Tangail is a highly popular destination for travellers. The district has many small and large Zamindar baris. Tourists often flock to Tangail during holidays and various events due to its proximity to Dhaka. Besides exploring the famous Zamindar Bari, you will want to enjoy the famous chomchom (sweetmeat) in Tangail by taking a day trip with your family to enjoy your vacation time.
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How did the Zamindari system come into existence?
Lord Cornwallis, a British Army officer, introduced a zamindari system known as the Permanent Settlement. Through this system, zamindars spread across various regions of Bengal. This system has made accounting easier for the British throughout India. As a consequence, zamindars established beautiful, lavish residential buildings in various places for themselves, which later became known as royal palaces (zamindari bari).
Each zamindar’s bari was filled with the skilled craftsmanship of artists of that time. Many years have passed, yet these zamindar baris still stand tall with dignity. These baris continue to spark curiosity among people. If you go to Tangail, you can see many zamindar baris. Some of them are still preserved, while the majority have deteriorated due to a lack of preservation. While reading the article, you will get zamindar baris, which you must visit while travelling in Tangail.
Top 6 Zamindar Bari You Must Visit in Tangail
Before visiting the 6 Zamindar Bari in Tangail, learn about their key features to better appreciate their history and architecture.
Key features of Zamindar Bari in Tangail
Here are the key features of Tangail Zamindar Bari at a glance:
| Zamindar Bari | Location | Architectural Style | Accessibility | Visitor Access | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delduar Zamindar Bari | Delduar Upazila | Colonial with mosque influences | Bus, CNG, Train + local transport | Open to public | Only Muslim zamindar bari; red & white colors; peaceful atmosphere |
| Hemonagar Zamindar Bari | 50 km from Tangail, near Gopalpur | European style with colored glass | Bus, Train + local transport | Open to public | Known as “Parir Dalan” (Fairy Palace); 25 rooms; pond in palace center |
| Mahera Zamindar Bari | 18 km from Tangail town | Inspired by Cordoba, Spain | Bus, Train + local transport | Open to public | Multiple lodges; gardens; children’s park; U-shaped queen’s lodge (Rani Bhaban) |
| Koratia Zamindar Bari | Koratia Union, 10 km from Tangail Sadar | Mughal architectural artistry | Bus + rickshaw | Limited (open mainly during Eid) | Panni family lineage; restricted access |
| Pakutia Zamindar Bari | 35 km south of Tangail Sadar | Traditional with ornate sculptures | Bus, Train + local transport | Open to public | Three mansions named Tinkorokh; Nat temples; female sculptures and peacocks |
| Nagarpur Zamindar Bari | Nagarpur Upazila, 7 km from Tangail town | White stone mansion | Bus + local auto-rickshaw | Open to public | Converted to Nagarpur Women’s Degree College; built by Chowdhury family |
1. Delduar Zamindar Bari
Delduar Zamindar Bari, located in Tangail’s Delduar upazila, is known locally as the “North House”. It is a historical structure and monument. As the only Muslim Zamindar Bari in Tangail, its significance is massive. This single-story building, built in a colonial architectural style, is constructed in a mixture of red and white colours, modelled after the craftsmanship of mosques, which brings peace to the minds of the visitors.
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How to reach Delduar Zamindar Bari?
There are various ways to reach Delduar Zamindar Bari from Dhaka.
- By Bus: Direct Tangail-bound buses can be found at the Gabtoli bus terminal in Dhaka. Various transportation buses, such as Shyamoli Paribahan, Ena Paribahan, operate services on this route. If you can go to Delduar from Tangail town, you can easily take local buses or a CNG-run auto-rickshaw.
- By Train: If you like train journeys, you can take intercity trains (such as Sonar Bangla Express, Egarosindur Probhat) from Kamalapur railway station in Dhaka to reach Tangail railway station. From Tangail, you can take a bus or CNG-run auto-rickshaw to reach Delduar.
- Last Mile: From Delduar Bazar, you can easily reach the Zamindar Bari by CNG, auto-rickshaw, or rickshaw. If you ask the locals, they will point you to the “North House.”
Delduar Zamindar Bari is not just a historical monument; it stands as a witness to time. More detailed research and preservation will further highlight its historical significance.
