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Rathargul Swamp Forest: The Amazon of Bangladesh

Discover the enchanting beauty of Rathargul Swamp Forest, Bangladesh's only freshwater swamp forest, and a haven for nature lovers.

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Explore Bangladesh's only freshwater swamp forest, Rathargul, a unique ecosystem teeming with diverse flora and fauna. Known as the 'Amazon of Bangladesh,' it offers a serene boat ride through submerged trees, especially enchanting during the monsoon season.

A brief summary to Rathargul Swamp Forest (নৌকা ঘাট)

  • 2W48+WCM, Shaheber Bazer Motor ghat road,মটর ঘাট, রাতারগুল, এয়ারপোর্টে, সিলেট ।, BD
  • +8801749-390834
  • Monday 8 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-6 pm
  • Friday 8 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the monsoon season (June-August) for the most immersive experience when the forest is submerged.
  • Bargain when hiring boats, and always confirm the return time with your boatman.
  • Non-swimmers should wear life jackets, available for rent, and be cautious of wildlife, including snakes.
  • Carry light snacks and water, as there are no food services within the forest.
  • Wear sturdy footwear and proper attire, and consider bringing umbrellas and raincoats for sudden weather changes.
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Getting There

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From Sylhet city (Amberkhana point), hire a CNG auto-rickshaw (tuk-tuk) to Shringi Bridge, near Gowainghat Upazila. A shared ride costs approximately BDT 100 per person, while a private round trip ranges from BDT 1200-1500. From Shringi Bridge, rent a local fisherman's boat to enter the forest. Boat fares typically range from BDT 400 to 800 for a boat accommodating 4-6 people. Negotiate the price beforehand.

  • Public Transport

    Take a bus from Sylhet to Sharighat (BDT 40-50). From Sharighat, take a baby taxi (CNG) to Gowainghat. Then, hire a boat to Rathargul for BDT 800-1200 (for 10-12 people). Note that this route is longer and potentially more expensive.

Unlock the Best of Rathargul Swamp Forest (নৌকা ঘাট)

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Discover more about Rathargul Swamp Forest (নৌকা ঘাট)

Rathargul Swamp Forest, locally known as the 'Sundarbans of Sylhet' or the 'Amazon of Bangladesh,' is a remarkable freshwater swamp forest in the Gowainghat Upazila, approximately 26 kilometers from Sylhet. This unique ecosystem, one of the few freshwater swamp forests in the world, presents a captivating landscape where trees thrive in submerged conditions for a significant part of the year. Spanning over 3,325 acres, with 504 acres designated as a wildlife sanctuary, Rathargul is fed by the Gowain River, which keeps the forest underwater for about four to seven months annually. During this period, the water can reach depths of 20 feet, allowing visitors to navigate through the forest by boat and experience its ethereal beauty. The forest is primarily composed of 'Koroch' trees (Dalbergia reniformis), along with other species like Hijal, Barun, Kadam, and Jalibet, creating a dense canopy that provides shelter and sustenance to a diverse range of wildlife. Declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 2015, Rathargul boasts diverse flora and fauna with over 73 species of plants and is a haven for numerous animal species, including freshwater snakes, monkeys, and birds. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the over 73 species of birds identified in the forest, including the Red Junglefowl, White-crested Laughingthrush, and Lesser Whistling Duck. Visitors can also climb the watchtower for a panoramic view of the swamp forest. The best time to visit Rathargul Swamp Forest is during the monsoon season, from June to August, when the forest is fully submerged, offering the most dramatic scenery.

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