
Panam Nagar Panam City
Step back in time at Panam Nagar, a 'lost city' showcasing Bengal's rich trading history and stunning 19th-century architecture.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat & crowds

Panam Nagar Panam City
Best Time
Beat the heat & crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at Panam Nagar, a 'lost city' showcasing Bengal's rich trading history and stunning 19th-century architecture.
"A timeless treasure whispering stories of Bengal’s glorious past, a photographer's dream."
📸 Photographer's Dream
The 'lost city' vibe is perfect for stunning photos. Capture the decay and beauty!
🚶♂️ Respect the Ruins
This is a protected heritage site. Please do not litter or damage any structures.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Mansions
Main Street
Explore 52 historic buildings showcasing Mughal, colonial, and Bengali architectural styles. Each tells a story of prosperity.
Architectural Details
Various Buildings
Admire intricate carvings, arched windows, ornate verandas, and delicate chinitikri mosaics. A feast for the eyes!
The "Lost City" Atmosphere
Entire Site
Experience the haunting beauty of abandoned yet dignified mansions, overgrown with nature. A truly cinematic feel.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Past, Capture the Present
Getting There & Timing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Photographer's Dream
The 'lost city' vibe is perfect for stunning photos. Capture the decay and beauty!
🚶♂️ Respect the Ruins
This is a protected heritage site. Please do not litter or damage any structures.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry water, especially during warmer months. There are limited facilities inside.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be walking on uneven paths. Wear comfortable shoes for exploring.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Photographer's Dream
The 'lost city' vibe is perfect for stunning photos. Capture the decay and beauty!
🚶♂️ Respect the Ruins
This is a protected heritage site. Please do not litter or damage any structures.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry water, especially during warmer months. There are limited facilities inside.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be walking on uneven paths. Wear comfortable shoes for exploring.
🕰️ Check Visiting Hours
Closed on Wednesdays. Arrive before 5 PM as gates close at dusk.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Panam Nagar is a remarkably preserved historical site, offering a captivating journey into Bengal's past. Visitors praise its unique 'lost city' atmosphere, stunning architecture, and photographic potential. While generally peaceful, it can get crowded, and some find the lack of extensive facilities a minor drawback.
"Panam City in Narayanganj is a timeless treasure that whispers stories of Bengal’s glorious past. Walking through its narrow lanes feels like stepping into history lined with centuries-old colonial buildings adorned with intricate carvings and fading elegance. The Panam Nagar Museum adds depth to the experience, showcasing artifacts that bring the city’s rich heritage to life. Every brick, balcony, and doorway echoes the charm of a bygone era. Surrounded by lush greenery and tranquil ponds, Panam City is a dream for photographers and history lovers alike a hauntingly beautiful blend of decay, culture, and nostalgia frozen in time."
jaidul karim Iram
"Hidden in the quiet heart of Sonargaon, the ghostly ruins of Panam Nagar whisper stories of wealth, beauty, and time’s unrelenting march. Once a bustling neighborhood of affluent Hindu merchants, Panam Nagar flourished during the 19th century, when Sonargaon was a vibrant center for the cotton and muslin trade. Its narrow street—just 600 meters long—was lined with 52 elegant townhouses, each built with pride, adorned with intricate details, and filled with the laughter of families who traded in Bengal’s most prized fabrics.
But history had other plans. Following the partition of India in 1947 and the communal unrest of 1964, the residents fled, leaving behind their grand homes to the embrace of silence. Over the decades, nature crept in through broken windows, vines wrapped around archways, and dust settled on once-bright walls. What remains today is a hauntingly beautiful "ghost town"—a living museum of brick, wood, and memory.
Walking through Panam Nagar is like stepping into another era. The houses blend Mughal grace, British colonial elegance, and local Bengali artistry. Some feature ornate verandas, ogee-shaped windows, and decorative parapets, while others hide courtyards where families once gathered. You can still trace the craftsmanship in the carved woodwork, iron railings, and the delicate chinitikri mosaics made from fragments of broken china. Each building tells a different story—of prosperity, of artistry, and of quiet abandonment.
