Ratargul Swamp Forest (রাতারগুল জলারবন): travel guide

Bangladesh's Amazon: a freshwater swamp forest that floods for part of the year (about May to October), explored by wooden rowboat among Hijal and Koroch trees.

Ratargul Swamp Forest is in Sylhet district, Sylhet division, Bangladesh. Compare bus, train and air fares to Ratargul Swamp Forest and see the route on a map.

Things to do in Ratargul Swamp Forest

  • Ratargul Swamp Forest (রাতারগুল জলাবন): Freshwater swamp forest in Gowainghat, said to be the only one in Bangladesh; trees stand in water and are explored by small boat. Official 2020 fee was Tk 50 for adults. Nature, entry about 50 BDT, best time: Monsoon; the forest is flooded from about May to early October

Where to stay in Ratargul Swamp Forest

  • Shuktara Nature Retreat (Resort), about Check with hotel for current rates. Nature retreat on the Khadimnagar side of Sylhet, the airport-road side that leads to Ratargul
  • Grand Sylhet Hotel and Resort (Luxury), about From ৳7,000/night. Resort beside Osmani Airport on the road towards Ratargul, which is about 26 km from Sylhet city
  • Richmond Hotel & Apartments Sylhet (MidRange), about From ৳2,200/night. Hotel suites and apartments with restaurant in Zindabazar
  • Nirvana Inn (MidRange), about From ৳2,600/night. Air-conditioned city-centre hotel with restaurant and indoor pool; a base for the Ratargul day trip

Travel advice for Ratargul Swamp Forest

  • Two routes to the forest: The short route is via Khadim Tea Garden to Shringi Bridge, where boats wait. The longer route goes via Jaflong and Gowainghat and suits those combining both; boats are bargained per boat.
  • Official entry and boat fees: The 2020 government fees were Tk 50 for adults, Tk 25 for under-12s and students with ID, and Tk 500 for foreigners; local boat ride Tk 100. Check current rates at the gate.
  • Filming fee: A filming fee of Tk 10,000 per camera per day was imposed in the 2020 notice.
  • No food nearby; carry rain gear: There are no dining options near the swamp, so bring light food for the round trip. In the rainy season the forest stands under roughly 20-30 feet of water (about 10 feet the rest of the year); bring rain gear and wear a life jacket.
  • Visit June to September: The forest is flooded from about May to early October and looks like a true swamp then; most visitors come in the monsoon (roughly June to September). In the dry months the water is low.
  • Road to the ghat, then a boat: Ratargul is in Fatehpur Union, Gowainghat, about 26 km from Sylhet city; go by CNG or hired car. One route runs past the airport, then via Motor Ghat bazar to a short unpaved track to the river. Boats operate from Ratargul, Motor and Chiringgi ghats (about 200 boats a day);

More places to explore in Bangladesh

JatraSathi is a free Bangladesh trip planner in English and Bangla. Prices are estimates; check before you travel.