Explore the best ways to get around Sylhet and the must-see attractions through my personal experience.
Sylhet city is blessed with natural beauty. While Bangladesh is known as the country of six seasons, Sylhet could easily be called the city of rain, as it experiences showers almost every day. This guide details our memorable journey, visiting the best Sylhet tourist spots and must-visit places in Sylhet.
In this comprehensive Sylhet travel guide, I’ll answer all the questions buzzing in your mind, such as:
How to visit Sylhet with a student budget?
When is the best time to visit Sylhet?
What are the top tourist destinations in Sylhet?
How to get around in Sylhet?
Where to stay in Sylhet?
What to eat in Sylhet and where to eat?
Our group included four people—me, my love, her mother, and her father. We explored Sylhet with a Noah car, driven by a Sylheti local who knew the area well. This made it easy to navigate all the places and focus on enjoying the sights.
How to Go
I visited Sylhet a few days ago. I went to Sylhet by train, taking the Jantika Express from Dhaka’s Kamalapur Railway Station. It took us 7 hours to reach Sylhet Railway Station. The journey by train was wonderful. However, for someone new, the Bangladeshi train ticketing system may get confusing. So, I made a detailed post on this.
Ticket Booking Tip: You need to book tickets at least one week early. You can do it online. When I was booking ticket one week ago, there were three types of seating available: Shovon Chair, AC Seat, and AC Berth. Although flights and buses are also available, if you want a unique experience, the train is the best option.
Where to Stay
If you want, you can stay in Hotel Grand Sylhet, price starts from 80$. It’s a bit away from the main city but located in a beautiful, quiet area near the airport. If you’re interested in renting an apartment for one day, several options are available nearby. You can find a 2BHK apartment for around $13 per night, which is great for families or groups.
Additionally, there are five-star hotels available in the city for those seeking luxury accommodations.
If you prefer to stay in the heart of Sylhet city, there are budget-friendly options starting from $7 per night.
What to Eat
If you’re willing to enjoy the local food, then I would suggest you eat at 5 Vai Restaurant. It’s more than just a restaurant—it’s a complete experience. This place is famous in Sylhet, particularly known for its “vorta” (mashed dishes). But while trying it, make sure to look for less spicy options if available.
Also, don’t miss their special beef. In Sylhet, there’s a dish called Beef Achari or Achari Gosht. This flavorful dish combines tender beef with a blend of pickling spices (achar), creating a tangy, spicy flavor. The pickling spices used in the dish typically include mustard seeds, fenugreek, fennel, and other traditional spices, giving it a unique and bold taste.
During my days in Sylhet, I mostly ate there. Another restaurant nearby served a tea that costs about 35 cents a cup. The taste was unforgettable! And of course, while you’re in Sylhet, don’t forget to try the famous 7-layer tea—a must-try for any visitor.
Getting Around Sylhet
For transportation, you can rent a private car or a microbus. A cheaper option is to use local vehicles like Leguna (minibuses) or CNG auto-rickshaws. For all destinations, Leguna fares range from $30 to $50 depending on your negotiating skills. For a private car, it costs between $45 and $70 depending on the type of car, the number of people, and negotiation skills.
Day 1: Ratargul Swamp Forest, Sadapathor, Agun Pahar, Hazrat Shah Jalal Mazar, and Malnichara Tea Estate
I suggest starting your Sylhet adventure with these top Sylhet attractions on the first day:
1. Ratargul Swamp Forest
Location: Gowainghat, Sylhet District
Entry Fee: 100 BDT ($1) per person
Boat Rental: 800-1000 BDT ($8-10) for an hour
Distance from Sylhet City: 26 km (16 miles)
First, visit Ratargul Swamp Forest. You’ll get to experience boating inside this unique submerged forest, which is peaceful and surreal. Floating through the dense greenery was like stepping into a painting. It’s a wonderful experience that you won’t find anywhere else.
Ratargul Swamp Forest
2. Sadapathor (White Stones)
Location: Bholaganj, Sylhet District
Boat Rental: 700-800 BDT ($7-8) for a round trip
Distance from Sylhet City: 35 km (22 miles)
After Ratargul, head to Sadapathor. There will be boats available for rent. Each boat can accommodate up to 8 people, and it costs around $7.5 for a round trip. The boat ride will take you to Sadapathor Zero Point, where you can enjoy the scenic views of white stones lining the riverbanks.
