Bhawal National Park, National park and commercial forest in Gazipur District, Bangladesh
Bhawal National Park is a protected forest area northeast of Dhaka covering about 5,000 hectares of woodland. The landscape holds more than 200 plant species and various wildlife populations within this connected ecosystem.
The land was originally part of the Madhupur forest under the Bhawal Estate administration before becoming a national park in 1974. This shift marked the transition from private managed land to publicly protected natural space.
Different sections bear names like Anando and Kanchan, reflecting how local communities have traditionally connected with the forest. These place names show how people have understood and related to the woodland over time.
Visitors should book in advance through the forest department office in Mohakhali to access picnic areas and overnight cottages. Planning ahead ensures you can secure the facilities you need and visit at the best time for your experience.
The protected area maintains its plant diversity through a natural coppice sal forest system that regenerates on its own. This particular woodland structure with sal trees that regrow after cutting is characteristic of the region and supports the ecosystem's resilience.
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