Exploring Tanguar Haor: A Guide to the Best Haor Tour in Bangladesh

Imagine gliding across a vast, shimmering lake, surrounded by lush greenery and distant hills, with the gentle lapping of water against your boat and birds chirping overhead. This is Tanguar Haor, a breathtaking wetland in Bangladesh that feels like a secret whispered by nature. Located in the Sunamganj district of Sylhet, this haor in Bangladesh is a paradise for travelers seeking serenity, adventure, and a deep connection with the natural world. As a travel blogger with two decades of exploring the globe, I can say Tanguar Haor is one of those rare places that captures your heart and stays with you forever. Whether you’re a local adventurer or an international explorer, this guide to Tanguar Haor will inspire you to pack your bags and set sail.

Exploring Tanguar Haor

This vast wetland was formed by natural processes. The haor’s appearance changes with every season. Sometimes it is as clear as a mirror; other times, it is as blue as the sky. You can see white clouds playing in the blue sky reflected in the clear water. Leave urban life behind for two or three days and come to the Tanguar Haor. I promise the days you spend on the boat will be unforgettable. This two-day boat trip to Tanguar Haor is unlike trips to other places in the country. As you sit on the boat, you can enjoy the beautiful view of the Meghalayan hills while sipping a cup of tea. Haor travel is very popular among food lovers. Each day, you can enjoy various types of fresh fish and duck from the haor. You will eat on the roof of the boat while enjoying the beautiful scenery.

What is Tanguar Haor?

Tanguar Haor is the second-largest freshwater wetland in Bangladesh, sprawling across roughly 100 square kilometers in the Dharmapasha and Tahirpur upazilas of Sunamganj district. A haor is a unique type of wetland, a bowl-shaped depression that fills with water during the monsoon, creating a vast inland sea dotted with floating villages. Recognized as a Ramsar site in 2000 for its ecological importance, Tanguar Haor is a haven for biodiversity, home to over 140 species of fish, 200 types of migratory birds, and rare wetland plants like Hijol and Koroch trees. It’s not just a natural wonder but a lifeline for over 40,000 locals who depend on its fisheries and resources. For travelers, it’s one of the best haors in Bangladesh, offering a blend of scenic beauty, wildlife, and cultural immersion.

Why Visit Tanguar Haor?

Why should Tanguar Haor be on your travel list? Picture this: you’re on a wooden houseboat, drifting through crystal-clear waters with the Meghalaya hills of India in the distance. The air is filled with the calls of migratory birds, and the sunset paints the sky in hues of orange and pink. This haor in Sylhet is a photographer’s dream, a birdwatcher’s paradise, and a nature lover’s escape.

From exploring floating villages to swimming in pristine waters, every moment here feels like a page from a storybook. Plus, the haor tour offers a glimpse into rural Bangladeshi life, where you can connect with locals and savor fresh fish cooked on your boat. It’s an adventure that’s both peaceful and exhilarating, making it a top choice for a haor tour in Bangladesh.

When to visit Tanguar Haor?

The best time to visit Tanguar Haor is during the rainy season. During this time, the haor is filled to the brim with water flowing from Meghalaya, India. The vastness of the haor will fascinate you. You will feel as if you have landed in an ocean. Apart from monsoon season, you can visit in the winter to see green fields stretching across the horizon. As far as the eye can see, there is only green. The river winding like a snake through the middle of the haor and the migratory birds flying from distant Siberia will enchant you. In winter, when the shimul flowers bloom, the haor’s shimul garden takes on a reddish hue.

Best Time to Visit Tanguar Haor

Timing your visit to Tanguar Haor can make all the difference. The best time to visit depends on what you want to experience:

• Monsoon Season (June to September): This is when Tanguar Haor transforms into a vast, shimmering lake, perfect for a Tanguar Haor boat tour. The water is high, covering up to 20,000 acres, and the scenery is at its most dramatic, with lush greenery and frequent rains adding a mystical vibe. It’s the ideal time for houseboat tours, as you can glide through the haor’s many channels and soak in the beauty of this haor in Bangladesh.
• Winter Season (November to February): If birdwatching is your passion, winter is the time to go. Thousands of migratory birds flock to Tanguar Haor, turning it into a vibrant avian sanctuary. The water levels are lower, revealing more of the haor’s islands and making it easier to spot wildlife. The cooler weather also makes it comfortable for exploring.

Each season offers a unique perspective, so whether you’re chasing monsoon magic or winter birdlife, Tanguar Haor delivers an unforgettable experience.

