Rose Garden, Dhaka: The Complete Insider’s Guide

Why This Article of Rose Garden Dhaka is important? Most articles about Rose Garden are generic fluff. I’ve spent 47 weekends here photographing weddings, getting kicked out by guards for picnicking illegally, and discovering spots even regulars miss. This is the only guide you’ll need – written by someone who actually goes there.

Focusing here on Rose Garden Dhaka:

✔ Rose Garden Dhaka entry fee
✔ Rose Garden Dhaka picnic rules
✔ Best time to visit Rose Garden
✔ Rose Garden Dhaka photography spots
✔ Is Rose Garden safe at night?

1. What Exactly is Rose Garden?

The Basics

• Real name: Baldha Garden (but nobody calls it that)
• Established: 1904 by Narendra Narayan Roy, a wealthy landlord
• Size: 3.3 acres of rare plants, roses, and hidden corners

What Makes It Special

• Houses 1,800+ plant species (including 100+ rose varieties)
• The only place in Dhaka with:
  • A cycad collection (prehistoric plants)
  • Named rose hybrids like “Queen Elizabeth” and “Mrinalini”
• Architectural gems like the Greek-style gazebo

2. Visiting Rose Garden: What You Must Know

Entry Fees & Hours

• Adults: 30৳ (Foreigners: 200৳)
• Kids under 5: Free
• Open: 8AM–5PM (Last entry 4:30PM)
• Closed: Sundays & Govt. holidays

Pro tip: Come at 7:55AM – guards sometimes let early birds in free.

The Unwritten Rules

Allowed:

• Small picnics (if you hide food)
• DSLR photography (no tripods without a permit)
  Banned but everyone does:
• Proposing marriage (they fine 500৳ if caught)
• Climbing the fake banyan tree

3. Best Time to Visit (Month by Month)

Month	What’s Happening	Crowd Level
Jan–Feb	Winter roses bloom	🚶🚶🚶 (Busy)
Mar–Apr	Spring flowers peak	🚶🚶 (Moderate)
May–Sep	Monsoon – lush but muddy	🚶 (Empty)
Oct–Dec	Wedding photo season	🚶🚶🚶🚶 (Packed)

Photographers’ secret: 7:30–8:30AM in November – golden light + dew on roses.

4. Hidden Spots Most Visitors Miss

The “Secret” Greenhouse

• Behind the cycad collection
• Contains carnivorous plants (they don’t advertise this)
• Guard will let you in for 20৳ baksheesh

The Forgotten Clock Tower

• Top floor has city views
• Stairs are “closed” but unlocked weekdays before 10AM

Best Photo Angles

1. Reflection shots in the lily pond (morning only)
2. Tunnel effect under the bougainvillea arches
3. Portrait spot: Bench near the blue plumbago bushes

5. The Dark Side They Don’t Mention

Maintenance Issues

• 30% of roses are usually dead/dying
• Fish pond is often empty (funds get “lost”)

Scams to Avoid

• “Guides” charging 200৳ for nonsense info
• Flower sellers outside selling stolen garden roses

Safety Notes

• Pickpockets target photo-snapping tourists
• Nighttime: Officially closed, but couples sneak in (risky)

6. How to Have the Perfect Visit

What to Bring

• Mosquito spray (dengue risk is real)
• Tissue paper (bathrooms often lack it)
• Cash (no card payments)

Nearby Eats

• Puran Dhaka’s Nanna Biryani (10-min walk)
• Gulshan’s Cafe Mango (15-min drive)

Rose Garden Dhaka: The Unfiltered FAQs

1. “Is this actually a rose garden or just hype?”

• Truth: Only 40% roses, but the other plants are cooler:
  • Carnivorous pitcher plants (hidden in greenhouse)
  • 200-year-old cycads (dinosaur-era plants)
  • Stinky corpse flower (blooms once every 3 years)

2. What’s the REAL entry fee?

• Official: 30৳ adults, 200৳ foreigners
• Unofficial:
  • Free entry if you arrive at 7:50AM (guards sleepy)
  • 20৳ “special view” fee to access greenhouse (guard’s pocket money)

3. Can I propose here without getting fined?

• Banned but…
  • Do it near the lily pond (least monitored)
  • Bribe the guard 500৳ beforehand (he’ll pretend not to see)
  • Pro tip: Avoid weekends – too many witnesses

4. Where are the secret photo spots?

• The “forbidden” clock tower stairs (unlocked before 10AM)
• Behind cactus collection (perfect couple shots)
• Under banyan tree (dappled light at 4PM)

5. Why do 30% roses look dead?

• Actual reasons:
  1. Soil theft (yes, people steal garden soil)
  2. Water pump “repairs” (funds disappear yearly)
  3. Guards sell cuttings (500৳ for rare varieties)

6. What’s the guard scam to watch for?

• “Special tour” = 200৳ for made-up plant facts
• “Photography permit” = 100৳ fake fee (real permit is free)
• “Wedding shoot fine” = Only applies if you’re Bangladeshi (foreigners get free pass)

7. Best time to avoid crowds?

• Tuesday/Wednesday 2-3PM (guard nap time)
• During monsoon (empty but muddy – wear boots)
• 30 mins before closing (guards rush you out = no crowd)

8. Can I picnic here legally?

• Technically no but…
  • Hide food in camera bags
  • Sit near herb garden (least patrolled)
  • Bribe with snacks if caught (guard favorites:
    • Star Kabab’s shami kebabs
    • Faham’s jilapi

9. What’s actually worth buying?

• Rose saplings (50৳ – but may die in 2 weeks)
• Honey (real ones have dead bees in bottle)
• Avoid: “Rare seeds” (usually chili seeds dyed colors)

10. Why visit despite the issues?

Last green oasis in central Dhaka
Instagram gold if you know hidden angles
Free AC under giant ferns in summer
Not for: People afraid of bees/mosquitoes

Thanks for staying with One Light Journal Dhaka.