Best Time to Visit: October to March (dry season)
Ideal For: Nature lovers, spiritual seekers, photographers, families, couples
Located in northeastern Bangladesh, Sylhet is known for its rolling tea gardens, waterfalls, rivers, hills, and Sufi shrines. Bordering the Indian state of Meghalaya, its unique topography includes low-lying haor wetlands, highland hills, and crystal-clear rivers.
Sylhet is both a natural paradise and a spiritual center, making it one of the most versatile travel destinations in the country.
Place | Highlights |
---|---|
Ratargul Swamp Forest | Bangladesh's only freshwater swamp forest β canoe rides through flooded woods |
Jaflong | Border zone with Dawki River view, stone collecting, Khasi tribal village |
Bichanakandi | Scenic river spot with boulders, waterfalls, and lush mountains |
Srimangal | Tea capital of Bangladesh β vast gardens, lemon orchards, 7-layer tea |
Lalakhal | Turquoise river cruise surrounded by green hills |
Hazrat Shah Jalal Shrine | Famous Sufi shrine attracting devotees and visitors alike |
Madhabkunda Waterfall | Largest waterfall in Bangladesh; picnic and nature spot |
π± Tour a tea estate and watch tea plucking in Srimangal
π΅ Try the famous 7-layer tea in Nilkantha Tea Cabin
πΆ Boat through Ratargul during monsoon (JuneβOctober)
π Visit Jaflong's Dawki River for crystal clear water photos
π§ββοΈ Join local Sufis for a spiritual evening near Shah Jalal Dargah
Hotel Noorjahan Grand
Rose View Hotel
Nazimgarh Garden Resort (luxury option)
Tea Resort & Museum
Grand Sultan Resort
Green Leaf Guest House (budget-friendly)
Traditional Khasi bamboo chicken
7-layer tea (a must!)
Freshwater fish dishes (Tilapia, Pabda)
Pithe/puli during winter
Sylheti biryani and kababs in the city
By Air: Flights from Dhaka to Osmani International Airport (45 mins)
By Train: Trains from Dhaka, Chittagong, and Comilla (5β8 hrs)
By Bus: Overnight AC/non-AC buses (6β7 hrs)
Srimangal is about 90 km from Sylhet city and takes around 2.5 hours by car.
Comfortable walking shoes
Light layers (can get cool in tea estates)
Mosquito repellent (especially near water areas)
Camera with zoom (for nature and wildlife)
Umbrella/raincoat if visiting in monsoon
Ratargul is best visited in the rainy season when it's flooded
For Jaflong and Bichanakandi, weekends get crowdedβtry weekdays
Bargain with boatmen in Lalakhal and Bichanakandi
Respect local culture when visiting religious shrines
Donβt forget to try the street tea stallsβthey're legendary!