The Sylhet region is known as the tea capital of Bangladesh. Albeit it is a starkly different experience of travel in Bangladesh than the contrast of navigating the colourful chaos of Dhaka. But in case you are wondering whether to add to your Bangladesh itinerary, here are the things to do in Sylhet and Sreemangal to make it worth considering!
- About Sylhet
- About Sreemangal
- How long do you need?
- Best time to visit?
- Transport
- Things to do in Sylhet
- Things to do in Sreemangal
- Getting there
- Where to stay
- More about travel in Bangladesh
About Sylhet, Sreemangal and travel in Bangladesh
I’m not going to lie.
We pretty much added Sylhet and Sreemangal to our Bangladesh itinerary after seeing some beautiful, albeit iconic photos of lush tea plantations – and the world famous* seven-layered Sylhet tea!
The Sylhet region is well known for its tea gardens and tropical forests.
It is a smaller and more rural district in Bangladesh. Though it is a popular destination on most Bangladesh itineraries as an alternative to the Sundarbans and river-focussed cities of the south.
Plus, it turns out there is more to the things to do in Sylhet and Sreemangal than just the seven-layered tea!
Sylhet has a history of conquests and heritage from different types of cultures. So, there are some incredible sites of Bangladesh’s history to see too.
- Read our detailed guide to travel in Bangladesh.
Getting around in Sylhet and Sreemangal
I’ve detailed below about the best way to get to Sylhet and Sreemangal from Dhaka (or beyond).
But once you arrive to Sylhet or Sreemangal, the easiest way to get around is by auto rickshaw or taxi.
For some of the things to do in Sylhet that are in the nearby area, you will need to book a driver or taxi for the day. However, transport in the cities and surrounds of Bangladesh is reasonably priced.
It is usually easiest to book a driver for the day through your accommodation.
Or for the markets and things to do in central Sylhet and Sreemangal you can rickshaw around and go for a wander.
- Read about things to do in Dhaka.
How long do you need in Sylhet and Sreemangal?
Although both Sylhet and Sreemangal are fairly main destinations for travellers to Bangladesh. The tourism numbers and infrastructure of each have nothing on its other South Asia neighbours.
The Sylhet region of Bangladesh, including Sreemangal, is mostly known for its tea plantations and the chance to experience rural life out of the cities.
So, unless you are coming to relax and take up residence at one of the tea estates, you really need just a couple of days in each place to see the things to do in Sylhet and Sreemangal.
We only had two nights in Sreemangal and three nights in Sylhet.
Which at the time, was more than plenty to see the main things to do in Sylhet and Sreemangal listed below.
What is the best time to visit Sylhet and Sreemangal in Bangladesh?
The best time to visit Sylhet is generally from in the dry season from October to March.
This is a cooler time of year, and the drier season in Bangladesh, while the weather is comfortable for sightseeing and exploring.
Like much of South Asia, Bangladesh – and Sylhet – has three main seasons. But they aren’t the same as the seasons of the north and southern hemispheres.
Rather, Bangladesh has a dry season, a hot summer and a wet, monsoon season.
- Dry Season (October to March): This is technically the winter season in Bangladesh. But it is a dry time of year with warm sunny days and cool night.
- Transition Season (March to April): This is a shoulder season between the dry ‘winter’ months and the hot summer.
- Summer (March to May): This is the hottest time of year in Bangladesh with high temperatures in May.
- Monsoon Season (June to September): The monsoon rains are heavy during these months while the temperature is hot and muggy.
The best time to visit Bangladesh is during the dry season from October to March.
- Read about getting Dengue Fever in India after travel during the monsoon season.
Things to do in Sylhet – Travel in Bangladesh
Here are 5 things to do in Sylhet that are perfect for a first-time visit.
1. Shah Jalal Dargah / Shrine of Hazrat Shah Jalal
The most fascinating and atmospheric of things to do in Sylhet is to visit the Shah Jalal Dargah.
This is the iconic blue gated shrine of the revered 14th-century Sufi saint Shah Jalal. It is one of Bangladesh’s biggest pilgrimage sites.
Shah Jalal was a celebrated Sufi saint and historical figure of Bengal. His name is often associated with the Muslim Conquest of Sylhet and the spread of Islam into the region.
Thus, since the completion of the Dargah in 1500 AD, both Bengali Muslims and Hindus perform pilgrimages to the site to make offerings and prayers to the saint.
The Dargah complex is located on a low hillock (known as the Dargah Tila) in the Dargah Mahalla neighbourhood of north Sylhet. It is the largest religious compound in Bangladesh.
2. Malnicherra Tea Estate – Things to do in Sylhet
The Sylhet region of Bangladesh is known for tea growing. So, unsurprisingly one of the other main things to do in Sylhet is to visit a tea plantation.
The Malnicherra Tea Estate is the oldest tea garden in the subcontinent. Though there are many tea estates to choose from!
