Located in Bangladesh’s north-eastern region, SYLHET is a peaceful paradise set against a backdrop of verdant hills and mountains. The region is blessed with a subtropical climate- featuring humid weather, hot summer, and cooler winter. Within the nation, Sylhet is popular as the “Land of Fairies” for its breathtaking scenery. One may find the aptness of this epithet after experiencing more in person.
A trip to Sylhet won’t break the bank. Within the span of a single day, visitors can see two to three distinct sights. It is a great place to visit on a budget, with plenty of convenient accommodation options, restaurants, and modes of transportation. Apart from the lush, yet, clichéd Sreemangal Tea gardens, Sylhet is home to several must-see tourist spots. To name a few: Ratargul Swamp Forest, Bholaganj Shadapathor, Hakaluki Haor, Lalakhal, Jaflong, Bichanakandi, Malnicherra & Lakkatura Tea Estate, and Tilagor Ecopark.
Ratargul Swamp Forest
The Ratargul Swamp Forest is Bangladesh’s only freshwater swamp forest. Locals refer to this forest as Bangladesh’s ‘Amazon’. The area is covered in trees, lakes and rivers. In Monsoon, this forest’s natural splendor comes to life. The months from July through October are often pleasant for visits to Ratargul (towards the end of the monsoon). Unless one encounters the stunning beauty of a swamp forest such as the Ratargul, it is unlikely to feel the relaxing effect created by the dawning stillness of nature.
How to Get to Ratargul from Sylhet?
Distance from Sylhet city: Approximately, 21km
Starting Points: Ambarkhana Point, Sylhet
Transportation and Cost: The cost of a day’s worth of CNG auto rickshaw fare (one way) ranges from BDT (Bangladeshi Taka) 70 to 90 per passenger. Visitors interested in exploring the forest will need to rent tiny boats after reaching the Ratargul spot. A boat’s seating capacity is usually between four to five people. The rent of a boat, for a group of five to cruise around the serene waters of the Ratargul forest, may cost about BDT 170 per person.
Bholaganj Shadapathor
Bholaganj Shadapathor, the largest stone quarry in the country, is positioned in the Companyganj Upazila or territory of the Sylhet district. It is formed through a natural illusion. On one end waterfall from Meghalayan hill descend in the form of river, while on the other one may catch a sight of the white stone tossing down from green hills. The vivid landscape is crowned by the artistic scattering of clouds.
Budget-friendly Tour to Shadapathor
Distance from Sylhet city: Approximately, 35 km
Starting Point: Ambarkhana Point, Sylhet
Transportation and Cost: Buses carrying tourists to Bholaganj Shadapathor leave from Sylhet’s Ambarkhana, Airport Road every half hour. Each passenger is charged BDT 90 as fare. On reaching the spot, visitors will need to hire a boat, generally at only BDT 100. It’s a cheap way to explore the sights. However, visitors wishing for dedicated transportation may need to pay slightly more.
Lalakhal
Situated in the divisional city of Sylhet Jaintapur Upazila, Lalakhal’s distinctive landscape is a combination of its rivers, mountains, woods, tea gardens, and the many different tree species that grow there. Unlike the murky water visible in the city, the water in Lalakhal is sky blue, greenish, and translucent. The best time to visit this channel is between November and March.
Thinking of Discovering Lalakhal?
Distance from Sylhet city: 44km
Starting Point: Ambarkhana Point, Sylhet
Transportation and Cost: Lalakhal is reachable via numerous cheap public transport options. To get to Lalakhal, visitors may take CNG auto rickshaw from Ambarkhana point to Subhanighat point for BDT 30. The bus fare is BDT 80 to 150 depending on quality. Buses arrive at Sharighat in 1 ½ to 2 hours from Subhanighat Point. Lalakhal is only approximately 4 kilometres away from Sharighat. By local auto-rickshaw, the fare will be BDT 20-30. To get to Lalakhal, tourists need to rent or share a boat/ speedboat. The boat ride is thrilling, and one can see the Shari River’s turquoise water. The boat costs between BDT 150 and 170 per passenger.
Jaflong
Jaflong is gifted with the surprising beauty of stones cascading down hills. The picturesque site is surrounded by tea gardens and the uncommon beauty of tumbling stones from the hills. Views of Dawki Bazar and the Hanging Bridge, which connects two of India’s Meghalayan hills, are stunning.
How to get to Jaflong on a budget?
