Sylhet Awaits Holiday Tourists: Businesses Expect Tk 50 Crore in Five Days as Hotels and Administration Prepare

Sylhet is preparing to welcome tourists for the five-day Durga Puja holiday. Rivers at the foot of hills, stone-strewn streams, green tea gardens and the quiet of a swamp forest — that variety of nature may draw holidaymakers to Sylhet, one of the country's leading tourism regions, which offers several attractive destinations for a few days away with family or friends.

Alongside Jaflong, Bichnakandi, the white stones of Bholaganj, Ratargul and Lalakhal, visitors can also tour historic sites in Sylhet city itself. Traders say most rooms in hotels, motels and resorts have already been booked in advance, and the administration is preparing to strengthen security to handle the expected rush.

Misthu Dutta, general manager of Hotel Golden City, said Sylhet's hotels and motels are ready to receive Puja holiday tourists, adding that most rooms in the district's 500 hotels, motels and resorts have already been booked.

Former FBCCI director Falah Uddin Ali Ahmad said tourist arrivals would bring extra profit and energise the district economy. He expects Sylhet's tourism sector could see at least Tk 50 crore of business during the five-day holiday — an estimate he described as the traders' own calculation. Businesses say more visitors will also raise demand for accommodation, transport, food and other services.

Jaflong tops many visitors' Sylhet itineraries. At this destination in Gowainghat upazila, the Piyain river, its stone-strewn stream and the hills of India's Meghalaya combine into a distinctive landscape. Tourists go there to spend time on the riverbank, ride boats and take photographs against the hills.

Crowds may grow at Jaflong on holiday days, so setting out early in the day may allow a more relaxed visit. Before entering the river, visitors should check the water's depth and current, and care is also advised when walking on the stones.

The white stones of Bholaganj in Companiganj are another popular destination. The Dhalai river's broad stone bed, clear water and natural surroundings attract tourists, who can take boat rides, walk the riverbank and take photographs. Travel there should take the river's current and water conditions into account, safety must be ensured on boats, and visitors should protect the environment by not collecting stones or other natural resources.

At Bichnakandi in Gowainghat, hills, river and stones meet in one view, while Lalakhal in Jaintapur is known for its blue-green river water and hilly surroundings on both banks. Boat rides are a leading attraction at both places.

For those who prefer quiet nature, the Ratargul swamp forest can be a fitting destination. Moving by boat along waterways in the shade of trees, surrounded by green, with light reflecting on the water, is its special appeal. The experience depends on water levels and weather, so local guidance should be checked before a boat trip.

Visitors can also stay within Sylhet city and its surroundings. The shrine of Hazrat Shahjalal (R), the banks of the Surma river and the Lakkatura and Malnichhara tea gardens can all be visited, and the city's eateries offer a taste of local food.

Families travelling together are advised to consider travel time, the comfort of children and elderly members, and rest. Entry to tea gardens should follow the authorities' permission and set rules.

Sylhet's Additional Superintendent of Police Raselur Rahman said the administration is preparing to ensure safe travel for tourists, coordinating with highway police to provide security so visitors can move around without hindrance. Holidaymakers will now watch how much comfort that preparation brings over the holiday days.