Ratargul Swamp Forest 2026 – Ultimate Travel Guide + Boat Price + How to Get There
Introduction
Want to feel like you’re in the Amazon? Then visit Ratargul Swamp Forest!
Ratargul is the only freshwater swamp forest in Bangladesh and one of a few in the world. Its located in Sylhet close to Gowainghat.
During the rainy season the whole forest becomes flooded and you can boat around the trees. During the winter months the water levels reduce and you can walk around.
People refer to Ratargul as the ‘Amazon of Sylhet’. This ultimate guide will tell you everything you need to know about visiting Ratargul in 2026. Including how to get there, boat price, best time to visit and top tips.
1. Where is Ratargul Swamp Forest?
Sylhet Division
District: Sylhet
Upazila: Gowainghat
26KM from Sylhet City
280KM from Dhaka.
Ratargul is located next to the Goain River and covers an area of 3259 acres. There are lots of tea gardens and hills around.
2. Why visit Ratargul Swamp Forest?
Trees in Water
Main attraction of Ratargul! There are 25 different types of trees growing in the water. The main tree is the Koroch tree which can live in the water for 200 years!
Boating through Trees
As there are no roads in Ratargul you have to boat your way through. It feels like magic and slightly spooky.
Birds & Animals
There are over 200 different birds living in the area. You can also see monkeys, snakes and various types of fish. During the winter months migratory birds come.
Peaceful & Nature
There is no noise or crowds. Just water and birds. Perfect for taking photographs and having some peace of mind.
3. History of Ratargul
100 years ago Ratargul was a regular forest. In 1973 the government made it a wildlife sanctuary. In 2015 it became famous on Facebook and tourists started visiting. Now its a protected area and you can’t cut down any trees.
4. How to get to Ratargul in 2026
From Dhaka:
Take a bus from Dhaka to Sylhet (Ena/Green Line) – 6 hours. 500 BDT.
Then take a bus from Sylhet to Amberkhana and then take a CNG to Ratargul. 1 hour. 400-500 BDT (reserve).
From Sylhet:
Take a bus from Sylhet to Sahpur (45 mins). 40 BDT. Then take a CNG (20 mins). 100 BDT.
Or take a direct CNG from Sylhet (800-1000 BDT). 1 hour (reserve).
Tip: Try to get there early. Arrive before 10AM.
5. Boat Prices 2026
You must take a boat to visit Ratargul.
Small Boat (2-4 people) – 800-1200 BDT per hour.
Medium Boat (5-8 people) – 1500-2000 BDT per hour.
Includes boat man and fuel. Entrance Fee is 50 BDT per person (Bangladeshi). Foreigners 500 BDT. Camera free. Drone 500 BDT (with permission).
Tip: Share a boat with your group. If there are 4 people it will cost 400 BDT per person for 2 hours.
6. Best Time to Visit Ratargul
Best Months: June to September. Fully in the rainy season. The water is 10-20ft deep. Whole forest is flooded. This is when you’ll see the true beauty.
Good Months: October to November. Water level is medium. Great for photographs.
Bad Months: December to May. Less water. Can walk around but not great for boating.
Best Time: 9AM-3PM. Great light for photographs.
7. Top 5 Things to do in Ratargul
Boating through the Swamp Forest
The main thing to do! Sit on a boat and go through the trees. The water is black and clear. Your boat man will show you the big trees.
Watch Tower
The government built a 4 storey watch tower. From the top you can see the whole forest. Best at sunset.
Photography
The reflection of the trees in the water is amazing. Perfect for couple, pre wedding and nature photography.
Bird watching
Take a pair of binoculars during the winter months. You can see kingfisher, herons and eagles.
Jaflong
Ratargul is close to Jaflong. So why not do both in 1 day from Sylhet.
8. Where to Stay in Ratargul 2026
There are no hotels in Ratargul.
Stay in Sylhet City:
Hotel Dola, Hotel Grand Sylhet and Hotel Star Pacific. 1500-4000 BDT per night. Do Ratargul as a day trip.
Gowainghat Guest House:
Very basic guest house. 800-1200 BDT. Book in advance.
Most people do a day trip.
9. Food in Ratargul
No restaurants in the forest. Eat in Sylhet City before you go. 7 Color Tea 50 BDT. Pitha 20 BDT. Rice + Fish 150 BDT.
Bring some water, snacks and dry food.
10. 8 Top Tips
Cash – No ATM or bKash nearby.
Life Jacket – Must wear.
Don’t wear white – Will get dirty.
Mosquito Spray – Mosquito in the forest.
Power Bank – Poor network.
No noise – Will scare the birds.
Don’t touch trees – Trees are 100 years old.
Go in a group – Safer and cheaper.
11. Ratargul vs Tanguar Haor
People often get confused between the two.
Ratargul – Swamp Forest. Trees in water. 2 hours. Close to Sylhet.
Tanguar Haor – Large wetland. Blue water. Hills. 1 day. Sunamganj.
I would recommend doing Ratargul + Jaflong + Lalakhal if you have 1 day.
12. Photography Tips
Best place to photograph:
Inside the forest on a boat.
Top of watch tower.
Reflections of trees.
Wear red/yellow/blue – Looks great against the green water.
Best light 9AM-11AM.
13. Total Cost to visit Ratargul 2026
From Dhaka (1 person):
Bus – 500 x 2 = 1000 BDT.
Local transport – 300 BDT.
Shared boat – 500 BDT.
Entrance – 50 BDT.
Food – 400 BDT.
Hotel – 1500 BDT.
Total – Around 3750 BDT for 1 day/night.
From Sylhet – 800-1200 BDT.
Conclusion
Ratargul is amazing! Water, trees and peaceful. Plus you get to boat through.
If you love nature and adventure then you should definitely add this to your Sylhet bucket list. Go during the rainy season to see the real Amazon.
Plan your trip to visit Ratargul Swamp Forest in 2026. Go with friends and create some memories on the boat.
Have you been to Ratargul? Did you go during the rainy or winter? Let me know below 👇