Explore Jaflong: The Beautiful Daughter of Nature in Sylhet
Jaflong is a charming tourist destination in the northeastern part of the Sylhet district in Bangladesh, where towering mountains descend to the pristine river. It is considered a must-visit and the most popular spot in Sylhet for tourists seeking natural wonders. Bordering the Indian state of Meghalaya, this place will surely amaze you. The Jaflong region is blessed with subtropical mountains and lush rainforest, which is how it forms a stunning backdrop.
This post will tell you everything, like where Jaflong is, why it is a popular tourist destination, how to get to Jaflong, about hotels and resorts there, etc. that a tourist who is going to Jaflong should know.
Related: Bholaganj Sada Pathor
Table of Contents
The Beauty of Jaflong: The Daughter of Nature
Jaflong is fondly referred to as the ‘Daughter of Nature’ in Bangladesh due to its incredible combination of mountains and rivers. As you explore this picturesque place, you’ll be mesmerized by the sight of verdant peaks standing tall on both sides of the crystal-clear Piyain River. The river’s transparent waters beautifully merge with the hues of the sky and the mountains, creating a truly magical experience.
While Sylhet boasts of various river-hill junctions like Bholaganj Sada Pathor, Bichanakandi and Lobhachora, Jaflong stands out for its striking natural features. Unlike others, Jaflong’s mountains are steep and majestic, making it one of the most notable destinations in the country. Here, you will find undulating mountains, lush forests, pristine rivers, mesmerizing views of locals collecting stones, deep blue skies, vast tea plantations, Khasia village houses built on bamboo platforms and silver waterfalls.
In Jaflong, there is a century-old suspended iron bridge connecting two hills over the river. The bridge stands at such a height that cars traversing through it appear like tiny insects when observed from the beach below. This bridge also adds to the allure of Jaflong, captivating visitors with its impressive panoramic views.
Things to Do in Jaflong
1. Take a bath: The water in the Piyain River in Jaflong is astonishingly clear. Even at depths of twenty to twenty-five feet, one can witness the movement of small shrimps, crabs, and fish. During my visit to Jaflong, I was truly amazed by this sight. The pristine clarity of the river’s water serves as a captivating attraction for tourists in Jaflong. Take a long bath in the Piyain River. Keep floating and sinking in the shallow current and enjoy the beauty around. It will give you a feeling of close proximity to nature.
2. Boat Tours: Small wooden boats are available for hire in Jaflong. Take a boat and cruise across the river down the hill.
3. Visit Zero Point: This is the spot where the Piyain River meets the Indian border. From here, you can get stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests. But do not cross the border and enter India. Follow the law. BGB on the Bangladesh side and BSF on the Indian side to guard the border.
4. Go stone collecting: Jaflong is famous for its unique and colorful stones. You will see a lot of local people lifting stones with Barki boats. The view is worth enjoying. But recently, in 2023, stone quarrying has been stopped by a court order. This ban may be lifted.
5. Visit the Mayabi Waterfall: This is a beautiful waterfall located about 700 meters from Zero Point. You can hike to the waterfall or take a boat ride there. The spring is full and wild during monsoons. But the water decreases in winter.
6. Explore the Jaflong Tea Garden: This is a small tea garden located in the hills of Jaflong. You can take a tour of the garden and learn about the tea-making process.
7. Visit the Khasia tribe villages: The Khasia tribe is the indigenous tribe of Jaflong. You can visit their villages and learn about their culture and traditions.
Best Time to Visit Jaflong
The Piyain River flows in zigzags like a snake. Jaflong has long sandy beaches. During the dry season ‘char’ is produced here and there. White pebbles are scattered across the beach. At noon the rocky beach shines like a mirror. Jaflong changes appearance and character in Monsoon. The blue hills then turn green. When the shadow of the green mountains is reflected in the water, the water also looks green.
Heavy rains in the Shillong Plateau cause frequent flash floods in the Piane River. Stones come down with a strong current. These are the livelihood of the Jaflong people. Along the banks of the river, you can see large piles of stones and scenes of stones being shoveled from the river. On the western side of the river is Khasia village. The Khasia tribe builds their houses on a high bamboo loft. They grow betel at home. There are also orange gardens. The branches of the orange tree bow with the weight of the oranges.
Jaflong can be visited in all seasons. It has one kind of beauty in monsoons and another in winter. But relatively monsoon season (July to September) can be considered the best time to visit Jaflong. In Jaflong, boat trips and water sports will be more enjoyable during monsoons and you may love to stroll and take pictures on the wide sandy beaches during winters.
