Tanguar Haor Travel Guide

Tanguar Haor (Wetlands).

Tanguar Haor is one of the major wetlands in Bangladesh located at Dharmapasha and Tahirpur upazillas of Sunamganj district. The entire marsh area is naturally spectacular and has great importance to the environment, economy and food supply. There are forty villages in and around the wetlands, with almost fifty thousand people dependent on the wetlands for their livelihood. Every winter thousands of migratory birds travel to these wetlands from cooler climate regions. In the monsoon season The wetlands is completely underwater, whilst in the dry season around 30 percent remains under water.
Tanguar Haor is spectacular year round, and during the monsoon this extensive body of water is reminiscent of the ocean. Boats are used to transport people and goods from one place to another. Thousands of visitors, from home and abroad, visit Tanguar Haor every year, especially during winter. At this time of year the water becomes very clear and blue. Travel conditions allow easier access to Tanguar Haor in winter time.

How to travel to Tanguar Haor.

From Sunamganj:

During the monsoon one has to travel to Shaheb Bari boat station first, from where a boat can be hired to visit Tanguar Haor. Be sure to negotiate the cost of boat hire. In general, the hire cost will be in the region of BDT. 2000-3000 for a motorised boat for a 4 to 6 hours ride, and BDT. 5000-8000 for a speed boat for a 2 to 3 hours ride.
During winter it is necessary to cross the river from Shaheb Bari Ghat, then travel to Sripur Bazar by motorbike (as a pillion passenger). This journey takes around two hours at a cost of BDT. 100-300 one way. The cost to hire a boat from Sripur Bazar to Tanguar Haor is between BDT. 500-1000 for a two hour trip. An early start from Sunamganj is recommended in order to maximise time spent at Tanguar Haor.

From Sylhet:

In order to visit Tanguar Haor it is necessary to travel to Sunamganj first. If going on a day trip from Sylhet, privately hiring reserved transport to and from Sunamganj is highly recommended. Alternatively one can travel by bus from Sylhet to Sunamganj.
Depending on the season, once at Sunamganj, there are two ways to get to Tanguar Haor. During the monsoon take a boat from Shaheb Bari boat station. In the winter it is necessary to cross the river first, travel to Sripur Bazar by motorbike then hire a boat from there to visit Tanguar Haor.

From Dhaka:

There are several direct bus services available between Dhaka and Sunamganj, including Shemoli Paribahan, Al Mubaraka Paribahan, Mamun Paribahan. Most buses depart from Saidabad bus terminal, except Ana Paribahan, which departs from Mahakhali bus terminal. The journey from Dhaka to Sunamganj takes around 8-10 hours.
Alternatively one can travel to Sylhet by train, bus or air and then by private transfer to Sunamganj. Follow the above mentioned guidelines to visit the Haor from Sunamganj.

Where to stay?

Accommodation options are limited in and around Tanguar Haor. There are a few basic house boats available for an overnight stay, though it needs to be said that local authorities do not recommend this. There are a few private basic hotels and government guest houses are available at Tekerghat. The recommended option here is to stay at a government guest house. Be sure to reserve the accommodation a few days in advance.

Where to eat?

There are very few choices in this area, as such it is recommended to carry all necessary food with you.

How to travel from Sylhet to Sunamganj

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