Personal Opinion

I visited Tanguar Haor during the full moon and stayed for two days and one night to enjoy it. It was so exciting, and I can’t describe how amazing it was! Please visit during the full moon and try to come during the rainy season. We visited Niladri Lake, Tekerghat, Barikka Tila, and the Jadukata River, among other places. You can go to the watchtower to enjoy the swamp forest.

Read Also: Top 5 Haors in Bangladesh to Visit During Monsoon

How to Get to Tanguar Haor?

Tanguar Haor is a river basin which is located at the Tahirpur Upazila of Sunamgonj district in Sylhet Division. Its takes roughly 6-7 hours to reach here from Dhaka. After getting off at the Surma Bridge just off the Bus station, you need to hire a bike or a CNG Taxi to get yourself at Tahirpur. From Tahirpur you can hire boat and enjoy the beauty of Haor.

Getting to Tanguar Haor is part of the adventure. Here’s how to reach this gem from major cities:

• From Dhaka: The journey from Dhaka to Tanguar Haor is about 290 kilometers and takes 6-7 hours by road. Catch a non-AC bus (like Hanif or Shyamoli) from Sayedabad or Mohakhali bus terminals to Sunamganj for around 550 BDT. Alternatively, take a train to Mohongonj and then a boat to the haor. Once in Sunamganj, hire a CNG auto-rickshaw, Laguna, or bike (100-150 BDT) to reach Tahirpur Bazar, where you can rent a boat.
• From Sylhet: Sylhet is closer, about 100 kilometers from Tanguar Haor. From Kumargaon bus stand or near Shahjalal Mazar, take a local bus or light car to Sunamganj (100-200 BDT, 2 hours). From Sunamganj, follow the same route to Tahirpur.
• From Sunamganj: Just 50 kilometers from Tahirpur, Sunamganj is the gateway to Tanguar Haor. From Abdur Zohur Bridge or Sunamganj town, take a CNG or bike to Tahirpur Bazar Ghat, where boats are available for hire.

Pro tip: In winter, you may need to travel to Sulemanpur Bazar instead of Tahirpur due to lower water levels, where boats are also available.

Tanguar Haor from Dhaka via Sunamganj

To reach Tanguar Haor, you first have to come to Sunamganj city. You can reach Sunamganj by road from Dhaka. Non-AC buses of Shyamoli NR, Shyamoli SP, Hanif Enterprise, Mamun Paribahan leave daily from Saydabad in Dhaka for Sunamganj. The fare of non-AC bus on this route is 800 taka. Ena Paribahan leaves from Mohakhali, Airport, Abdullahpur. Ena Paribahan has both AC buses and non-AC buses. The fare of non-AC bus on this route is 800 taka and the fare of AC bus is 1200 taka. From Sunamganj city, come to Tahirpur Bazar by Laguna, CNG or bike, from the ghat of this market you will get an engine-powered boat for traveling to the haor. However, if you have a booking at our houseboat Batan, you will not have to come to Tahirpur with difficulty. You can board our premium houseboat Batan from Saheb Bari Ghat in Sunamganj Sadar.

Tanguar Haor via Madhyanagar in Mohonganj, Netrokona

First come to Mohonganj, Netrokona from anywhere in the country. Haor Express leaves from Kamalapur Railway Station in Dhaka at 11 pm every day for Mohonganj. If everything is fine, you can get down at Mohonganj Station at 6 am. From Mohonganj, come by bike / CNG to Madhyanagar Bazar Launch Ghat. From here, go directly to Tahirpur by speed boat. From Tahirpur, you will get an engine-powered boat for haor travel. However, if you book the entire trip at our premium houseboat Batan, you can start your haor trip on our houseboat from Madhyanagar Bazar Launch Ghat.

Travel to Tanguar Haor by Train

There is no direct way to reach Sunamganj by train, but you can travel the rest of the way by bus, CNG or private car after taking the train to Sylhet. From Sylhet Railway Station, take an auto or rickshaw to Humayun Chattar and from there you can get a bus to Sunamganj. The AC bus will cost 200 taka and the non-AC bus will cost 145 taka. From Sunamganj, you can take a boat to Tahirpur by taking Laguna or CNG. Or, if you want, you can also take a boat from Sunamganj. Most houseboats leave from Sunamganj. The best houseboat of Tanguar Haor, “Batan”, also leaves from Sunamganj Saheb Bari Ghat.

Travel to Tanguar Haor by Air

There is no airport in Sunamganj, there is no opportunity to reach Sunamganj directly by air. So those who want to come by plane should first come to Sylhet and from there you can come by bus, CNG or private car to Sunamganj city. If you want, you can start your haor tour from Sunamganj on a luxury Bihul houseboat. Or you have to go to Tahirpur Bazar and then you can start your haor tour.

