Boro Sardar Bari
About Boro Sardar Bari
Boro Sardar Bari is the largest and most elaborate of the old residences in Sonargaon. It dates from the early 1900s and was built for a wealthy local family, combining European-style columns and pediments with Bengali and Mughal touches, set around courtyards and facing large ponds.
After years of neglect the building was carefully restored in the early 2010s, reportedly with South Korean support, and its arcades, mosaic details and rooms now look much as they might have a century ago. It sits within the grounds of the Sonargaon Museum, and some rooms are used to display folk art.
Many visitors find it the best-preserved building in the area, a good counterpoint to the weathered houses of nearby Panam City. Evergreen Bangladesh Tours brings guests here on private Sonargaon day trips from Dhaka, usually alongside Panam and the Goaldi Mosque.
Things to do
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Admire the architecture
Look at the arched verandas, columns and decorative details that blend European and Bengali styles.
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Photograph the facade
The front reflected in the pond is one of the classic photos of Sonargaon.
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See the folk art rooms
Some rooms hold displays from the Folk Art Foundation collection.
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Stroll the grounds
The mansion sits within gardens with a lake and shaded paths.
Getting there
From Dhaka: Sonargaon is about 25 to 30 km southeast along the Dhaka to Chittagong highway, one to two hours by car. Enter through the Folk Art and Crafts Foundation gate.
Where to stay
Most travellers visit as a day trip from Dhaka. Simple resorts nearby suit an unhurried overnight.
More to see in Narayanganj
Tours that visit Boro Sardar Bari
Day Tours
Panam City and Old Capital Sonargaon Day Tour
from $70 per person
Short Tours
The Best of Bangladesh: City, Tea & Heritage Tour
from $500 per person
Questions
Is Boro Sardar Bari part of the museum?
Yes, it stands within the Folk Art and Crafts Foundation grounds and is reached through the same entrance.
Do I need a separate ticket?
Yes. After the Folk Art and Crafts Foundation ticket, the mansion has its own: BDT 200 for foreign visitors and BDT 100 for Bangladeshi visitors.
How long should I allow?
Visits inside are limited to about 30 minutes. With the museum, the gardens and nearby Panam City, plan a half day from Dhaka.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, the open grounds and lake make it an easy family stop.