The rainy season is the most suitable time for a trip to Tanguar Haor. When the rainwater fills the depressions of the Meghalaya, the Haor comes alive with a gentle rhythm of raindrops.
In this monsoon, one can venture into the waters of Tanguar Haor, floating on a boat, to enjoy the soothing melody of the rain. Situated in Sunamganj district, it is the second-largest freshwater wetland in the country.
Even a few years ago, traveling to this Haor was quite challenging. However, over time, various facilities and amenities have been introduced to make the journey comfortable and enjoyable for tourists, catering to their preferences and demands.
The rainy season is the most appropriate time for a trip to this Haor. As the water glistens under the clouds of Meghalaya, the landscape transforms into a picturesque scene. Tall Hijal and Karoch trees stand tall above the water, creating an illusion of tiny islands among the villages surrounding the Haor. In the distance, the pristine waters flowing from the hills and waterfalls of Meghalaya, the gentle breeze, and the melodious chirping of countless birds mesmerize the tourists.
To reach Tanguar, one must first travel to the city of Sunamganj. From Dhaka, Sunamganj can be reached by road. Buses from Fokirapul, Sayedabad to Shyamoli Paribahan, Hanif Enterprise, Ena Paribahan, and Mamun Paribahan go to Sunamganj. The fare for a non-AC bus is around 650-750 Taka. It takes about 6 hours to reach Sunamganj by bus.
Tanguar Haor: From Sunamganj to Tanguar:
After arriving in Sunamganj, you can take a laguna/CNG/bike ride near the big bridge built over the Surma River to reach Taherpur. It takes about one and a half hours. From Taherpur, you’ll need to hire an engine-powered boat from the boat dock according to size and capacity.
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Currently, there are quite a few modern houseboats available for Haor trips. Prior booking is required to rent a houseboat. If you choose to travel by a houseboat, you can only reach Sunamganj or Taherpur. After that, all responsibilities for the trip rest with the houseboat.
It’s important to know beforehand whether the houseboat will depart from Sahib Bari Ghat in Sunamganj city or from Taherpur. If it departs from Sahib Bari Ghat, it won’t be necessary to go to Taherpur, which will save you trouble.
Tanguar Haor Boat rental:
Boat rental depends on several factors such as the size of the boat, capacity, facilities, and the season. Rental prices are slightly higher on holidays compared to other days of the week.
For a night’s stay, the rental for small boats ranges from 4,000 to 6,000 Taka, for medium-sized boats from 6,000 to 8,000 Taka, and for large boats from 8,000 to 12,000 Taka.
Currently, there are over a hundred modern houseboats equipped with various facilities available for trips to Tanguar Haor. These houseboats offer all arrangements for a 2-day-1-night trip, including accommodation and meals. The cost per person is around 6,000-8,000 Taka. However, if the group is large, such as 16-20 people, the rent per person will be significantly reduced to around 4,000-5,000 Taka.
Tanguar Haor Essential items:
When renting a boat, it’s essential to check if life jackets, toilet facilities, cooking stoves, lights-fans, and raincoats for protection against rain are available. Life jackets and raincoats can be rented at the Taherpur market. If the boat lacks electricity and life jackets, they must be rented separately.
Tanguar Haor Places of Interest:
During the trip to Tanguar Haor, if you don’t get into the water, the trip may feel incomplete. You can explore the nearby water bodies and enjoy the beauty of the surroundings. The elevated area of the Watchtower offers a beautiful view of the Haor region.
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Then, you can take a boat ride to the area around Teknaf Ghat. Here, you can witness the surreal beauty of the Neeladri Lake. On one side, there are the lush green hills and on the other side, the crystal-clear blue waters of the lake, creating a unique spectacle of natural beauty.
From Neeladri Lake, you can take a CNG ride to Lakmachhara. In this area bordering India, you can see the cloud-covered green hills and the clean waterfalls flowing down from the hills.
Additionally, you can visit Barik Tila and Jadukata River the next day. Along the way, you can also visit the Shimul Garden. But wherever you go, it’s essential to discuss everything with the boatman before boarding the boat.
Further Recommendations:
After the Sundarbans, Tanguar Haor is internationally recognized as Bangladesh’s second Ramsar Site. Therefore, it’s crucial to take care of the environment during this important time for the Haor. If there’s a risk of a storm starting at any time during the rainy season, it’s advisable to stay under the boat’s shade. Moreover, under any circumstances of natural calamities, it’s not recommended to venture into the Haor. It’s better to check the weather forecast before finalizing the date for the trip.
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As the Bangla calendar transitions into the month of Ashar, the rainy season arrives, bringing water from the hills of Meghalaya and covering the skies of Sunamganj with clouds. In such a situation, why miss the opportunity to explore Tanguar Haor?
