Top Tourist Places in Sylhet, Bangladesh
Sylhet, often referred to as the land of two leaves and a bud, is a haven of natural beauty located in the northeastern part of Bangladesh. This ancient town is not only rich in forest, mineral, and fishery resources but also boasts a captivating landscape. From lush tea gardens to sparkling rivers and serene haors, Sylhet’s natural charm is undeniable. The region’s diverse history and cultural tapestry are equally compelling, with various tribes contributing to its unique linguistic and cultural mosaic. As one of Bangladesh’s premier tourist destinations, Sylhet offers a plethora of attractions, including Jaflong, Ratargul Swamp Forest, Hakaluki Haor, Lalakhal, Bholaganj, Bichnakandi, and Tamabil, all set against a backdrop of rolling hills and cascading waterfalls.
Let’s know about the top places to visit in Sylhet
Malnichara Tea Garden:
Malnichara Tea Garden is one of the most beautiful sightseeing spots in the Sylhet district. Surrounded by lush greenery, this garden looks like a green carpet under the blue sky. The rolling hills and plains are covered in green tea plants, creating a serene and pollution-free environment. Occasionally, you’ll find small towns nestled among the hills, and winding paths that meander along the mountain edges. There’s even a silver fountain flowing gracefully in some spots.
Established in 1849 by Englishman Hardson, Malnichara is the largest and oldest tea plantation in Bangladesh and the entire subcontinent, spanning 1,500 acres. Now maintained privately, it’s a top destination for travelers. Located close to Sylhet city, tourists often head straight to Malnichara to see the tea gardens. There are several entrances, and you can start your tour from any of them. However, it’s best to get permission from the authorities before entering to avoid any issues. Once inside, you can explore the garden and see the garden bungalow. The Ali Baha tea garden is nearby as well. Sylhet tea is renowned for its color, taste, and aroma, making a visit to Malnichara Tea Garden a must for tea lovers and travelers alike.
- Transportation: The garden is about 24 km from Sylhet railway station or bus station. An auto-rickshaw ride will cost between Tk 350 and 400.
- Where to Stay: There are no accommodations within the tea garden itself, so you’ll need to stay in Sylhet city.
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Ratargul Swamp Forest
Ratargul Swamp Forest is the only swamp forest and wildlife sanctuary in Bangladesh. Spanning over 3,325.61 acres, 504 acres of this forest was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1973. It’s a must-visit spot in Sylhet district.
This freshwater wetland features two layers of vegetation. The upper layer consists of woody plants, while the lower layer is rich with thick foliage, especially murta plants. The forest canopy can reach up to 15 meters high, with about 80% of the forest area covered by vegetation. So far, 73 species of plants have been recorded here.
Originally a natural forest, the Bangladesh Forest Department has added water-tolerant trees like cane, kadam, hijal, and murta. You’ll also find hijl, karach, and barun trees, along with Pithali, Arjuna, Chatim, Gutijam, and banyan trees.
Tourists visit throughout the year, especially during the monsoon season, to see the trees with their lower limbs submerged in water. To explore the forest, you need to travel by canoe. The serene beauty of nature is best appreciated while gliding through the water in a small boat.
There are three entry points to the forest: Motar Ghat, Middle Ghat, and Last Ditch. The best entry point is Middle Ghat, as it offers the quickest and easiest access to the forest. Boatmen at this ghat provide life jackets for tourists’ safety.
Transportation: The forest is about 21 km from Sylhet railway station or bus station. A Noha (microbus) ride will cost between Tk 3,500 and 4,000 and take about 1 to 1.5 hours. Renting a boat to explore the forest will cost around Tk 1,200.
Where to Stay: There are no accommodations within the forest, so you’ll need to stay in Sylhet city.
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Bichnakandi
Bichnakandi is one of the newest and most popular tourist destinations in Sylhet district. Located in the Rastumpur union of Goainghat upazila, it’s known for its stunning natural beauty. The main attraction here is the mountain springs of Meghalaya that flow over a vast expanse of stones.
The rock-water bed at Bichnakandi is truly mesmerizing. Clear water flows continuously from the nearby hills over the rocky terrain. During the monsoon season, the water flow increases significantly, making the main stream quite strong. Bichnakandi sits on the border between Bangladesh and India, with the boundaries not clearly marked. Therefore, it’s important to be cautious and stay within the Bangladesh side.
