Legend has it that the elephants of Dhaka's Pilkhana used to take baths in these wetlands – hence the name Hatirjheel. Architect Iqbal Habib, who heads the consultant firm of the Hatirjheel-Begunbari development project, said that the Bhawal Raja used to keep his tamed elephants at Pilkhana. He said that the elephants were taken to the wetlands through the Elephant Road and Hatirpool.
After completion, Hatirjheel is considered by many to be one of the most notable places in Dhaka, and hence, turned into one of the most favourite recreational places for the city dwellers and tourists. Since congested buildings permeate most of Dhaka, leaving few open places for people to feel the fresh air, Hatirjheel attracts the city dwellers with its abundant fresh air. Bus and water taxi services are available for transport within the area. At night, lights of different hues illuminate the entire Hatirjheel, especially on the bridges. The area has been decorated with flowering shrubs and trees. Numerous tourists and pedestrians visit the site every evening to enjoy the reflection of light and the fresh air.
In the afternoon people, especially couples, visit Hatirjheel for recreational purposes. There are restaurants and venues for small-scale family picnics. Boat rides are also available for both recreational purposes and transportation. The area has an amphitheatre with a capacity to accommodate 2,000 visitors. There is a 120-meter long colourful musical fountain with a time-controlled sound wave and musical tracks, making it a tri-dimensional structure
The Hatirjheel-Begunbari project was inaugurated on January 2, 2013 by the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at 11 am. The Hatirjheel project opened for the general use of people after the inauguration. On the occasion of the inauguration, Hatirjheel was decorated with multi-coloured flowers and flattering flags of different hues. In the evening of the inaugural day, the city dwellers viewed a spectacular display of fireworks in the vicinity of the project.
Very nice...when I was Dhaka sometimes i pass my time there..for my refreshment. Really a nice place.