2. Hemonagar Zamindar Bari
The place, which is named after Zamindar Hemchandra, is located about 50 kilometres from Tangail and about 13 kilometres from Gopalpur. Around 1890, Hemchandra built this beautiful royal bari on over 1,800 bighas of land. It is known that artisans from Delhi and Kolkata built this vast zamindar bari.
Locals know this bari by the name of ‘Parir Dalan’ (Fairy Palace). As soon as you enter, you notice the splendour of the main building. Expensive stones and colored glass have been used to embellish the house walls and pillars. There are 25 rooms in this bari, but its front part was made entirely in European style. At one time, there was a pond in the middle of the palace. Nearby, Raja Hemchandra built several old structures for his relatives. These were small cottages. This royal Bari is also a popular tourist spot.
How to reach Hemonogor Zamindar Bari?
- You first need to go to Tangail to visit Hemonogor Zamindar Bari from Dhaka. Tangail is 83 kilometres away from Gabtoli, Dhaka. You can take various types of buses from Gabtoli to Tangail by road.
- Alternatively, you can take trains like Dhumketu, Ekota, Silk City, Sirajganj, Chitra, Drutjhan, Lalmoni, and Padma Express to Tangail from either Kamalapur or Airport Railway Station.
- Upon reaching Tangail, you can use a bus or other local transportation to travel to Gopalpur. Hemonogor is 47 kilometres away from Tangail and just 9 kilometres from Gopalpur.
- It is easy to reach the Zamindar Bari adjacent to Hemonogor Railway Station from Gopalpur via CNG, auto-rickshaws, or other local vehicles.
3. Mahera Zamindar Bari
Mahera Zamindar Bari is located about 18 kilometres away from Tangail town and is situated approximately 4 kilometres from the Natipara bus stand on the Dhaka-Tangail road. Among the various zamindar baris located in Tangail, Mahera Zamindar Bari is the most popular.
Even today, the walls of this Bari shine brightly. This zamindar bari was built before 1890 and is modelled after the city of Cordoba in Spain. Two brothers, Kalicharan Saha and Ananda Saha, built this bari on 1,174 percent of land.
As soon as you enter this zamindar’s bari, you will notice Bishakha Pond. Once inside, you will find Chowdhury Lodge.
Right next to it is an attractive building named Ananda Lodge. Next to that is Maharaj Lodge. The most attractive building of this zamindar’s Bari is Kalicharan Lodge. This building, designed in the shape of the letter ‘U’, was constructed for the queens. Later, the building was also referred to as Rani Bhaban. There are gardens, a children’s park, and various artificial structures inside the zamindar’s Bari. In addition, the birds, gardens, ponds, and buildings together make Mahera Zamindar Bari feel like a dreamland.
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How to go to Mahera Zamindar Bari?
- Buses like Binimoy, Nirala, Dhelesshwari, and Jhotika go to Tangail from Mohakhali bus station in Dhaka. After taking these buses, get down at Natijapara bus stand and take a CNG baby taxi to go 3 km east to Mahera Zamindar Bari.
- Those coming from the northern region can also take any bus heading to Dhaka, get down at Natijapara bus stand after passing Tangail, and follow the same route.
- If you want to travel by train from Dhaka, you need to take a train that stops at Mirkapur. The Sundarban Express leaves Kamalapur Railway Station at 6:20 am. The Silk City Express departs at 2:40 pm, and the Chitra Express leaves at 7:00 pm, all stopping at Mirkapur. From Mirkapur railway station, you can take a bus to ‘Dhalla’/Dubail Police Line Road. If you prefer to go by rickshaw, the fare is Tk 100.
4. Koratia Zamindar Bari
One of the notable examples of Mughal architectural artistry is the Koratia Zamindar Bari. This zamindar bari is located on the banks of the Putia river in the Koratia Union, 10 kilometres away from Tangail Sadar Upazila. During the partition of the country in 1947, the Zamindar of this Bari moved to India. However, some of his descendants currently live in Bari. For this reason, tourists are not typically allowed entry, except during the two Eid festivals.
It is known that Sadat Ali Khan Panni, the 11th descendant of the famous Panni family, established the Panni lineage in Koratia. Since then, his descendants have begun to reside here.
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How to go to Koratia Zamindar Bari?
- Several buses leave from Dhaka’s Mohakhali to Tangail. You can take one of those buses and get off near the Karotia Bypass and take a rickshaw to go to the Karotia Zamindar Bari.
