Discover the sapphire waters of Niladri Lake in Sunamganj, Bangladesh. This hidden gem offers breathtaking beauty and serene landscapes for a tranquil escape.
Niladri Lake
Sometimes, the colors of nature touch the human mind. For example, the vast blue sky can bring absolute joy. Crystal-clear lake water can pacify souls. Green hills can evoke emotional responses. Niladri Lake, an abandoned limestone quarry, presents a fascinating combination of blue sky, crystal-clear water, and green hills. Now, let’s take a closer look at this quarry limestone lake, also known as the Kashmir of Bengal.
History of Niladri Lake
The lake is known as “Niladri” mainly among tourists because of the beauty of its clear blue water. Its real name, however, is Shaheed Siraj Lake.
Freedom fighter Sirajul Islam was martyred during the 1971 War of Independence. He sacrificed his life to liberate the Sachna Bazar and Jamalganj Thana areas of Sunamganj from the Pakistani army. Following independence, the Bangladeshi government posthumously awarded him the title of Bir Bikram.
During Bangladesh’s liberation war, several martyred freedom fighters were buried in Borochhora, under Sector 5. Sirajul Islam was one of them. The lake was named “Shaheed Siraj Lake” in his memory. Some of the freedom fighters’ graves, including Sirajul Islam’s, have been preserved near the lake. A memorial has been built in honor of the martyred freedom fighter Siraj Sangsad.
Beauty of Niladri Lake
The captivating Niladri Lake is like a tear from the sky. It is located in Tekerghat village in the Tahirpur Upazila of the Sunamganj district. Scattered stones dot the landscape beside the lake, where the hills of Meghalaya stand tall. The melody of the wind rustling through the trees comes from the green hills nearby. Small hillocks can be seen in the middle of the lake.
There is a cement seating area next to the lake. You can also enjoy the view of the mountains and water from there. Tourists can mingle their souls with the heavenly blue water by floating in a small boat over the lake. This magnificent display of nature can instantly make people forget any earthly weariness.
The border between Bangladesh and India is marked by the lower part of the Meghalaya hill ranges in this area. Barbed-wire fences are located on the skyscraper-like hills. Those who love the hills can visit Niladri Lake to admire the angelic beauty of the Indian Meghalaya hills while still in Bangladesh. Due to Niladri Lake’s uniqueness, tourists adore this place, calling it the “Kashmir of Bangladesh.”
The lake was once a source of limestone for a factory that is no longer there.
Next to Niladri Lake sits an old, rusty railway engine that used to transport limestone. Photographers rarely pass up the opportunity to capture the lake and surrounding mountains through their lenses.
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Best Time to Visit Niladri Lake
The natural beauty of the nearby Tanguar Haor area blooms during the rainy season, so the monsoon is the best time to visit Niladri Lake. During this time, nature appears even more enchanting as it plays hide-and-seek with the sun, clouds, and rain. Additionally, many migratory birds visit the lake in the winter. Therefore, bird lovers may want to plan their trips for winter.
How to reach Niladri Lake from Dhaka via the Sunamganj route?
You can reach Sunamganj directly by bus from the Sayedabad or Mohakhali bus stand in Dhaka. The cost per person is around BDT 550, and the journey takes about six hours. Rental motorcycles are available for travel to Tekerghat in the New Bridge area of Sunamganj City. Reserved motorcycle rentals cost between BDT 300 and 400. Travelers must pay BDT 5 per person and BDT 10 per motorcycle to cross the Jadukata River.
The motorbike fare from Sunamganj to Laurer Garh is around BDT 200. You can reach Tekerghat by motorcycle from Barikka Tila, passing the banks of the Jadukata River, for a fare of BDT 120.
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An intercity train leaves Dhaka for Mohanganj in Netrokona at 11 pm. The ticket price is 200 BDT per person. The train arrives in Mohanganj in the morning, and it takes another hour to travel from Mohanganj to Modhyonagar. During the rainy season, local water transport, such as trawlers, speedboats, and boats, travels from Pipra Kanda Ghat in Modhyonagar to Tekerghat. Alternatively, tourists can rent trawlers, speedboats, or boats in Netrokona to travel directly to Tekerghat.
However, during the winter, motorcycles transport visitors from Netrokona to Tekerghat. The bikes travel to Niladri Lake, passing through Kolmakanda and Moheshkhola. Because of the long journey, many tourists stop in Moheshkhola for a light breakfast.
Where to stay
There are several guesthouses in Barichara Bazaar, where room rates range from BDT 200 to 400. The old limestone factory guest house near Niladri Lake is a great place to spend the night. You can arrange to stay at the Upazila Guesthouse, pending permission from the Upazila Chairman. There are also hotels available in Tahirpur.
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Food Arrangements
There are a few standard local food hotels in Barikka Tila. There are also some decent restaurants in Borochhora Bazaar and the small Tekerghat market next to Jadukata. However, tourists usually visit Sunamganj town to buy food from standard-quality hotels.
There is also a tea shop next to Niladri Lake. You can enjoy the beauty of the lake while sipping tea. There are plenty of coconuts nearby to quench tourists’ thirst.
Nearby Attraction
There are several beautiful places near Niladri Lake. Outdoor enthusiasts usually visit this place with a bucket list. Popular places of interest include Barikka Tila, Tanguar Haor, the Jadukata River, Shimul Bagan, and Lakma Chhara.
During monsoon season, Tekerghat can be reached by boat from Sunamganj via Tanguar Haor. Near the big bridge over the Surma River in Sunamganj, you can rent local transportation, such as Laguna, CNG, or bikes, to arrive at Tahirpur. There are boats of different sizes crowded at the boat dock in Tahirpur. These boats transport travelers to Tekerghat via Tanguar Haor for a fee.
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Cautions
Niladri Lake is in a border area, so it is advisable to be careful. Tourists should especially refrain from getting too close to the border.
A large amount of limestone was once extracted from Niladri Lake. These activities made the lake very deep. Therefore, it is recommended that you not go into the lake’s water unless you know how to swim. Even swimmers should stay near the shore.
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To reach Niladri Lake, tourists must change modes of transportation several times. Therefore, nature lovers should consider their physical ability before planning a trip to Niladri Lake.
Last Word
Niladri Lake is a beautiful natural wonder. Travelers from different parts of the country and abroad visit this place every year to experience its enthralling beauty. The journey to Niladri Lake may be arduous for some, but the peaceful moments spent near the blue water and close to nature make it worthwhile. However, careless activities may endanger lives or cause injury, so travelers should be cautious during the tour. Happy traveling!
How to reach Niladri Lake