Malnicherra is located just on the outskirts of the city of Sylhet. So, it is easy to get to by auto rickshaw from your accommodation.
It was established by Lord Hardson in 1849 on 1500 acres of land.
Today, it is still a large working tea plantation and an interesting place to visit in Sylhet.
3. Keane Bridge – Things to do in Sylhet
The Keane Bridge is another iconic landmark of Sylhet. It is often called the ‘Gateway to Sylhet City’ – for obvious reasons – and for its location at the head of the Surma River.
Keane Bridge hails from the British era in Bangladesh. It was built in 1936 and was repaired after being damaged by Pakistani bombers.
The bridge was named after Sir Michael Keane who was the English governor of Assam from 1932 – 1937.
It is a bustling part of the city to wander and take in the history and culture of Sylhet – without needing hours!
4. Zinda Bazar – Things to do in Sylhet
Zinda Bazar is one of the busiest places in Sylhet.
Albeit it is nowhere near on the scale of bustle as Dhaka. But like any of the markets in Bangladesh, Zinda Bazar is a cool place to experience while you are in Sylhet.
It is a prominent and bustling commercial area of the city teeming with markets, shops, and buyers and sellers bargaining and negotiating their wares.
- Tip: Besides Zinda Bazar, Sylhet has other markets, including Shibgonj Bazar, Lal Bazar, Shahi Edga Bazar, and Amborkhana Bazar.
5. Ali Amjad Clock Tower – Things to do in Sylhet
The Ali Amjad Clock Tower is recognised as the oldest clock tower in Bangladesh.
Albeit it isn’t exactly on par with wandering the exquisite Dargah. But it is one of the iconic things to do in Sylhet.
The clock tower was built in 1874 during the British colonial period in Bangladesh.
It was named after Ali Amjad Khan, a prominent landlord of Prithimpassa. known for his contributions to the region.
Today, along with the other historic things to do in Sylhet, the structure is symbolic of Sylhet’s unique heritage.
- Tip: The Ali Amjad Clock Tower is situated on the Sumar River not far from Keane Bridge.
Other things to do in Sylhet, Bangladesh
If you have more time, there are some other things to do in Sylhet including several small museums and other markets and bazars.
- Museum of Rajas
- Osmani Museum
- Tilagor Eco Park
- Khadimnagar National Park
- Bisanakandi
If you have more time, there is more to see in Sylhet.
Day trips and things to do near Sylhet, Bangladesh
If you would like to explore some of the beautiful places and local markets in the more northern, rural parts of Sylhet, foresee at least a few more days in the region.
- Jaflong: A historic, small cuity in the Sylhet region situated on the Bangladesh-India border. The Jaflong Zero Point, where the Pivain and Sharee River converge, is Jaflong’s main point of interest.
- Ratargul Swamp Forest: This is the only freshwater swamp forest in Bangladesh and one of the few remaining freshwaters swamp forests in the world.
- Sharee River: Bangladesh is synonymous with river travel. Sharee is around 40km north of Sylhet near the India border. You can take a boat ride on the river as a day trip from Sylhet.
- Jaintiapur Market: The twice weekly market at Jaintiapur every Wednesday and Saturday is a unique local experience in Sylhet.
It makes most sense to book a car and driver through your accommodation to make a day trip from Sylhet.
Things to do in Sreemangal – Travel in Bangladesh
Sreemangal – or Srimangal – is Bangladesh’s tea capital.
This region of Bangladesh grows and produces around 3% of the world’s tea!
The main town is somewhat nondescript. But with the tea, tea plantations and rural experience it makes another unique addition to your Bangladesh itinerary.
Here are 5 things to do in Sreemangal that are perfect for a first-time visit.
1. Nilkantha Tea Cabin Seven Layer Tea
I’m pretty sure, that it isn’t just us that found the allure of seven-layer tea one of the most intriguing things to do in Sreemangal!
The seven-layer tea is a unique claim to Sreemangal and the Sylhet region of Bangladesh. It is quite literally a tea beverage comprising of layers of different teas.
The tea is made in multiple permutations of concentration, tea leaf variety and adjuncts such as milk, sugar and flavourings. Which when combined, separates according to density and makes the different layers.
Each layer contrasts in colour and taste, ranging from syrupy sweet to spicy clove.
Albeit I’m not certain I’d recommend the drink on taste alone. It certainly is a novelty and something you need to try in Sreemangal.
Nilkantha Tea Cabin is the claimed original inventor and place to try it.
2. Finlays Tea Estate – Things to do in Sreemangal
I know a lot of this list focuses on tea. But all things tea to do make up the majority of things to do in Sreemangal and Sylhet!
Sreemangal is known as the tea capital of Bangladesh. It covers an overall are of 450 square km with 163 tea plantations in the region.
Though out of these 163 tea gardens, there are three large estates that produce the majority of tea from Sreemangal.
Finlays Tea Estate is one of the biggest and oldest in the district. You can tour the gardens, learn about tea production, and taste freshly brewed tea.