If you go on a one-day tour, you can also visit the historic Atia Mosque, which is located on the same route as the Delduar Zamindar Bari. You can also visit the grave and museum of Maulana Bhashani, along with the campus of Maulana Bhashani Science and Technology University. You can also know about: Why Should People Visit Nijhum Dwip?
5. Pakutia Zamindar Bari
Located 35 kilometres south of Tangail Sadar on the banks of the Louhajang river, the Pakutia Zamindar Bari was established by a wealthy individual named Ramkrishna Saha Mondal in the early 19th century.
He built three mansions on a 15-acre plot of land, collectively named Tinkorokh. Although the mansions are large, medium, and small in size, they have a similar appearance.
As you enter this bari, you will notice three Nat temples. No matter where you look, be it the railing top or the cornice, you will see small female sculptures.
Each of the mansions has two beautiful female sculptures between them, along with a peacock beside each. The 100-year-old shady, serene environment retains the essence of the zamindars. The zamindar Bari continues to quench the thirst of travellers and history enthusiasts today.
How to go to Pakutia Zamindar Bari?
- From Dhaka, you can take the SB Link transport from Gabtoli bus stand to Pakutia Bazar and then walk to the Zamindar Bhavan.
- The bus fare from Mohakhali to Tangail on buses like Binimoy, Jhotika, and Dhaleshwari is around Tk200-250.
- You can also travel by train from Dhaka to Tangail. From Tangail Railway Station, you can reach Pakutia by CNG or local transport.
- If you have your transport, you can take the Aricha Road from Dhaka via Kalampur to Satulia, which is 15 kilometres away from Pakutia Zamindar Bhavan.
6. Nagarpur Zamindar Bari
The locals know Nagarpur Zamindar Bari as Nagarpur Chowdhury Bari. Jadunath Chowdhury began his zamindari in Nagarpur over an area of about 54 acres in the Nagarpur Upazila of Tangail district.
Jadunath Chowdhury had three sons: Upendra Mohon Chowdhury, Jagdindra Mohon Chowdhury, and Shashank Mohon Chowdhury.
After the partition of the country in 1947, at one time, the then government acquired all the assets of the Chowdhury Bari. The entire work inside the mansion is built with beautiful white stone. Currently, Nagarpur Women’s Degree College is established in the main building of Chowdhury Bari. Do you love the forest? If you love them, you can follow the Beautiful Forests to Visit in Bangladesh.
How to go to Nagarpur Zamindar Bari?
- To reach Nagarpur Zamindar Bari from Dhaka, you first need to get to the Tangail district town. You can take a bus going to Tangail or Dhanbari from Mohakhali or Kallyanpur, and the fare will be Tk 180-250.
- From Tangail town, it is a distance of seven kilometres to the Nagarpur Zamindar Bari by CNG-run auto-rickshaw or battery-run auto-rickshaw.
Note: Not only from Dhaka, you can visit the Zamindar Bari in Tangail from different destinations or your own location. Just go to your nearest bus stop, railway station, or other transportation hub. If the vehicles go to Tangail, you can reserve your seat to go directly to Tangail. After reaching Tangail, you can then use local transportation to get to the Zamindar Bari.
Pros and Cons of Visiting Zamindar Bari in Tangail
Pros
- Rich Historical and Cultural Experience: Visiting the Zamindar Bari offers a unique glimpse into Bangladesh’s zamindari era, showcasing impressive architecture and historical significance.
- Architectural Diversity: From colonial-style buildings to Mughal-inspired designs, each Zamindar Bari has distinct artistic elements and craftsmanship.
- Scenic and Peaceful Environment: Many of these baris have beautiful gardens, ponds, and serene surroundings ideal for photography and relaxation.
- Easy Accessibility: Tangail is located close to Dhaka, with convenient transport options like buses, trains, and CNG auto-rickshaws.
- Family-Friendly Destinations: Spacious grounds and open-air settings make these sites great for family outings and educational trips.
- Complementary Local Attractions: Nearby cultural sites and famous local sweets (like Tangail chomchom) add to the overall travel experience.
Cons
- Limited Preservation and Maintenance: Some Zamindar Baris have deteriorated due to lack of upkeep, which can affect the visitor experience.
- Restricted Access at Certain Sites: Locations like Koratia Zamindar Bari limit tourist access, especially outside festival periods.
