Two Zamindar Mansions Near Dhaka You Can Visit in One Day.
If you’re looking for a short day trip from Dhaka, skip the malls and theme parks. Head west. Less than two hours away are two old Zamindar mansions — Teota and Baliati — both easy to reach, and packed with history. You won’t need more than a day. But you’ll return with a full camera roll, a strange sense of nostalgia, and maybe a few questions.
How to Get to Teota Zamindar House from Dhaka
Teota Zamindar Bari is located in Shibaloy upazila, Manikganj. From Dhaka, drive or take a bus to Aricha Ghat. From there, hop on a CNG or easybike to reach the mansion. It’s about 10 minutes away.
You can also go straight by private car. Roads are narrow but paved. Best to leave early to avoid traffic and sudden weather changes, especially during monsoon.
What to Expect at Teota Zamindar House
Teota is not a touristy site. No entry fees, no guides, and very little restoration. That’s both a downside and a plus. You see what remains. And what doesn’t.
The main structure is called Laldighi Bhobon. It’s said that national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam wrote his famous song “Tumi shundor tai cheye thaki priyo…” sitting inside this mansion. The link isn’t officially verified, but Shibaloy upazila has a signboard mentioning it. Locals mention it casually.
The building is surrounded by an open courtyard. Around it, arched corridors and carved walls. Many parts are crumbling. But some doors still stand. Barandas in front of most upper-floor rooms. Niche shelves on the walls. Possibly used for decorative displays. One roof area gives access to an open terrace, but don’t expect safety railings.
During a rainy visit, the house has a different mood. Two horses were resting in the yard. Probably local animals. Still, it gave a 19th-century vibe. We took group photos in front of the mansion. Then went to the nearby dolmancha (swing pavilion) and pond ghat. On the ghat wall, carved portraits of Nazrul and Promila Devi are still visible. Tiles line the pond edge.
No guards, no strict rules. But also, no guarantee of safety. Expect mossy floors, slippery stairs, and signs of decay.
Baliati Zamindar House: A Better Preserved Complex
After lunch at Aricha or Manikganj town, head to Baliati in Saturia upazila. It’s about 30–40 minutes away depending on traffic. The road passes through rural areas. Windows down, and you’ll catch glimpses of the Jamuna river.
Baliati Zamindar Bari is more maintained. There’s a ticket booth. Entry fee is BDT 30 per person. The Department of Archaeology manages the site. Opening hours:
- Sunday: Closed
- Monday: Open till 2:00 PM
- Other days: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Inside, seven palatial buildings. Four in front, three in back. The complex is massive. Main entrance has a lion sculpture overhead. You can walk through interconnected courtyards, corridors, and even climb up to the second level in some buildings.
These mansions belonged to Govinda Ram Saha, a salt trader turned zamindar. His four sons — Dadhiram, Panditram, Anandaram, and Golapram — expanded the buildings over generations.
The buildings have colonial-style columns, decorative moldings, and internal gardens. A few rooms contain museum-like setups: old gramophones, mirrors, cabinets, cash boxes, prayer platforms, flower vases, and chandeliers. Some of the chandeliers are intact, some not. Iron safes are stacked in corners of the lower floor.
Behind the mansion, more green. A shaded trail lined with flowering plants leads to a pond. It had seven bathing ghats. One is broken. Six remain. On the northwest corner, a brick-built water channel once allowed tidal flow. Now it’s sealed.
Rain started again as we were leaving. Heavy this time. We ran back to the vehicle. Wet shoes, tired legs. But nobody was in a hurry to reach Dhaka. That says enough.
Tips Before You Go
- Best time: Dry season for easier walking; monsoon for dramatic views and cooler air.
- Travel: Start early. Roads around Aricha and Saturia are slow-moving by noon.
- Food: Few restaurants near the mansions. Eat in Manikganj town or pack your lunch.
- Safety: No railings or restoration in Teota. Watch your step.
- Photography: Light is great post-rain. Carry a plastic cover for your gear.
Summary: A Short Trip With Long Memories
If you’re tired of shopping malls and weekend chaos, this route is a refresh. In one day, you can visit two historically significant but underrated sites near Dhaka. One raw and forgotten (Teota), the other structured and semi-restored (Baliati). Both carry fragments of Bengal’s zamindari past.