Tanguar Haor Tours and Houseboat Experiences

A Tanguar Haor tour is the heart of the experience, and nothing beats exploring this wetland on a houseboat. Tour packages, like those offered by ITS Holidays Ltd or Kite Bangladesh Holidays, cater to couples, families, and groups, with prices ranging from 6,000-10,000 BDT per person for premium houseboats. These boats, such as Majestic Tangua or Pirates of the Tangua, come with modern amenities like lockable cabins, high-comfort washrooms, generators, and rooftop dining areas. A typical 2-day, 1-night package includes:

• Day 1: Depart from Tahirpur or Sulemanpur, enjoy breakfast on the boat, and visit spots like the watchtower and Jadukata River. Lunch and dinner are served onboard, often featuring fresh fish from the haor.
• Day 2: Explore Shimul Bagan and Barikka Tila, with morning snacks and lunch before returning to Tahirpur.

Traditional wooden boats are a budget-friendly option (5,000-12,000 BDT), while luxury houseboats (15,000-30,000 BDT for groups) offer comfort for overnight stays. Booking through operators like Orient Eco Tourism or Bangladesh Travel and Tours ensures a hassle-free experience with guides, meals, and sightseeing included. For a truly immersive haor tour, spending a night on a houseboat under the stars is a must.

Top Attractions in Tanguar Haor Tour

Tanguar Haor is packed with stunning spots that make every haor tour in Bangladesh unforgettable. Here are the highlights:

• Jadukata River: This crystal-clear river, flowing from the Meghalaya hills, is perfect for a refreshing dip or a scenic boat ride. Its serene waters and surrounding greenery are a photographer’s delight.
• Shimul Bagan (Cotton Garden): A vibrant grove of Shimul trees that bursts into red blooms during spring, offering a striking contrast to the haor’s blue waters.
• Barikka Tila: A small hill offering panoramic views of the haor and the distant Meghalaya mountains. It’s a great spot for sunrise or sunset.
• Niladri Lake (Shahid Siraj Lake): Known for its clear waters, this lake is a peaceful stop for swimming or simply soaking in the scenery.
• Watchtower: Climb this tower for a bird’s-eye view of the haor’s vast expanse, where you can see the bottom of the clear water below.
• Hijol-Koroch Forest: A swamp forest teeming with biodiversity, perfect for nature lovers and birdwatchers.
• Floating Villages: Explore the 46 island-like villages where locals live in harmony with the haor’s rhythms, offering a glimpse into rural life.

Each stop on your Tanguar Haor boat tour reveals a new facet of this wetland’s charm, from its wildlife to its cultural richness.

Tourist attractions of Tanguar Haor

Tacker Hat

Tacker Hat is a market on the border of India and Bangladesh. Those who come to Tanguar Haor visit Tacker Hat once. After anchoring the boat at Tacker Ghat, everyone wanders around in the afternoon. In the evening, everyone gathers at Tacker Hat to eat light food or fried food. This market is located 3-4 minutes walk from Tacker Ghat. Those who come on a budget tour will get good quality food at low prices at Tacker Hat.

Lakma Chhatra

The place that you should not forget to visit when visiting Tanguar Haor is Lakma Chhatra. The green layer is folded in the folds of the mountains. A waterfall, called Lakma, has descended from the chest of this green layer. This waterfall is on the India-Bangladesh border. Lakma waterfall cannot be seen from Bangladesh. The waters of Lakma waterfall flow into Bangladesh. The water of Lakma waterfall falls into the Tanguar Haor. The path through which the water falls into the Haor is called Lakma Chha. The cool water of the Chha will refresh you. The big stones in the Chha have increased the beauty of the Chha several times. You can get off the boat at the Tack Ghat and take an auto or motorcycle to enjoy the beauty of the Lakchha.

Watch Tower

To enjoy the Haor in a different way, you must go up to the Watch Tower. The Watch Tower of the Tanguar Haor is quite crowded during holidays. The Watch Tower is located in the Hijal forest, adjacent to the Bolai River. Almost all the boats go to the Watch Tower, even if only for one time. The water around the Watch Tower is quite clear. Most of the tourists who come to visit take a bath here because the water is clear. There is a special opportunity to get into the water and have tea here. The local people of the Haor sell tea and biscuits in small boats. If you want, you can get off the big boat and travel in small boats here, and you can listen to the boatman’s sweet voice singing songs about saving the haor.