Today, Panam Nagar is protected as an archaeological site, attracting travelers, photographers, and dreamers alike. It’s easily reached from Dhaka, and many visitors pair it with a stop at the nearby Sonargaon Folk Art and Craft Museum. As you stroll down its weathered street, flanked by empty yet dignified mansions, you can almost hear the echoes of merchants calling, the creak of wooden shutters, and the faint hum of a city that once thrived — a poignant reminder that even in ruin, beauty endures."
Weaning Ping
"Peaceful as a well known historical site. Sometimes might be a little crowded, but usually not so. Can be a great attraction for photoshoots."
Shreyan Saha
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Dhaka's Gulistan bus terminal, take a bus to Mograpara, Sonargaon (approx. 1-1.5 hours). From Sonargaon, a rickshaw to Panam Nagar's entrance costs about 20-30 BDT per person.
Yes, Panam Nagar is conveniently located about 27 km southeast of Dhaka, making it an ideal half-day or full-day trip.
The entire site is best explored on foot. The main street is about 600 meters long, allowing for a leisurely walk to see all the historic buildings.
Yes, local rickshaws are readily available from Sonargaon to take you directly to the entrance of Panam Nagar.
Yes, you can drive to Panam Nagar. There is usually parking available near the entrance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices are 20 BDT for locals, 100 BDT for SAARC nationals, and 300 BDT for foreigners.
Panam Nagar is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It is closed on Wednesdays and has half-day hours on Thursdays.
No, visitors are not allowed to stay inside Panam City after dusk. The gates are closed at sunset.
Tickets can be purchased at the entrance. Advance booking is generally not required for individual visitors.
While there isn't a separate fee for photography, the general entry ticket applies. The site is very popular for photoshoots.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Explore the historic mansions, admire the unique architecture, and soak in the 'lost city' atmosphere. It's a journey back in time.
Children can explore the site, but adult supervision is recommended due to the historical nature and uneven terrain.
While official guides might not always be present, local guides may offer their services. It's also easy to explore independently.
The Panam Nagar Museum, located within the site, showcases artifacts that provide deeper insights into the city's rich heritage and history.
It can get a little crowded, especially on weekends and holidays, but generally, it's peaceful. Visiting in the morning helps avoid crowds.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire street lined with mansions offers incredible photo opportunities. Focus on architectural details and the 'lost city' ambiance.
The late afternoon, during the golden hour, provides beautiful lighting for capturing the historic buildings. Mornings are also good for softer light.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with local authorities or the site management before flying a drone.
Yes, Panam Nagar is a popular spot for photoshoots, including pre-wedding shoots, due to its unique aesthetic.
It's ideal for architectural photography, historical exploration, and capturing atmospheric, moody shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photographers & Art Enthusiasts
🏛️ History Buffs & Culture Seekers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History
The city's decline began after the partition of India in 1947 and subsequent communal unrest in 1964, leading to the abandonment of these magnificent homes. Nature has since reclaimed parts of the structures, creating a hauntingly beautiful landscape. The single street, approximately 600 meters long, is lined with 52 historic buildings, showcasing a fascinating blend of Mughal, British colonial, and traditional Bengali architectural influences. These buildings feature ornate facades, large wooden doors, arched windows, and intricate brickwork, each telling a silent story of a bygone era.
Today, Panam Nagar is protected as an archaeological site and is a testament to Bengal's rich trading history and architectural heritage. It's a place where visitors can walk through time, imagining the bustling life that once filled these streets. The site has been recognized by organizations like the World Monuments Fund, highlighting its importance and the need for preservation. Efforts are underway by the government and archaeological department to conserve these invaluable ruins, ensuring that the stories of Panam Nagar continue to be told.
Architectural Marvels
A unique feature of many buildings is the use of chinitikri mosaics, made from fragments of broken china, which add a touch of delicate artistry to the facades. The large wooden doors and carved pillars speak of skilled craftsmanship that was prevalent during the city's prosperous years. Even in their current state of decay, these architectural details offer a profound glimpse into the wealth and aesthetic sensibilities of the merchants who once resided here.
Beyond the residential mansions, the site historically included other structures like mosques, temples, and even a mint house and an indigo factory built by the East India Company. While many of these may be in ruins or less prominent, the main street's collection of 52 buildings provides a concentrated display of the architectural heritage. The blend of these styles creates a visually rich and historically significant urban landscape that draws photographers and history enthusiasts alike.

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit