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Ratargul Swamp Forest: The Sundarbans of Sylhet

Discover Bangladesh's only freshwater swamp forest: a boat ride through a submerged wonderland of unique flora and fauna.

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Ratargul Swamp Forest, often called the 'Sundarbans of Sylhet' or the 'Amazon of Bangladesh' is a unique freshwater swamp forest. Submerged for several months each year, it offers a distinctive experience of exploring a forest by boat, surrounded by waterlogged trees and diverse wildlife.

A brief summary to Ratargul Swamp Forest

  • 2W79+MFG, Gushainpur, BD
  • 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 (July-October) for the classic 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 center (e.g., Amberkhana point), hire a CNG auto-rickshaw (tuk-tuk) to Gowainghat. The ride takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours and costs between BDT 450 to BDT 500 for a CNG for a one way trip. From Gowainghat, hire a local boat to enter the Ratargul Swamp Forest. Boat rentals typically cost BDT 700-1500 depending on the boat size and duration. Entry fee to the forest is BDT 50 for adults, BDT 25 for students and minors, and BDT 500 for foreigners. Parking fees are BDT 25 for auto-rickshaws/motorbikes and BDT 100 for cars/jeeps.

  • Public Transport

    Take a shared CNG auto-rickshaw from Amberkhana in Sylhet to Shringi Bridge; this costs around 80 BDT per person. From Shringi Bridge, hire a local 'dinghy' boat to enter the forest. Boat fares range from 700-1500 BDT depending on the ghat and boat size, accommodating 4-6 people. Negotiate the price beforehand. Entry fee to the forest is BDT 50 for adults, BDT 25 for students and minors, and BDT 500 for foreigners. Parking fees at the entrance are 25 BDT for auto-rickshaws/motorbikes and 100 BDT for cars/jeeps.

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Discover more about Ratargul Swamp Forest

Ratargul Swamp Forest is a remarkable freshwater swamp forest located in Bangladesh's Sylhet district. Known locally as the 'Sundarbans of Sylhet' , it shares characteristics with the famous mangrove forest, though Ratargul is a freshwater ecosystem. During the monsoon season, typically from May to October, the forest becomes submerged under 20-30 feet of water, creating a surreal landscape where trees appear to grow directly out of the water. The forest spans over 3,325 acres, with a core area of 504 acres designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1973. The name 'Ratargul' is derived from the local term for the 'Rata' or 'Pati' tree, a dominant species within the forest. Other notable plants include Hijal, Barun, Kadam, and Arjun. The forest is an evergreen ecosystem, linked to the River Goain via the Chengir Khal. Visitors can explore the flooded forest by boat, gliding through the waterways and observing the unique flora and fauna. The experience varies with the seasons; the rainy season offers the quintessential flooded forest, while the winter months reveal a different landscape with lower water levels. Wildlife includes various bird species, monkeys, snakes, lizards, and fish. To fully appreciate the beauty of Ratargul, consider climbing the Ratargul Watch Tower for panoramic views of the emerald canopy. Kayaking is also a popular activity, allowing visitors to explore the narrow channels at their own pace.

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