Tanguar Haor, full of majestic aquatic beauty, is located between Tahirpur and Dharmapasha upazilas of ‘Haor Kanya’ Sunamganj. This haor is one of the most beautiful, large and rich biodiversity sanctuaries in the country.
Tanguar Haor is the second largest freshwater haor in Bangladesh while the largest freshwater haor, Hakaluki, is also located in Sylhet’s Moulvibazar. Besides, followed by Sundarbans it is the second internationally recognized ‘ramsar’ site in Bangladesh.
The most interesting feature of Tanguar Haor is that it takes different forms in different seasons. During the monsoon, the whole haor area is submerged under water. But the water started to decrease when winter comes. Finally, a large part of the haor dries up at the end of winter. The rainy season is the ideal time to travel to Tanguar Haor. However, many visits in winter to enjoy the presence of guest birds in the haor.
Tanguar Haor consists of 120 beels of Sunamganj district. However, as per the locals, the number of main beels is 54. Inside the haor, there are innumerable canals scattered like nets. During the monsoon, all the beels and canals of the haor take the form of the sea.
The entire Tanguar Haor, including 46 villages in the two upazilas, covers an area of about 100 sq km, of which 280,236 hectares are wetlands.
Tanguar Haor is called the ‘mother fisheries’ as the haor is the home of more than 141 species of freshwater fish. Besides, the haor is home to 150 species of plants, about 208 species of birds, 11 species of amphibians, 6 species of tortoises and 21 species of snakes. In addition, rare species of Pallas’s fish eagle can be seen here.
The haor, reservoir of trees, fish, birds and natural biodiversity, is now very popular among tourists. It is not possible to explain the dreamlike serenity of Tanguar Haor in words. In these two seasons, monsoon and winter, the haor has become unique in two ways. According to tourists, this haor is decorated with its genuine beauty during the monsoon.
The majestic aquatic beauty of the haor seems to soak the horizon during the rainy season. The presence of half-drowned Hijal and Karach trees adds additional beauty to the haor. The green Meghalaya Hills adjacent to India is the surprise package of the haor for tourists. The water of the haor turned blue with the shadow of the clouds in the afternoon. Then the whole area seems like a picture.
On the other hand, one can walk around the Hijal and Karach garden on foot as there is less water in the haor during the winter. Tanguar Haor is one of the largest sanctuaries of native and migratory birds in the winter season. The highest number of birds is seen between January and February.
Once upon a time, it was believed that it is only possible to visit the haor with friends. But the modern and comfortable boats, proper security and other facilities in the hoar will offer you the opportunity to pay a visit with family members as well.
Now there are good facilities for tourists to visit Tanguar Haor. Especially during the monsoon, a number of small and big boats with all the modern facilities, are available to rent for tourists. However, it is better to contact before renting these boats. Recently, the local authorities have fixed the fare for boats.
Apart from boats, there are speedboats to rent as well. Though the fare of speedboats is higher, it takes less time to visit the whole area. Speedboats are for those who want to visit the haor within a short time.
There are several observation towers to bring the whole haor area within sight considering the security purposes.
One shouldn’t miss the serenity of the Jadukata and Patlai rivers flow past Tanguar Haor while visiting the haor. Alongside the crystal-clear water of these two unique rivers, one can enjoy the beauty of green heels near the Indian border. Besides, it will be possible to pay a visit to Barik Tila and Shimul Bagan adjunct to the Jadukata river.
Ways to go Tanguar Haor
To pay a visit to Tanguar Haor, you have to go to Sunamganj first. Sunamganj, 269 km away from Dhaka, can easily be reached directly from the capital. Besides, you can go to Sylhet first from anywhere in Bangladesh and then go to Sunamganj from there. You have to go to Tahirpur by local transport from Sunamganj.
Then you will get various boats available to hire from Tahirpur to Tanguar Haor. Some of these boats have both accommodation and food facilities for tourists. These boats usually anchor at the main entrance to Tanguar Haor as no engine-driven boats are allowed in the bird sanctuary inside the haor. As a result, you will have to rent small boats from there to enjoy the natural beauty of the haor.
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