Saturday, March 8, 2025

Chander Gari: Will this vehicle take you to the moon?

There are many types of vehicles around the world- bullock carts, pushcarts, buses, trucks, private cars, and more. However, many people may not be familiar with the “Chander Gari.” They might frown and ask, “Is this a vehicle from the Moon, or a means of travelling to the Moon by purchasing a ticket?” Not at all. It is actually a very familiar vehicle in the hilly regions of our country. The Chander Gari is an old, open-sided jeep from the British era. Uneven roads are not an issue, nor even the overload of passengers, it keeps moving at its own pace. Riding in this vehicle gives you a true sense of the saying “the life of a koi fish.” Although it is referred to as public transport, it carries everything from people to goods and all kinds of items. 


The Chittagong Hill Tracts consists of three districts- Rangamati, Bandarban, and Khagrachhari. The first modern facility that reached this remote area was the Chander Gari. Rujalmoy Bawm from Harmon Para in Ruma Upazila of Bandarban shared his thoughts on this, stating, “In our backward and stagnant life, this Chander Gari appeared as the blessing from God several decades ago from today.” The life-restoring energy of their lives is spread across the mountains and forests. Anything beyond this was unimaginable for them. A police station used to take two to three days or even more to reach on foot can now be accessed easily thanks to this vehicle.

Ruzalmoy mentioned that many individuals in their community have never set foot in a police station. They have never seen a paved road or the glow of electric lights. The main reason for this is the long and arduous mountainous path that must be traversed on foot. It is hard to believe that even in the 21st century, there are still such people in our country. Regardless, the Chander Gari serves as one of the means of transportation for the hill residents.

There is no reliable information on why the British era jeep later became known as the ‘Chander Gari’ (Moon Car). However, two main stories circulate in the region regarding this name. The first suggests that engine-powered vehicles were unimaginable to the indigenous hill people. When they saw it in reality, they thought this might have come from the moon (since the moon is used as a metaphor for beauty and prosperity). The second story is that since this vehicle moves upward, traversing the uneven hilly terrain, they assumed that it might be able to reach the moon as well.

It is against the nature of a Chander Gari to leave behind any passenger standing by the roadside. It does not even know how to behave so discourteously. Although each vehicle has 18 to 20 seats, a peculiar sight can be seen on the Ruma-Boga Lake route. Often, more than fifty passengers are loaded into a single vehicle. Passengers are carried not only inside, on the roof, but also on the bumpers and even on the front engine. Sometimes, goods are also seen being carried in these places. Often, the windshield in front of the driver is completely covered by the mass of goods or passengers. Only about a foot and a half of space remains for the driver to see through. Even then, the driver manages without any difficulty. It is common to see passengers sitting on the roof, dangling their legs over the windshield of the jeep. For the convenience of the driver, they are asked to keep a small gap between their legs. The driver continues on the road by carefully looking through that small gap.

When visiting Sungsungpara of Ruma Upazila, one can observe that the Chander Gari has also reached there. However, there is no proper road for vehicles to go there. When asked about it, Robert Bawm, a merchant from a section of the village, said that ginger has been harvested from the Jhum. To transport this large quantity of ginger, this temporary arrangement has been made. However, the last road that is accessible to vehicle in this remote hilly region extends up to Pasingpara, which is about 1700 feet above Sungsungpara. Yet, despite the winding and curving path, this vehicle has reached there.

On the way to Pukur Para, a popular spot for tourists, you can see Chander Gari running near the remote Anopara. The altitude of this area is at least 2,500 feet above sea level. Woods are cut from the deep mountain forests and transported using these strange vehicles on poorly constructed roads. A woodcutter said that each vehicle carries approximately three tons of wood per trip.

If you look closely, you will notice that no part of the vehicle is in perfect condition. The original structure has been lost over time due to repeatedly replacing, welding and patching of different parts. From distance, it looks like a beehive filled with people, wobbling as it moves forward. We spoke with Khupati Marma and Laltan Tripura, drivers of the Chander Gari on the Baittapara to Boalkhali route in Langadu Upazila of Khagrachhari district. They said that road accidents do not happen in the hills that much compared to the plains. They have not experienced any accidents in their ten-year long driving career.

