Location: Gazipur, Dhaka Division Map
Area: 5022 hectares
Entrance Fee: 6 Taka
Car: 30 Taka, Minivan 50 Taka
Bhawal National Park, located in Gazipur, Dhaka Division, Bangladesh, approximately 40 km north of Dhaka city, is a significant nature reserve and one of the country’s most accessible national parks. Established in 1974 and officially declared a national park in 1982 under the Wildlife Act of 1974, it spans a core area of 940 hectares (2,322 acres) but extends to 5,022 hectares (12,409 acres) of surrounding forest. Originally part of the Madhupur forest under the Bhawal Estate, the park was created to protect its unique coppice sal forest ecosystem, preserve biodiversity, and provide recreational opportunities for urban dwellers. Despite its ecological and cultural importance, the park faces significant challenges from deforestation, human encroachment, and wildlife decline.
Bhawal National Park’s history is intertwined with the Bhawal Estate,
a prominent zamindari (landlord estate) in colonial Bengal, and the
region’s transformation from a dense forest to a protected reserve.
Pre-Colonial and Colonial Era: The park’s origins lie in the
Madhupur forest, a vast sal (Shorea robusta) forest managed by the
Bhawal Estate, owned by the Nawab of Bhawal, a wealthy zamindar family.
The estate, centered in Gazipur, was a hub of agricultural and forestry
activity. In 1905, Nawab Sir Khwaja Abdul Ghani Mian Bhawal disappeared
during a trip to Europe, sparking a famous legal dispute when a man
claiming to be the Nawab resurfaced in 1921. The “Bhawal Sannyasi Case,”
settled in 1946 after the claimant’s death, left the estate abandoned,
paving the way for its partial conversion into a national park. The
forest was historically renowned for its wildlife, including tigers,
leopards, elephants, and peacocks, as noted in colonial records.
Establishment as a National Park (1974–1982): During the Bangladesh
Liberation War of 1971, the forest suffered significant deforestation,
with trees felled for military and economic purposes. In 1974, the newly
independent Bangladesh government designated the area a national park to
protect its remaining habitats, with formal declaration in 1982 under
the Wildlife Act of 1974. The park was placed under IUCN Management
Category V (Protected Landscape), balancing conservation with
recreational use.
Modern Context: Since the 1980s, Bhawal National
Park has served as a green oasis for Dhaka’s growing population,
offering picnic spots and nature escapes. However, illegal
deforestation, land encroachment by influential groups, and insufficient
government oversight have reduced the forest to 25–30% of its original
extent, as reported by visitors. Recent efforts by the Forest Department
to reintroduce species like peacocks and deer aim to restore its
ecological vibrancy, but challenges persist.
Bhawal National Park is situated in Rajendrapur, Gazipur, alongside
the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway, approximately 20 km from both Gazipur and
Kapasia, and 3 km from Joydebpur. Its location, just a 1–1.5-hour drive
from Dhaka, makes it the closest forested area to the capital, ideal for
day trips.
Landscape:
Terrain: The park features flat to
gently undulating terrain, with upland and lowland areas interspersed
with artificial lakes, ponds, and small streams. The core 940-hectare
zone is dense forest, while the extended 5,022-hectare buffer includes
fragmented woodlands, agricultural fields, and settlements.
Water
Bodies: Several artificial lakes and ponds, filled with water lilies,
enhance the park’s scenic beauty and support amphibians and birds.
Notable water features include a large pond near the Arshinagar mini-zoo
and smaller lakes at picnic spots like Anondo and Kanchon.
Climate:
Gazipur has a tropical monsoon climate, with hot, humid summers
(March–June, 85–95°F), a rainy monsoon season (June–September, 60–80
inches of rainfall), and mild winters (November–February, 60–75°F).
Winter is the peak visitation period due to cool, dry conditions, while
monsoons bring lush greenery but slippery trails.
Ecological Context:
The park is part of the Madhupur Tract, a deciduous forest biome
dominated by sal trees. Once a vast forest covering thousands of square
kilometers, only 600 km² remains due to deforestation. The park’s
designation as a protected landscape aims to preserve this remnant
ecosystem, though urban sprawl and agriculture threaten its boundaries.
Bhawal National Park was historically celebrated for its rich
biodiversity, hosting megafauna like tigers, leopards, black panthers,
elephants, clouded leopards, and sambar deer. However, decades of
hunting, habitat loss, and encroachment have decimated wildlife
populations, leaving a reduced but still notable ecosystem.
Flora:
Dominant Species: The coppice sal forest, characterized by
Shorea robusta, is the park’s hallmark, with regenerating shoots
creating a dense canopy. Sal trees dominate 60% of the core area,
providing habitat and timber value.
Diversity: The park hosts 345
plant species, including 152 tree species (e.g., Dillenia pentagyna,
Careya arborea, Terminalia belerica, Miliusa velutura), 53 shrubs, 106
herbs, 34 climbers, 27 grasses, 3 palms, and 104 medicinal plants.
