A Rainy Adventure: Exploring the Beauty of Tanguar Haor in Sunamganj

Embarking on a memorable journey, my wife and I, accompanied by our brothers Tauhid and Tonmoy, set out for the enchanting Tanguar Haor in Sunamganj. Our adventure commenced on a cloudy night from the Shyamoli bus counter at Fakirapool, promising a unique experience filled with excitement and natural beauty.

The Cloudy Night Journey

As we boarded the bus on that cloudy night, a sense of anticipation and excitement filled the air. The bus journey was illuminated by the soft glow of streetlights, creating a mysterious and atmospheric ambiance.

Coffee Break and Arrival in Sunamganj

During our journey, we made a pit stop for coffee, adding a moment of warmth to the cool night. As dawn approached, we reached Sunamganj at 7 AM, where we indulged in a hearty breakfast at the quaint Panshi Restaurant, setting the tone for the day.

Enroute to Tahirpur Ghat

To reach Tanguar Haor, we opted for a CNG ride to Tahirpur Ghat. Amidst merry banter and laughter, we couldn't resist capturing snapshots of our camaraderie and the picturesque surroundings. The journey itself became a joyous part of our adventure.

The road to Tahirpur, surrounded on both sides by haor, provided a breathtaking spectacle. The landscape was adorned with an abundance of ducks, creating a serene and idyllic atmosphere. The scene was nothing short of mesmerizing, leaving an indelible mark on our minds.

However, our plans took an unexpected turn when heavy rain caused the road to Tahirpur to overflow, rendering it impassable for our CNG. Undeterred by the challenge, we adapted and boarded a Shallow Engine boat, embracing the rain-soaked adventure.

The boat ride to Tahirpur Ghat was an experience in itself. The rain intensified the beauty of the landscape, and the feeling of being surrounded by nature's elements was truly awesome. As we navigated through the water, the raindrops became our companions, enhancing the charm of the journey.

Our journey in Tanguar Haor took an enchanting turn as we boarded a houseboat from the ghat in Tahirpur after a short walk. Filled with excitement, our group embarked on a unique adventure, ready to explore the beauty of the haor from the comfort of our own hired boat.

Setting Sail with Excitement

As we settled into the houseboat, the anticipation among us was palpable. We were all eager to witness the wonders that Tanguar Haor had to offer. The boatman, sensing our enthusiasm, soon started the boat, initiating a journey that promised to be filled with awe and serenity.

Private Cruise on Tanguar Haor 

Having hired the entire boat, we had the freedom to move around as if it were our own floating haven. This exclusive arrangement allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the experience, savoring every moment of the tranquil voyage.

As the boat gently navigated through the haor waters, a sense of tranquility enveloped us. Mesmerized by the natural beauty surrounding us, we found ourselves in the midst of an untouched paradise. The haor, despite its water being clouded by heavy rainfall and the inflow of hill water from India, still exuded a captivating charm.

Tanguar Haor

The rain, persistent as ever, continued to fall during our houseboat excursion. Rather than dampening our spirits, it added a refreshing touch to the experience. The droplets washed away any lingering tiredness, and we embraced the unique joy of being in sync with nature's rhythm.

Despite the water not being crystal clear due to the consequences of heavy rainfall, the encounter with the haor took on a different dimension. The murkiness added an element of mystery to our journey, turning it into an adventure of its own kind. It was a testament to the resilience of our enjoyment, proving that sometimes, nature's imperfections enhance the beauty of the experience.

The Watch Tower Interlude 

Our first pause brought us to the Watch Tower, offering breathtaking views that stretched as far as our eyes could fathom. Despite the unfavorable weather preventing us from exploring the surroundings by boat, the tower allowed us to capture the essence of the haor. Tauhid's attempt to swim in the haor was thwarted by the strong current, yet we seized the moment to capture the beauty through our lenses before returning to the comforting embrace of our houseboat.

A Grand View from the Watch Tower

Houseboat Indulgence

As our houseboat resumed its journey, we were treated to a culinary delight that heightened the entire experience. Lunch, featuring fish sourced from the haor, became the centerpiece of our gastronomic adventure. The taste of the fresh catch added a local touch to our journey, leaving an indelible mark on our taste buds.

