The Sylhet district of northeastern Bangladesh is a mesmerizing location recognized for its natural beauty and cultural legacy. The district is located in the Sylhet Division and covers an area of approximately 3,452.07 square kilometers. It is home to a varied population of around 3,857,037 people.
Sylhet’s economy is predominantly based on agriculture, with lush green paddy fields, booming tea plantations, and a robust fishing industry all contributing to its wealth. Sylhet area has a rich cultural tapestry, with indigenous tribes, vivid festivals, and centuries-old history. Its scenic scenery, notably the world-famous tea gardens and the enchanting Jaflong, make it a favorite destination for both domestic and international visitors.
How to Visit Sylhet from Dhaka?
Sylhet can be visited from Dhaka either by road, or by train, or air. The Dhaka to Sylhet road distance is approximately 235 kilometers. One can avail bus services from companies such as Ena Transport (Pvt) Ltd, Hanif Enterprise, and more. Moreover, the train journey between the two districts lasts around 6 hours and 40 minutes.
5 Places to Visit in Sylhet
1. Ratargul Swamp Forest
Located in the Fatehpur Union of the Sylhet district’s Gowain River, Ratargul Swamp Forest is an enchanting freshwater swamp forest. It boasts of an evergreen ecosystem that is distinctive and breathtaking. This tourist destination is perfect for anyone looking to immerse themselves in nature and experience the outdoors from a whole new level.
Moreover, it is one of the world’s few remaining freshwater marsh forests. The forest covers around 3, 325.61 acres, of which 504 acres have been designated as an animal sanctuary. The forest is home to 73 plant species, and trees cover 80 percent of the forest’s surface area. The forest also has a variety of insects and animals, including snakes, worm snakes, mongooses, monkeys, water monitors, and others.
This place is best visited during the monsoon season, particularly by boating across the different places of the swamp forest. With stunning scenery and an abundance of flora and fauna, Ratargul Swamp Forest is a must-visit destination for nature lovers.
2. Bisanakandi
Bisanakandi is approximately twenty-five kilometers from Sylhet and is best reached by boat to experience the rocky, bouldered, and hilly terrain where the streams flowing from high up in the mountain of Bisanakandi truly create such a serene bed-like apparition in which you can lie down and let all your anxieties and worries dissipate. Such marvelous beauty of the place earned itself the colloquial name of Bisanakandi.
This place is located near the Bangladesh-India border in Sylhet where various layers of the magnificent Khasi Mountain converge. The lush greenery and white fluffy clouds enveloping the mountain give it a mesmerizing view.
Bisanakandi is at its most beautiful during the rainy season, with the monsoon rain emphasizing its natural beauty. It’s one of the best times to visit.
3. Khadimnagar National Park
Khadimnagar National Park is situated just around thirteen kilometers away from the city of Sylhet on 679 hectares of land. It is made up of mesmerizing hilly terrain and a lush natural evergreen forest. It is one of the major national parks of our country and has been declared a natural reserve. Famed tea gardens, Kalagool, Borjan, and Goolni tea estates surround this park, complementing its natural beauty and scenery.
4. Dolura
Dolura, is a gorgeous location in Sylhet that is frequented by numerous tourists every year. It is wrapped in the Meghalayan mountain ranges and nestled under an eternally blue sky. Dolura is located in the Narayantala village, near Haluarghat in the Sylhet district.
The location is well-known not just for its beautiful beauty, but also for its rich history, which dates back to Bangladesh’s liberation war and is meticulously preserved by the Dolura Smriti Soudha.
5. Lalakhal
Lalakhal is located about 42 kilometers away from Sylhet city near Sarighat around the Tamabil road. It is a wide natural canal where the water appears emerald green. The canal is linked to the mesmerizing and shallow Sharee River. This place is best visited on the boat, floating over the mesmerizing clear water emerald green landscape.
2 Foods to Try in Sylhet
1. Tea
Sylhet is renowned for its tea garden and is one of the largest tea-producing districts in the country. The refined and freshly harvested makes for the finest beverages in a cup, for which this district has high acclaim both domestically and also internationally.
2. Pickles of Shatkora
Shatkora is a citric fruit native to the district of Sylhet. It has a bittersweet sour taste, making it quite ideal to be used as a pickle when dried and fermented. Shatkora pickles are quite popular food items that are often complemented with main dishes such as rice or local bread.
3 Places to Stay in Sylhet
1. Rose View Hotel
Rose View Hotel is a 4-star hotel located near Shahjalal Uposhohor of Sylhet city. The hotel offers great hospitality and many amenities like various types of rooms, a pool, restaurants, and a business center.
2. Hotel Valley Garden
Hotel Valley Garden is located in the heart of Sylhet city, about 7 kilometers away from the Sylhet International Airport, at Hotel Valley Garden Sylhet, Sylhet Tower, Sobhani Ghat, Bishwa Road. It is a 3-star hotel that offers different types of rooms to satisfy the needs of its diverse customers. The amenities provided by the hotel include 24/7 security services, medical services, transportation services, and more.
3. Hotel Metro International
If you’re seeking pristine accommodation in Sylhet, look no further than Hotel Metro International. This top-notch lodging facility is situated in Dhupadighirpar (South), East Bondor Bazar, offering unparalleled access to the finest attractions and amenities that the city has to offer. Explore the city with ease from the comfort of this luxurious establishment. Book your stay today for an unforgettable Sylhet experience.
Things to do in Sylhet
Sylhet offers an abundance of opportunities to explore the natural splendor of the district by hiking or trekking on its scenic paths. Additionally, boating on the flowing rivers and water bodies is another favored activity in the area. Why not immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Sylhet’s outdoors and experience the adventure of a lifetime?
Furthermore, visitors can also experience the district’s many tea gardens and gastronomic scenes. This region’s museums and historically significant locations are also good places to learn about the region’s history and culture.
Conclusion:
Sylhet is a major district located in the Northeastern part of the country. The district holds its own unique culture, geography, food, and people. Exploring this district will provide travelers with an experience of the Sylheti traditions and good memories that can be cherished forever.
