Ahsan Manzil, often called the Pink Palace, stands on the bank of the river in Kumartoli, in Old Dhaka, Bangladesh. It was the residential palace of the Nawab of Dhaka and is now a museum that shows how the Nawab family lived.
What to expect
The building is a good example of Indo-Saracenic Revival architecture, a style that blends elements of Indian, Islamic and European design. Its pink façade is the feature most visitors remember, and it gives the palace its popular name. Inside, the museum presents the lifestyle of the family, so the visit is best approached as a look into a domestic world rather than a story of battles or politics.
Planning your visit
- Address: Kumartoli, Old Dhaka 1100, Bangladesh
- Phone: +880-2-7316138, if you want to check arrangements before you go
- Setting: Old Dhaka, a dense and lively district that rewards a slow walk through its streets
Because the palace sits in Old Dhaka, it works well as part of a half-day or full day exploring the older quarters of the city. Allow time to wander the surrounding lanes before or after your visit, and plan your route with the district's busy traffic in mind.