Sonargaon Panam City: A Forgotten Jewel of Bangladesh

• Day Long Dhaka Tour

Sonargaon Panam City Tour

Sonargaon Panam City, an abandoned city of Hindu merchants, is one of Bangladesh’s most fascinating historical sites. Situated just 37 kilometers from Dhaka, this deserted township in Sonargaon tells the tale of a rich and diverse history, starting from the early 19th century. While it now stands in ruins, the city’s heritage and architectural beauty make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the past of this region. Let’s take a closer look at Panam Nagar, its intriguing history, and why it continues to capture the imagination of visitors.

Duration: Full Day

Highlights of the tour :
Riverside beauty
The people
Ruins of Panam City
Weaving Village

What To Expect

The Rise of Sonargaon Panam City

Panam Nagar’s roots stretch back to the late 13th century when Sonargaon served as the capital of Bengal under the Muslim rulers. The Panam area became a key suburb, especially after the Mughals conquered the region in 1610. With the construction of bridges and highways, Panam Nagar thrived as a significant trade hub, connecting it with the rest of the country.

In the early 19th century, during British colonial rule, Panam flourished as a bustling center for cotton fabric trade. The British East India Company established its factory in the area, and wealthy Hindu merchants returned from Kolkata to their ancestral lands. They built lavish homes over the remnants of older settlements, creating the beautiful, now-ruined Panam Nagar we see today. It was a symbol of their wealth and prosperity, which continued until the end of World War II.

The Abandonment of Sonargaon Panam City

The decline of Panam Nagar came about after the Bengal Divide in 1947, which led to racial tensions and riots. Many Hindu families fled to India, abandoning their homes. The final blow came in 1965 during the Indo-Pakistani War when the remaining Hindu inhabitants migrated, leaving the city desolate.

Over the years, Panam Nagar faced various threats, including flooding, vandalism, unauthorized occupation, and earthquakes. The neglect of this once-bustling township led to its dilapidation, and in 2006, the World Monument Fund listed it as one of the 100 most endangered sites.

Panam Nagar’s Preservation Efforts

In 2009, the Bangladesh government freed Panam Nagar from illegal occupants and declared it a protected heritage site. The Department of Archaeology took over, fencing the city, installing gates, and deploying security to prevent further vandalism. The ruins are now open to the public six days a week, allowing visitors to experience the city’s historical charm.

The architecture of Sonargaon Panam City

Despite its abandoned state, Panam Nagar’s architectural grandeur remains evident. The city is built along a 600-meter-long and 5-meter-wide street, with 52 houses lining either side. These buildings, ranging from one to three stories, display a mix of European and local architectural styles. The facades of the houses reflect the wealth and status of their former owners, who were in a constant competition to outdo one another with intricate decorations and grand structures.

The houses can be categorized into four main types:

1. Central Hall Type – These homes feature a central hall, richly decorated, often located on the first floor. These grand halls were the pride of the owners, symbolizing wealth and power.
2. Central Courtyard Type – This layout is based on traditional rural house designs, with an enclosed courtyard at the center. The courtyard is often paved and surrounded by arched openings and intricately designed walls.
3. Consolidated Type – This is the most common type in Panam Nagar, without any internal courtyard or hall. These houses often feature verandas or high plinths that serve as a transition from the street to the living areas.
4. Compartment Type – These are single-compartment houses with no elaborate interior divisions, focusing more on exterior symmetry and facade design.

Construction Materials and Techniques

The buildings of Panam Nagar were primarily constructed using bricks, either plastered or left exposed. Wooden roofs were common, although some structures used I-beams or brick-vaulted roofs for smaller rooms. Plasterwork was heavily used for interior and exterior decorations, including false wooden doors and windows made of plaster. Cast iron, mosaic tiles, and other decorative elements added European flair to these traditional homes.

A Visit to Panam Nagar

Today, Panam Nagar is a protected site and a popular destination for tourists, particularly those from Dhaka, as it is only a two-hour drive from the city. Visitors can spend an entire day exploring the ruins of Panam Nagar, along with nearby attractions like the Sonargaon Folk Arts and Crafts Museum and Goaldi Mosque.

