Jaflong, The Best Tourist Spot in Sylhet
Jaflong in Sylhet is known all over Bangladesh as the ‘Daughter of Nature’. Because the two most beautiful things in nature have come together here, the mountains and the river. The high hills covered with green forest have risen like walls on both sides of the transparent Piyain river. The blue of the sky and the green of the mountains seem to melt in the clear water of the river Piyain.
Being a hilly region of a riverine country, there are more confluences of rivers and hills in Sylhet—such as Bholaganj Sada Pathor, Bichanakandi and Lovachora—But in those places the mountains are not so steep and high. So, Jaflong is above all with these eye-catching natural features. In fact it is one of the most amazing natural places in the world due to the combination of undulating mountains, green forests, crystal-clear rivers, stone collection scenes, blue skies, vast tea gardens, khasia village houses built on bamboo stage and a silver waterfall.
The water in Piyain River in Jaflong is literally as transparent as crystal. Although the mountain rivers are usually shallow, but occasionally deep ditches are formed due to water swirls. Thus, where the river is very deep, it is called locally as Dohor or Dohr. I noticed during my tour in Jaflong that under twenty to twenty-five feet of water the movements of small shrimps, crabs or fishes are clearly seen. This wonderfully clear water of the Piyain River is also an attractive seen to tourists in Jaflong.
The essence of the beauty of Jaflong, as I said above, is the combination of mountains and rivers. In fact, wherever there is such a combination, that is a tourist destination. However, Jaflong is different from other such places. Mountains in Jaflong are so high, they rise straight up like steep walls. White clouds float over the hills all day long like the bunches of carded cotton. The river that descends from the junction of the two mountains, an iron bridge hanging right there. From the river-beach, this bridge looks like a rope; and the small cars that move silently over it looks like some rats are running.
The River Piyain flows zigzagging like a snake. In Jaflong, the place where the river and the hills meet, is a long sandy beach. During the dry season, ‘Char’ (sand-land) arise here and there. White pebbles scattered all over the river. It is like a vast stony field. At noon, the rocky beach shines as a mirror. Jaflong changed its appearance again in the rainy season. The blue hills and mountains then become green. In bellow, it seems the water is boiling. When a shadow of the green mountain falls in transparent water, the water also turns green.
Rapid flood-water descends frequently in the Piyain River due to heavy rainfall in the Shillong Plateau. More and more stones come down with strong currents. This stone is the livelihood of the people of Jaflong. On both sides of the river you’ll see large piles of stone, and in the river there is a view of lifting stones with shovels. Khasia Palli is on the western side of the river. The Khasias tribe build their houses on a high bamboo platform. Every house has a plantation of betel-leaves. There are also orange gardens. The shrubs of the orange trees bow down with the weight of the raw oranges.
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 1 km west of Jaflong Zero Point. The confluence of mountains, rivers and waterfalls has created a wonderful beauty here.
It may take you 20 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.