Holidaymakers throng Sylhet, Chandpur tourist spots

Thousands of holidaymakers have been visiting the tourists spots in Sylhet and hundreds in two most notable locations in Chandpur as they enjoy the Eid holidays with their families.

Our correspondent from Sylhet reports, thousands of tourists have visited Sylhet's hills, waterfalls, rivers, and tea gardens during the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays, as these destinations have still been witnessing massive crowds.

The greeneries of Ratargul Swamp Forest, tea gardens, and hills and stones in the clear waters of Jaflong, Bichhanakandi, and Shadapathar captivated tourists who flocked from different parts of the country with their families and loved ones.

"I have only seen such beauties in pictures. When visiting became a reality for me, I was overwhelmed. I visited various spots even in the intense heat having a lengthy vacation this time. I especially enjoyed bathing in the cool water in Jaflong," said Naima Hossain, a tourist from Brahmanbaria.

Saiful Islam, another tourist, said he preferred visiting tea gardens more than the other popular spots and he has been visiting those in the Eid holidays with his family and friends after a long time. "The tea gardens of Sylhet are very beautiful."

Sohel Ahmed from Cumilla said, "My mind has been refreshed after touching the cool water of the Dhalai River in Sadapathar. I was able to reach there in a short time because the roads are good. But the boat fare seems a bit high." Sayeeda Khan, a tourists at Jaflong from Dhaka, said, "We always spend busy days. After getting the long Eid holiday, I came to visit nature with my family." She said getting wet in the waters of Jaflong has been an enjoyable experience for her amid hot weather.

Md Moniruzzaman, officer-in-charge of Gowainghat Police Station, said they are keeping a close watch on the safety of tourists and have been maintaining round the clock surveillance amid a surge of tourists.

Gowainghat Upazila Executive Officer Ratan Kumar Adhikari said the administration, police and tourist police are working together for the general safety of tourists.

Other notable tourist spots in Sylhet include Bholaganj White Stone, Lalakhal, Malnichara Tea Garden, Lakkatura Tea Garden, Shrine of Hazrat Shah Jalal (R), Shrine of Hazrat Shah Paran (RA), Ali Amjad's Clock, Keane Bridge, Khadimnagar National Park, Madhabkunda Falls, Hamham Falls, Lawachhara National Park, Srimangal, Barolekha Tea Garden, Satchari National Park, Rema-Kalenga Sanctuary, Patharia Hills of Chunarughat, Tanguar Haor, Jadukata River, Baikkatila, and Niladri Lake (Shaheed Siraj Lake).

Our correspondent from Chandpur notes, hundreds of holiday makers visited Chandpur Parjatan Kendra and "Mini Cox's Bazar" during the Eid holidays.

Chandpur Parjatan Kendra, located at Molehead in Chandpur town, is one of the main tourist spots where three large rivers -- Meghna, Padma and Dakatia -- meet, offering scenic sunset views and a relaxing atmosphere.

Mini Cox's Bazar, a one-km-long sandy-island in the Meghna River, is just three kilometres away in the west of Chandpur Parjatan Kendra.

During a recent visit in these spots, this correspondent saw tourists in flamboyant dresses enjoying river cruise in engine boats, views of fishermen netting hilsha, and the contrast of the flowing of waters in the Padma and Megna rivers. Both of these rivers flow side by side with Padma being murkier and Meghna more clear.

Holidaymakers can reach Mini Cox's Bazar via engine boats and trawlers from Chandpur Parjatan Kendra within 20 minutes. The cost for the travel and return journey is Tk 100 each. Tourists have the option to play volleyball on the island or relax underthe umbrella on beachside chairs. Temporary shops sell snacks like Jhalmuri, drinks, fruit juices, tea and biscuits at Mini Cox's Bazar, while the restaurants around the Chandpur Parjatan Kendra offer fresh hilsha fish fry.

Yasin Arafat, 35, a resident from Kherihor village in Shahrasti Upazila, Chandpur, came with his wife and two sons in the Chandpur Parjatan Kendra. They said they were delighted to visit the spot and will also go to Mini Cox's Bazar.

Nurul Haque Miaji, a leader of the boatmen, said, "Over 100 speed boats and engine-run boats with lifebuoys ferry visitors from the Parjatan Kendra across the Meghna River to Mini Cox's Bazar. Each trawler can carry 30-50 passengers on board."

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