Many people wish to escape to Cox's Bazar or the Chittagong Hill Tracts to enjoy the sea or mountains during their holidays. But it’s not always feasible to travel outside of Dhaka at the end of a busy week or on a short day off. So, people are increasingly seeking destinations close to the capital.

Travel fulfils the need for entertainment and also re-energizes the working life. Collected

Here are five such places where one can spend a day with family or friends.

Panam City in Sonargaon near Dhaka is a historic site dating back to the 15th century when Isha Khan established Sonargaon as Bengal’s first capital. A day can be spent exploring the old houses and ruins, as Panam City is one of the 100 ruined historical cities in the world. The centuries-old buildings are linked to the history of the Baro-Bhuiyans of Bengal. The Sonargaon Folk Art Museum is also nearby.

Besides, the Meghna River is near Panam City. If you go across the river, you will see a wide field surrounded by white Catkin flowers (Kashful).

Commute: From Gulistan, take a bus of Doyel, Swadesh, or Borak to Mograpara intersection. From there, you can go to Panama City by autorickshaw.

Nuhash Polli

Nuhash Polli was created by Humayun Ahmed, one of Bangladesh's most celebrated filmmakers and writers. It offers a peaceful retreat and can be easily explored in a single day.

Here, Humayun Ahmed brought his imagination to life. The site features unique attractions like Brishti Bilash, ‘Bhoot Bilash’, a treehouse, various sculptures, and a garden with around 300 species of trees. Visitors can explore lotus ponds, mermaid statues, and replicas of prehistoric animals. Humayun Ahmed lies in eternal slumber in his litchi garden.

Commute: Take a bus from Dhaka and get down at the Hotapara bus terminal in Gazipur. From there, one can reach the site by rickshaw or autorickshaw. It is located in a village called Pirujali near Hotapara Bazar, 20 km from the crossroads of Gazipur district.

Moinot Ghat

Moinot Ghat, located in Dohar upazila, is famously known as the ‘Mini Cox's Bazar’ for a reason. The place has sandy beaches and offers a mesmerising view of the sunset.

You can also enjoy fresh hilsa fish from the Padma River or take a relaxing boat ride. It’s the perfect spot to spend a peaceful afternoon.

Commute: From Gulistan Golap Shah Mazar, you can take a direct bus to Moinot Ghat.

Zinda Park

If you want to spend a day in greenery at a lower cost, you can go to Zinda Park, located in Rupganj, near the Purbachal Highway. The distance from Dhaka is only 37 km. There are restaurants inside the park and guesthouses for overnight stays.

This park covers an area of 150 acres in Daudpur Union of Narayanganj. It has more than 10,000 trees of 250 species, five reservoirs, and numerous birds. Besides, there is a canteen, library, and zoo. There are eight well-equipped fleets as well.

Commute: To reach Zinda Park from anywhere in Dhaka, head to Kuril Bishwa Road and take a local autorickshaw or Leguna to Kanchan Bridge via the 300 Feet Road. From the bypass junction before Kanchan Bridge, you can take an autorickshaw to the destination. Alternatively, you can reserve an autorickshaw directly from Kuril 300 feet to Zinda Park for a more convenient trip.

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Safari Park

Bangabandhu Safari Park is located just five kilometres west of Bagher Bazar on the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway. The park in Maona Union in Sreepur Upazila of Gazipur covers an area of about 3,690 acres. People come here throughout the year to see wild animals in their natural environment.

It also has an aviary, butterfly safari, giraffe feeding spot, orchid house, vulture and owl corner, egg world, boating, lake zone, island, nature observation centre, fancy carp garden, and some endangered species.

Commute: Go to the Bagher Bazar market in Gazipur by bus or other public transports. From there, you can easily go to the park.