Non-native species like acacia and eucalyptus, planted for
reforestation, support biodiversity but alter the native ecosystem.
Reforestation Efforts: The Forest Department has planted fruit-bearing
trees near rest houses to attract birds and mammals, though full forest
recovery may take decades.
Fauna:
Current Wildlife: The park
supports 64 species, including 13 mammals (e.g., gold jackal, Bengal
fox, small Indian civet, rhesus macaque, porcupine), 9 reptiles (e.g.,
python, checkered keelback), 5 amphibians (e.g., common toad), and 5
bird species (e.g., red-vented bulbul, common myna). Recent
reintroductions include peacocks, spotted deer, fishing cats, and
catfish, though populations remain small.
Historical Wildlife:
Tigers, leopards, elephants, and sambar deer have vanished, with only
anecdotal sightings of smaller species like wild boars. Bird diversity,
once robust with 146 species, is now limited, though 16 species (e.g.,
black-hooded oriole, Asian koel) persist in quieter zones.
Conservation Efforts: The Forest Department’s “silent zone,” where music
and loud activities are banned, aims to protect remaining wildlife. The
mini-zoo at Arshinagar, housing deer, turtles, and parrots, educates
visitors but has faced criticism for poor animal welfare, with peacocks
relocated to Dhaka due to illness.
Ecological Challenges: Illegal
deforestation, reducing the forest to 600 km², has fragmented habitats,
limiting wildlife recovery. Encroachment by displaced communities and
forestry companies further degrades the ecosystem, with only 25–30% of
the declared forest intact.
Bhawal National Park is designed for recreation, with facilities
catering to picnickers, families, and nature enthusiasts. Its proximity
to Dhaka makes it a popular weekend destination, drawing
200,000–1,500,000 visitors annually.
Recreational Facilities:
Picnic Spots: Over 20 designated spots, named Anondo, Kanchon, Sonali,
Abakash, Aboshor, and Binodon, offer shaded areas with benches,
canopies, and grills. Advance booking through the Forest Department’s
Mohakhali office (02-8814700) is required, with fees ranging from
5,000–20,000 BDT ($50–200) for groups of 50–100.
Rest Houses and
Cottages: Six rest houses (e.g., Bakul, Maloncho, Madhabi, Cameli,
Belly, Jasmin) and 13 cottages provide day-use accommodations, with no
overnight stays permitted. Rentals cost 2,000–5,000 BDT ($20–50), booked
via the Forest Department.
Lakes and Boating: Artificial lakes
support pedal boating (100–200 BDT/hour), with water lily-filled ponds
attracting photographers. The largest lake near Arshinagar is a focal
point for relaxation.
Playgrounds and Trails: A sports playground
hosts cricket and football, while short trekking trails (10–15 minutes)
cross small hills and valleys. The “silent zone” offers quieter paths
for birdwatching.
Mini-Zoo: The Arshinagar mini-zoo, built by MP
Shamsuddin Ahmed Ishwaque, houses deer, turtles, parrots, and previously
peacocks. Entry is 10 BDT ($0.10), though animal care standards have
been criticized.
Access:
By Car: A 1–1.5-hour drive from Dhaka
via the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway (M3). The main entrance is on the right
after Joydebpur crossing, with parking for 30–50 BDT ($0.30–0.50).
By
Bus: Buses from Dhaka’s Mohakhali or Gulistan (e.g., Prabhati Banasree
Paribahan) to Mymensingh or Kapasia stop at the park gate (40–50 BDT,
$0.40–0.50, 1 hour). Local rickshaws or auto-rickshaws from Gazipur cost
50–100 BDT.
By Train: Joydebpur Railway Station, 3 km away, is the
nearest stop, with rickshaws or taxis (50–100 BDT) to the park.
Entry
and Fees: The entry fee is 6 BDT ($0.06) per person, with additional
charges for vehicles (30 BDT for cars, 50 BDT for minibuses). Picnic
spots and cottages require advance booking.
Amenities: The park has
public toilets, security posts, and tea stalls, but food options are
limited to basic snacks (20–50 BDT). Visitors are advised to bring
water, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Guided tours (500–1,000 BDT,
$5–10) are available through local operators like Tour to Bangladesh.
Operating Hours: Open daily, 8 AM–5:30 PM, with peak visitation in
winter (November–February) for picnics and spring (March–April) for
greenery.
Bhawal National Park holds a special place in Bangladeshi culture as
Dhaka’s nearest forested retreat, evoking nostalgia for residents who
visited during the 1970s and 1980s. Its role as a recreational and
ecological haven is tempered by its troubled history of land disputes
and environmental degradation.
Cultural Role: The park is a
beloved picnic destination, with spots like Anondo and Binodon hosting
family and corporate outings, especially during winter’s festive season.
