The park is officially classified as a Sal forest, one of the primary forest types found in the plains of Bangladesh.
It was formally declared a national park in 1974 under the Bangladesh Wildlife (Preservation) Order.
The forest canopy is primarily composed of Shorea robusta, which is highly resistant to seasonal drought conditions.
The park incorporates several man-made lakes and ponds that serve as essential water sources for resident wildlife.
It functions as a designated site for biodiversity conservation to prevent land encroachment in the rapidly urbanizing Gazipur region.
Bhawal National Park is a protected deciduous forest covering approximately 5,022 hectares in the Gazipur District of Bangladesh. The landscape is dominated by Sal trees (Shorea robusta), which define the forest's primary ecosystem. Established in 1974, the park serves as a hub for ecotourism and wildlife conservation near the capital. It features a network of walking trails that provide access to the dense canopy and various internal water bodies. Visitors can utilize the lookout tower for elevated views of the sprawling forest floor. The area serves as an important green lung for the Dhaka-Mymensingh corridor. Various picnic zones and designated rest areas are interspersed throughout the park grounds to accommodate daytime visitors. The park is managed by the Bangladesh Forest Department under the auspices of the government. Its elevation and biodiversity make it a primary site for local field studies and botanical observations.
The top level of the lookout tower provides an unobstructed panoramic view of the forest canopy.
Bring insect repellent as the dense forest cover is conducive to mosquitoes.
Pack drinking water and supplies, as facilities inside are limited to basic kiosks.
Visit during the weekdays to avoid large crowds from the city on weekends.
Avoid wandering off the marked trails, as the forest is dense and navigation can become difficult.
Maintain a quiet demeanor to avoid disturbing the local fauna; carry out all trash to keep the forest pristine.
