<div style="text-align: justify; "><b><span style="font-size: 1rem;">Bangladesh, with its vibrant landscapes and lush greenery, especially during the rainy season, beckons nature enthusiasts to explore its natural wonders. One of the crown jewels among these is Ratargul Swamp Forest.&nbsp;</span><br></b></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Often heralded as the "Amazon of Bangladesh," this mystical swamp forest located in the Sylhet region offers a surreal adventure, captivating those who seek tranquility and the thrill of nature at its most serene and wild.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Location and Conservation Efforts</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Situated along the Gowain River at Fatehpur union in Gowainghat, Ratargul Swamp Forest lies approximately 26 kilometers from Sylhet. This unique ecosystem thrives within the waters of the river, interconnected with the Chengir Khal channel.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Under the stewardship of the Forest Department, Ratargul is preserved as a vital ecological haven, ensuring its flora and fauna continue to flourish.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Significance of Ratargul Swamp Forest</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Dubbed the "Sundarbans of Sylhet," Ratargul ranks among the most important freshwater swamp forests in Bangladesh. Its name, derived from the indigenous term for the "Rata" or "Pati" tree, connects it deeply with the local culture.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In the rainy season, the forest transforms dramatically, submerging under 20 to 30 feet of water. This annual inundation creates a mesmerizing scene of towering trees standing stark against the flooded landscape, hosting a biodiverse array of life forms.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The forest is home to over 70 species of plants, including the Dalbergia Reniformis or Koroch tree. The rich biodiversity is complemented by a variety of animals and birds, making Ratargul a critical habitat for conservation and study.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">How to Visit Ratargul Swamp Forest from Dhaka</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Visitors from Dhaka can reach Ratargul through several travel options:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">By Bus: Regular bus services operate from Dhaka's main terminals like Gabtali and Sayedabad. Air-conditioned buses offer a more comfortable journey for about BDT 1500, while non-AC buses are available at around BDT 700.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">By Train: Trains from Kamalapur or Airport Railway Station include options such as the Parabat Express and Upaban Express. Tickets range from BDT 375 to BDT 863, catering to different comfort levels.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">By Air: For those looking for speed and convenience, flights from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to Sylhet are provided by several local airlines, with prices starting from BDT 4000.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Upon arrival in Sylhet, visitors have two main routes to access Ratargul:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Scenic Route through Khadim Tea Gardens: This route passes through Khadimnagar National Park, offering picturesque views before reaching Shringi Bridge, where boats are available to enter the swamp forest.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Direct Route via Amberkhana: A straightforward trip by local CNG from Amberkhana in Sylhet to Shringi Bridge also leads to boat access into the forest.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Experiencing Ratargul Swamp Forest</div><div style="text-align: justify;">As the Meghalaya River merges with the Gowain during the rainy season, Ratargul becomes a vast submerged forest. The water level rise creates a dynamic ecosystem where the forest thrives in its flooded state. Small boats weave through the waterways beneath towering trees, providing an immersive natural experience that resonates with tranquility and the raw beauty of an untouched environment.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Activities to Enjoy in Ratargul</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Ratargul offers a range of activities tailored for different interests:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Boating: Exploring the forest by boat is an essential experience, allowing visitors to navigate through the water-engulfed forest.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Birdwatching: With over 200 bird species, Ratargul is a paradise for bird enthusiasts.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Kayaking: For the more adventurous, kayaking through the forest’s narrow channels offers a thrilling perspective of its natural beauty.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Photography: The lush scenery and diverse wildlife provide ample opportunities for photography, capturing the vibrant ecosystem and its inhabitants.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify; ">bnbd/fas</div>