However, it has been observed that the number of Chander Gari has been increasing in the hilly areas recently. In that case, open-roof Toyota, Tata, and Bolero vehicles are becoming quite common and are often referred to as “Chander Gari.” In reality, the number of “Chander Gari” is decreasing day by day because there is no opportunity for the new ones to be added. Recently, several locations in the hilly areas have become quite popular. During the season, thousands of tourists visit there. Many of them choose to travel by Chander Gari. 

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Boga Lake: The Dragon Lake of Bangladesh

Bogakain Lake, or Boga Lake, is a naturally formed lake that originated approximately 2,000 years ago. It is located at an altitude of about 1,246 feet (380 meters) above sea level, nestled at the foot of Keokradong Hill, which is 17 kilometers from Ruma Upazila in the Bandarban district. According to geologists, this lake was formed either from the crater of an extinct volcano or as a result of a meteorite impact. Over time, rainwater collected in this crater, eventually creating a large, rectangular-shaped lake. 


Boga Lake is known to many as Dragon Lake. Tourists who visit are captivated by its changing beauty at dawn, dusk, and night. The cool and tranquil water of the lake instantly relieves the fatigue of the journey. Covering an area of about 18.56 acres (75,100 m²) at the foot of the mountain, with a stunning display of the sky, mountains, and blue water, Boga Lake has become a unique attraction for tourists.

This freshwater lake is surrounded on three sides by towering mountain peaks, which are lush with thick bamboo bushes. Being a closed lake, it has no outlet for water to drain away, nor does it receive water from any external sources. The only water source for the lake is rain, although there is a small spring or waterfall called Boga Chhara located 153 meters below the lake. The average depth of Boga Lake is 38 meters.

The water in the lake is so clear that you can see fish swimming underwater. There is a mystery hidden beneath the surface. The surface of Boga Lake is covered with rocks and boulders of various shapes. Chemical experts have stated that the high acidity levels make the lake unsuitable for growing any kind of plant life or supporting animals. However, the intriguing part is that both flora and fauna can still be found there.

There are mythological stories and legends from the Bawm, Marma, Mro, Khumi, and Tripura communities about the creation of Boga Lake. One such myth states that there was a Bawm village and a Murung village located near the lake. The local indigenous communities include the Bawm, Murung or Mro, Tanchangya, Tripura, and others. According to their folklore, a dragon used to live in a cave in the mountain long ago. In the Bawm language, the dragon is called “Boga.” To appease the dragon deity, local people would sacrifice livestock. However, one day, some people killed the dragon deity. Immediately after its death, a deafening roar erupted from the cave, followed by a burst of fire that turned everything to ash. After that, the hilltop turned into a submerged lake, destroying the surrounding villages. Though there is no factual evidence for this myth, the fire-breathing dragon in the story and the lake’s crater-like structure align with the idea of a dead volcano. 

In another mythological story, it is said that Boga Lake was once a wealthy Mro village. A large snake used to live in a tunnel near the village. One day, some villagers caught the snake and ate it. Due to the villagers eating the snake, the serpent king (Nagraj) took revenge, causing the entire village along with its inhabitants to sink, leading to the creation of Boga Lake. Still, many Bawm and Mro people believe that when the serpent king, who lives in the depth of the lake, shakes its tail, the lake’s water becomes murky.

According to some senior citizens, the origin of the lake was connected to a deity that the inhabitants of Khumi Village killed and ate. This divine being later reappeared to them in the form of a dragon. Suddenly, an earthquake struck, causing the hillside to collapse and the village to vanish, leaving behind a deep lake in its place.

It is quite difficult to travel to Boga Lake during monsoon, but it is convenient to go there in winter season. Still, many adventure-loving tourists accept the hardship to be captivated by the beauty of Boga Lake. The entire route from Bandarban to Boga Lake is a zigzag mountain path. The beauty of this path will attract you and the fatigue of the journey will fade away.

How to go to Boga Lake?

No matter which part of the country you live in, you will first have to come to Bandarban to go to Boga Lake. From Arambagh, Fakirapool, Abdullahpur, and Sayedabad in Dhaka, buses of different transports like S. Alam, Saudia, Saintmartin Paribahan, Unique, Hanif, Shyamoli, Dolphin, etc. depart for Bandarban. The fare per person of these busies is approximately BDT 800-900 for non-AC and BDT 1200-1800 for AC respectively. It takes about 8-10 hours to go to Bandarban from Dhaka by bus.