Jaflong Waterfall
One of the most interesting things for Jaflong travelers is the Jaflong Waterfall, named Sangrampunji Falls. The locals also call it ‘Mayabi Jharna’. This huge natural waterfall is located at the foot of Khasia-Jainta hills, about 700 meters west of Zero Point beaches. The confluence of mountains, rivers and waterfalls has created a wonderful beauty here.
It may take you 15 minutes to reach Sangrampunji Waterfall from Jaflong Zero Point. A reservoir has been created here by the water falling from the hill. Bangladeshis can reach the fountain under the protection of BSF. This fountain has three steps. In the third step there is a tunnel, and the end of the tunnel path is still unknown. Courage and extra caution are essential if you want to cross the slippery rocky path and see all the steps of the fountain. Jaflong Waterfall is a great adventure destination for people who love to travel.
How to go to Jaflong
How to go to Jaflong from Dhaka
Jaflong is a tourist destination in Gowainghat upazila of Sylhet, Bangladesh. It is located 62 km northeast of the city of Sylhet, on the border of the Indian state of Meghalaya, and at the foot of the Khasia-Jainta hills. So to travel to Jaflong from anywhere in Bangladesh, you must first come to Sylhet. Since most of the travelers come to Sylhet via Dhaka, then travel from Sylhet city to Jaflong, we are here first to give detailed information about the way to get to Sylhet from Dhaka.
Dhaka to Sylhet by train
At present 4 intercity and 1 mail trains run on Dhaka-Sylhet route. They are Parabat Express, Jayantika Express, Upaban Express, Kalni Express and the mail train is called the Surma Mail.
The following article provides detailed information about the schedules and ticket prices of all trains running on the Dhaka to Sylhet route: Dhaka to Sylhet Train Schedule and Ticket Price.
But if you’re to come to Sylhet from Chittagong, please have a look at Chittagong to Sylhet Train Schedule with Ticket Price.
Dhaka to Sylhet by Bus
And if you want to go to Sylhet by bus from Dhaka, as many Jaflong-bound tourists have gone, it may be convenient for you to have the name of the bus concerned, the amount of fare and the phone numbers of the bus counter. So in this article we have included all the necessary information for you about Dhaka-Sylhet Bus (AC and Non-AC): Dhaka to Sylhet Bus: Ticket Price & Contacts.
How to go to Jaflong from Sylhet
Jaflong porzoton spot is 60 km far from Sylhet city. You can go by bus, car, auto-rickshaw or leguna. It can take up to two hours to reach Jaflong from Sylhet city by bus, car or CNG auto-rickshaw. However, it may take a little longer to go by a leguna at a lower cost. Bus-stoppage is at Shibganj, fare is around 80 Taka. CNG-operated Auto-rickshaw station at Amberkhana in Sylhet, it will cost 1200-1500 Taka to avail reserved for a full day. You can also reserve a microbus from Chauhatta Point, it may charge 3000-3500 Taka.
Jaflong Hotel and Resort
There are no good quality hotels and resorts in Jaflong. So the tourists came back to Sylhet for overnight stay. There are residential hotels in all areas of Sylhet city like Bandar Bazar, Taltala, Zindabazar, Dargah Gate, Amberkhana etc. You can stay in a medium quality hotel for 500-1000 taka.
However, if you want to stay in Jaflong, you can choose Porzoton Motel Jaflong. In this motel the rent of AC twin bed room is 1800 taka and AC queen bed 2000 taka. To book a room you can call Porzoton Motel at 01890-049277 or 01780-276002.
In addition, there is a resort called “Jainta Hill Resort” in a wonderful natural environment along the river and hills. It is 5 km south of Jaflong tourist spot. You can rent AC and non-AC rooms and cottages at Jainta Hill Resort for 2500-5000 taka. Call for booking: 01711-739183.
You can also stay at Mama Bazaar next to Jaflong tourist area at a lower cost. There are Jaflong Inn Hotel, Hotel Paris and some other hotels and rest houses. However, this market is very dusty in the dry season and muddy in the rainy season.
Where to eat in Jaflong
Leave for Jaflong after you taken your meal in Sylhet city. At the end of the trip, have a light breakfast at the market next to Jaflong tourist spot. That would be good. However, there are fairly good restaurants in the area, such as: Jaflong View Restaurant, Seemato View Restaurant and Jaflong Tourist Restaurant.
Returning to Sylhet city, you can enjoy again the food of your choice at Pakshi or Hotel Asia in Bandar Bazar, Pansi, Panch Bhai, Palki or Preetiraj in Zindabazar area, Alpine Restaurant in Chauhatta or Istikutum or Habib Restaurant in Amber Khana.
Check also: Top 10 Tourist Places in India