Sylhet

Bangladesh, Asia

Nestled in the lush hills of northeastern Bangladesh, Sylhet is renowned for its breathtaking tea gardens, vibrant cultural heritage, and mesmerizing waterfalls. Visitors can explore the serene Ratargul Swamp Forest, unwind by the stunning Jaflong, and immerse themselves in the spiritual atmosphere at the Hazrat Shah Jalal Mazar Sharif. Sylhet's unique blend of natural beauty and rich traditions creates an enchanting escape that appeals to nature lovers and culture enthusiasts alike.

Quick facts

Target stay

3-5 days

Type

City

Vibe

Relaxing

Airport

Osmany

Known for

Beach

Hiking

Leisure

Wildlife

Best time to visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

11 Best Things to Do in Sylhet

1

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore Ratargul Swamp Forest

A stunning freshwater swamp forest perfect for boat rides.

No booking required
2

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit Jaflong

A picturesque village on the border with India.

No booking required
3

Est. 4 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Discover Lawachara National Park

Explore lush rainforests and diverse wildlife.

No booking required
4

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Experience tea garden tours

Tour beautiful tea estates and taste local teas.

No booking required
5

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Shrine of Hazrat Shah Jalal

A significant Sufi shrine attracting pilgrims worldwide.

No booking required
6

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore the Ratargul Swamp Forest

A serene boat ride through lush greenery.

No booking required
7

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Enjoy the views from Sreemangal

Stunning hills and tea gardens await you here.

No booking required
8

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the tea capital, Sreemangal

Famous for its tea estates and vibrant culture.

No booking required
9

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Experience the Sylhet Sufi music

Immerse yourself in the unique local music scene.

No booking required
10

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the ancient ruins of Jaintiapur

Explore historical remnants of the Jaintia kingdom.

No booking required
11

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Taste local street food

Savor the delicious and spicy local cuisine.

No booking required

Need to know, before you go

Country info

Tipping

Expected (~2-10%)

Tapwater

Not safe to drink

Safety

1 2 3 4 5

Medium

LGBTQ+ safety score

-9 (#137 globally)

Cost

Cheap

Currency

Taka

Majority religion

Muslim

Language

Bengali

(<20% speak English)

Best dishes to try

Ilish Macher Paturi

Steamed hilsa fish in banana leaves. (National dish)

Kacchi Biryani

Spiced rice with marinated goat meat.

Bhuna Khichuri

V

Savory rice and lentils cooked together.

Chingri Malai Curry

Prawn cooked in coconut milk curry.

Pitha

VE

Traditional rice cakes, often sweet.

Phrases to learn

English

Bengali

Hello

Namoshkar

(Nah-mohsh-kar)

Yes/No

Haan / Na

(Haan / Nah)

Thank you

Dhonnobad

(Don-oh-bahd)

Excuse me

Māf karun

(Mahf kah-roon)

How much?

Koto?

(Koh-toh)