Robert Frost, one of the most renowned romantic poets of modern age, in his poem ‘Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening’ says – “The woods are lovely, dark and deep. But I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep.” The poet might have something more serious to achieve in life but if you are a light-hearted man or have already accomplished something in life, then you must go nearer to nature and try to rejuvenate yourself. If you have something like this in mind, then Ratargul, the only freshwater swamp forest of the country, which is also fondly called as the Amazon of Bangladesh, is the right place for you.

It is one of the twenty two freshwater swamp forests in the whole world. Ratargul Swamp Forest is located in Ratargul village of Gowainghat Upazila. It is 30 kilometre away from Sylhet city. The evergreen forest is situated on the bank of Gowain River and connected with the Chengir Khal. This forest is flooded by the water coming from the hills of India. It goes under 20-30 feet water during monsoon, while its water level remains about 10 feet deep during rest of the year. The water of this beautiful forest is so clear that you can see the bottom layer. Total area of the forest is 3325.61 acres, among which 504 acres of forest were declared wildlife sanctuary by the government in 1973 and conserved under the Department of Forestry. This forest renovates its beauty with the change of season. That is why it looks different in different seasons. Diversity of its nature attracts tourists all over the year, but the best time to travel Ratargul is during and after the rainy season.

Main trees of this forest are ‘koroch’, ‘hijal’, ‘barun’, and ‘baladumor’. Despite being a natural forest, the Department of Forestry has planted some watery plants like Calamus tenuis, Burflower tree, Schumannianthus dichotomus etc. According to data provided by Forest Department officials, there are about 73 plant species, 20 species of reptiles, 26 species of mammals and 175 species of birds in the Ratargul Swamp Forest. There is a high rising watch tower inside the forest for visitors to get a complete view of the affluent vegetation of the forest.

If you want to travel to Ratargul from Dhaka you have to go to Sylhet first. Several bus services are available for that. The price for a ticket of non-AC bus from Kalabagan or Mohakhali can vary from Tk 470 to 500. After reaching at Syhet’s Kadamtali bus stand, you will have to hire a CNG-run auto rickshaw to go to Ratargul Swamp Forest. The CNG will cost arpund Tk. 1000. There are many small boats to carry the visitors to Ratargul Swamp Forest. But before getting onto one of them it would be better for you to fix the fair. Normally, they charge depending on the amount of time a visitor wants to explore the forest by boat. There is no hotel, motel or rest house adjacent to Ratargul. So, you will have to take time in hand to come back to Sylhet as there you can get some quality places to stay at night. It is mentionable that Ratargul is a place where you can prefer to go with a group of family members or friends.

The best time to visit this place is the rainy season. As rainy season is coming, so prepare yourself and plan a trip to Ratargul with your loved ones.