The Bhawal Estate’s legacy, tied to the dramatic Sannyasi Case, adds
historical intrigue, with the Arshinagar graveyard of MP Shamsuddin
Ahmed Ishwaque a local landmark. The park’s greenery, described as “calm
and quiet” by visitors, contrasts with Dhaka’s urban chaos, offering a
space for relaxation and reflection.
Community Impact: The park
serves Gazipur’s 5 million residents and Dhaka’s 20 million, drawing
200,000–1,500,000 visitors annually, generating revenue (estimated
50–100 million BDT/year) for the Forest Department. Local communities
benefit from jobs as guides, vendors, and maintenance staff, though
economic gains are uneven due to elite land grabs.
Conservation
Narrative: The park’s reintroduction of peacocks, deer, and pythons
reflects Bangladesh’s broader conservation efforts, though limited
success highlights systemic issues like funding shortages and
corruption. The “silent zone” initiative, banning music, aims to restore
ecological balance, resonating with environmentalists advocating for
urban green spaces.
Bhawal National Park faces significant challenges that undermine its
ecological and recreational potential, reflecting broader issues in
Bangladesh’s conservation landscape.
Deforestation and
Encroachment: Illegal logging and land grabs by influential groups have
reduced the forest to 25–30% of its 5,022-hectare extent, with only 600
km² of dense forest remaining. Forestry companies and displaced
communities occupy buffer zones, fragmenting habitats. During the 1971
war, mass tree felling decimated the canopy, and recovery is slow
despite reforestation.
Wildlife Decline: The loss of megafauna
(tigers, elephants, leopards) and reduced bird diversity (from 146 to 16
species) reflect habitat destruction and poaching. Reintroduced species
like peacocks struggle, with some relocated due to illness, as reported
in 2013. The mini-zoo’s poor conditions raise ethical concerns.
Management Issues: Insufficient government oversight and funding limit
conservation efforts. The Forest Department’s Mohakhali office is
understaffed, complicating bookings. Corruption, with “powerful people”
seizing land, as noted by Tripadvisor reviewers, undermines protection.
Visitor Impact: High visitation (up to 1.5 million annually) strains
facilities, with litter and noise disrupting the “silent zone.” Picnic
spots are overcrowded in winter, and lack of activities (e.g., guided
hikes, wildlife tours) disappoints some visitors, as seen in 2015
reviews calling for “renovation and restructuring.”
Environmental
Strain: Urban pollution from Gazipur’s industries (e.g., textiles,
chemicals) and highway traffic raises PM2.5 levels 15–20% above WHO
standards, affecting air quality and plant health. Runoff from
agricultural fields in the buffer zone pollutes lakes, harming
amphibians.
Strengths:
Proximity to Dhaka (40 km, 1-hour
drive) makes it accessible for urbanites.
Diverse flora (345 species)
and remnant sal forest preserve ecological value.
Extensive picnic
spots and rest houses cater to families and groups.
Toll-free entry
(6 BDT) and low-cost facilities ensure affordability.
Opportunities:
Expanding reforestation with native species could
restore habitats.
Improved wildlife management (e.g., breeding
programs) could boost biodiversity.
Adding guided tours and
educational programs could enhance visitor engagement.
Community-led
tourism could distribute economic benefits to Zarzma village.
Bhawal National Park offers a refreshing escape from Dhaka’s hustle,
with greenery, lakes, and quiet trails, though its diminished wildlife
and facilities temper expectations.
Highlights:
Picnics and
Relaxation: Spots like Sonali and Abakash, shaded by sal trees, are
ideal for group outings, with benches and grills. Visitors praise the
“cool, beautiful” ambiance for escaping urban stress.
Nature and
Scenery: Water lily-filled ponds, small hills, and springtime greenery
(nascent leaves on Gojari trees) attract photographers and nature
lovers. The “silent zone” offers birdwatching, with species like the
black-hooded oriole.
Cultural Touchpoints: The Arshinagar mini-zoo
and Shamsuddin’s graveyard under a banyan tree add local flavor, with
the pond’s brick seating areas popular for reflection.
Activities:
Short treks (10–15 minutes), pedal boating, and playground sports are
available, though limited wildlife sightings disappoint some. The
Suhrawardy Udyan garden, with walking trails and viewpoints, is a scenic
highlight.
Tips:
Best Time: Visit November–February for cool
weather and festive picnics. Spring (March–April) offers lush greenery,
but monsoons (June–September) make trails slippery.
Essentials: Bring
water, snacks, sunscreen, and insect repellent, as tea stalls are basic.
Wear sturdy shoes for trails and respect wildlife by avoiding feeding or
littering.
Booking: Reserve picnic spots or cottages in advance via
the Forest Department (02-8814700) to avoid overcrowding.
Visitor
Feedback: Tripadvisor and X reviews highlight nostalgia for 1970s–1980s
picnics, with praise for the park’s “huge green areas” and “water
lilies.” However, complaints about “no animals in sight” (2015 review)
and “restricted areas” suggest unmet expectations for a true national
park experience.