Post-lunch, a sense of contentment enveloped us as we gathered on the roof of the houseboat. The gentle touch of the wind on our faces brought a tranquility that resonated with the serenity of the haor. Our shared happiness became a binding force, creating a sense of camaraderie that only deepened as we continued our journey.

Arrival at Tekerghat

The houseboat gracefully made its way to Tekerghat as evening approached. This would be our haven for the night, providing a tranquil setting for us to relish the beauty of Tanguar Haor under the night sky. The anticipation of an evening filled with shared stories and laughter added an extra layer of excitement to our adventure.

Exploring the Niladri Lake and Tea-Stall Bliss

Nestled within the embrace of an abandoned limestone mine, the illusory beauty of Niladri Lake captivates the senses, offering a mesmerizing blend of elements that paint a picturesque scene. With the azure sky above, crystal-clear waters below, and the verdant hills embracing its shores, the lake embodies a harmonious convergence of nature's wonders. Often referred to as the "Kashmir of Bengal", Niladri Lake evokes a sense of tranquility and scenic grandeur that parallels the renowned beauty of Kashmir.

A Snap of Niladri Lake

Rowing boat on Niladri Lake amidst the drizzling rain and alongside the Indian border was a transcendental experience, etching itself as one of the fondest memories of my life. The crystal-clear blue waters of the lake shimmered with an ethereal beauty, intensified by the delicate touch of raindrops creating a poetic ambiance. Hiring a small boat, I took the oars in hand, navigating the tranquil waters myself, a moment that embodied my love for adventure. Rowing beside the Indian border added a unique significance to the journey, as the rain continued to weave a gentle melody. The heavenly connection with nature unfolded as the rhythmic rowing, the soft drizzle, and the proximity to the international boundary blended seamlessly, creating a timeless and blissful experience on Niladri Lake.

As darkness descended, we found ourselves drawn back to the proximity of our houseboat. A simple tea stall became the backdrop for a moment of sheer joy. The experience of sipping tea in the cool night air was nothing short of awesome. The warmth of the tea, combined with the ambient sounds of the haor, created an unforgettable interlude.

Harmonious Nightscape 

Returning to our houseboat, we indulged in a hearty dinner, setting the stage for an evening of camaraderie. The night's entertainment took the form of a lively game called 'Gaaner Koli', where melodies flowed, each song starting with the last alphabet of the preceding one. Laughter and music echoed over the tranquil waters.

Adjacent to our houseboat, another vessel serenaded the night with acoustic guitar melodies. The harmonious tunes added a delightful layer to the already magical atmosphere. On the roof of our boat, we created our own merriment, capturing the memories of the night against the backdrop of the Indian border, visible in the distance and exceptional in the night lights.

With the night deepening, we ascended to the roof once more, soaking in the exceptional views of the Indian border. The rhythmic ebb and flow of the haor waters framed a spectacle that captivated our gaze. As we prepared for bed, the tiredness from the day's adventures was eclipsed by the happiness that fueled our refreshing minds. The nightfall on Tanguar Haor had woven another chapter in our journey, leaving us eager for the dawn of a new day.

A New Dawn at Tanguar Haor

As the first light of dawn bathed Tanguar Haor, we awoke with refreshed minds, ready for another day of exploration. After a hearty breakfast, our journey unfolded towards Lakma Choras, Barikka Tila, and Shimul Bagan, each destination revealing the unique beauty of the region.

The Mesmerizing Landscape of Lakma Chora 

A mere 20-minute journey brought us to Lakma Chora, where nature's symphony played out in vibrant hues. It emerges as one of the region's most captivating gems. Positioned on the border between Bangladesh and India, this enchanting locale is distinguished by its unique blend of natural beauty and cross-border allure. Though the source of India's Lakma Chora spring remains concealed from view in Bangladesh, the surrounding greenery and the spring-water create an oasis that quenches the thirst of the wandering traveler.

