Ratargul Swamp Forest
Ratargul Swamp Forest is the only freshwater swamp forest in Bangladesh. It is located in Gowainghat Upazila of Sylhet district. During the monsoon, the forest gets submerged, and you can explore deep inside it by boat — like a floating jungle on water.
🕓 Best Time to Visit:
July–September: Best time! The forest remains underwater, and boat rides are enjoyable
October–December: Water level goes down, walking is also possible
🚍 How to Go:
From Dhaka →
- 🚌 By Bus: Take a Sylhet-bound bus from Sayedabad, Gabtoli, or Mohakhali (Time: 6–8 hours)
- 🚆 By Train: Upaban, Joyontika, Parabat, or Kalni Express (Time: 6–7 hours)
- ✈️ By Flight: From Shahjalal International Airport (Dhaka) to Osmani Airport (Sylhet) (Time: 35–40 mins)
From Sylhet City → Ratargul
- By Auto Rickshaw/CNG: From Amberkhana to Gowainghat
- From Gowainghat: Reserve a boat/trawler to Ratargul
★ Total travel time: Around 1.5–2 hours
🛶 How to Explore the Forest:
- During monsoon, the forest remains underwater — you can only enter by boat
- Local boats are available for rent (৳600–৳1000, bargain for better price)
- Wear a life jacket for safety
- Time needed to explore: around 1–1.5 hours
🎒 Things to Carry:
- Light snacks and water
- Sunscreen, cap/hat
- Mobile / camera
- Plastic bag (for storing shoes/clothes)
- Medicine
🛏 Where to Stay:
Better to stay in Sylhet city:
- Hotel Nazaran, Hotel Fortune Garden, Hotel Hilltown (budget-friendly)
- Booking: Best to book online or by phone in advance
⚠️ Important Tips:
- Start in the morning for an easier return
- Enter the forest early to avoid tourist crowds
- Always take boats operated by licensed drivers
📸 What to See:
- Rows of trees submerged in water
- Various birds (e.g., Rajsharali, Cormorant)
- Small fish and aquatic life
- Surrounding hilly slopes
🧭 1-Day Trip Plan:
6:00 AM – Start from Sylhet City
8:00 AM – Reach Gowainghat
8:30–9:00 AM – Start boat ride in the forest
11:00 AM – Finish forest tour
1:00 PM – Return to Sylhet city and have lunch
4:00 PM – Visit other spots (Jaflong, Bichanakandi)
