Ratargul, the only recognized swamp forest in our country, which is located in the Gowainghat area of about 26 km from Sylhet district town.Goain river in the north,A huge haor in the south.
In the middle is the ‘Water Forest’ Ratargul which is known as the Amazon of Bengal. Ratargul is located in Fatehpur union of Gowainghat upazila bordering by Sylhet district.
The distance from Sylhet to Ratargul, the only recognized Ratargul Swamp Forest in the country, is about 26 km.
Most of the vegetation of this impeccably beautiful forest stays under water for four to seven months in a year.
The Ratargul forest covers an area of about 30,325 acres. This vast area consists of 504 acres of forest and the rest is filled with small and large water bodies. This 504 acres of forest was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1983.
Although it is a natural forest, the forest department has planted various species of water tolerant trees including cane, kadam, hijal and murta. There are about 25 species of water tolerant plants in this huge forest.
The state of this water is very strange. A tree is submerged up to its knees in water.However, in the rainy season, the whole area looks the same. Ratargul is known as the 'Sundarbans of Sylhet'.
Those that are a little smaller, they are half submerged in water again.Sometimes it has been seen fishermen are getting fishing nets somewhere.
How dark the whole forest will be due to the dense vegetation. Occasionally tree stalks will block the path. The path has to be made by removing them by hand.
How to go there
There are two types transport services to go to Sylhet.
The bus leaves from Dhaka's Gabtoli and Sayedabad bus terminals to Sylhet. Green Line, Saudia, S Alam, Shyamli and Ena Paribahan these are bus transports companies and those offered AC services. These Buses will travel from Fakirapul, Saidabad and Mohakhali bus stations, with fare cost $10 to $11.
In addition, There are also have non-AC bus transport services like Shyamoli, Hanif, Unique, ENA Paribahan . Which leave from Dhaka to Sylhet with low cost $5 to $6 per person.
Those who like to travel with railway can chose these 4 trains Upban, Jayantika, Parabat or Kalni Express. All these train leave from Dhaka Kamalapur station and also have stoppage in Airport Railway Station.
Where To Stay
There are many quality rest houses in Lala Bazar area and Dargah Road in Sylhet at low rent. Where you will get different types of rooms for $5 to $15 .
In addition, According to your need and ability you can also stay at Hotel Hill Town, Gulshan, Dargah Gate, Surma, Kaikobad etc.