Beautiful
Wetland in Bangladesh "Ratargul"
Imagine,
you are boating in the canal as like your mine and suddenly you have lost
yourself in the Pantanal. You have an only wooden boat and you are trying to
find shelter across the deep water in the bog. The unknown bird is flying,
snakes are hissing from the tree. You feel helpless and afraid because there is
no sound even wave of water but the wonderful view and charming nature is
calling for enjoying. what are you thinking? Am I talking about an English
movie, Amazon forest? no, not like that I am talking about the Bangladeshi
Pantanal. The name of the Pantanal is "Ratargul "and it's another
name is Bangladeshi Amazon. A couple of months ago I did not miss the chance to
uncover the natural beauty of Bangladeshi Amazon.
It is a deep green and mystic lawn and freshwater bog in
Bangladesh. Ratargul is the third swamp forest in the world first one in the
South American continent, another is in Sri Lanka. Its located in the Goainghat
area in Sylhet. The main beauty of Ratargul reveals in the rainy season. but
every season has different beauties. In the rainy season, the forest goes
minimum 20-30 feet underwater. Ratargul swamp forest is 5 hundred and 4 acres.
504 acres is declared for animals' sanctuary in 2015. Most of the trees of the forest are the
Millettia pinnata (Koroch tree). Ratargul swamp forest is linked with the
Changer khal canal. The forest is flooded by the water coming from India in the
rainy season and make the swamp. Another time it looks dry.
The
attractions of Swamp forest "Ratargul” :
The water of this swamp forest is very clean as a result you
can see your full own reflection. A large number of trees here which types are
different. Various types of birds, animals, and insects reside in the forest.
Many birds' lovers come from abroad for visiting and research the bird. Parrot,
kingfisher, Bulbul, Swan, Dove, Eagle, Kite bird Heron are the common birds of
Ratargul lawn even some migratory birds like vulture visit in summer. Monkey
and Snake and worm snakes can see in this drowned water. When you visit this
forest, you have to be careful always. The boat is the only one media for
visiting Ratargul but you can walk in the forest in the dry season. In summer
season the scenery of the beautiful Ratargul is changed then the rainy season.
There are many species of local fish is available in this wetland.
Tourists can mostly
visit the Ratargul forest in monsoon .one needs to hire a boat for visiting the
forest. For one trip you have to pay 1000-2000 BDT. For the relaxation of our
busy lives, the wonderful Ratargul Pantanal is the charming place in my
country. There is a building tower inside the forest. If you want to see the
whole view of the lawn you must go pick up the tower. I think this wetland is a precious blessing
of God for our land.
When you will visit Ratargul forest you can also see
"Lalakhal". The water of Lalakhal is different in color than another
river or canal.
How to go
there:
Ratargul is about to 26 kilometers from Sylhet Saddar. CNG
and others some vehicles are available from Sylhet city. Maximum one hour is
needed to reach the Ratargul forest.
Where to
stay:
There is no hotel, motel, cottage even room in a village
home for rent for staying the night. This place is enough to visit within 4-5
hours. After ending your tour, you have to back to Sylhet city and you can stay
safe.