Sadapathor Zero Point
3. Agun Pahar (Fire Mountain)
Location: Gowainghat, Sylhet District
Entry Fee: Free
Distance from Sylhet City: 40 km (25 miles)
While returning from Sadapathor, don’t miss Agun Pahar. This place is indeed wonderful. The rocks here appear fiery, especially when it rains, which makes them look even more attractive. The unique color of the rocks against the greenery creates a beautiful, mystical effect that’s a must-see in Sylhet.
Distance from Sylhet Railway Station: 2 km (1.2 miles)
End your day at Hazrat Shah Jalal Mazar, one of the most sacred sites in Sylhet. The shrine is lively with devotees and has a calming, spiritual atmosphere. A visit here allows you to experience the cultural and spiritual essence of Sylhet.
As you explore, you can admire the intricate architectural details of the shrine and the peaceful gardens surrounding it. Don’t miss the opportunity to observe the rituals and prayers, which offer a glimpse into the local religious practices.
Remember to dress modestly and respectfully, as it is a sacred site, and be mindful of the customs and traditions observed by the devotees.
Hazrat Shah Jalal Mazar GateHazrat Shah Jalal Mazar collected photoThe Pond with Legendary Fish<br>ai generated
5. Malnichara Tea Estate
Location: Near Sylhet city, about 3 km (1.8 miles) from the city center
Entry Fee: 50 BDT ($0.50)
Distance from Sylhet City: 3 km (1.8 miles)
To complete the day, visit Malnichara Tea Estate. This is one of the oldest tea estates in Bangladesh, where you can walk through lush green tea fields. It’s perfect for capturing the beauty of Sylhet’s tea culture and learning about the tea-making process.
Malnichara Tea Estate
Day 2: Jaflong, Bichanakandi, Lalakhal, Hazrat Shah Paran Mazar, and Additional Spots
On the second day, you can enjoy these popular Sylhet destinations:
1. Jaflong
Location: Gowainghat, Sylhet District Boat Rental: 1200-1400 BDT ($12-14) for a tour Distance from Sylhet City: 56 km (35 miles)
Head to Jaflong early to beat the weekend crowds. Known for its stunning views of Indian hills, Jaflong offers stones, waterfalls, and plenty of scenic spots. Start with a photo stop at the Tamabil border, then rent a boat at Jaflong Zero Point.
Jaflong Zero Point
Located near the India-Bangladesh border, Zero Point is a serene spot where you can witness the Dawki River flowing from India, surrounded by lush hills.
Sengram Punji Waterfall Tucked within Jaflong’s hills, this tranquil waterfall is ideal for a quiet break surrounded by nature’s sounds.
Jaflong Tea Gardens Explore rolling tea plantations with beautiful, peaceful views. Wander through the gardens, learn about tea making, and sip fresh tea.
2. Bichanakandi
Location: Bichanakandi village, Gowainghat Upazila
Boat Rental: 800-1000 BDT ($8-10) for a round trip
Distance from Sylhet City: 40 km (25 miles)
From Jaflong, head to Bichanakandi. Here, rivers meet the Khasi mountains, creating a scenic spot where you can relax and swim in the crystal-clear water. This place was one of my favorites, perfect for a peaceful afternoon surrounded by nature.
3. Lalakhal
Location: Jaintapur Upazila, Sylhet District
Boat Rental: 500-700 BDT ($5-7) for a ride along the river
Distance from Sylhet City: 35 km (22 miles)
On the way back, stop by Lalakhal. Known for its stunning blue-green water, Lalakhal offers a peaceful boat ride along the river, where you can enjoy the surrounding hills and vibrant greenery.
4. Hazrat Shah Paran Mazar
Location: Near Shahjalal University, Sylhet District
Entry Fee: Free
Distance from Sylhet City: 10 km (6.2 miles)
At Hazrat Shah Paran Mazar, I went to perform ziyarah, a tradition of paying respects. However, there’s a common scam here: as I exited, a man offered me a “fate-changing” stone ring. I politely refused, saying, “Only Allah decides my fate.” These scammers claim they’re giving you something special, but they carry bags of these trinkets and ask for $5-10 later. The actual value is less than 20 cents.
Sylhet is an unforgettable destination filled with natural wonders, sacred sites, and vibrant culture. Whether you’re enjoying boat rides in Ratargul Swamp Forest or sampling Sylhet’s famous 7-layer tea, this city has something for everyone. Start planning your Sylhet adventure, and experience the best Sylhet tourist spots for yourself!
