About Sylhet:
Situated in the north-eastern region of Bangladesh,Sylhet is a prime attraction for all tourists. Laying between the Khasia and theJaintia hills on the north, and the Tripura hills on the south, Sylhet breaksthe monotony of the flatness of this land by a multitude of terraced teagardens, rolling countryside and the exotic flora and fauna. The Sylhet valleyis formed by a beautiful, winding pair of rivers named the Surma and theKushiara both of which are fed by innumerable hill streams from the north andthe south.The valley has good number of haors which are big natural depressions.During winter these haors are vast stretches of green land, but in the rainyseason they turn into turbulent seas. These haors provide a sanctuaryto the millions of migratory birds who fly from Siberia across the Himalayas toavoid the severe cold there.
Sylhet has also a very interesting and rich history,Before the conquest by the Muslims, it was ruled by local chieftains. In 1303,the great Saint Hazrat Shah Jalal came to Sylhet from Delhi with a band of 360disciples to preach Islam and defeated the then Raja Gour Gobinda. Sylhet thusbecame a district of saints, shrines. Sylhet, the tea granary of Bangladesh, not only has over150 tea gardens but also proudly possesses three largest tea gardens in theworld in respect of dimension and production.
Place of Interests
The Shrine of Hazrat Shah Jalal
Even today, more than six hundred years after the death of Saint Hazrat Shah Jalal, the shrine is visited by innumerable devotees of every caste and creed, who make the journey from far away places. Legend says, the great saint who came from Delhi to preach Islam, defeated the then Hindu Raja (king) Gour Gobinda. He transformed the witchcraft followers of the Raja into catfishes which are still alive in the tank adjacent to the shrine Swords. The holy Quran and the robes of the holy saint are still preserved in the shrine.
Haripur Gas Field
Twenty two kilometers from Sylhet town is the Haripur Gas Field and at 35 km. point is the Jaintiapur's Rajbari.
Only 5 km. from Jaintiapur is Jaflong, a scenic spot amidst tea gardens. At about 35 km. north-west of Sylhet town, linked by rail, road and river is Chhatak, the seat of Assam Bengal Cement Factory, Chhatak is famous for orange garden.
Madhabkunda
About 3 km. from Dakhinbagh Railway Station, Madhabkunda, rich with famous waterfall attracts large number of tourists from home and abroad every year.
Tamabil & Jaflong
Situated amidst splendid panorama, Tamabil is a border outpost on Sylhet-Shilong Road about 55 km. away from Sylhet town. Besides enchanting views of the area one can also have a glimpse of the waterfalls across the border from Tamabil. Jaflong is also a scenic spot nearby amidst tea gardens and rate beauty of rolling stones from hills.
Srimangal
About 80 km. from Sylhet town connected by road and rail, Srimangal known as the tea capital of Bangladesh, is the actual tea center of the area. For miles and miles around, the visitor can see the tea gardens spread like a green carpet over the plain land or on the sloping hills.
Temple of Sri Chaitannya Dev
About 500 years old famous temple of Sri Chaitanya Dev is located at Dhaka Dakhin about 45 km south-east from Sylhet town. The place is revered from being the ancestral home of the famous Vaishnava saint. Yearly fair is organised on the fullmoon day of the Bangla month Falgun. Hundreds and thousands of devotees from home and abroad attend this colorful fair.
Shahi Eidgah
Three kilometers to the north-east of the circuit house, the Shahi Eidgah was built on a hill by the Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb in the 17th century. It looks like a grade fort but is actually meant for Eid congregations, the two biggest Muslim festivals.
Gour Gobinda Fort
The Murarichand Government College is situated in a beautiful surrounding on a hilltop. To the north-west of the college lie the remains of King Gour Govinda's Fort.
Jaintiapur
Situated 43 km. to the north of Sylhet town, on the Sylhet- Shillong road, Jaintiapur was the capital of an ancient kingdom which included the khasi and Jaintia Hills and plains of Jainta. Interesting ruins of this forgotten period lie scattered throughout Jaintiapur. A drive to Jaintiapur is an interesting and worthwhile experience. |