- Variable Facilities: Amenities such as restrooms, food stalls, and parking may be limited or inconsistent at some sites.
- Weather Considerations: Hot and humid weather during certain seasons may make visits uncomfortable without proper preparation.
- Language Barrier: Tourists unfamiliar with Bengali may face communication challenges when hiring guides or asking locals for directions.
- Entry Fees and Permissions: Some sites may charge entry fees or require prior permission, which could complicate spontaneous visits.
Why visit Zamindar Bari in Tangail?
Visiting the Zamindar Bari in Tangail offers an amazing journey into the cultural and architectural heritage of Bangladesh. These palatial homes reflect the grandeur of the zamindari era, showcasing intricate craftsmanship, unique blendings of European and Mughal architectural styles, and historical narratives from colonial times.
Beyond history and architecture, these sites provide serene environments with gardens, ponds, and old structures that transport visitors back in time. For travelers interested in history, culture, photography, or simply a scenic day trip from Dhaka, Tangail’s zamindar baris are ideal destinations.
Additionally, exploring these baris supports awareness and advocacy for cultural preservation, as many of these sites face risks of deterioration. If you are a travel lover then you can follow the Best Winter Travel Outfits: Warm, Chic, Ready!
Tips for visiting Zamindar Bari in Tangail
- Plan Your Transport: Use local bus services or trains from Dhaka to Tangail. Hire CNG auto-rickshaws for short trips within Tangail.
- Hire a Local Guide: To fully appreciate the history and architectural details, consider hiring a knowledgeable local guide.
- Respect the Sites: Some Zamindar Baris are privately owned or not fully open to the public, so always ask for permission and follow local rules.
- Carry Essentials: Bring water, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes as exploring these large properties involves walking.
- Visit Nearby Attractions: Combine your trip with visits to local sweet shops for Tangail chomchom, Atia Mosque, or Maulana Bhashani University.
- Photography: These baris provide excellent photo opportunities, especially early in the morning or late afternoon when the lighting is best.
- Check Festival Times: Some locations like Koratia Zamindar Bari open to visitors during Eid festivals — plan your visit accordingly.
Conclusion
Visiting the 6 Zamindar Bari in Tangail lets you experience Bangladesh’s rich history and beautiful old buildings. From the colonial-style Delduar Zamindar Bari to the Mughal-style Koratia Zamindar Bari, each palace has its own story shown in its design and history. You can reach Tangail easily by bus, CNG, or train from Dhaka, making it a great day trip or weekend visit. Don’t forget to try Tangail’s famous chomchom while exploring these grand homes. Plan your trip now to enjoy history, art, and nature all at once!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a Zamindar Bari?
A Zamindar Bari is a grand residence or palace built by zamindars (landowners) during the British colonial period in Bengal. These baris showcase architectural beauty and historical significance reflecting the zamindari system.
2. How far is Tangail from Dhaka?
Tangail is approximately 83 kilometers away from Dhaka, making it easily accessible for day trips or weekend visits.
3. What are the best ways to travel from Dhaka to Tangail?
You can travel by bus or CNG for flexible and direct road access, or take the train for a more comfortable journey with scenic views.
4. Are the Zamindar Baris open to the public?
Most Zamindar Baris in Tangail are open to visitors, but some, like Koratia Zamindar Bari, may have limited access and open mainly during festivals like Eid.
5. Is there an entry fee to visit these Zamindar Baris?
Entry fees vary depending on the specific Zamindar Bari. It is advisable to check locally or with guides when planning your visit.
6. What other attractions can I visit near the Zamindar Baris?
Nearby attractions include the Atia Mosque, Maulana Bhashani Science and Technology University campus, and local sweet shops famous for Tangail chomchom.
7. What is the best time of year to visit Tangail’s Zamindar Bari?
The best time to visit is during cooler months from October to March when the weather is pleasant. Festivals like Eid also offer special access to some baris.
8. Can I hire a guide for my visit?
Yes, hiring a local guide can enhance your experience by providing detailed historical context and helping you navigate the sites.
9. Are the Zamindar Baris suitable for family visits?
Absolutely. The Zamindar Baris offer spacious gardens, ponds, and historical sites that can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages.
10. Is photography allowed at the Zamindar Baris?
Photography is generally allowed, but it is best to ask at each site for any specific restrictions.
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