Let’s play in the magnificent great outdoors! 4 must-see tourist spots in “Sylhet,” Bangladesh

Have you ever heard of a town called Sylhet in Bangladesh? Sylhet is a city in northeastern Bangladesh and is one of the wealthiest cities in the country. People there are very friendly, making it an easy city to travel around.

Sylhet is full of sightseeing highlights, from vast natural landscapes to historic buildings! There are also stylishly designed structures worth seeing.

Here, we’ll carefully select and introduce four recommended tourist spots in Sylhet!

1. Ratargul Swamp Forest

If you want to be completely healed by Sylhet’s great nature, we recommend Ratargul Swamp Forest.

Ratargul Swamp Forest is a wetland forest filled with thick trees and home to a variety of wild animals. You might even encounter adorable monkeys.

The activity to enjoy at Ratargul Swamp Forest is boating! There are tours where you can ride a boat while looking at the rare sight of trees growing in the swamp, and kids are sure to love it. Gazing at the endlessly flowing majestic river might make you lose track of time.

If you plan to visit Ratargul Swamp Forest, it’s best to avoid the dry season, when the water completely dries up. The best season is actually the rainy season, when the abundant water creates beautiful scenery.

2. Ali Amjad Clock Tower

The most eye-catching monument in Sylhet is the Ali Amjad Clock Tower. Its bright, pop red paint really draws attention. With its pointed roof and cute design that almost looks like it’s wearing a frilly skirt, the Ali Amjad Clock Tower has become a symbol of Sylhet.

But it’s not just cute—it’s also a historic clock, established in 1895. Even after many years, it continues to keep time in Sylhet. The Ali Amjad Clock Tower is a popular meeting spot for locals and also serves as a landmark for tourists.

It’s also a favorite photo spot for visitors, especially when photographed together with the nearby red bridge—super cool! Using perspective, you can take unique and fun photos to remember your trip to Sylhet.

3. Jaflong

If you want to experience the most beautiful scenery in Sylhet, we recommend Jaflong. This tourist spot is located in a lush natural area and also borders India.

A majestic river flows through here, making it not only a place for tourists but also a popular spot for Sylhet locals to play in the water or go fishing. Children especially have a blast playing in the water—it’s guaranteed fun! Since Sylhet can get extremely hot, some may find daytime sightseeing tough. Jaflong is the perfect spot to cool down easily.

Relaxing in the shade while watching the beautiful river is delightful. Small boats also travel up and down the river, adding to the lively scenery. There are also little waterfalls where you can soak in the refreshing negative ions, washing away your daily stress.

4. Shahjalal Dorgha

Standing tall under Sylhet’s blazing sun is the white temple-like mosque, Shahjalal Dorgha. It is not only a popular tourist attraction but also a sacred place respected by Sylhet locals.

In Bangladesh, about 90% of the population practices Islam. Shahjalal Dorgha is decorated with light pastel blue paint on its white exterior walls, giving it a fairy-tale look as though it came straight out of a storybook. At night, you can enjoy its stunning illumination with glowing blue neon lights.

The courtyard is filled with doves, symbols of peace, creating a tranquil scene. The pond is full of fish, adorably opening their mouths in search of food.

Since Shahjalal Dorgha is a sacred place of worship for locals who kneel and pray earnestly, tourists should avoid wearing revealing clothing when visiting.

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