Sylhet, or Srimangal, conjures images of tea plantations, characterised by orderly rows of tea trees on verdant hillsides.
However, without visiting Panchagarh, one cannot comprehend the existence of tea estates in the plains. There are no hills, valleys, or even elevations in the plains. Panchagarh experiences significant rainfall, which has gained considerable recognition as one of the nation’s tea regions.
The proximity of India’s Siliguri and Jalpaiguri has facilitated the establishment of numerous tea estates in this border region. Panchagarh tea has penetrated both international and national markets. Nations such as the United States, Japan, and Dubai purchase it.
The organic tea is available for sale on the London market. Tentulia and Darjeeling, only fifty kilometres apart, are situated in most of Panchagarh’s tea gardens. Several decades ago, tea plantations were non-existent in this area. However, the tea industry has advanced in this region.
The Kazi & Kazi Tea Estate, Salilen Tea Estate, Tentulia Tea Company, and Dahuk Tea Estate are particularly notable among the local tea gardens. The Lillen Tea Estate is located in the most expansive region that Bengal’s ancient history references. The conclusion lies at the boundary. The average is relatively high and long, acting as a boundary between the two countries.
Indian entities primarily own the tea plantations on the left side of the road from Panchagarh to Tentulia, and they prohibit trespassing in this area. The tea garden and the estate’s internal design are visually striking. People have cultivated tea trees along the border between India and Bangladesh in Panchagarh.
From the Bangladesh border, one can see the small villages of India, interspersed with a tea garden. There is, in fact, no end to natural beauty.
Tea cultivation in Panchagarh commenced as an experiment but has since grown to become established. In addition to tea gardens, Panchagarh is home to numerous archaeological sites. The northernmost point of the country, known as the zero point, is located here. To observe the Zero Point, one must proceed to its conclusion.
Many tourists gather daily to fulfil their desire to capture a photograph at Zero Point. The Tea Gardens, Banglabandha Zero Point, Mahanandi River, and Tantulia Mukta area constitute an excellent trip itinerary.
Explore the region known as Darjeeling Ridge in Bengal before the cold winter arrives.
How to go:
We transport Hanif or Nabeel from Dhaka to Panchagarh. The rent would range from 400 to 500 rupees. The fare for an AC bus on Green Line, Aghuni, or T-R Travels will be between Tk 750 and Tk 800.
However, the issue lies in these buses only arriving in Rangpur. Separate transportation is required from Rangpur to Panchagarh. Upon disembarking at Panchagarh, board a local bus heading to Tentulia-Banglabandha for a fee of Tk 45, which will take approximately one hour to reach Tentulia—step to attain. The Zilla Parishad will hire a rickshaw or van to Dak Bungalow or Picnic Corner for Tk 5.
Travelling 150–200 taka allows access to the tea and orange gardens. Additionally, Banglabandha can access the land port by bus for Tk 20 and go to Zero Point by van or autorickshaw for Tk 30-50, contingent upon BGB authorisation.
Where will you stay
Panchagarh city provides a diverse range of hotels, each offering varying levels of accommodation quality. The daily rental rates for different hotel rooms will range from Tk 150 to Tk 600. Tentulia needs more residential hotels.
In antiquity, the Zilla Parishad supervised the construction of a postal bungalow.
On the opposite side, a tamarind picnic area is located. The nightly rental fee per room at Picnic Corner is Tk 200, whereas, in Zila Parishad Dak Bungalow, it is Tk 400. The Zilla Parishad Secretary of Panchagarh or Upazila is to reside in these bungalows. Contact Executive Officer Tentulia many days in advance to arrange reservations.
Additionally, there is a two-room government cottage in Banglabandha. Decide now to visit Panchagarh during your next holiday to explore the plains’ tea plantations and journey to the country’s extremity.