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Ratargul Swamp Forest: The Sundarbans of Sylhet

Explore Bangladesh's only freshwater swamp forest, a unique and enchanting ecosystem teeming with wildlife, best experienced by boat during the monsoon.

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Discover Ratargul Swamp Forest, Bangladesh's only freshwater swamp forest, often called the 'Sundarbans of Sylhet' or the 'Amazon of Bangladesh'. Explore this unique ecosystem by boat, especially during the monsoon season when the forest is submerged in 20-30 feet of water, revealing a landscape of trees rising from the depths.

A brief summary to Ratargul Swamp Forest

  • 2W79+MFG, Gushainpur, BD

Local tips

  • Visit during the monsoon season (June to October) for the quintessential flooded forest experience, but be prepared for strong currents.
  • Hire a local boatman at Motor Ghat or Chowrangi Ghat for an authentic tour and to support the local economy.
  • Wear waterproof shoes and clothing, and bring insect repellent, especially during the wetter months.
  • Bring your own snacks and water, as there are no food vendors within the forest.
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Getting There

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From Sylhet city, the most convenient way to reach Ratargul is by hiring a CNG auto-rickshaw (tuk-tuk) or a private car. Head towards Gowainghat Upazila. A CNG auto-rickshaw from Amberkhana point in Sylhet to Shringi Bridge will cost approximately BDT 100 per person for a shared ride or BDT 1200-1500 for a private round trip. From Shringi Bridge, you'll find local fishermen's boats to enter the forest. Negotiate the boat fare, which typically ranges from BDT 400 to 800 for a boat that can accommodate 4-6 people. Alternatively, you can take a CNG from Sylhet's Bandar Bazar point to Motorghat. From there, hire a dingi boat to enter Ratargul. Boat fares range from BDT 700-1500 depending on the ghat and boat size. Entry fee to the forest is 50 BDT for adults, 25 BDT for minors/students, and 500 BDT for foreigners. A boat fee of BDT 100 is also applicable for local tourists, while foreigners pay BDT 1000 for the service.

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Discover more about Ratargul Swamp Forest

Ratargul Swamp Forest, located in Sylhet, Bangladesh, is a mesmerizing freshwater swamp forest, one of the few of its kind in the world. Known locally as the 'Sundarbans of Sylhet' or the 'Amazon of Bangladesh' , this 3,325-acre (1,345.83 ha) forest becomes dramatically transformed during the monsoon season, typically from May to early October. The forest floor disappears under 20-30 feet (6-9 meters) of water , creating a unique landscape where trees seem to float serenely on the water. Exploring Ratargul is best done by boat, gliding through the submerged forest. The primary trees, including the resilient Koroch (Pongamia pinnata) and Hizol (Barringtonia acutangula), are well-adapted to the wet conditions. The forest is a haven for diverse wildlife, including various species of fish, water birds, monkeys, and snakes. Declared as an animal sanctuary in 2015, Ratargul is under the stewardship of the Forest Department of Bangladesh. This helps protect its rich biodiversity and ensures the sustainable management of its resources. Local communities have long been intertwined with Ratargul, relying on it for food, firewood, and medicinal plants, further emphasizing its cultural and ecological importance.

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