Sylhet, a destination we’ve frequented, continues to captivate us with its natural wonders. On this journey, we set out to uncover the magic of Ratargul, Bangladesh’s largest swamp forest, and its connection to the picturesque Gowain River, linking it to Volagonj Sadapathor, Jaflong, and Bichanakandi. The journey to Ratargul has come a long way from its challenging beginnings, making it an essential stop on our day tour of Sylhet.
Volagonj Sadapathor: Navigating Sylhet’s Waterways
Our strategy to explore Sylhet’s beauty while managing costs led us to join a travel group that meticulously handled our food, transportation, and accommodation. We kicked off our adventure with a reserved bus ride from Dhaka, arriving in Sylhet bright and early. Many visitors explored the city’s religious sites, but we chose to forego the city tour, having already explored it in the past.
With the bus as our trusty companion, we set forth towards Volagonj, pleasantly surprised by the excellent road conditions from Sylhet to Volagonj. In just an hour, we arrived at Volagonj Sadapathor, ready for the next leg of our journey. Volagonj’s syndicate charges tourists for each boat ride, a significant price had to pay for access to the wonders of the Sadapathor area. As we’d been here before, we knew where to find the most breathtaking spots, allowing us to savor nature’s finest.
Ratargul Swamp Forest: A Walk on the Wild Side
Our lunch break saw us relishing locally prepared delicacies, reenergizing us for our upcoming adventure in Ratargul. Most of the journey to Ratargul was covered by bus, with an auto-rickshaw ride covering the final 3/4 kilometers. Waiting for us was a boat, ready to guide us through the swamp forest. While an old watchtower stood nearby, it didn’t seem safe for climbing, so we chose to explore the forest on foot, disembarking from the boat at various points. With each step, we ventured deeper into the heart of Ratargul, where the sights and sounds of this unique ecosystem left a lasting impression.
As evening descended, we reluctantly made our way back to our waiting bus. Sylhet is also celebrated for its culinary delights, and we couldn’t resist dining at one of its renowned restaurants, “Pas Vai Restaurant,” for a sumptuous dinner. Our tradition of indulging in quail during our Sylhet visits remained intact.
Our exploration of Ratargul and Volagonj Sadapathor in Sylhet was an enriching and memorable experience. We marveled at the natural beauty of Ratargul’s swamp forest, enjoyed the excitement of boat rides, and indulged in the local cuisine that adds to Sylhet’s charm. This adventure reaffirmed our love for this enchanting region, where each visit promises new discoveries and unforgettable moments in the lap of nature. We eagerly anticipate returning to Sylhet to uncover even more hidden gems in the future.