Unseen Bangladesh
Narayanganj District · Dhaka Division · সোনাকান্দা দুর্গ
Sonakanda Fort travel guide
Another Mughal river fort on the east bank of the Shitalakshya, known for its high cannon platform.
🗓️ Best time to visitOctober–March
⏱ How long it takes30–45 minutes
💰 Estimated costFree entry; small ferry fare
History and background
A Mughal river fort built under Mir Jumla; with Idrakpur and Hajiganj it formed a 'triangle of river forts'. Its high round cannon platform is one of the largest among Bangladesh's Mughal forts.
How to get to Sonakanda Fort
Across the river by ferry from Narayanganj, in Bandar upazila.
Narayanganj is about 20 km from Dhaka; the journey takes 1 hour.
- 🚌 By bus: Buses from Gulistan to Narayanganj or Mograpara (Sonargaon), fare ৳30–80.
- 🚆 By train: Narayanganj commuter train from Kamalapur, fare ৳20–30.
Where to stay
The district town has basic and mid-range hotels (roughly ৳800–2,500). Government circuit houses and dak bungalows can be used with permission.
What to eat
Sonargaon pitha (rice cakes), food stalls along the Shitalakshya
Good to know
- It's easy to cross by ferry from Narayanganj Ghat No. 5
More places to visit in Narayanganj district
- Panam Nagar — An abandoned historic town lined with 19th-century merchants' two-storey houses; great for photography.
- Folk Art and Crafts Museum, Sonargaon — A museum in the Boro Sardar Bari; folk art, nakshi kantha and gardens around a lake.
- Hajiganj Fort — A Mughal river fort on the Shitalakshya, built to stop Magh and Portuguese pirates.