Editing One-Day Itinerary for Old Dhaka

Old Dhaka (''Puran Dhaka'') is a maze of '''history, heritage, and flavor'''. With its Mughal forts, Nawabi palaces, colorful bazaars, and world-famous cuisine, spending a full day here is like traveling through centuries of culture.

If you have just '''one day to explore Old Dhaka''', here’s a '''perfect itinerary''' to experience its '''landmarks, lifestyle, and food trails'''.

== Morning: History and Architecture ==

=== 8:00 AM – Breakfast with Bakarkhani and Tea ===
Start your day with '''Bakarkhani bread''' (a crispy Old Dhaka specialty) and sweet tea from a local street vendor near Chawk Bazaar.

=== 9:00 AM – Lalbagh Fort ===
Head to '''Lalbagh Fort''', the iconic 17th-century Mughal complex. Explore its gardens, mosque, and the tomb of Pari Bibi.

=== 10:30 AM – Star Mosque & Armenian Church ===
Walk through narrow alleys to visit:

* '''Star Mosque (Tara Masjid):''' Famous for its mosaic stars.
* '''Armenian Church of the Holy Resurrection:''' A peaceful colonial-era landmark.

== Midday: Palaces and the Buriganga River ==

=== 12:00 PM – Ahsan Manzil (Pink Palace) ===
Visit '''Ahsan Manzil''', the former Nawab’s residence turned museum. Admire the royal lifestyle of 19th-century Dhaka while enjoying views of the '''Buriganga River'''.

=== 1:30 PM – Lunch at Haji’s Biriyani ===
Time for a legendary meal at '''Haji’s Biriyani''', one of Dhaka’s oldest and most iconic biriyani houses. Tender mutton, fragrant rice, and rich spices make this a must-try.

== Afternoon: Markets and Culture ==

=== 3:00 PM – Sadarghat River Port ===
Visit '''Sadarghat''', one of South Asia’s busiest river ports. Watch ferries, cargo boats, and passengers in organized chaos. A short '''boat ride on the Buriganga River''' gives you a unique perspective of Old Dhaka.

=== 4:30 PM – Shankhari Bazaar & Dhakeshwari Temple ===

* '''Shankhari Bazaar:''' Explore colorful Hindu homes, traditional jewelry shops, and narrow historic alleys.
* '''Dhakeshwari Temple:''' The national temple of Bangladesh, and a spiritual landmark in Dhaka.

== Evening: Food and Festivities ==

=== 6:00 PM – Street Food Tour at Chawk Bazaar ===
As the sun sets, dive into Old Dhaka’s '''food paradise''':

* Kebabs sizzling on charcoal grills.
* Spicy haleem and chicken roast.
* Sweet lacchi from '''Beauty Lacchi''' shop.

=== 7:30 PM – Explore Islampur Market ===
Visit '''Islampur Road''', a textile hub famous for fabrics, sarees, and traditional clothing. Perfect for souvenir shopping.

=== 8:30 PM – Dinner with Traditional Dishes ===
Wrap up your evening with more Old Dhaka delicacies like '''kacchi biriyani, kebabs, bakarkhani, and sweets''' at a local restaurant.

== Seasonal Bonus: Shakrain Festival (January) ==
If you visit in '''January''', don’t miss '''Shakrain (Kite Festival)'''. From Old Dhaka rooftops, you’ll see colorful kites, fireworks, and celebrations lighting up the sky.

A day in '''Old Dhaka''' is a journey through '''Mughal grandeur, Nawabi heritage, buzzing bazaars, and unforgettable food'''. From '''Lalbagh Fort''' to '''Chawk Bazaar’s food trail''', Old Dhaka is chaotic, vibrant, and full of life — a true cultural adventure.