Day-trips to Plan: Visit The Stunning Tourist Attractions of Sylhet

Sylhet is known for its beautiful scenery and peaceful getaways. In this article, we’ll explore the tourist spots you can visit in just one day. Pick your destinations, plan your trip, and enjoy the beauty of Sylhet City.

As our WordCamp venue is the Central Auditorium of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST), we will provide directions on how to get to the mentioned locations from the SUST gate.

Before diving into the topic, some sweet reminders: 

• The rain is very unpredictable. Make sure you have an umbrella or a raincoat in your bag. 
• The people from Sylhet are very friendly. However, there is always a chance to get scammed by people. Before riding any vehicle, Specially CNG Autorickhwa, make negotiate and fix your cost.

Lalakhal – Jaflong – Dibir Haor

Lalakhal

A popular tourist destination, Lalakhal is surrounded by hills, tea gardens, natural forests, and rivers. And the bonus point is It is not far from the Meghalaya Mountain Ranges. The Shari River is the area’s main draw because of its entrancing aquamarine water and small, evergreen mounds on either side.

One can easily get to “Lalakhal Tea Garden,” one of the oldest and most stunning tea gardens in the nation, by crossing the river.

Activities

You can do several activities such as boat riding, Swimming, Fishing, Trekking, and Hiking, also you can go to Ratargul Swamp Forest directly from there.

Caution

The depth of the water can be higher so this is recommended those who do not know how to swim, do not go so far. Hiring a local guide can be an ideal option. Due to the tropical climate of Lalakhal, it is crucial to protect yourself from the sun’s UV rays. To prevent sunburns, put on sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Lalakhal is also notorious for having mosquitoes and other insects.

Jaflong

In Bangladesh, Jaflong is a well-liked vacation spot for local tourists. It is situated along the Bangladesh-India border in Bangladesh’s northeast. The majority of visitors arrive here on day trips from Sylhet. The beautiful hills of the Indian state of Meghalaya are the main attraction for tourists.

The Jaflong Zero Point, where the Piyain and the Shari rivers converge, is Sylhet Jaflong’s main point of interest. A picturesque landscape is created by the area’s proximity to tea gardens and lush green hills.

Activities

Boating, swimming, and hiking are among the activities available to visitors to Sylhet Jaflong. There are also several views from which visitors can take in wide views of the nearby hills and waterfalls. Visitors can enjoy the warm welcome of the locals and study traditional cuisine in this area, which is well known for it.

Caution

Although there is no risk there make sure, you do not cross the Bangladesh borderline. Due to extremely high temperatures, it is also recommended to take an umbrella during the summer season.

Dibir Haor

Dibir Haor is situated in Jointa Hills near the Bangladesh-India border in the Sylhet district of Jointapur. Dibir Haor is 45 kilometers from the center of Sylhet. The names of the four bills are Yam, Dibi, Horofkata, and Kendri Bill. The bills transform into the kingdom of the water lily after the rainy season.

In the winter season, the Haor covers with water lilies and this is not recommended to go in other seasons.

How to go

There are two options to explore those places. You can either go using the public transport or hire a private car. We recommend hiring a private car to go. 

For public transport, first, go to Bondor Bazar from the Sust Gate, you can find available CNGs there. After that, you have to go to the Subhani Ghat to get a Bus or CNG to reach Sharighat. The Bus or CNG will stop at the Sharighat Bus Station. Again, you have to use the CNG to reach the Lalakhal. After enjoying the Lalakhal, again, you have to come back to the Sharighat where CNG will be available to reach Jaflong.

Ratargul – Sadapathor – Rudra Chaya -Bisnakandi

Ratargul Swamp Forest

The Ratargul Swamp Forest is a unique and fascinating natural wonder located in Sylhet’s Goainghat area. It is the only freshwater swamp forest in Bangladesh and one of the few remaining freshwater swamp forests in the world.

During the monsoon season rain from the Indian hills floods this woodland, creating a swamp, the rest of the time it stays dry. This lovely forest’s water is so clear that you can see to the bottom. 

In this woodland, the water level never stays the same, depending on how frequently it rains. During periods of severe rainfall, the water level in the woodland may reach 15 to 20 feet. The total area of the forest is 3325.61 acres, among which 504 acres of forest were declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1973.

Activities

A boat ride in the Ratargul Swamp Forest’s waters is one of the most popular activities. Visitors can witness the beauty of the forest up close and personal, as they glide through the narrow channels between the trees. The trees reflected on the water, combined with the chirping of birds and the croaking of frogs, create an unforgettable and enchanting atmosphere. 

Kayaking is the alternative option for the boat ride. Kayaking allows visitors the freedom to roam anywhere and enjoy the marshes at their own pace. Each kayak has a capacity of three people. It is recommended that first-timers go with a guide as the path can be confusing.

Don’t miss the beautiful Ratargul Watch Tower. Climb to the top and enjoy the view of the forest.

Caution

Be aware that during the rainy season, snakes take shelter on tree branches.

Volagonj Shadapathor

Bholaganj SadaPathor, in the Companiganj Upazila and close to the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, India, has views that are strikingly similar to those of the well-known hill station Jaflong. It is renowned for its beautiful stones, clear water, and lush mountains. In this “heaven of white stones,” guests can take pleasure in swimming, floating, or simply soaking their feet in the lovely cool water. Nearby Bholaganj has two additional must-see locations, Utma Sora and Turong Sora.

Natural rock formations known as Bholaganj Shadapathor make beautiful little pools in the stream. The area’s natural beauty can be explored by taking a stroll along the stream.

Visitors can take in the fresh aroma of tea while taking in the natural beauty thanks to the area’s tea gardens, which add to its charm. The tea gardens are a fantastic location for photographers to capture beautiful scenery and landscapes.