Visitors should avoid crossing into the Indian part for safety reasons. Additionally, if you do not know how to swim, it’s crucial to wear a life jacket while exploring Bichnakandi.
How to Go: From Sylhet city, take an auto-rickshaw to Hadarpar. The easiest route is via Malnichhara along Bholaganj road behind Osmani airport. The fare is between Tk 1,500 and 2,000 for up to five people, taking about 1.5 to 2 hours. From Hadarpar Bazar post office ghat, you can rent a tourist boat to Bichnakandi for Tk 1,000 to 1,500, suitable for 10 to 20 people.
Where to Stay: There are no accommodations at Bichnakandi itself. Visitors need to stay in Sylhet city.
Bholaganj
Bholaganj is a place of extraordinary natural beauty, famous for the scenic Dhalai River. The river originates from the mountains of Tripura state in India, flows through Bholaganj in Sylhet, and then continues along the Meghalaya mountains in India.
The best time to visit Bholaganj is from the onset of the monsoon until October. During this period, the Dhalai River is at its most beautiful. The sight of row upon row of white stones nestled in the green mountains and the crystal clear water cascading down from the hills is truly mesmerizing. Spending a day here, bathing in the clear waters among the white stones, is a wonderful experience.
Bholaganj is undoubtedly one of the must-see places in Sylhet district.
Transportation: From Sylhet city, you can take a CNG or rented car to Bholaganj, which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Where to Stay: There are no accommodations in Bholaganj, so it’s best to stay in Sylhet city and make a day trip.
Khadimnagar National Park
Khadimnagar National Park is a place you’ll never want to leave. Located on the left side of the Jaflong-Tamabil road from Sylhet city, this park is a wonder of natural beauty. As you walk through the tea plantations and thick forests, the dense greenery might seem overwhelming, so it’s best not to venture too far alone.
Khadimnagar is one of the newest protected forest areas in Bangladesh, designated as a national park in 2006. Covering about 678 hectares, it was declared a reserve forest back in 1957. The park includes six tea gardens: Haramgang, Habibnagar, Barjan, Kalagul, Gulni, and Khadimnagar. USAID oversees the conservation efforts of this national park.
Spending a day in this green haven will refresh your mind and eyes. The sight of green tea gardens and trees lining the hills is truly mesmerizing. The untouched greenery of Khadimnagar National Park will make your trip even more enjoyable.
Transportation: From Sylhet city, you can take a CNG to the forest, which takes about 1 hour. Most of the road is paved, but if it’s raining, it’s better to take a CNG. The entry fee to the forest is Tk 30.
Where to Stay: There are no accommodations within the park. Visitors need to stay in Sylhet city.
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Lalakhal
Lalakhal, located in Jaintapur Upazila about 35 km from Sylhet city, is a stunning place of natural beauty. It’s the perfect spot to experience nature in solitude. The area is filled with dense green forests, hills, rivers, tea gardens, and various types of trees. The lifestyle of the local people, intertwined with water and nature, will inspire you.
When you visit Lalakhal, you’ll have the chance to meet and interact with tribal people, making the experience even more enriching. This area is a favorite among tourists for its serene beauty. Although you can travel by both road and water, most tourists prefer the boat ride because it’s more enjoyable. As you travel along the waterway, you’ll be captivated by the surroundings, making you feel like you’re in a fantasy world.
Lalakhal is located just below Cherrapunji in India, with the river originating from the Cherrapunji hills and flowing through Bangladesh. The best time to visit is in early winter, but you can also go during the rainy season if you prefer. However, winter is generally safer for travel. Lalakhal is truly one of the top sightseeing spots in Sylhet district.
Transportation:
From Sylhet city, take the Sylhet-Tamabil road to Sarighat, then take a boat for 1 to 1.5 hours to Lalakhal. The boat journey depends on the speed of the motorboat. The fare for a Noha from Sylhet railway station to Sarighat is Tk 2,500 to 3,000.
Where to Stay:
There are no accommodations in Lalakhal. Visitors need to stay in Sylhet city.
Jaflong
Jaflong is a popular sightseeing spot in the Sylhet district, located about 70 km from Sylhet city under the Goainghat police station.