The grounds of the Finlays Tea Estate spill out right to the road. So there are opportunities to stop and have a look even if you aren’t doing an official visit to the estate.
3. Lawachera National Park – Things to do in Sreemangal
Lawachara National Park is the most visited protected area in Bangladesh.
The parks main attraction is its biodiversity.
There are over 450 types of rare plants and different wild animals that can be seen here, including various types of birds, deer, monkeys, pythons, doves and more.
The park is located only 8km from Sreemangal so it is easy to reach with a taxi or (keen) auto rickshaw.
4. Pineapple Bazar – Things to do in Sreemangal
We visited Sreemangal in May, which is very hot in Bangladesh. But this is the time of the year for pineapples.
There is an entire market for pineapples in Sreemangal near the Railway Station.
Of course, there are loads of other markets and bazars in Sreemangal. Despite its small size it still has the iconic bustle of South Asia as soon as you near the marketplaces.
But we did find the pineapple market the most exciting find in the small city.
Plus, it makes a change from tea!
5. Manipuri Villages – Things to do in Sreemangal
The small villages of Manipuri near the Adi Nilkantha Tea Cabin are interesting for a wander.
Albeit this part of Sreemangal feels a far, far cry from the bustle of Dhaka.
But that is part of the charm of getting out of the city, right?
Other things to do in Sreemangal, Bangladesh
There isn’t a huge number of things to do in Sreemangal that are typically tourist sites.
Though there are a few historic places to see amidst more of the small marketplaces and more sites in nature.
- Bangladesh Tea Research Institute
- Madhabkunda Waterfall
- Madhabpur Lake
- Swapnapuri Park
- Puran Bazar (Old Bazar)
- Sonali Market
- Bharaura Tea Factory
If you have more time, there is more to see in Sylhet.
Day trips and things to do near Sreemangal, Bangladesh
If you have more time, there are some things to do near Sreemangal that can be visited as a day trip.
- Baikka Beel Wetland: This is a haven for bird watchers, especially during the winter months when migratory birds visit Bangladesh. The wetland is home to a variety of fish and aquatic plants as well.
- Ham Ham Waterfall: This is an adventurous trek through the dense forest and hilly (sort of; for Bangladesh) terrain to a beautiful waterfall at Ham Ham.
- Khasia Village: Beyond the first Manipuri Villages are the tribal villages of Khasia. See the betel leaf cultivation and traditional handicrafts.
It makes most sense to book a car and driver through your accommodation to make a day trip from Sreemangal.
How to get to Sylhet
Sylhet is well connected with Sreemangal and Dhaka by road, rail and air.
There are multiple flight options from Dhaka to Sylhet.
Or there is a direct train from Dhaka to Sylhet that operates three times daily. The journey takes approximately 6h 30m.
We bought tickets for the trains in Bangladesh through a tour provider Trip2Bangladesh.
The owner Ontu is very accommodating and helped us plan the legs of our trip in different directions of Bangladesh!
How to get to Sreemangal
Sreemangal is located 190km from Dhaka and 83km from Sylhet.
We took a train from Dhaka to Sreemangal and another train a few days later from Sreemangal to Sylhet.
Where to stay in Sylhet and Sreemangal, Bangladesh
The cost of accommodation in Bangladesh came as a surprise to us.
I’m not going to pretend we found budget accommodation and roughed our way around the country. Because we didn’t. But cost-wise it wasn’t what we expected.
In the cities – Dhaka, Chittagong and Sylhet – there are 5-star type accommodation. Though it is trikcier to find reviews that sound anywhere worth staying in for budget accommodation!
- In Sreemangal we stayed Green Leaf Guest House.
- In Sylhet we stayed at Hotel Mira Garden.
Both accommodations were fine and fit in with our budget for travel in Bangladesh.
These are the other places we stayed:
- Dhaka: Hotel 71
- Barisal: Hotel Grand Park
- Mongla: Hotel Pashur
- Dhaka: Hotel Tropical Daisy
- Cox’s Bazar: Laguna Beach Hotel
- Chittagong: Well Park Residence Boutique Hotel
- Dhaka: Hotel 71
- Narsingdi: Taabu Ekduaria Village Homestay
Do read the reviews on booking sites and use Google Maps to check out accommodation and locations before you book.
Read more about travel in Bangladesh and South Asia
- Train Travel In India: A Complete Guide.
- Things To Do In Dhaka.
- Crossing The Wagah Border From India To Pakistan.
- Pakistan: Complete Guide To Travel In Pakistan.
- Money In India: Using ATM’s.
- Food To Try In India.
- Tips For Travelling In India.
- Packing List For Travel In India.
More about travel planning for Bangladesh and beyond
These are the companies we use and can recommend for planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. It is easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere online.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world. Everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Make sure you have insurance before further contemplating things to do in Sylhet and Sreemangal, Bangladesh!
