You can hike here, try the zip line, and enjoy the country's scenic if a bit flat landscape, with monkeys, python and deer among the wildlife and horseback rides on offer.
It is on the N3 before you reach the safari park, at Parajendrapur bus stop on the Dhaka–Mymensingh Highway, and is open 08:00–17:00. Since it opens an hour earlier than the safari park, it works well as the first stop of the day before continuing north.
3. Nuhash Polli
The homestead and farm of poet Humayun Ahmed, one of the most acclaimed writers of Bangladesh, named after his son. It holds a collection of statues and unique plants from around the world across 14 acres.
It is on Nuhash Polli Rd in Pirozali, off the Z3024 and not too far from the safari park, open 08:00–18:00 daily. Pair it with the safari park in a single northbound trip, and note the 18:00 close if you are planning it as your last stop.
4. Fantasy Kingdom
An amusement park on the Dhaka–Ashulia highway at Jamgora, Ashulia, open 11:00–19:00. The complex includes Fantasy Kingdom, Water Kingdom, Xtreme Racing Go Kart, Heritage Park and Resort Atlantis.
Entry is Tk 500. With a late morning opening and a 19:00 close, it suits an afternoon rather than an early start.
5. Nandan Park
One of the amusement parks located near Gazipur, listed alongside Fantasy Kingdom as an option for families and anyone looking for a rides-and-attractions day out.
Treat it as an alternative to Fantasy Kingdom rather than an addition, since both are full-day amusement park visits.
If you only have one day
Morning: Start at Bhawal National Park when it opens at 08:00, entering from Parajendrapur bus stop on the Dhaka–Mymensingh Highway. Hike the forest and look out for monkeys, python and deer.
Afternoon: Continue north on the N3 to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Safari Park in Sreepur, open until 17:00, and take the safari ride. If time allows on the way, stop at Nuhash Polli in Pirozali, which stays open until 18:00.
Evening: If you would rather end the day on rides than in the forest, swap the afternoon for Fantasy Kingdom at Jamgora, Ashulia, which runs until 19:00.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to start a day in Gazipur?
Bhawal National Park opens at 08:00 and Nuhash Polli also opens at 08:00, both earlier than the safari park at 09:00 and Fantasy Kingdom at 11:00. Beginning with the forest lets you fit more into a single day.
Can I visit the safari park and Nuhash Polli in one trip?
Yes. Nuhash Polli is off the Z3024 and not too far from the safari park, so the two combine naturally on a northbound route. Nuhash Polli closes at 18:00 and the safari park at 17:00.
How much does the safari park cost to enter?
Entry to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Safari Park is ৳50. Fantasy Kingdom is Tk 500.
Which amusement park should I choose?
Fantasy Kingdom at Jamgora, Ashulia, includes Fantasy Kingdom, Water Kingdom, Xtreme Racing Go Kart, Heritage Park and Resort Atlantis. Nandan Park is the other amusement park option near Gazipur.
Decide whether your day belongs to the forest or to the rides, check the opening times above against your travel north, and you have everything you need to start planning a trip to Gazipur.