The site is open six days a week, with entry fees varying for locals and foreign tourists. Bangladeshis pay 15 BDT, while visitors from SAARC countries pay 100 BDT. Other foreign tourists also need to pay 100 BDT.

Panam Nagar Visiting Hours

Visiting hours change based on the season, with summer hours from April to September (10:00 AM to 6:00 PM) and winter hours from October to March (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM). The city remains closed on Sundays and during government holidays, including the month of Ramadan and Eid celebrations.

Reaching Sonargaon Panam City

Getting to Panam Nagar from Dhaka is relatively easy. Visitors can take a bus from Gulistan Bus Station to Mograpara and then use a CNG (tuk-tuk) to reach Panam Nagar. Alternatively, there are direct buses from Narayanganj to Panam Nagar, making the trip convenient for travelers.

Challenges for Independent Foreign Travelers

While Panam Nagar is a captivating destination, independent foreign travelers may face challenges due to Bangladesh’s underdeveloped infrastructure. Public transportation can be difficult to navigate, and visitors are advised to rent a car or book a tour for a more comfortable experience.

Final Thoughts on Panam Nagar

Despite its abandoned and dilapidated state, Panam Nagar remains one of Bangladesh’s most important historical sites. The city’s fascinating mix of European and local architecture, coupled with its rich history, makes it a must-visit for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts alike. As efforts continue to preserve and protect this heritage site, Panam Nagar stands as a poignant reminder of a once-thriving community and a symbol of Bangladesh’s cultural heritage.

The Spirit of Panam Nagar

Although the streets of Panam Nagar no longer echo the bustling lives of merchants and their families, the city holds an undeniable sense of nostalgia. Wandering through its narrow lanes, one can still feel the presence of its past inhabitants—vibrant traders, artisans, and wealthy families who once called it home. The faded grandeur of the buildings, the intricate details carved into their facades, and the traces of European influence reflect a time when Panam Nagar was a hub of commerce, culture, and community.

The subtle competition among the city’s merchants to display their wealth and status through their homes is still visible. The architectural harmony of the structures lining the main street speaks of an era when beauty and design were key expressions of success and prestige. Each building, though dilapidated, stands as a testament to the merchants’ desire to outdo one another while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic that made Panam Nagar such a unique and striking place.

Rediscovering Panam Nagar Through Conservation

The efforts to preserve Panam Nagar are critical, not only for Bangladesh’s history but for global heritage. The city’s inclusion in the World Monument Fund’s list of endangered sites highlights the importance of protecting it from further decay. The Bangladesh government’s steps in reclaiming and securing the site are commendable, but continued conservation efforts are essential to ensuring that Panam Nagar doesn’t vanish into obscurity.

One of the key challenges in preserving Panam Nagar is its vulnerability to natural and human threats. Floods, earthquakes, and unauthorized developments are constant risks to the site’s fragile state. Proper maintenance, infrastructure improvements, and public awareness are necessary to safeguard the historical significance of Panam Nagar for future generations.

Experiencing Panam Nagar: What Visitors Can Expect

A visit to Panam Nagar is an immersive experience into a world that feels frozen in time. The ruins are not merely a collection of decayed buildings but a living museum where visitors can walk through history. Whether it’s the grand central halls or the more modest compartment houses, each structure tells a story of the families who once lived there, their aspirations, and their eventual departure.

The Sonargaon Folk Arts and Crafts Museum, located nearby, offers a complementary glimpse into the cultural history of the region, showcasing traditional crafts, clothing, and art forms that were once part of everyday life in Panam Nagar. Another notable stop for visitors is the Goaldi Mosque, one of the few remaining structures from the Sultanate era, adding a layer of Islamic architectural history to the visit.

Local guides are available to provide deeper insights into the history and significance of the ruins, making the tour educational as well as visually captivating. For photography enthusiasts, the juxtaposition of nature reclaiming the old brick structures offers endless opportunities for capturing the beauty of decay.

