Sreemangal, a picturesque town situated in the Moulvibazar district of Bangladesh, is widely renowned for its extraordinary natural beauty. The expansive Hail Haor, a significant wetland area, is one of its prominent features, surrounded by verdant mountains, rolling hills, sprawling tea plantations, and bubbling natural springs, all contributing to the area’s stunning and tranquil setting. Notably, during the rainy season, the Hail Haor transforms into a breathtaking expanse of water, further accentuating the natural splendour of the region.
You can find the Haor, a unique wetland ecosystem primarily located in the northeastern part of Bangladesh. The Haor is characterised by its vast, shallow freshwater bodies and is part of a complex watercourse system in the riverine region.
The monsoon season, which typically lasts from June to September, transforms the haors into an even more captivating landscape, attracting numerous visitors who are captivated by the emergent expanses of water. This time of year offers a remarkable opportunity to witness the beauty and grandeur of the Haor region.
Srimangal in Moulvibazar, Sylhet, and Bahubal in Habiganj district are well-known for the presence of Hail Haor. This expansive haor covers a total area of 10,000 hectares, comprising 4,000 hectares of floodplain, 4,517 hectares of haor, 1,400 hectares of bill, 40 hectares of canals, and 50 hectares of rivers. Fourteen billets and thirteen drains help the ecosystem by allowing water to flow. Local inhabitants colloquially refer to this area as Latapatar Haor due to the abundance of plants and vines that flourish here. Notably, Hail Haor is a habitat for around 160 species of birds and 98 species of fish, making it a diverse and rich ecological environment.
The Haor region beautifully displays a timeless charm with its picturesque landscapes, highlighted by the azure sky and the river’s serene flow, evoking a renowned painter’s artistry. Consequently, the abundant natural beauty of this idyllic location in the heart of Howrah draws travellers from all over the country. Aside from its exquisite aesthetics, Hail Haor also nurtures many captivating species.
Way to go
To reach Srimangal in Sylhet, you can reliably take a bus from the Fakirapool or Syedabad bus terminal in Dhaka, operated by Hanif, Shyamoli, S. Alam, or Ena Transport. Alternatively, take an interstate train such as Parabat, Jayantika, or Upaban from the Kamalapur railway station to reach Srimangal. Kalapur Bazar, situated on the Srimangal-Moulvibazar route, marks the starting point for the journey to Hajipur Bazar via the Baruna-Hazipur paved road. Despite being known locally as Ghaterbazar, you can conveniently travel to Hail Haor from Ghaterbazar, only four kilometres away, by local vehicle or on foot.
where to eat
We recommend engaging in conversation with the residents and covering any associated expenses when visiting the Haor neighbourhood. Alternatively, you can partake in communal meals, where locals share their prepared food. In the event that you require sustenance, you may choose to purchase dry food items such as bread and biscuits for your convenience.
Where will you stay
When planning a trip to the Haor area, consider the comfortable cottages offered by Bill Izadars, which can easily accommodate a group of four to five people. To secure a reservation, it’s important to obtain the owner’s consent, as each cottage comes with two bedrooms. For a unique experience, spending the night in tents in the Beel area allows you to appreciate Haor’s stunning nighttime scenery.
Additionally, the town of Srimangal, situated near Hail Haor, boasts a variety of top-notch resorts and hotels catering to travellers. Some of the renowned five-star options include The Grand Sultan, Rain Forest Resort, Hotel Plaza, T Town Rest House, and Hotel Plaza.