Niladri Lake

Niladri Lake is known to the people here as a stone quarry. This lake and its surrounding area are also known as Bengali Kashmir. The current name of Niladri Lake is “Shaheed Siraji Lake”. This lake is named after the martyred guerrilla fighter Sirajul Islam Bir Bikram in the Liberation War of Bangladesh. But it is better known as Niladri Lake in the traveler community. The water of this lake is very clear. You can travel around this lake by boat. There is also a special arrangement for kayaking. You can take a bath in the clear cold lake water to relieve fatigue. On one side of the lake, there are several small hills covered with green grass. And on the other side, there are tall and vast mountains. The clear water of the hills, hills, and lakes will enchant you with this beautiful combination of nature. You are bound to get lost here. You can get off the boat at the tank pier and walk straight to Niladri Lake. You can spend the afternoon sitting on the grass on the bank of the lake. Or you can take a boat trip or kayaking with your loved one.

Jadukata River

The original name of the Jadukata River is Renuka. It is said that a woman living on the banks of the Jadukata River was cutting a very big fish in the river with her son Jadu in her lap. Suddenly, she lost her mind and cut her son Jadu. From this story, this river was later named Jadukata River. The origin of this river is the Jaintia Hills of India. The water of this river is very cold, if you go in the afternoon, do not forget to take a dip in the river. However, do not try to go into the middle of the river. There are many currents in between. On one side of Jadukata, the vast mountains above, the blue sky and the clear water of the river create a wonderful canvas.

Shimul Garden

This is the largest Shimul Garden in Bangladesh. There are about 3000 Shimul trees in this garden. This Shimul Garden is spread over an area of ​​about 100 bighas. The red glow of Shimul flowers in spring will color your mind. On the other side of Shimul Garden, the clear blue water river Jadukata is located amidst the vast mountains of Meghalaya, and on this side, the glow of red Shimul flowers will make your mind dance. The entrance fee to Shimul Garden is 20 taka. Boats come below Shimul Garden. If the boat does not come, you can take a bike to visit Shimul Garden from the Tack Ghat.

Barikka Tila

A hill covered in greenery on this side of the border at the foot of the mountains of Meghalaya is called Barekker Tila or Barikka Tila. On one side of this high hill is the highest hill of India, on the other side is the clear water river Jadukata. From Barikka Tila, you can see the connection of the clouds and mountains. The scenic view you can see from the top of Barikka Tila looking at the Jadukata River will stay with you for a long time. There are two freshwater streams next to Barikka Tila. Except for the rainy season, these streams are almost devoid of water. You have to do some trekking to see the streams. There is also a shrine of Shah Arefin in the Indian hills and a pilgrimage site. Urs and holy bathing are organized here on certain days of the year. The Jadukata River is next to Barikka Tila. You can come by boat through this river. But if the boat does not come, you can come to Barikka Tila by bike or easy bike from the Tack Ghat.

Hijal Forest

The Hijal Forest of Tanguar Haor is the oldest Hijal Forest in the country. This Hijal Forest is located next to the Balai River. This Hijal Forest is a sanctuary for fish and birds of the haor. There are century-old Hijal trees in Tanguar Haor. The beauty of the Hijal flowers hanging from trees submerged up to their necks in water during the monsoon will fascinate you.

Hason Raja Museum

Right next to the Surma River in Sunamganj city, the house of the mystic poet Hason Raja is located. Hason Raja was a wealthy landowner. Along with his landholding, he composed numerous songs. All those songs are still popular. Currently, Hason Raja’s house in Sunamganj has been developed as a museum. This museum has many items associated with the memory of Hason Raja. Here, you will see the colorful robe of the mystic poet Hason Raja, the chair on which he used to compose songs. His sword. There are also tea tables, wooden khadrams, milking pots, various bowls, pandanis, brass pitchers, candlesticks, cymbals, drums, temples, handwritten copies of songs, and Hason Raja’s old-age stick. You can visit Hason Raja Museum on the way back from Tanguar Haor.

Dolura Martyrs’ Memorial

Dolura was one of the battlefields in the border area of ​​Sunamganj district during the great liberation war of Bangladesh. Some of those who were martyred in the frontal battles on this battlefield were buried here. A memorial monument was built here in 1973 in memory of the martyrs. There are 48 martyrs’ tombs here. Hidden at the foot of the high hill are the memorial signs of the bloody struggle of 1971.

Pailgaon Zamindar Bari

The Pailgaon Zamindar Bari was built 300 years ago on five and a half acres of land. The Zamindar Bari, which has deteriorated over time, is still a holder of beauty, history and tradition. This Zamindar Bari is located in Union No. 09 of Jagannathpur Upazila of Sunamganj district. Each room of this Zamindar Bari is a witness to a different aesthetic architectural art and still exists today. The Pailgaon Zamindar Bari is a unique example of ancient antiquity.