Local Tourism and Economic Impact

The increasing popularity of Panam Nagar as a tourist destination has provided an economic boost to the local area. From tuk-tuk drivers to local guides, many residents now rely on tourism as a primary source of income. This has created a need for sustainable tourism practices that balance the influx of visitors with the preservation of the site.

As more tourists, both local and foreign, flock to Panam Nagar, the infrastructure surrounding the site needs significant improvement. Cleanliness, security, and better transportation options will enhance the visitor experience while ensuring the protection of the city. Additionally, introducing modern ticketing options, such as online booking, could ease access and minimize long queues at the entrance.

The Future of Panam Nagar

The future of Panam Nagar rests in the hands of conservationists, the government, and the public. As more people discover this hidden gem, the responsibility to protect it becomes even more pressing. Panam Nagar’s fragile state requires constant attention, and efforts to secure funding for preservation must continue. With global awareness and local commitment, Panam Nagar can remain a valuable cultural landmark, not just for Bangladesh but for the world.

The city’s unique blend of European and local architectural styles, combined with its rich history, makes Panam Nagar a symbol of resilience. As a once-thriving commercial hub, it now serves as a reminder of the region’s past, the challenges faced during colonial times, and the enduring legacy of its people.

Tips for Visiting Panam Nagar

If you’re planning a visit to Panam Nagar, here are a few tips to make your experience memorable:

1. Start Early: Arriving early will allow you to explore the city at your own pace, avoid the crowds, and take in the architectural details.
2. Hire a Local Guide: A knowledgeable guide can provide valuable historical context and enrich your understanding of the city’s significance.
3. Wear Comfortable Shoes: The streets of Panam Nagar are old and uneven, so be sure to wear comfortable footwear for walking through the site.
4. Carry Water and Snacks: While there are small vendors nearby, it’s a good idea to bring your own water and snacks, especially during the hot summer months.
5. Respect the Heritage: As a protected site, it’s important to respect the historical integrity of Panam Nagar by not vandalizing or littering. The ruins are fragile, so be mindful of where you walk and avoid climbing on the structures.
6. Capture the Moment: Don’t forget to bring your camera or phone to capture the beautiful blend of history and nature that Panam Nagar offers. The ruins provide a perfect backdrop for photography enthusiasts.

FAQs on Visiting Panam Nagar

Q: What is the best time of year to visit Sonargaon Panam City? A: The best time to visit Panam Nagar is during the cooler months between November and March. The weather is more pleasant, making it easier to explore the site without the intense heat and humidity of the summer months.

Q: How long should I plan to spend at Sonargaon Panam City? A: Most visitors spend around 3 to 4 hours exploring Panam Nagar and the nearby attractions, including the Sonargaon Folk Arts and Crafts Museum and Goaldi Mosque.

Q: Is there a way to avoid the queues at the entrance? A: Unfortunately, tickets for Panam Nagar cannot be purchased online, so visitors need to buy them at the entrance. Arriving early in the day can help avoid long queues, especially on weekends or public holidays.

Q: Can I visit Sonargaon Panam City on a public holiday? A: Panam Nagar is closed on Sundays and public holidays, including during the holy month of Ramadan and Eid. Check ahead to ensure it’s open before planning your visit.

Conclusion: A Timeless Treasure

Panam Nagar stands as a powerful reminder of Bangladesh’s rich historical and cultural heritage. This abandoned city, with its once-glorious past, continues to attract travelers from all over the world who come to witness its architectural beauty and hear the stories that echo through its empty streets.

Though the city has faced challenges from both natural and human threats, ongoing efforts to preserve it have helped safeguard Panam Nagar for future generations. As tourism to this historic site grows, so too does the need for sustainable practices that ensure its protection while allowing visitors to experience the grandeur of this forgotten township.

For those passionate about history, architecture, or simply curious about Bangladesh’s past, Sonargaon Panam City offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of a bygone era—one where the lives of its former residents and their legacy still linger in the air, waiting to be rediscovered.