What You Will See at Jaflong:
A. Jainta Rajbari: Jainta Rajbari, situated near Jainta Bazar, was the residence of the Jainta kings. Although the palace is now in ruins, many tourists visit to learn about the history of the Jainta kings. Surrounded by tea gardens, Jaintapur, which is just 5 km away from Jaflong, is full of natural beauty.
Jaintapur Upazila is rich in history, tradition, and natural beauty. Unlike most areas of Bangladesh, which were under British rule, Jaintapur remained an independent state ruled by the Khasia kings from 1500-1600. The ancient monuments of Jaintapur, including Jainta Rajbari, royal palace, valuable antiquities from the reign of Ramsingh, and various buildings of the Jainta state such as Meghatilak, Kalapathar, and Vijay Singha Maharaja’s memorial temple, are still there. Tourists are also impressed by the historic panthshala located in the middle of the road at Sarighat on the Sylhet Tamabil road. The people of Jainta take pride in the history of their royal house.
B. Sengrampunji Jharna: Recently, new places to visit in Sylhet have been discovered. One such place is Sangrampunji or Sengrampunji Jharna, also known as Magical Fountain. This waterfall is located on the Indian border, just a 15-20 minute walk from the Jaflong Zero Point.
Transportation:
The distance from Sylhet railway station or bus station is about 70 km. The fare for a Noha is Tk 2,500 to 3,000, taking approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
Where to Stay:
There are no accommodations in Jaflong. Visitors need to stay in Sylhet city.
Hakaluki Haor
Hakaluki Haor is the largest haor (wetland) in Bangladesh, spanning 18,115 hectares across the Moulvibazar and Sylhet districts. It covers areas in Fenchuganj, Golapganj, and Biyanibazar of Sylhet, as well as Baralekha, Juri, and Kulaura upazilas of Moulvibazar. Hakaluki Haor is one of the most popular and scenic places in the Sylhet district.
During the rainy season, the vast body of water in Hakaluki Haor resembles a floating sea. The landscape transforms into a vast expanse of water with scattered hijal and tamal trees. In the winter, the haor turns into lush green fields, paddy fields, and ditches, creating a picturesque view.
Hakaluki Haor is also famous for its fish, such as Chital, Ai, Baush, Pabda, Magur, Shing, and Koi. It is a protected wetland in Bangladesh and a haven for birdwatchers. Around 25 species of ducks and waterfowl migrate from Siberia in winter, and about 100 species of local birds can be seen here throughout the year. Bird species like stilts, kingfishers, crested swans, and mergansers, among others, create a vibrant and thrilling environment for visitors. The haor is also home to a variety of aquatic plants, including almost extinct species in the region like Puti, Hingajur, and Hawa.
Hakaluki Haor offers a unique and captivating experience for nature lovers, bird watchers, and anyone looking to enjoy the serene beauty of Bangladesh’s wetlands.
Transportation:
From Dhaka, take a train or bus to Kulaura. From there, take a rickshaw to a nearby village and trek to the haor.
Where to Stay:
Accommodation is available in two-story cottages belonging to the bill tenants. Alternatively, you can camp overnight in the bill area.
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Lobhachara
Lobhachara is located in the border region of Kanighat upazila in Sylhet. It’s primarily known as a stone quarry, but there’s also a very old sawmill in the area. The region is characterized by its picturesque scenery, with clear river water reflecting the distant mountains. The Lovachara tea garden spreads from the riverbank to the slopes of the high mountains, creating a beautiful landscape.
A unique feature of Lobhachara is the clear water of the Lova River, which flows through the area. Tourists can enjoy a boat ride from Kanaighat, taking about one and a half hours to reach Lobhachara. The boat journey offers mesmerizing views of the clear water and the surrounding mountains, making it a memorable experience for visitors.
Transportation:
From Sylhet, take a boat from Darbast Bazar on the Sylhet Jaflong highway to Kanighat boat ghat. The boat ride takes about 1.5 hours.
Where to Stay:
There are no accommodations in Lobhachara. Visitors need to stay in Sylhet city.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to JustforBooking.com! If you’re planning a trip to Sylhet, Bangladesh, you’re in for a treat. This region is renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes and cultural treasures. To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions about the top sightseeing spots in Sylhet. Whether you’re curious about how to get to Malnichara Tea Garden, what to do at Ratargul Swamp Forest, or where to stay during your trip, our FAQ section provides all the essential information you need for a memorable adventure. Dive into these insights and start planning your Sylhet exploration with ease!
