Ratarghul Swamp Forest
Introducing one of the most unique water bodies of Bangladesh. Wait, let me correct my sentence, introducing one of the most beautiful forests. Wait wait, let me figure out if is Ratarghul a forest or waterbodies. Ratarghul Swamp Forest is both a water body and a forest. If anyone has a weird desire to wander a forest by boat. Here, he can satisfy the desire. Ratarghul Swamp Forest is a freshwater type. You will be amazed to know that on earth there are only 22 freshwater swamp forests and only 2 of those swamp forests are in our Indian Subcontinent. One of these two is located in my country at Sylhet division. I will talk about the other one in another day. Now, let’s talk about Ratargul Swamp Forest.
The Ratargul Swamp Forest is spread over an area of 3325.1 acres and 504 acres of it were declared as a wildlife sanctuary by the Government of Bangladesh in 1983. At the very beginning, only the local people of that area could wander there but, around 2010, it started gaining popularity as a tourist destination. Then, social media, travel blogs, and local tourists did the rest to make it a top tourist destination in Bangladesh. And I’m going to make it a global tourist destination with the help of Huntingworldbeauty. People of Sylhet compare it with the great Amazon jungle. Like not comparing, they are just saying it looks like a little Amazon jungle. Since then, it has also been referred to as Bangladesh’s Amazon.
During the Rainy season, Ratargul Swamp Forest is the ideal spot in Sylhet to enjoy nature fully.
Location:
It is situated 22 kilometers northwest of Sylhet city on the banks of the Goain River. And in bookish language, it is in the Goainghat Upazila of Sylhet division.
How to go:
As you can guess, one has to come to Sylhet first. Then come to the Subhanighat, Osmani Shishu Uddan, Naiorpool Point, and Ambarkhana Point of Sylhet. Anyone can hire travel transportation for almost every travel destination in Sylhet from these locations. If one just wants to visit Ratargul Swamp Forest, then he/she has to go to Motor Ghat or Chowranghi Ghat. Either through the airport road or through the Khadimnagar National Park. It is better to pass through the Khadimnagar National Park, where you can also see both the tea garden and obviously the beautiful national park. After reaching the Motor Ghat or the Chowranghi Ghat, take a boat and enjoy the swamp forest. There are other routes to go to the Ratargul Swamp forest but the route above mentioned is appropriate in terms of time-saving, in terms of good roads, also in terms of budget.
Characteristics of Ratargul Swamp forest:
1. June to September, in this four-month the forest is fully submerged in water.
2. Shows a wide range of biodiversity; In fauna: fish, snakes, birds, insects, Monkeys, etc. And in flora: 25 different species of water-tolerance plants.
Activity:
1. Boating: From the very beginning I am talking about boating in Ratargul swamp forest. Indeed, Ratargul looks amazing when Boats run slowly from one corner of the forest to the other through small channels, and when it rains, the beauty of the forest is added to a new dimension.
Ratargul Swamp Forest + Boat + Luxury of rain = Peace of mind
2. Watching Birds: This forest is very rich in biodiversity and even more in bird sectors. 70 different species of birds can be seen there. In the Winter, migratory birds come here. Can you imagine, how beautiful the forest looks with these colorful birds staying there? To witness this scenic beauty, just make sure you have enough time and have your binoculars. Actually, for people who love to watch birds, Ratargul Swamp Forest is one ideal place for them.
3. Photography: The only freshwater swamp forest of Bangladesh creates unique landscapes. So don’t hold back from capturing those with your camera or phone and if you want you can also sharpen your photography skills there.
Best time to visit:
In one word, “Monsoon”. As we know, during the rainy season the forest is submerged in water, and for that, the forest opens up. So, tourists can go anywhere easily with a boat. If not monsoon then winter. The water level will be low, and you won’t be able to go to many parts of the forest but the weather will be comfortable for roaming.
Concern point:
Everything is good, but in the Ghat area (Motor Ghat or Chowranghi Ghat where tourists hire boats), tourists can be scammed by boatmen. If tourists don’t communicate them correctly, the boatmen will cut down the roaming time limit, and tourists won’t even notice it. They will notice it after the boat trip when they talk with other tourists like I did. Once, I booked a boat at 800 BDT there, then the boatman drove the boat for around 30-45 minutes and came back. Then I shared my travel experience with other tourists and I found out that I was scammed. The other tourists roamed for around 1.30-2 hours at the same cost but I roamed for just 45 minutes. So, my friends learn your lesson from my sad story.