Distance from Sylhet city: About 56km
Starting Point: Ambarkhana Point, Sylhet
Transportation and Cost: Almost every type of vehicle may go from Sylhet to Jaflong. To get to Jaflong, one may take a CNG from Ambarkhana point to Subhanighat point against BDT 30. The buses will be available from Subhanighat point and would cost around BDT 80 or 150, depending on the bus grade. Tourists may need to rent or share a boat/speedboat to get to the Dawki bridge of Meghalaya, which can be seen from the Jaflong Zero Point. The boat costs between BDT 150 and 170 per passenger.
Bichanakandi
Similar to Sylhet’s other well-known stone quarries in Bholaganj and Jaflong, Bichanakandi is home to a large supply of the stone. To an onlooker it almost appears like a bed of stones. Water from the hills of Cherrapunji and Meghalaya flows down to create a bed of water making it further captivating.
The Method to Get to Bichanakandi
Distance from Sylhet city: 42km approximately
Starting Point: Ambarkhana Point, Sylhet
Transportation and Cost: Renting a CNG auto rickshaw is a convenient way to get to Hadarpar. Roughly BDT 150 per person is required. The boat to Bichanakandi departs from the Hadarpar Bazar Ghat. Visitors may avail sights of both Pantumai Waterfall and Lucknowchara via the same ghat. Boatmen generally charge BDT 150 per passenger to go to Bichanakandi.
Tip: During the dry season visitors can cut the cost by walking to either Jaflong Main Point or Bichanakandi. From the vehicle station, it takes 30 to 40 minutes to walk to Bichanakandi and 15-20 minutes to walk to Jaflong’s main point.
Malnicherra & Lakkatura Tea Estate
The Malnicherra Tea Estate is the oldest and largest tea garden in Bangladesh. It only takes a short drive from Sylhet International Airport to get to this garden. Located in the northern part of Sylhet city, Lakkatura Tea Garden is a lush forest.
Way to Reach
Distance from Sylhet city: Nearly 5km
Starting Point: Ambarkhana Point, Airport Road
Transportation and Cost: Both Malnicherra and Lakkatura Tea Estates are within easy reach. It costs about BDT 20 if one takes a local CNG auto rickshaw from Ambarkhana point.
Tilagor Ecopark
Located in the Tilagor neighbourhood of Sylhet city, Tilagor Eco Park is Bangladesh’s third ecological park. This Eco Park was built on hillocks. Many naturally-grown trees cover these slopes and hillocks. Numerous fruit trees and unique biological combinations can be found there. Picnic and kids-friendly areas are conveniently located nearby.
How to Reach?
Distance from Sylhet city: About 6km
Starting Point: Ambarkhana Point via Tilagor Point
Transportation and Cost: CNG Autorickshaws leave from Ambarkhana and take you to the Alurtol Road Point on the Tilagor route for BDT 20. To enter Ecopark, tourists may take a rickshaw for BDT 20 to the entrance and then pay another 20 taka for an entry ticket.
Where to Stay in Sylhet?
Having a temporary accommodation facility in Sylhet is not a major concern. The city’s hotels are concentrated in and around the Shahjalal Dargah, which is located in the heart of Sylhet near Ambarkhana. They are committed to serving guests at all times. Hotels in this area offer decent amenities starting around BDT 500 depending on the season. Premium couple rooms begin at BDT 1500 per day. The sightseeing spots in Sylhet are all close to each other, so it’s easy to see a lot of them in one day and avoid having to pay for and stay in an extra hotel.
Food Choices and Dining Locations
Sylhet city is home to a wide variety of dining options, drawing visitors from all over the country. Countless inexpensive places to eat can be found throughout this metropolis, allowing visitors to satisfy their hunger without the need of pinching their money. Local cuisine at reasonable pricing may be found at Sylhet’s well-known Panshi and Pachbhai eateries. Some restaurants include complimentary rice and dal with curries. That means guests of Sylhet city can’t waste time fretting over their next meal.
Every nook and cranny of Bangladesh is covered in greenery, yet none can match Sylhet. This land appears to have been showered with every conceivable shade of green, from rolling hills blanketed in lush tea gardens and shining paddy fields to olive marshlands and protected forests. Sylhet has a renowned past in addition to its natural beauty. The many tribals living in Sylhet have diverse languages and cultures. An avid traveller will undeniably feel fascinated not only of the location but also the people and food.
