Ratargul Swamp forest

A swamp is a wetland that is forested. Many swamps occur along large rivers, where they are critically dependent upon natural water level fluctuations. Other swamps occur on the shores of large lakes. Some swamps have Hammock (ecology), or dry-land protrusions, covered by Aquatic vegetation, or vegetation that tolerates periodical inundation. The water of a swamp may be Fresh water, Brackish water or Seawater. Some of the world’s largest swamps are found along major rivers such as the Amazon, the Mississippi, and the Congo.

Ratargul is a fresh water swamp forest situated in Sylhet by the river of Goain. Freshwater swamp forests, or flooded forests, are forests which are inundated with freshwater, either permanently or seasonally. The water comes here from the adjacent Goain River. This evergreen forest is getting submerged under 20 to 30 feet water in some part during rainy season. It’s a good source of different local fish. It’s the habitat of different snakes, monkeys, lizards, insects & birds. You would have seen vulture & Eagle if you are lucky. Some part the forest gets so narrow that you can’t go by boat. You will get the flavor of Amazon forest here.

Anyone can reach Sylhet by bus, train or by Plane. Dhaka to Sylhet by bus will take around 6 hours. Sylhet Ambarkhana point to Goainghat bazaar by CNG 300-400 tk, 1.5 hours. Goainghat boat stand to Ratargul Bit office by big boat 800 tk, 1.5 hours. Bit office to Ratargul forest by small boat 200-300 tk.