Tahkhana travel guide

History and background

In the 17th century Shah Shuja, subahdar of Bengal, built this palace for his spiritual guide Shah Niamatullah. Beside a big pond, its ground floor stayed cool in summer — 'tahkhana' is Persian for a cool room. Next to it are a three-domed mosque and the shrine of Shah Niamatullah.

How to get to Tahkhana

Near Chhoto Sona Masjid.

Chapai Nawabganj is about 300 km from Dhaka; the journey takes 6–7 hours.

• 🚌 By bus: Desh Travels, National, Hanif from Gabtoli; non-AC ৳700–850, AC ৳1,300–1,600.
• 🚆 By train: Banalata Express (direct) from Kamalapur, fare ৳450–1,300.

Where to stay

• Parjatan motel in the Sona Masjid area
• Basic hotels in town

What to eat

Mangoes (Fazli, Langra, Khirsapat — June–July), kalai roti

Good to know

• Photograph the building with its reflection from the pond bank

More places to visit in Chapai Nawabganj district

• Chhoto Sona Masjid — The 15th-century 'gem of Gaur'; superb stone carving.
• Darasbari Mosque — Ruins of a big mosque from 1479 and a madrasa.
• Mango orchards — Miles and miles of mango orchards; mangoes straight from the orchard in season.

Location on the map