Everything you need to know about travelling from Sylhet to Jaflong.
Everything you need to know about travelling from Sylhet to Jaflong.
Jaflong is a small border town in northeast Bangladesh. Sandwiched between the Indian state of Meghalaya and Bangladesh, its a popular tourist destination renowned for its stone mining and crushing activities. Mountainous vistas, water falls, tribal villages and the Dawki River (also known as the Piyain River) are all major attractions for tourists. Tamabil is the border checkpoint for Bangladesh, located just outside the town of Jaflong. Tamabil and Dawki are the border checkpoints for India, and the trading point between the two countries.
How to travel from Sylhet to Jaflong?
The distance by road from the city of Sylhet to Jaflong is 60km, with a journey time of around one and a half hours.
Private transport:
Securing reliable private transport is strongly recommended. Public transport is uncomfortable and unreliable. The comfort and convenience of private transport allows for a customised travel plan, with side trips along the journey. A standard sedan car can be hired at a cost of BDT. 3000-4000.00 per day, a micro bus at BDT. 4000-6000 per day and a tourist coach at BDT. 8000.00-15000.00 per day. Rent from a reliable vehicle hire service provider or simply go to the car hire stand at Chawhatt, opposite Alia Madrasah, where there are many options to hire a vehicle. Be sure to negotiate the price!
Public Transport
Bus services are available between Sylhet and Jaflong. There are two options operating services on this route – Gate Local and the local service. The cost of a one-way fare with Gate Local is BDT. 120 and BDT. 80 for the local service. All buses depart from Kodomtoli bus station.
Places to visit in and around Jaflong.
Waterfalls.
There are several waterfalls, all located on the Indian side of Jaflong, though easily visible from Bangladesh. Notably, two waterfalls can be seen on the right before entering Jaflong.
Tamabil border checkpoint.
If using private transport it’s possible to visit to the Tamabil border checkpoint.
Boat ride on the Piyani River.
The river, with its crystal clear water, originates from the Khasi and Jaintia hills, and is considered one of the cleanest rivers in Bangladesh and India. A boat ride on this river, with its backdrop of towering hills and hive of human activity provides a truly memorable experience for tourists.
Depending on the tourist season, and time of day, the fare for a one hour boat ride from zero point to Jaflong Bazar will be in the region of BDT. 500-2000.
Khasia Punji (tribal village).
If travelling earlier in the day it may be possible to be dropped on the other side of the river after the ride. Alternatively, take a ferry boat to cross the river. In the dry season it may be necessary to walk a short distance through the sand to the Tomotom stand (battery run auto rickshaw). There are two options here – walk or take a tomtom. Walking from one end of the village to the other, finishing at the tea plantation, takes around 40 to 60 minutes. The most popular choice is to take a tomtom, for which the fare is BDT. 200-600.
Tea plantation.
There are several tea plantations along the road to Jaflong and on the other side of the river nestled amid tribal villages.
Jainta Royal Palace.
Previously the residence of the ruler of Jaintapur. Though now in ruins, worth a visit for those with an interest in history and culture.
Lalakhal.
Lalakhal, situated between Sylhet and Jaflong is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Sylhet region. A boat ride on the spectacular Sharee River, surrounded by hills and tea plantations, is a highlight in the itinerary of many tourists, and is known for its stunning green and blue water. Originating from the Khasi and Jaintia hills, the Sharee River is one of the major sources of sands in the Sylhet region.
The boat stand is situated just beside the Sharee River bridge. The cost for a 1 to 2 hour ride will vary between BDT. 1000-2500. Be prepared to negotiate a price.
Where to eat in Jaflong.
There are several restaurants alongside the boat terminal, and in Jaflong Bazar, though these tend to be over-priced and offer low quality food. Better choices are available along the road to Jaflong, including The River Queen restaurant, by Nagimghar Resort, located at Lalakhal. The restaurant at Jaintia Hill resort, located beside the highway close to Jaflong is another possibility. Be sure to book and reserve a table ahead of time to avoid disappointment.
River Queen Restaurant
Lalakhal riverside. Phone: 01778-397380
Jaintia Hill Resort
Sylhet Tamabil Highway. Phone: 01711-324173
Where to stay in Jaflong.
Although accommodation options are basic in Jaflong, there are higher standards of accommodation available along the Tamabil and Jaflong highway. See options listed below.
Nazimgarh Garden Resort ( a local 5* nature resort)
Situated at Kollogram, Khadimnagar, Sylhet-3100. Approximately 45km from Jaflong alongside the highway.
Phone: (+88) 01926667444, 01747200100, Email: garden@nazimgarh.com
Nazimgarh Wilderness Resort( a local 5* nature resort)
Situated on Lalakal Road, Lalakal. Approximately 23km from Jaflong tourist attractions. Phone: +88 01841-001201
Jaintia Hill Resort
A standard resort located at Jaintia, alongside the Sylhet-Tamabil highway. Approximately 15km from Jaflong main tourist attractions. This resort offers spectacular views of the hills and Indian waterfalls from its rooms.
Jaflong Inn
A standard hotel located at Jaflong Bazar.
Phone: 01765-686363
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