Dhaka is a thriving, colourful and congested metropolis of some 18 million people. Given the number of people that live there, and the density they live in, Dhaka is one of the most frenetic places on Earth. The streets and rivers are filled with colourful chaos. It also plays host to the highest number of rickshaws in any city in the world, totalling around 400,000; you certainly won't miss them. Experiencing the city for the first time can often seem overwhelming.

The existence of a settlement in the area that is now Dhaka dates from the 7th century. The area was ruled by the Buddhist kingdom of Kamarupa and the Pala Empire before passing to the control of the Hindu Sena dynasty in the 9th century. The Islamic Mughal Empire soon seized control of the city and turned it into a centre of trade and governance. In the years of their vigorous rule, the successive governors and princely viceroys who ruled the province adorned it with many noble monuments, mosques, tombs, fortifications and 'Katras', often surrounded with beautifully laid out gardens and pavilions. The city passed through another phase under the rule of the British, until it became the seat of the eastern division of Pakistan after Indian partitioning. The Liberation War of 1971 gave Bangladesh its independence and Dhaka was declared the country's capital.

Since then, Dhaka has been developing fast as a modern city and is the country's centre of industrial, commercial, cultural, educational and political activity. The gap between rich and poor is widening throughout the country, but it's at its most glaringly obvious here. Depending on where you start from, a thirty minute rickshaw ride can take you from impossibly crowded shanty towns near Old Dhaka to the glitzy high-class neighbourhoods of Gulshan and Banani where a meal costs more than most people earn in a week.

Motijheel is the main commercial area of the city. Dhaka's main waterfront, Sadarghat, is on the banks of the river Buriganga in Old Dhaka and is crowded with various ferries, yachts, paddle steamers, fisherman's boats and floating dhabas all bustling with activity.

The weather is tropical - hot and very humid during the summer monsoon season (April-September) and drier and cooler in the winter (October-March). Visitors from colder countries might want to visit in the winter when temperatures are around 20C and humidity is low (around 60-70%).

Understanding Dhaka, the bustling capital of Bangladesh, requires immersing oneself in its dynamic energy and rich tapestry of culture, history, and daily life. Here's a travel description to help you comprehend the essence of Dhaka:

Dhaka, with its chaotic yet captivating atmosphere, is a city that never sleeps. From the moment you step onto its bustling streets, you'll be swept up in a whirlwind of sights, sounds, and sensations that epitomize the spirit of Bangladesh.

Navigating through Dhaka's labyrinthine lanes and crowded thoroughfares, you'll encounter a diverse tapestry of humanity. People from all walks of life coexist in this vibrant metropolis, each contributing to its colorful mosaic of cultures, languages, and traditions.

As you wander through the city's historic landmarks, such as Lalbagh Fort and Ahsan Manzil, you'll gain insight into Dhaka's rich history, spanning centuries of Mughal, British, and Bengali rule. These architectural marvels stand as testaments to the city's enduring resilience and cultural heritage.

But Dhaka is more than just its past; it's a city in constant motion, pulsating with the rhythms of modern life. Amidst the chaos of its crowded streets and bustling markets, you'll find a dynamic entrepreneurial spirit that drives innovation and progress.

To truly understand Dhaka is to embrace its contradictions: the juxtaposition of ancient mosques and gleaming skyscrapers, the chaos of its traffic jams and the tranquility of its riverbanks, the poverty of its slums and the opulence of its affluent neighborhoods.

Yet, amidst the chaos and complexity, there is a sense of warmth and hospitality that defines the essence of Dhaka. Whether you're sampling street food delicacies in Old Dhaka, bargaining for souvenirs in its vibrant markets, or simply observing daily life unfold around you, Dhaka invites you to experience the beauty of its contradictions and complexities.