Plizio Visual Lab

Hatirjheel

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

tourist-attraction

Weather…

Hatirjheel is a landmark urban renewal project in Dhaka that transformed a once-neglected and polluted swampland into a modern integrated transportation and recreation hub. Located in the center of the capital, the complex features a network of interconnected lakes, scenic bridges, walkways, and a ring road that significantly alleviates traffic congestion. Officially opened in 2013, the project also serves as a critical storm-water retention basin, helping to mitigate the frequent urban flooding during the monsoon season. With its beautifully designed bridges, musical fountains, and open green spaces, Hatirjheel has become one of the most popular leisure destinations for Dhaka's residents. Visitors can enjoy boat rides on water taxis, stroll along the promenade, or experience the spirited atmosphere at night when the bridges are illuminated. It is widely hailed as a model for sustainable urban development and environmental restoration in a rapidly growing megacity.

Location: Bangladesh
Top sights: GGG · Impress Telefilm Ltd. · Hatirjheel Amphitheatre
Nearby: Narayanganj (10 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Nov, Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	18	22	27	30	30	29	28	28	28	26	23	19
Rain mm	10	21	54	176	310	387	404	327	271	176	31	16

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The area is completely open to the public, best explored by walking along the scenic waterfront promenades or taking a circular boat ride.

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Typical hours

It remains accessible 24/7 as an open urban space, though the water taxi services and local cafes generally operate from morning until late evening.

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Photography

This location provides excellent opportunities for urban photography, especially at dusk when the spirited city lights beautifully reflect on the water.

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Time needed

You should allocate about one to two hours for a leisurely walk, or slightly more if you plan to enjoy a boat trip or dine at a nearby restaurant.

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Combine with

A visit here can be easily combined with exploring the upscale Gulshan neighborhood or experiencing the bustling atmosphere of the Tejgaon area.

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Getting there

The lakefront is easily reachable from most parts of Dhaka by local rickshaws, rideshare applications, or the dedicated Hatirjheel circular bus service.

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Insider tip

Try to schedule your visit for the late afternoon to benefit from a cooler breeze and witness the beautiful transition from daylight to the illuminated night sky.

Geography

Coordinates

23.76630, 90.40750

Facts

The Hatirjheel project was officially inaugurated on January 2, 2013.
It covers a total area of approximately 302 acres in central Dhaka.
The project was executed by the Bangladesh Army and RAJUK.
The name 'Hatirjheel' literally means 'Lake of the Elephant' in Bengali.
It features a 16-kilometer road network and several aesthetically designed bridges.
The area includes an amphitheater with a capacity for 2,000 spectators.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Ahsan Manzil<1 km · SExplore →

Karwan Bazar2 km · SExplore →

Rose Garden Palace2 km · NExplore →

Gangkhar Puensum4 km · WExplore →

National Parliament House4 km · SExplore →

National Botanical Garden of Bangladesh7 km · SExplore →

Jigmeling Industrial Park7 km · NExplore →

Gelephu Dry Port10 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Hatirjheel (7)

GGG 🏛 museum

A local museum in the Hatirjheel district showcasing exhibitions on regional culture and history.

🕒 24/7♿

Impress Telefilm Ltd.🎭 culture

A modern media house featuring theatre and studio facilities for film and television productions.

Hatirjheel Amphitheatre 🎭 culture

An open-air performance venue located along the scenic waterfront of the Hatirjheel lake.

Temple ⛪ religious

A local Hindu temple in the Hatirjheel district serving as a spiritual gathering place for the community.

Kusumbag Jame Mosque ⛪ religious

A community mosque in Hatirjheel noted for its traditional architecture and central prayer hall.

Al-Hera Jame Mosque ⛪ religious

This mosque provides a quiet space for Hatirjheel residents to perform their daily five prayers.

Digital Marketing Hub-Best Marketing Solution Ajency in Bangladesh 🎭 culture

A modern marketplace and agency hub specialized in digital marketing services in Dhaka.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Hatirjheel?

Walking, taking a water taxi, and enjoying the fountains in the evening.

When is the best time to visit?

In the evening, when the bridges and paths are colorfully lit.

Is there food available?

Yes, there are many small cafes and food stalls along the paths.

Is there an entry fee?

Access to the park area is free for the public.

How to get around?

You can use water taxis or take buses on the circular road.

Hatirjheel: where is it located?

Hatirjheel is located in Bangladesh.

Hatirjheel: what is there to see?

Highlights include GGG, Impress Telefilm Ltd., Hatirjheel Amphitheatre.

Hatirjheel: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Nov, Dec.

Hatirjheel: why is it worth visiting?

Hatirjheel is a landmark urban renewal project in Dhaka that transformed a once-neglected and polluted swampland into a modern integrated transportation and recreation hub.

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