If you want to go there by train, you can go to Chattogram by taking Parjatak Express, Cox’s Bazar Express, Sonar Bangla, Subarna Express, Turna Nishitha, or Mahanagar Godhuli from Dhaka. The ticket price ranges from BDT 405 to BDT 1398, depending on the class. Moreover, you can travel directly from Dhaka to Chattogram by air.

Two buses named Pubali and Purbani depart for Bandarban from Bahaddarhat in Chattogram. On these two buses, the fare for each person is BDT 220. You can travel to Bandarban from the Dampara Bus Stand in Chattogram by bus for a fare of BDT 200–300.

From Bandarban to Boga Lake:

If you want to go to Boga Lake from Bandarban city, you must first go to Ruma Bazar. The distance from Bandarban to Ruma Bazar is approximately 43 kilometers. You can go to Ruma Bazar by local bus or Chander Gari (classic blue jeep). If you want to travel by bus, you must go to the Ruma bus stand in Bandarban. From there, buses depart for Ruma every hour. The fare for each person is BDT 120, and the journey takes about three hours. If you travel in a group, you can go to Ruma Bazar by Chander Gari. This vehicle can accommodate 10-15 people. You will have to rent this type of vehicle for BDT 3000-4000 from the jeep station in Bandarban city. Traveling by jeep will take around two hours.

Upon reaching Ruma Bazar, the first thing you need to do is hire a guide to go to Boga Lake. It is mandatory to take a guide. There are registered guides available, and you need to arrange for one of them. Before departing, you need to get permission from the Ruma Bazar Army Camp to travel to Boga Lake. For this, the identities of all traveling members must be submitted in writing. The guide will help you with these procedures. Also, you must keep in mind that permission to travel from Ruma Bazar to Boga Lake is not granted after 4 PM.

The distance from Ruma Bazar to Boga Lake is approximately 17 kilometers. After obtaining permission, you will need to hire a Land Cruiser Jeep or a Chander Gari. One vehicle can accommodate 8-15 people. You can take the help of a guide for these tasks. If you explain what you need to the guide, they will generally arrange everything for you. From Ruma Bazar to Boga Lake, the reserve fare for a Land Cruiser is BDT 1800, while the fare for a Chander Gari is BDT 2000. If you have a small group, you can talk to another group and arrange to hire a vehicle together. Alternatively, you can buy a ticket and travel by local transport. From 8 AM to 4 PM, local transport, Chander Gari, operates every hour. The fare for local transport to Boga Lake is BDT 100 per person.

Currently, you can travel directly by vehicle from Ruma Bazar to Boga Lake. However, during the rainy season, if the road is in poor condition, vehicles may not be able to reach Boga Lake directly. 

Accommodation and food arrangements at Boga Lake:

There are no high-quality hotels or resorts at Boga Lake. However, there are around 20 small cottages owned by the indigenous people. You will have to stay in one of these cottages. Among them, Siam Didi’s cottage, Laram’s cottage, and Robert’s cottage are the most popular. Some cottages are built on elevated bamboo platforms right next to the lake. Staying in these indigenous cottages, surrounded by a completely natural environment, will cost BDT 100-200 per person. A one-room cottage can accommodate 5-6 people. Besides, separate cottages can be arranged for couples or female travelers if desired. If you have a preference in advance, inform the guide when going there, and he will arrange the cottage for you. Alternatively, you can arrange it upon arrival. 

If you plan to go there during the off-season, you do not need to reserve a cottage in advance. However, if you plan to visit during the peak season, you must make a reservation before your journey. The best time to visit Boga Lake is winter. The weather during that period is pleasantly dry and comfortable, allowing you to avoid any weather-related difficulties. If you are an adventurer who enjoys challenges and wants to experience the real beauty of the mountain, then you must visit during the monsoon or just after the end of the rainy season. 

You will have to make food arrangements in the indigenous houses. Usually, food packages are available for BDT 100-200. The food arrangement typically includes rice, eggs, mashed potatoes, and mountain chicken. For this, you must inform in advance what you would like to eat and how many people will be eating. If you want to have food upon arrival, you can inform the guide before traveling. The cottages have barbecue facilities. You can buy mountain chicken and enjoy this unique experience while sitting by the lake.

Boga Lake travel tips:

Ø  There is no electricity at Boga Lake, but there is an arrangement for a solar power system. You can carry a power bank with you to charge your mobile.

