Panam city (also known as Panam Nogor, Panamnagar, etc) is an attractive attraction from Bangladesh for the old architectures which is located in Sonargaon of Narayanganj. This city carries the memory of Isa Khan who was one of the Baro-Bhuyan (and a ruler of Bengal). That time this small village was known as the capital of Isa Khan. The capital was during the 15th century and few of their memories are still remaining (such as the Panamnagar bridge). We are losing the antiquities of this area day by day. It is better to visit this Panam city before it fades out and lost in time. This place is also known as the lost city of Sonargaon.
What are the these buildings?
During the era of English ruling, Panamnagar was occupied by the Hindu merchants and traders. They had built the current old edifies there that time (probably early 19th century or late 18th). The houses were all around in a same place having a road in between. The road is having around 600 meter in length. At the either sides of the city two canals are seen (which were probably to protect the city). Now a ways it is really difficult to know who were the people lived in those houses (may be somewhere in historical document we have that info, but publicly not accessible).
Sonargaon Museum
The Sonargaon museum is located nearby. People who visited the Panam city they also visit the museum before or after. The museum has several displays there for the visitors to help them to know more about the history and culture of Bangladesh. If you are from outside Bangladesh then that museum visit is must for you.
Panam Rajbari or Poddar Bari
Panam Rajbari (also known as Poddar Bari) is about another kilometer apart from the main Panam city. This is a large old mansion located slightly isolated. This is now a privately owned property inside a premise. If you have permission from the owner you could have a visit there.
Goaldi Mosque is nearby
There are several other things to do around Panam city. This Goaldi Mosque is one of those which is very closely located from the Panam city. This is an old mosque having an structure of Mughal sultanate era. It should take around an hour including going and returning. This worths a visit after your Panamnagar visit.
How to Go
There are several bus services run between the Sonargaon and the Dhaka such as Sonargaon, Borak etc. All those services departs from the Gulistan of Dhaka. Leave the bus a Mograpara bus stoppage, which would be around 30-60 minutes depending upon of traffic condition. After that take a rickshaw drive for 25 minutes from there. Everyone knows where the Panam city is, so ask around if you are unsure. The distance between Panam city and Dhaka is approximately 30 kilometer.
Where to stay:
It is better to stay in Dhaka during your visit. Dhaka has all quality of hotels (including the bests from the country). Check here for the list of hotels from Dhaka.
Panam city is always open:
As far as I know this is an open area and protected by the department of archaeology, Bangladesh. Anyone can visit this place anytime of the day and year. When I’ve visited there it didn’t require any entry fee there. Not sure about current situation. During the weekend the place is a bit crowded for the overwhelming number of local tourists. If you want to visit the area quietly then middle of the day during weekdays would be best.
Caution:
It is better not to climb upstairs as the buildings are very old and any accident can happen for that carelessness. Those edifices look beautiful from outside. Try to enjoy them from the road and outside. Although most of the buildings are locked so that the tourist may not go to the upper stairs.
Panam city (also Panam Nogor),
Sonargaon,
District: Narayanganj,
Country: Bangladesh.
GPS coordinate (23°39’20.8″N, 90°36’13.8″E).
This article has written by Lonely Traveler,
for the blog https://alonelytraveler.com/
Saturday, 01st May 2010