Activities

Volagonj Shadapator offers a range of activities that visitors can enjoy during their trip. Some of the popular activities to do in Bisnakandi include Trekking, Boat riding, Swimming, and Camping. 

Caution:

Visitors to Bholaganj Shadapathor should be prepared for unexpected rain or storms because the weather there can be unpredictable. Carrying an umbrella or raincoat is advised. Visitors should wear cozy and supportive shoes because the ground is uneven and rocky in the area.

Rudra Chaya

Rudra Chaya Resort is often compared to the famous Sajek Valley. Visitors appreciate its natural beauty, lush greenery, and serene atmosphere. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly getaway with stunning views, this resort is worth considering.

How to go

The resort is situated in Foringura Gram, near Sahab Bazar (Sahab Bazaar), which is accessible from Amborkhana Point in Sylhet city. You can take a local CNG (auto-rickshaw) from Amborkhana Point to Sahab Bazar (fare: 30 BDT per person), and then another CNG from Sahab Bazar to Foringura Gram (fare: 10 BDT per person). The resort is located in the scenic surroundings of Foringura Gram, offering beautiful views.

Bisnakandi

Bisnakandi is a popular tourist place in Sylhet. It is a tiny village known for its breathtaking natural beauty that is located at the foothills of the Meghalaya plateau. The stream known as Bisnakandi, which runs through the village and merges with the River Piyain, is the source of the name.

The crystal clear water in Bisnakandi that flows over the tiny hills and rocks is one of the region’s main draws. The stream’s water is so clear that visitors can see the stones and pebbles at the bottom, and the area is surrounded by hills covered in lush green forests.

Activities

Like Shadapator, it offers Trekking, Boat riding, Swimming, Camping, and so on.

Caution

Be safe in the water and make sure you know how to swim. Have a local guide. During the summer, bringing an umbrella is highly recommended.

Shadapator and Bisnakandi are similar places with similar things to do. It is recommended to select just one location. 

How to go

Take a CNG autorickshaw from Sust gate to Amberkhana and Amberkhana to Shab Bazar. Again from the Shab Bazar take another CNG to reach the Ratargul. Hire a boat and enjoy the scenario. After spending some time over there, again come back to the Shab Bazar, and take a CNG or Bus to go to Dhupagol. From Dhupagol station, you have to take the boat to reach Volagonj. 

An alternative option is to hire a car/NOAH. The driver will take you to the places.

Tanguar Haor – Niladri Lake – Shimul Bagan (Day Night Trip, Spend the night on the boat)

Tanguar Haor – Niladri Lake

The Tanguar Haor, which is about 100 sq km, is the second-largest sweetwater swamp area in the Sunamganj district. The Dharmapasha of Sunamganj district and Tahirpur Upazila in northeastern Bangladesh is home to the largest and most picturesque sweetwater swamp in the country after Sundarbans.

This Haor is filled with hills, a bluish sky, water forests, and a lush environment. Tanguar Haor, an enormous habitat home to fish, birds, and other aquatic creatures, is located in the Khasia of Meghalaya, India, at the foot of the Jaintia Hills. Tanguar Haor covers 6912 acres in total. However, this Haor area increases to 20,000 acres during the monsoon.

Niladri Lake is near the Tanguar Hoar. It is located in the Tahirpur Upazila of the Sunamganj district in the Tekerghat village of the North Sreepur Union. Shaheed Siraj Lake is the original name of Niladri Lake.

However, this lake is known as Niladri Lake in the travel industry. The combination of nice blue water, small and tall stairs, and mountains make the Niladri Lake worthless in beauty. It’s like losing in a blue kingdom. The place is filled with heavenly beauty. Many tourists call the place the mini-Kashmir of Bengal.

Activities

You can hire a boat (It can be a houseboat) for 24 hours and spend some quality time. After riding for 2/3 hours, you will reach a watch tower. From the watch tower, you canswim in the Haor and more. We suggest you wear a life jacket. After spending one or two hours, the boat will head to Niladri Lake. 

In the meantime, you can finish your lunch. Make sure you ask the boat owner to cook the fresh fish from Haor. Around two hours later, you will reach Niladri Lake to enjoy the beauty of the lake. You can hire a motorcycle there if you want. 

After sunset, you spend a full night at the top of the boat. It is recommended to visit at moonlit night. It would be one of the best nights of your life. And those all made the place one of the best tourist places in Sylhet. 

Caution

Before diving into the water, make sure you’re wearing a life jacket. Make sure you avoid riding on any underwater trees and avoid flushing any waste into the water.

Shimul Bagan

Shimul Flower Garden, which spans more than 100 bighas of land, is situated on the banks of the Jadukata River in Tahirpur, Sunamganj. It is the largest Shimul tree garden in Asia.

Activities

One of the best ways to experience the beauty of Shimul Bagan is to take a leisurely walk through the plantation and enjoy the scenic views. Numerous bird species can be found in the area, including the red-vented bulbul, the black-crowned night heron, and the white-throated kingfisher. It is a popular natural location and landscape photography spot because the vivid red Shimul flowers make for a beautiful backdrop for photography enthusiasts. 

How to go

Take a CNG to reach Kumargaon Bus Station, then take abus to reach the Abdur Jahur Bridge. From there, take CNG to go to Tahirpur. At Tahirpur, you have to hire a boat. 

Alternatively, hire a Car/NOAH which will take you to Tahripur.

Time is precious and not everyone has the luxury to spend multiple days exploring the city. So, we have tried to cover the most beautiful places which can be visited in a single day. While you immerse yourself in the delightful activities of WordCamp, don’t forget to take some time to explore the beauty of Sylhet. 

Photo Credit: Kazi Daniel Mamun