Nuhash Polli
The imaginative retreat of Humayun Ahmed
Overview
Tucked away in the village of Piruzali in Gazipur, Nuhash Polli is a sprawling, beautifully landscaped estate created by the late Humayun Ahmed, Bangladesh's most prolific and beloved modern author and filmmaker. Designed as a personal retreat from the chaos of Dhaka, the estate is an artistic expression of the author's vivid imagination and deep love for nature.
Covering over 40 bighas of land, Nuhash Polli is far from a standard park. It is a carefully curated botanical garden featuring rare medicinal plants, a dense artificial forest, and sprawling green lawns. The estate is dotted with unique, whimsical statues and structures that featured in his stories and films, including dinosaur models, a mermaid statue by a swimming pool, and the striking 'Rain Luxury' treehouse.
Today, Nuhash Polli serves as a pilgrimage site for millions of his fans. It is a place of profound peace, where visitors can walk quietly through the same mango orchards he cherished, view the cottages where he wrote his masterpieces, and pay their respects at his serene, marble resting place under a Litchi tree.
History & Culture
Humayun Ahmed established the estate in 1997, naming it after his son, Nuhash. Over the years, he personally oversaw the planting of thousands of trees and the construction of its unique features.
The author spent much of his later life here, writing, directing films, and hosting friends. Following his untimely death in 2012, he was laid to rest within the estate, deeply cementing its emotional significance to the nation.
Top things to do in Nuhash Polli
Pay Respects
Visit the grave of Humayun Ahmed, located in a quiet, shaded corner of the estate, to pay your respects to the literary legend.
Explore the Botanical Gardens
Take a slow walk through the vast property, identifying the hundreds of rare medicinal and fruit-bearing trees planted by the author.
Photography
Capture the imaginative statues, the beautifully designed swimming pool, and the lush greenery that make the estate so photogenic.
Nuhash Polli 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 peaceful marble grave of author Humayun Ahmed
- ✓A massive collection of rare and medicinal plants
- ✓Whimsical sculptures, including dinosaurs and a mermaid
- ✓The beautiful 'Brishti Bilash' (Rain Luxury) cottage
- ✓A dense, dark artificial forest section
- ✓Impeccably clean and quiet environment
How to get to Nuhash Polli
Nuhash Polli is located in Piruzali village, Gazipur. From Dhaka, drive along the Mymensingh highway, turn off at the Hotapara junction, and take a local CNG or auto-rickshaw down the village roads to the estate.
Best time to visit Nuhash Polli
Monsoon (June to August): Humayun Ahmed famously loved the rain, and the estate was designed to look its best during the monsoon, becoming incredibly green and atmospheric.
Winter (November to February): The weather is pleasant for walking, and the estate is cool and comfortable.
Spring (March): The fruit trees (mango, litchi) are in bloom.
Where to stay
Visitors make a day trip from Dhaka. There are also several upscale private resorts in the Gazipur area if you wish to stay overnight nearby.
What to eat
- 🍽️There are no restaurants inside to maintain the peace, but small local stalls outside the gate sell tea and snacks.
Travel tips
- 💡The estate is usually open to the public during the day, but it is private property. Respect the rules and maintain the quiet, reflective atmosphere.
- 💡Do not pluck any leaves, fruits, or flowers, as the botanical collection is highly valued by the management.
- 💡Bring mosquito repellent, especially if visiting during the monsoon or late afternoon.
Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an entry fee?+
Yes, a standard entry fee is charged at the gate, which goes towards the extensive maintenance of the estate.
Can I enter the cottages?+
No, the interior of the cottages, including 'Brishti Bilash', is generally closed to the public and reserved for the family.
Is it open every day?+
Yes, it is generally open every day, but it can get very crowded on weekends and on the anniversary of the author's birth or death.