Ø  Not all mobile networks are available at Boga Lake. The networks of Robi and Teletalk are available here. So, you can carry a SIM card from either of these network providers.

Ø  Recently, some accidents have occurred at Boga Lake. So, be careful while bathing in the lake.

Ø  The lifestyle of indigenous people is not like that of people living in plain areas. Always try to avoid doing anything that may disrespect them.

Ø  Take permission before taking photos of indigenous people. They may not like having their photos taken without permission.

Ø  The entire road from Bandarban to Boga Lake is a zigzag hilly road. Be careful while traveling.

Ø  You can keep a copy of your national identity card with you for safety.

Ø  You must get permission from the army camp to go to Boga Lake. You must also report when coming back.

Attention: Any tourist spot is a valuable asset of our country. Refrain from doing anything that is harmful to nature and its beauty. Encourage others to do the same. This country is ours, and it is our responsibility to take care of everything in it.

Caution: Hotel, resort, transportation rental, and other costs change over time. Therefore, the information published here may not be up to date. Please plan your trip based on the latest information before traveling anywhere. 

Saturday, January 18, 2025

Rose Garden Palace: A Historical White Mansion

The palace-like house named Rose Garden is located on KM Das Lane in Tikatuli, Old Dhaka. This historic house is a short distance from Baldha Garden. Next to it is a Christian cemetery. The Bangladesh Awami League was formed in this very Rose Garden in 1949. White marble statues, artificial fountains, waterfalls, a cemented pond, and sculptures built with unique architectural styles make Rose Garden a royal garden mansion. It has been eternally connected with the history of the birth of Bangladesh. Over time, Rose Garden has become known as Rashid Manzil. 

There are two main gates located between the western and northern walls of Rose Garden. If you enter through the western gate, used for entry and exit, you will first come across a spacious open courtyard. Here, several beautiful statues of women stand on a platform. There is a rectangular pond in the middle of the eastern section. On the eastern and western sides of the pond, there is a paved, concrete quay at the center of each side. To the east of it is a west-facing two-story building, currently known as ‘Rashid Manzil.’ In the courtyard in front of the entrance to Rashid Manzil, there is a beautiful fountain made of brick and cement. One has to climb a staircase that takes seven steps to reach the first floor of Rashid Manzil. In the middle part of the front side, there are three arched doors, placed beside each room. There is a podium above each arch on the upper floor.

Tympanums are decorated with leaf designs and colored glass. In front of it, there is an elliptical balcony on the outside. There is a Corinthian pillar on either side of it. Each floor has a door on either side of the pillars. The vanishing blinds and tympanums of each wooden panel are adorned with leafy patterns, with a narrow open balcony at the front. The upper part has a curved cornice, which is decorated with a balustrade design. The middle section at the front of the roof has a large octagonal pavilion with arches. Its roof is covered with a semi-circular dome. There are two Corinthian pillars at the two corners of the building, and they also have a canopy design on their tops. Each floor has a total of 13 small and large rooms. After entering the first floor, on the left side of the western side, there is a spiral staircase leading to the upper floor. This historical Rose Garden has been used as a shooting spot for dramas and telefilms.

If we search for the history of the establishment of Rose Garden, we learn that the builder of this house was a person named Hrishikesh Das, who was also a landlord in Dhaka. In the late 19th century during the time of the British Raj, he built this house as a pleasure lodge to arrange musical performances. One day, Hrishikesh Das, who belonged to the lower caste, went to Baldha Garden to attend a jalsa (party) at the Jalsha Ghar (Assembly Hall) in Baldha Garden. However, he had to return after being severely humiliated. It is said that just as Ruplal Babu built Ruplal House after seeing Ahsan Manzil, similarly, Hrishikesh Babu built the palace-like Rose Garden after being insulted at the party in Baldha Garden.

Of course, at the beginning, he did not build such a palace-like building. At first, he bought 22 bighas of land in the K.M. Das area. Then, in 1930, he created a rose garden on that land by bringing soil and roses from various countries around the world. In 1931, behind that rose garden, a palace-like building surrounded by Corinthian pillars was constructed, which, over time, became famously known as Rose Garden.