Lakma Chora

Motorcycle Adventure to Barikka Tila 

Eager for more exploration, we hired two motorcycles to venture to Barikka Tila. With my spouse as my riding companion and Tauhid and Tonmoy on the other motorcycle, we felt the exhilaration of being birds as we cruised through the roads. The pristine air quality heightened the sense of freedom during the journey.

Upon arriving at Barikka Tila, we were greeted by the serene view of the Jadukata River. The charm of the river lived up to its name, offering a tranquil panorama. From this vantage point, we could also catch glimpses of springs in India, capturing these breathtaking moments through the lens of our cameras.

A View of the Jadukata River from Barikka Tila

Visiting Shimul Bagan

Our exploration continued as we crossed the Jadukata River in a shallow engine boat, destined for Shimul Baagaan. While the Shimul flowers were not in bloom due to the season, the sight remained remarkable. Capturing the essence of the landscape, we spent quality time in this serene setting, creating lasting memories.

Shimul Bagan

Farewell to Niladri Lake

The clear waters of Niladri Lake beckoned us for a memorable swim, and we immersed ourselves with hearts full of joy, creating a cherished moment. Reluctantly bidding farewell to the captivating lake, we boarded our houseboat, embarking on the final leg of our journey. The boat set sail as we indulged in a delicious lunch, featuring a special menu of duck meat from the haor, leaving our taste buds thoroughly satisfied. The persistent rain finally ceased, allowing us to ascend to the roof and relish the natural beauty of the haor bathed in the gentle sunlight.

Our journey reached Tekerghat once again, and we bid a fond farewell to our trusty houseboat and boatmen, transitioning to a CNG for the road ahead. However, our path faced an unexpected hurdle – a broken road caused by heavy rainfall in the preceding days. Undeterred, naturally, a new adventure began as we opted for a small engine-driven boat to navigate the challenging waters. Suddenly, we discovered a large houseboat stuck in shallow waters. Tonmoy and our skilled boatman came to the rescue, using a sturdy chord and engine horsepower of our boat to pull them free, earning heartfelt thanks.

As evening descended, enveloping everything in darkness, our boatman expertly navigated the mysterious waters, turning the journey into an amazing and adventurous experience. Amidst the obscurity, dim lights on the horizon signaled our arrival at the destination. Taking a CNG from there, we concluded this part of journey, reflecting on the unforeseen obstacles and camaraderie that defined our remarkable journey through Niladri Lake and the enchanting haor landscapes.

Finally, Reaching Sunamganj

Our journey encountered another hurdle as we covered some distance in the CNG, confronting an unexpected traffic jam. The congestion resulted from the road being partially flooded and broken in certain areas, preventing some vehicles from navigating through. Our CNG, too, found itself stuck at a point. In a display of teamwork, Tauhid and Tonmoy lent their strength, pushing the CNG through the obstruction until it could finally proceed. Rather than immediately reboarding, the driver took the initiative, driving the CNG alone to navigate the challenging and unpredictable road conditions. Once the formidable road section was successfully crossed, we all reboarded, and the journey continued until we reached Sunamganj.

In Sunamganj, we decided to refuel ourselves with a well-deserved dinner at Panshi, reflecting on the day's adventures and the camaraderie that helped overcome the unforeseen challenges along the way.

Arriving Back to Dhaka and Concluding a Memorable Adventure

The Shyamoli bus counter was located near Panshi Restaurant, . With some time to spare, Tauhid suggested bringing back a taste of the journey for our families in the form of the famous Rosh Golla of Sunamganj. Despite the late hour, we ventured out, successfully acquiring this renowned local delicacy. Returning to the bus station, we patiently waited for our bus.

True to schedule, the bus arrived on time. As its headlights cut through the night en route to Dhaka, an otherworldly serenity enveloped my mind. The tour had left an indelible mark on me, and I could sense a similar sentiment shared by my fellow adventurers.

Arriving in Dhaka in the morning, we carried with us the grand memories of an adventurous tour. To those who patiently joined us on this narrative journey, thank you. Until next time — goodbye.