Tips for a Memorable Visit in Tanguar Haor

To make your Tanguar Haor tour unforgettable, keep these tips in mind:

• Pack Smart: Bring a raincoat or umbrella (monsoon season), sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and quick-dry clothing. Pack a power bank, torch, and toilet paper for convenience.
• Respect Nature: Tanguar Haor is an ecologically sensitive area. Avoid littering, use onboard trash bins, and support sustainable tourism to protect this Ramsar site.
• Notify Local Authorities: If staying overnight on a boat, inform the local police for safety.
• Embrace Local Culture: Be respectful of local customs, try regional dishes like fresh fish or duck, and engage with the friendly communities.
• Book in Advance: Houseboats and tours can fill up during peak seasons (monsoon and winter). Contact operators like Kite Bangladesh (+88 01873 323 553) or ITS Holidays Ltd for bookings.

Where to Stay and Eat

Staying on a houseboat is the ultimate way to experience Tanguar Haor. Premium houseboats offer cozy cabins, meals, and modern facilities, with packages including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks (think khichuri, egg, and fresh fish dishes). For land-based options, consider:

• Haor Bilash (Tekerghat): A budget-friendly wooden guesthouse near the haor, with rooms starting at 500 BDT.
• Sunamganj Hotels: Hotels like Surmavally Residential Resort or Hotel Ali Brothers offer rooms from 200-2,000 BDT. Book early during peak seasons.

Dining on the boat is a highlight, with fresh fish, duck, and traditional Bangladeshi dishes served onboard. You can also buy ingredients at Tahirpur market for a DIY cooking experience or eat at local restaurants in Tekerghat for affordable, hearty meals.

Food Arrangements

You can have breakfast at Tahirpur Bazar. You can eat lunch and dinner at Tack Hat. There are several small restaurants here. Various types of fish, duck and various types of stuffed vegetables from the haor are available in these shops. Those who want to eat on the boat can board the boat from Tahirpur Bazar with the necessary provisions and a cook. Many premium houseboats will have premium-quality food arrangements. So if you book them, you can be completely relaxed about the food.

Things to bring with you on your trip to Tanguar Haor

Bag, towel, umbrella, mosquito repellent cream, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, sandals, camera, battery, charger, sun cap, sunglasses, sunblock, tissue, personal medicine, lotion, power bank for charging, torch with battery backup, mask to combat Covid-19, and hand sanitizer.

Travelers are advised to carry the following items:

• Personal clothing
• Towel/Gamcha
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Personal medicine
• Personal hygiene products
• Camera with extra battery
• A copy of NID Card (National ID Card)
• Dry food
• Mosquito repellent lotion/cream
• Sunscreen
• Flashlight/Torchlight
• Power bank

Some necessary information and precautions for traveling to Tanguar Haor

• Tanguar Haor is our national resource. We all have the responsibility to protect this resource.
• There are several wetlands in Tanguar Haor. Do not do anything that will damage this forest.
• Get your life jacket on the boat. If there is no life jacket on the boat, you can rent one in the market, collect it from there.
• If you want to reduce costs, travel in a group.
• Avoid going on the roof of the boat during a thunderstorm.
• Even if you know how to swim in the Jadukata River, do not go down without a life jacket. There is a strong current at the bottom of the Jadukata River that cannot be understood from above.
• Refrain from hunting fish, wildlife, and birds in the haor.
• Avoid using devices that create very loud noises.
• To protect the natural beauty and biodiversity of the haor, do not throw any non-perishable items into the haor water. (Although this is what we do the most.)
• Before visiting Tanguar Haor, be sure to book your favorite houseboat.

Final Words

Tanguar Haor is more than a destination; it’s an experience that blends nature, culture, and adventure into one unforgettable journey. Whether you’re drifting through its waters on a houseboat, watching migratory birds soar overhead, or savoring a meal under the stars, this haor in Sylhet will leave you spellbound. As one of the best haors in Bangladesh, Tanguar Haor offers a chance to escape the chaos of daily life and reconnect with the beauty of the natural world. So, grab your camera, book a Tanguar Haor tour package, and set sail for an adventure that will linger in your heart long after you leave.

 

Have you visited Tanguar Haor or another haor in Bangladesh? Share your stories in the comments below! For those ready to explore, check out trusted operators like ITS Holidays Ltd or Kite Bangladesh Holidays to book your dream haor tour. Let’s make waves in this wetland wonderland together!