Ratargul Swamp forest

A swamp is a wetland that is forested. Many swamps occur along large rivers, where they are critically dependent upon natural water level fluctuations. Other swamps occur on the shores of large lakes. Some swamps have Hammock (ecology), or dry-land protrusions, covered by Aquatic vegetation, or vegetation that tolerates periodical inundation. The water of a swamp may be Fresh water, Brackish water or Seawater. Some of the world’s largest swamps are found along major rivers such as the Amazon, the Mississippi, and the Congo.

Ratargul is a fresh water swamp forest situated in Sylhet by the river of Goain. Freshwater swamp forests, or flooded forests, are forests which are inundated with freshwater, either permanently or seasonally. The water comes here from the adjacent Goain River. 

This evergreen forest is getting submerged under 20 to 30 feet water in some part during rainy season. It’s a good source of different local fish. It’s the habitat of different snakes, monkeys, lizards, insects & birds. You would have seen vulture & Eagle if you are lucky. Some part the forest gets so narrow that you can’t go by boat. You will get the flavor of Amazon forest here.

Anyone can reach Sylhet by bus, train or by Plane. Dhaka to Sylhet by bus will take around 6 hours. Sylhet Ambarkhana point to Goainghat bazaar by CNG 300-400 tk, 1.5 hours. Goainghat boat stand to Ratargul Bit office by big boat 800 tk, 1.5 hours. Bit office to Ratargul forest by small boat 200-300 tk.

Ratargul forest to Motorghat 20 minuets and finally Motorghat to Ambarkhana ghat by CNG 60 tk/person, 1 hour.

You can return from the swamp forest and stay at any hotel in Sylhet Town....

Lawacherra Rain Forest

Lawacherra Rain Forest, Sylhet is one of the most well-preserved &the important forests in Bangladesh. It is the perfect place where you will get to see rich flora and fauna of the valley of Sylhet.Today the Lawacherra Rain Forest in sanctuaries and national parks, collectively known as Protected Areas are the best place to see green Bangladesh. Lawachara rain forest is one of the major national park/sanctuary/reserve in Bangladesh. In 1997 Bangladesh government declared it A National Park.

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Hoolock gibbons is one seriously endangered higher primate in Bangladesh. And also Slow Loris, Pig-tailed Macaque, Rhesus Macaque, Assamese Macaque, Capped Langur, Phayre’s Leaf-monkey, Jackal, Wild Dog, Sloth Bear or Himalayan Black Bear, Yellow-throated Marten, Tiger, Fishing Cat, Leopard Cat, Wild Pig, Sambar, Barking Deer, Indian Giant, wile bore and even King Cobra settle their presence. Local elders speak of leopards roaming the jungle, but those have long been extinct. Birds of different species are found here. Khasia, Monipuri, tripura are the main inhabitants of this forest. They have rich cultural and religious heritage. It’s also tourist attraction. They make their villages high on hilltop in deep forest and so far from town.

Lawacherra Rain Forest is a two hour drive from Sylhet. Getting Lawachara NP from Dhaka, daily bus services are available from Dhaka to Srimongal every hour and take about 3.5 hour. Accommodation facilities are abundant in Srimongal. Facilities include entry-level Tea Town Guest House, mid level Sandya Hotel and high-end Tea Resort. Lodging is also available at BTRI Rest House. Here you will find suitable accommodation. The mini bungalows of the Tea Research Institute are available.