When Hrishikesh Das fell into financial difficulties a few days after constructing the building, he sold it to the businessman Khan Bahadur Kazi Abdur Rashid. Still, you can find Kazi Abdur Rashid’s name engraved on the building. The famous Provincial Library, owned by businessman Kazi Abdur Rashid, was established here. In 1966, Kazi Mohammed Bashir (Humayun), the brother of Kazi Abdur Rashid, acquired ownership of the building. Since then, the building has become famously known as the house of Humayun Sahib. In 1970, Kazi Mohammed Bashir (Humayun) rented this house to the then-film development organization Motion Pictures Limited. At that time, the building gained fame as Bengal Studio. In 1993, when Bengal Studio moved out, the house returned to the Kazi Mohammed Bashir family. By then, Kazi Mohammed Bashir was no longer alive. His descendant, Kazi Raquib, inherited the property.

If you want to visit Rose Garden, you will have to go there on any day except holidays. Access to Rose Garden is not allowed on holidays. From Gulistan or Jatrabari in Dhaka, you can go to Rose Garden, located on KM Das Lane in Tikatuli, Old Dhaka, by rickshaw. Most rickshaw pullers do not know this establishment as Rose Garden, so you will have to tell them that you want to go to Humayun Sahib’s house. Do not forget to bargain the fare before riding a rickshaw. You can take the help of a local person to know the exact fare for this destination. 

Friday, December 13, 2024

Moinot Ghat: The Mini Cox’s Bazar

Everyone aspires to visit popular tourist destinations in pursuit of mental peace, but busy schedules and heavy workloads often occupy them. Many people are worried about various aspects of traveling, such as time constraints, budget, and finding a good travel companion. You may have already explored all the tourist attractions in Dhaka. You might lack enough time and funds to travel far, but you still need a beautiful and relaxing environment to recharge yourself. 

To experience the waves of the Padma River and enjoy a boat trip, you can take a short trip to Moinot Ghat, located in Dohar Upazila of c. Visitors will be captivated by the stunning, towering waves. Strolling along the shore of the beautiful river and watching the boats sway with the waves will make you feel like you are at Cox’s Bazar beach rather than in Dohar, Dhaka. This is why many people refer to it as ‘Mini Cox's Bazar.’

Moinot Ghat, being relatively unknown, is often unnoticed by many nature enthusiasts who miss out on the beauty of this location. If you visit early in the morning, you will witness a bustling market filled with various species of fish, including Hilsa. You can even purchase fish at bargain prices here.

The rainy season is the ideal time to experience the beauty of Moinot Ghat. Watching the sunset while sitting on the bank of the Padma River is truly breathtaking. Visitors can see numerous sailboats of different colors floating on the water. On holidays, local people from neighboring districts often take to the river in speedboats or trawlers. Tourists travel from far and wide to enjoy the scenery. However, apart from visiting the beach, you can also explore attractions like Judge Bari, Ukil Bari, Khelaram Kotha, and many other tourist spots in Nawabganj.

What is the rent of speed boat, trawler or small boat?

Anyone wishing to take a speedboat from Moinot Ghat to Charbhadrasan Upazila in Faridpur will need to pay BDT 160. Each speedboat can accommodate a maximum of 10–12 adult passengers. The journey takes about 16 to 17 minutes, but if the Padma River has strong waves, it may take more than 20 minutes. According to boatmen, if you wish to reserve a boat for a 20-minute ride on the river, the fare is BDT 2,000, while a 10-minute reservation costs BDT 1,000. Splitting the rental cost among passengers is often more cost-effective. For those interested in renting a trawler to explore the Padma River, the cost ranges from BDT 500 to 1,000. Do not forget to negotiate the boat rental prices. Additionally, if you prefer a small-engine boat for an hour, the charge will be between BDT 300 and 600. The fare may vary depending on the time and situation, so it is advisable to consult with local people and bargain to fix the fare.

How to go there?

The distance from Dhaka to Moinot Ghat is approximately 61 kilometers. The most convenient way to reach Moinot Ghat in Dohar from Dhaka is by taking a direct bus from Jamuna Paribahan, which departs from Golap Shah Mazar in Gulistan. The ticket price is BDT 90, and the journey takes about two to two and a half hours. For the return trip, you can take the same bus back to Dhaka. If you prefer to travel by private car or motorbike, you can follow the bus route, which makes the journey easier. Using your own vehicle is advisable, or you can consider renting a car with friends to explore Moinot Ghat and the surrounding areas of Nawabganj. The last bus from Moinot Ghat to Dhaka departs at 6:30 PM.

