Panam City, Sonargaon

in Steem Sri Lanka2 months ago (edited)

As-Salamu Alaykum (Peace Be Upon You)

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Exploring the Historical Panam City

Panam Nagar is one of the oldest and most historically rich sites in Bangladesh. If you want to experience a place that holds centuries of untold stories, you must visit Panam Nagar at least once. It’s amazing to see such a well-preserved historical location so close to Dhaka city.

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Cover photo

Although the wealthy Hindu merchants who once lived here are long gone, their stunning buildings and architectural remains still stand proudly silent witnesses of a glorious past. Every year, many tourists come to admire these ancient structures and explore the traces of history they left behind. Let’s take a closer look at this fascinating historical place.


Location & A Short Historical Background

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A building several hundred years old

Panam Nagar is located in Sonargaon Upazila, Narayanganj District, under the Dhaka Division of Bangladesh. In ancient times, Sonargaon was one of the most famous and prosperous cities, serving as the capital of Bengal during the medieval period. Later, during the Mughal era, Panam became home to rich merchants and traders.

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One of the dilapidated mansions in Panam Nagar

It is believed that the city was established in the 15th century and served as a major center of trade and administration. The buildings here reflect a unique blend of Mughal, colonial, and local architectural styles, which still fascinate visitors today.

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A beautiful street passing through old buildings

However, the structures that we see now mostly date back to the British colonial period, built by wealthy Hindu merchants who resettled here after the original Muslim residents left the area. Over time, parts of the ancient city were damaged, but the remains still tell the story of a once-flourishing civilization.


How To Get To Panam City

Getting to Panam City is quite easy. It’s located only 25 kilometers from Dhaka’s Kamalapur Railway Station. You can travel there comfortably by private car or bus. If you’re taking a bus, get off at Sonargaon, and from there, you can take an auto-rickshaw to Panam Nagar.

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Two old buildings side by side. Looking at these ruined buildings, I feel like I'm in a war-torn city

The total cost from Dhaka is usually around 100 BDT or slightly more, depending on where you start your journey. It’s a quick and affordable trip for such a beautiful historical experience!


First Impressions and Atmosphere

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Another ancient buidling. It can be seen that the walls of the building are very old and even without painting, the walls look quite beautiful

Leaving behind the noise and chaos of Dhaka city, Panam Nagar felt like stepping into a completely different world. When you will enter the Panam city, it will hard to believe that it is still so close to the capital. Because the atmosphere is so calm here.

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Informational plaque about Panam City

Interestingly, the World Monuments Fund once listed Panam Nagar among the 100 most endangered historic sites in the world, which gives you an idea of its fragile yet priceless beauty.

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Preserved 19th-century mansions in Panam Nagar

The narrow lanes, moss-covered walls, and crumbling wooden doors whisper the stories of centuries gone by. Standing there, you will feel like you have traveled back in time, maybe to the Mughal capital of Bengal, or perhaps to a forgotten era under British rule. The peaceful silence and rustic charm of this place left a deep impression on me.


Exploring the Ancient Streets and Houses

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Walking through these streets, you will feel like you are witnessing centuries of history

Walking through Panam Nagar felt surreal, as if I had stepped into the pages of history. Surrounded by decaying buildings, old brick walls, and fading carvings, I couldn’t help but imagine what life might have been like here hundreds of years ago.

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The walls are so old that it looks like they are about to fall apart. The design on the wall seems to have turned black with algae

Each house has its own story, some walls are broken, some still stand strong with delicate patterns on their doors and windows. Even though many parts are covered in moss, the artistic beauty remains.

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The lower part of this building was painted, but for some reason it has come off

As I wandered down the old lanes, I felt like I was roaming through a Mughal-era town. I even caught myself wishing I could live in one of these ancient mansions, looking out through the old windows at this timeless city.

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Kashinath House (#38), built in 1898 AD

Entry Fee & Visiting Hours

  • Entry Fee For local tourists: 20 BDT ≈ 2.08 STEEM
  • Entry Fee For SAARC foreign visitors: 100 BDT ≈ 10.41 STEEM
  • Entry Fee For non-SAARC foreign visitors: 300 BDT ≈ 31.23 STEEM

1 steem= 0.08524207 USD

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Panama City Winter Travel Schedul, visiting hours and rules for filming and photography at this archaeological site
  • Panam Nagar is open Tuesday to Saturday.
  • Summer: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Winter: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Closed on Sundays
  • On Mondays, it opens partially (from 1:30 or 2:00 PM, depending on the season).
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Front view of the abandoned mansion

So, make sure to plan your visit accordingly. The best time to visit is during the morning or late afternoon when the sunlight gently touches the old buildings, creating a perfect atmosphere for photography and peaceful exploration.


✅ Pros and ❌ Cons

✅ Pros❌ Cons
Beautiful historical siteLimited food options nearby
Great for photographyCan get crowded on weekends
Peaceful and quiet environmentVery little shade during summer
Educational and inspiringNeeds better maintenance

Personal Thoughts

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Beautiful window and door

Panam Nagar, with its 52 surviving buildings, is truly a national treasure and an important archaeological site of Bangladesh. These old structures beautifully represent our history and heritage. A single glance at them gives you a glimpse into what prosperous Bengal once looked like.

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Projected Antiquity

For me, this visit was not just a trip, it was an emotional journey through time. The beauty, silence, and history of Panam Nagar make it one of the most fascinating places I’ve ever visited.


My Recommendation

I strongly recommend visiting Panam Nagar. It’s hard to believe that such a historic and architecturally rich city once existed in Bengal until you see it with your own eyes. You will not only learn about our history but also experience something that goes beyond words.

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Another beautiful road passing through the historic buildings

Whether you’re a student, traveler, or history enthusiast, this trip will be educational, adventurous, and full of wonder. You can visit with friends or family, either way, it’s going to be an unforgettable experience.


Location Code and Other info


AttributeDetails
Steem Atlas Location[//]:# (!steematlas 23.655838 lat 90.603391 long Panam City d3scr)
Google LocationMJ43+89J Sonargaon, Bangladesh, Link
CountryBangladesh
StatusActive
CleanlinessGood
WebsiteNo
Overall Rating9.5/10


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 2 months ago 

Dear sohanurrahman, excellent pin! Pin curated for Steem Atlas. We appreciate you pinning with us!

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View your post on Steem Atlas here:
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Oooo looks ancient and beautiful!

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