1. What are the top sightseeing spots in Sylhet?
- The top sightseeing spots in Sylhet include Malnichara Tea Garden, Ratargul Swamp Forest, Bichnakandi, Bholaganj, Khadimnagar National Park, Lalakhal, Jaflong, Hakaluki Haor, and Lobhachara. Each location offers unique natural beauty and experiences.
2. How do I get to Malnichara Tea Garden from Sylhet city?
- Malnichara Tea Garden is about a 15-minute drive from Sylhet city. You can take a CNG auto rickshaw from Jindabazar point in Sylhet city to the garden. The fare is approximately Tk 20 per person.
3. What activities can I do at Ratargul Swamp Forest?
- At Ratargul Swamp Forest, you can enjoy canoe rides through the waterlogged forest, observe diverse plant species, and experience the unique wetland ecosystem. It is best visited during the monsoon season when the water levels are high.
4. How do I travel to Bichnakandi?
- To reach Bichnakandi, take an auto rickshaw from Sylhet city to Hadarpar. From Hadarpar, you can take a reserved tourist boat to Bichnakandi. The total travel time is about 2 to 3 hours, with boat rental costing between Tk 1,000 to Tk 1,500.
5. What is the best time to visit Bholaganj?
- The best time to visit Bholaganj is from after the monsoon season until October. During this period, you can enjoy the beautiful river scenery, white stones, and clear water.
6. Is there accommodation available near Khadimnagar National Park?
- There is no accommodation within Khadimnagar National Park. It is recommended to stay in Sylhet city and visit the park as a day trip. Various hotels in Sylhet offer comfortable lodging options.
7. How can I reach Lalakhal?
- To reach Lalakhal, travel by road from Sylhet city to Sarighat, and then take a boat journey to Lalakhal. The distance from Sylhet city to Sarighat is about 40 km, and the boat ride takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
8. What should I know before visiting Jaflong?
- When visiting Jaflong, be sure to explore Jainta Rajbari and the Magical Fountain. Jaflong is about 70 km from Sylhet city, and the journey can be made by Noha with a fare of Tk 2,500 to Tk 3,000. There is no good accommodation in Jaflong, so stay in Sylhet city.
9. What wildlife can I see at Hakaluki Haor?
- Hakaluki Haor is known for its diverse bird species, including migratory ducks and local birds. You can also see various fish species and aquatic plants. The haor is best visited during the winter season for bird watching and exploring the wetlands.
10. How do I get to Lobhachara, and what should I expect there?
- To reach Lobhachara, travel to Darbast Bazar or Kanighat boat ghat, and then take a boat ride to the Lova River. The area is known for its stone quarry and old saw mill. There is no good accommodation in Lobhachara, so plan to stay in Sylhet city.
We hope these FAQs from JustforBooking.com have provided you with valuable information for your Sylhet journey. From the serene beauty of Malnichara Tea Garden to the unique experience at Ratargul Swamp Forest, Sylhet offers a wealth of experiences for every traveler. Remember to plan your travel logistics and accommodations in advance to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit. If you have more questions or need assistance with your travel plans, don’t hesitate to contact us. Enjoy your exploration of Sylhet’s stunning sights and make unforgettable memories!
Final Words
Sylhet is a treasure trove of natural beauty and cultural heritage, offering a diverse range of attractions for all types of travelers. From the serene tea gardens of Malnichara and the mystical Ratargul Swamp Forest to the breathtaking vistas of Bichnakandi and the historical charm of Jaflong, each destination in Sylhet promises a unique and memorable experience. Whether you’re exploring the lush greenery of Khadim Nagar National Park, enjoying the clear blue waters of Lalakhal, or witnessing the vast expanse of Hakaluki Haor, Sylhet’s enchanting landscapes and rich history are sure to leave a lasting impression. As you plan your visit, remember that while the region’s natural beauty is easily accessible, accommodations are best found in Sylhet city, allowing for comfortable day trips to these stunning locales. Embrace the adventure and discover the hidden gems of Sylhet, where every corner holds a new wonder waiting to be explored.
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