Moulvibazar has witnessed an overwhelming influx of tourists in its tea gardens during the extended Eid-ul-Fitr holidays. The district is home to 93 tea estates and over a hundred tourist spots.
Visitors started arriving from the first day of Eid. With around 200 hotels, motels, and cottages fully booked, many tourists have faced difficulties in finding accommodation.
Surrounded by haors (wetlands), hills, rivers, and slopes, Moulvibazar's landscape transforms with each season. The fresh buds of tea plants add to the enchanting beauty of the lush green tea gardens.
Thousands of tourists from distant places are flocking to experience this serene connection with nature. In particular, the vast green tea gardens of Sreemangal, with their picturesque blend of ‘one leaf, two buds,’ offer a visual delight.
From the front of the Sreemangal 71 Massacre Memorial to the eastern region, tea gardens stretch far and wide. The paved road running through the tea gardens enhances the scenic beauty severalfold.
The green-carpeted surrounding hills and the mesmerizing hilly slopes add to the allure. Wherever one looks, it is an endless expanse of greenery. Additionally, clear, gently flowing streams descend through the tea gardens along the hilly paths.
Tourist destinations across the district are experiencing a surge of nature lovers. After enjoying the natural beauty, visitors have the opportunity to shop for diverse handmade textiles crafted by the indigenous Tripura and Manipuri communities.
Mohammad Zakaria Kanchan and Sadia Sikdar, tourists from Dhaka, shared:"Leaving behind the hustle and bustle of Dhaka city, we have come close to such a beautiful natural setting. We often visit Sylhet and Sreemangal."
Tourism officials mentioned that since Eid day, Sreemangal has been teeming with thousands of visitors, filling up hotels, restaurants, and tea gardens.
The entire area is bustling with tourists. Those who arrived without prior hotel bookings have faced challenges in finding accommodation.
Tourist attractions in Moulvibazar
Moulvibazar district is home to several key tourist destinations, including Hakaluki Haor and Madhabkunda Waterfall in Barlekha Upazila.
In Sreemangal Upazila, visitors can explore Baikka Beel, Hail Haor, the Wildlife Rescue Center, the 71 Massacre Memorial, the BTRI Tea Garden, the Rubber Garden, the famous Seven Layered Tea, and the Manipuri Para. The five-star Grand Sultan Tea Resort & Golf is another attraction.
Additionally, the Tea Resort & Tea Museum, managed by the Tea Board, is a popular destination. Kamalganj Upazila boasts attractions such as Lawachara National Park, the Bir Sreshtho Hamidur Rahman Memorial, Ham Ham Waterfall, Madhabpur Lake, and the vast pineapple and lemon orchards.
Tourists are seen traveling to these spots in buses, microbuses, private cars, CNG-run auto-rickshaws, pickup vans, and motorcycles, enjoying lively journeys.
Shahidul Islam and Ripon Mia, who traveled from Nalchity Upazila of Jhalokathi District in Barisal Division with their friends, remarked: "This is our first visit to Madhabkunda. The environment here is stunning. Compared to other areas, Sylhet and Moulvibazar have many beautiful tourist spots."
At the main entrance counter of Madhabkunda Waterfall, Saju Ahmed, an employee of the waterfall leaseholder authority, reported: "This time, the number of visitors is slightly lower. On Eid day, approximately 2,500 tourists visited, followed by 1,500 on Tuesday and a little over 2,000 on Wednesday. However, since the holidays are not over yet, we expect more tourists to arrive."
Rabindra Kumar Singh, an associate range officer of the Barlekha Range under the Forest Department, stated, "Tourists are enjoying their time at Madhabkunda without any hassle. To ensure their safety, the Tourist Police are actively working, along with personnel from the Forest Department and the leaseholder authority."
Moulvibazar's Superintendent of Police, MKH Jahangir Hossain, commented, "In addition to the Tourist Police, RAB (Rapid Action Battalion) and plainclothes officers have been deployed at various tourist spots across the district. We have taken all necessary security measures to ensure that visitors can explore freely and safely."
