Ahsan Manzil
The Pink Palace of the Nawabs on the Buriganga
Overview
Ahsan Manzil, known to everyone as the 'Pink Palace', stands on the bank of the Buriganga River at Kumartoli in Old Dhaka. With its rose-pink walls, broad riverfront terrace and a great dome that rises over the rooftops of the old city, it is one of the most photographed buildings in Bangladesh and a window into the era of the Nawabs of Dhaka.
The site began as a French trading house. In the 1830s Khwaja Alimullah bought it, and his son, Nawab Abdul Ghani, rebuilt it as a grand palace, completed in 1872 and named Ahsan Manzil after his own son, Khwaja Ahsanullah. The result is a fine example of Indo-Saracenic Revival architecture — arches, a grand staircase and a central dome among the tallest of its kind in the area.
For decades the palace was the social and political hub of Dhaka, where the Nawabs received guests and shaped the affairs of the city; the period is associated with major events in the region's history. A tornado badly damaged the building in 1888, after which Nawab Ahsanullah repaired it and rebuilt the dome to the form seen today.
After falling into decay in the 20th century, the palace was restored by the government and, since 1992, preserved as the Ahsanullah Memorial Museum under the Bangladesh National Museum. Its 23 galleries recreate the rooms with portraits, furniture and household objects, telling the story of the Nawabs — and the grand front steps facing the river remain the best place to take in the pink facade.
History & Culture
The site was originally a French trading house; Khwaja Alimullah purchased it in the 1830s and converted it for the family's use.
His son, Nawab Abdul Ghani, rebuilt it as a grand palace completed in 1872, naming it Ahsan Manzil after his son Khwaja Ahsanullah; it became the seat of the Nawabs of Dhaka and the centre of the city's social and political life.
A tornado in 1888 caused severe damage, after which the palace was repaired and the dome rebuilt; following 20th-century decay it was restored and reopened as the Ahsanullah Memorial Museum in 1992.
Top things to do in Ahsan Manzil
Tour the Ahsanullah Memorial Museum
Walk the 23 galleries that recreate the palace rooms with portraits, furniture and household objects, telling the story of the Nawabs of Dhaka.
Photograph the pink facade
Step out onto the riverfront terrace and grand front steps for the classic view of the rose-pink palace and its dome.
Take in the Buriganga
Watch the river life from the terrace, and consider continuing to nearby Sadarghat for a short boat ride.
Learn the Nawab history
Read the displays on the family that shaped 19th-century Dhaka and the events associated with the palace.
Wander the surrounding old city
Explore the lanes of Kumartoli and Old Dhaka around the palace, full of markets, workshops and street food.
Ahsan Manzil in pictures
Photos via Wikimedia Commons under their respective Creative Commons licences. Click a photo credit for the source and full licence terms.
Highlights
- ✓The pink Indo-Saracenic facade on the Buriganga riverfront
- ✓The great central dome, one of the tallest of its kind locally
- ✓The grand front staircase facing the river
- ✓23 museum galleries recreating the Nawabs' rooms
- ✓Portraits, furniture and artefacts of the Nawab family
- ✓Views of the busy Buriganga and nearby Sadarghat
How to get to Ahsan Manzil
Ahsan Manzil is near Sadarghat in Old Dhaka, reached by cycle-rickshaw, CNG auto-rickshaw or ride-share. Old Dhaka traffic is heavy, so allow extra time.
It is roughly 16-18 km from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport — around an hour by car, depending on traffic.
The Sadarghat launch terminal is a short walk away; a short boat ride on the Buriganga gives a fine view of the palace from the water.
Best time to visit Ahsan Manzil
November to February brings comfortable, dry weather — the best time to explore the galleries and riverfront.
March to May is hot and humid; come early in the day if visiting then.
The monsoon (June to October) brings heavy rain, though the river is at its fullest and most dramatic.
Where to stay
Ahsan Manzil is a city sight; stay anywhere in Dhaka, which offers the full range of accommodation, and visit it as part of an Old Dhaka itinerary.
What to eat
- 🍽️Old Dhaka biryani and kacchi
- 🍽️Bakarkhani bread from the old-city bakeries
- 🍽️Beauty Lacchi near Johnson Road
- 🍽️Street-side fuchka and chotpoti
Travel tips
- 💡Combine it with Sadarghat, Lalbagh Fort and the Star Mosque for a full Old Dhaka day.
- 💡Photography rules vary inside the galleries — check on arrival.
- 💡The riverfront steps are the best spot for photos of the facade.
- 💡Go in the morning to beat the heat and the crowds.
- 💡Check the weekly closing day before visiting, as it runs as a museum.
Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Ahsan Manzil called the Pink Palace?+
Because of its distinctive rose-pink exterior. It was the residential palace of the Nawabs of Dhaka, rebuilt and completed in 1872, and its colour and great dome make it one of the most recognisable buildings in the city.
Is Ahsan Manzil a museum now?+
Yes. Since 1992 it has been preserved as the Ahsanullah Memorial Museum, run by the Bangladesh National Museum, with 23 galleries recreating the palace rooms and displaying the history of the Nawabs of Dhaka.
How do I get to Ahsan Manzil?+
It is in Old Dhaka near the Sadarghat river port, reached by cycle-rickshaw, CNG auto-rickshaw or ride-share. It is about 16-18 km from the airport, and old-city traffic can be heavy.
What is there to see at Ahsan Manzil?+
The pink Indo-Saracenic palace itself, its great dome and riverfront terrace, and inside, 23 museum galleries of portraits, furniture and artefacts recreating the life of the Nawab family.
What can I combine with Ahsan Manzil?+
It pairs well with a short boat ride at the neighbouring Sadarghat terminal, and with Lalbagh Fort, the Star Mosque and the lanes of Old Dhaka on a single heritage day.