Where to stay?

For visitors, there are hardly any accommodation facilities near Moinot Ghat. Neither the government nor individuals have taken any initiative to provide shelters for tourists for overnight stays. Therefore, unless you can persuade a local resident to let you stay, you will need to head back before sunset.

Where to eat?

A visit to Moinot Ghat is incomplete without trying Hilsa fish. Sitting by the banks of the Padma River, most people taste Hilsa fish freshly caught from the river. Moinot Ghat has several restaurants, with notable ones owned by Atahar Chowdhury and Julhash Bhuiyan. There are also some fast-food shops, the oldest being Shikdar Fast Food located in Kartikpur. Besides the Dhaka Hotel, a few other places serve rice dishes. Do not miss the opportunity to taste the traditional sweets available in Kartikpur. These sweets are so popular that many people even send them abroad. Notable sweet shops include Ranjit Mistanno Bhandar, Niranjan Mistanno Bhandar, and Muslim Sweets.

Additional caution:

This place is so beautiful, and the river is so vast that one might feel tempted to take a bath in it. However, if you do not know how to swim, it is best to avoid going deep into the river. Be aware of the environment by not polluting it with cigarette butts, food packets, water bottles, or any other trash. It is your responsibility to preserve the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, refrain yourself from hunting any species of birds. During the rainy season, the waves can become quite strong, so exercise caution. Avoid going deep into the river in a small boat, and if you do not know how to swim, never go on a boat trip without a life jacket. Always wear a life jacket when using a speedboat as well. When you embark on a boat trip, focus on enjoying the beauty of nature without causing any disturbances. 

Sunday, December 8, 2024

Ambar Shah Mosque: A Mughal Era Mosque in Karwan Bazar

The Ambar Shah Mosque, nearly 350 years old, is located in the Karwan Bazar area of the capital city, Dhaka. This historical structure is gradually disappearing from the sight of city dwellers. However, the name of this historical establishment is intertwined with the history of Karwan Bazar. This mosque is considered the heritage of Karwan Bazar and has been identified by historians as the oldest structure in this area. During the Mughal era, travelers used to visit the local caravanserai for rest, and many of them would offer prayers at this mosque. The mosque is also known as Khwaja Ambar’s Mosque and Amber Shah (RA) Shahi Jame Masjid. 

The architectural design of this mosque is quite attractive. Its main feature is the mihrab, which is made of black stone. Though the original mosque is small in size, its beauty draws the attention of worshippers. The main building of the Ambar Shah Mosque is adorned with three domes, which add to the beauty of the structure’s exterior. These have enhanced the exterior beauty of the establishment. Due to various renovations over time, many aspects of the mosque have changed. Along with expanding its range, the original structure of the mosque is now not directly visible due to the surrounding buildings. It ranks 22nd on the list of the oldest mosques in Dhaka. Analysts say that this establishment is of great importance in exploring the roots of Bengali’s thousand-year history and heritage.

This single-story mosque building with three domes is very beautiful to look at. The old mosque building is located on approximately five kathas of land. Due to the increase in the number of worshippers, a new mosque building has been constructed beside the old one. Prayers are offered in both places.

This mosque is a Mughal architectural structure. According to historical records, the year of construction of this mosque is 1680 AD. The builder was Khwaja Ambar, who was the chief Khwaja of Subahdar Shaista Khan, the governor of the Bengal province. The mosque has two stone inscriptions. Quranic verses are written on the first stone inscription, which is placed above the central mihrab. The year of construction is written on the second inscription, which is placed on the exterior above the central entrance. Black stones brought from Rajmahal in India were used in this mosque.

The architectural style of the mosque is very attractive and artistic. This three-domed mosque is situated across the western half of a raised platform about 12 feet above the ground. At the top of this base platform is a row of closed lotus-petal designs. There are four huge side towers at the four corners of the mosque.

The octagonal-shaped towers are slightly higher than the base platform, and at the top of each tower, there are small domes. At the eastern end, by crossing a staircase, you can reach a portico with a stone-framed arched gateway. There was a well dug by Khwaja Ambar on the right side of the staircase path, but it has now been filled with soil. To the east of the base platform is Khwaja Ambar’s graveyard. Initially, only a stone-made tombstone was visible here, but now a structure has been built on top of it using bricks.