Dhaka to Bichanakandi | Pangthumai and Ratargul

Beauty of  Bichanakandi, Sylhet

Sylhet has dependably been a sweetheart offspring of nature. This north-eastern district of Bangladesh is talented with captivating green tea gardens, wonderful subtropical hills and various rivers, waterways and wetlands. Distance from Sylhet to Bichanakandi is about 39 Km, which is situated in Goainghat Upazilla near the border of Bangladesh and India. Steam cold water from blue-green Meghalaya Mountains, coming down to the rocky Goain river gently. It was imagined to visualize the transition of different kinds of blue shades to green shades of Khasi, Garo and Jaintia hills in Meghalaya reason. Before going to share on my blog, after observing the magnificent beauty of Bichanakandi, we certainly called it is the heaven of Sylhet!

If you didn’t visit there yet, you have surely missed something in life. Life really happens here, no doubt about the arduous and troublesome lifestyle of local individuals which will touch your heart profoundly.

So, don't need to set a big plan by searching weather forecast and google map for these places as it were, it can be a one day tour from Dhaka to Bichanakandi - Pangthumai village and Ratargul Swamp Forest within your standard budget.

Probably the most prominent vacationer destinations of Bangladesh are distributed in or around Sylhet division. Amid the occasions, individuals from everywhere throughout the nation come here to entertain themselves with intriguing regular delights of Jaflong, Ratargul, Lala Khal, Pangthumai Village, Mazar Sharif and different pleasant tea domains situated around the city.

After reaching Sylhet city, I would like to start the trip by visiting the “Amazon of Bangladesh”, Ratargul Swamp Forest first at early morning. The road journey may be somewhat troublesome to some extent. Do not forget to take umbrellas to save yourself either from the sunlight or the torrential rains.

Have a short look at the tour plan! Dhaka to Sylhet by Bus - Shamoly - 450 tk Unique and Hanif - 470 tk Dhaka to Sylhet by Train -Shovon - 265 tk Shovon Chair - 320 tk You can reserve a CNG from Amborkhana point at around 1400-1800 tk for both Ratargul and Bichanakandi up-down. Leguna Service is available -- 2200 -2500 tk for both Ratargul and Bichanakandi up-down. From Motorghat to Ratargul hire a Boat: 5 persons per engine boat at around 1300 -1500 tk for 3 hours. 5 person per boat without engine at around 300 tk for an hour. It will take not more than 2 - 3 hours to visit the Swamp Forest.

Moving forward to Hadar Par Bazaar to visit Bichanakandi: hire a boat for 1200 - 1500 tk including Pangthumai Village trip from Hadarpar ghat. A small boat can accommodate 8-10 persons. You must talk with guide -cum-boatman about your Pangthumai tour plan.
Ratargul Swamp Forest:

Ratargul is an evergreen and mystic forest and additionally one of the best freshwater swamp forests in this world. It is situated at the Goain Ghat territory of Sylhet Division in Bangladesh. The magnificence of this woodland has blossomed for the most part in the rainy season. The traveling taste of Ratargul resembles to visit the Sundarbans.

We started our adventurous tour with a tiny wooden boat and trying to slither across the deep green water, snakes hissing from the adjacent trees and unknown birds and species are flying over your head. No sound but water drops. Everyone was speechless and trying to adjust to the surface of this precious green forest. Inside the forest, we extremely felt the natural attraction of this jungle. This is an extraordinary and mind-blowing natural forest. The more time you spend the more will you amazed. The glimpse of this unnatural beauty never to forget.

To know more about Ratargul - please read my article: Dhaka to Ratargul Swamp Forest: Best Travel Guide

Pang Thu Mai Village is a borderline village. It is located in Gowainghat region. This village looks fantastic under the slopes of the Indian state of Meghalaya. Many hills and waterfalls from Meghalaya structure the “Peain River”. The Borohill falls is found really in the middle of Bangladesh-India fringe. The atmosphere of this spots is magnificent. You can enjoy the range of Meghalaya hills with the deep green and blue shades transition. It is indeed a unique destination for tourists of all levels.

The village is fully covered by green shades, leaves, trees, green fields and wetlands. The Meghalaya Mountains range seems to be the ceiling of Pang Thu Mai Village. It is probably the most beautiful village in Bangladesh. The eye-catching beauty of this Greenland can not explain by key-board, only to enjoy by visiting the village.

Cautions in Bisanakandi:

Gaza, Alcohol (Rum, Vodka, Champagne) are available here, a lot of agents come to you to take drugs. Be careful! Do not mistake! Check everywhere at any time by BGB -BSF. Uncertainty, you can be a victim of harassment, including jail and punishment.
Safety Concerns: As it is a tour in waterways and swamp forest, knowing how to swim is required for safety, as the boats sometimes tilt there. Otherwise, you can use life jackets. During the monsoon, poisonous snakes and species tend to seek refuge in those trees. So it’s not a good idea to touch the trees, leaves or even the water casually. You can also take first aid for a better precaution.

Must Follow:

Everyone should avoid anything which can be the cause of destruction for the beauty of these places and please do not litter the forest. It is suggested visit the area silently and come back silently. Bring back everything you have taken with you such as water bottle, plastic packet or other things.

Travel Tips:
1. Must keep comfortable clothes and suitable shoes.
2. The entire journey deserves huge mental & physical strength.
3. Keep necessary medicine. E.g. Painkiller, Odomos (anti-mosquito lotion, available at pharmacy).
4. Keep dry food, high-calorie food, like chocolate, groundnut.
5. Important to keep glucose or or-saline for the instant energy solution.
6. Keep rope, matches for the fire, chargeable light, light water bottle, cap, sunglass and those you needed.