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Baikka Beel Wetland Sanctuary is widely considered the best place for birdwatching in Bangladesh.
Located within the vast Hail Haor wetland system in Sreemangal, this 100-hectare sanctuary is a paradise for nature lovers, bird enthusiasts, and anyone seeking peace in a stunning natural setting.
The Government of Bangladesh declared Baikka Beel a permanent sanctuary on July 1, 2003.
What makes this place remarkable is its conservation success story - it was once a completely degraded ecosystem that has been restored through community-based conservation efforts.
The sanctuary is the result of 25 years of ecological work.
The MACH (Management of Aquatic Ecosystems through Community Husbandry) project, supported by USAID from 1998 to 2008, transformed this degraded wetland into a thriving ecosystem.
Local communities from Baruna village have been managing and protecting the sanctuary since 2003.
The sanctuary is composed of three connected beels: Chapra, Maguara, and Jaduria.
It retains water year-round and is part of the larger Hail Haor, which expands seasonally from 3,000 to 12,000 hectares.
In 2021 and 2022, roughly 300,000 tourists and researchers visited this beautiful wetland.
In 2010, Baikka Beel joined the Wetland Link International network, gaining international recognition for its conservation success.
These are when birds are most active and visible.
This allows you to:
For a complete experience:
Dedicated birders often spend the entire day:
During peak bird season (December-January), plan for a longer visit as there is so much more to see.
From Dhaka:
From Sylhet:
Step 1: CNG from Sreemangal Town
Step 2: Boat Ride to Sanctuary
From Sreemangal:
Two well-designed observation towers offer excellent views:
Educational facility at the sanctuary:
Bring your own food, water, and snacks.
This is a nature sanctuary, not a developed tourist complex.
The primary activity and main attraction:
Perfect destination for nature photography:
Peaceful journey through the wetland:
While visiting Sreemangal, also see:
The wetland offers little shade:
Best for: Migratory bird watching
This is the absolute best time to visit Baikka Beel:
Best for: Lush green scenery
Challenging but beautiful
Not recommended
Visit between December and January for the ultimate birdwatching experience.
The wetland is teeming with colorful migratory birds, and the weather is perfect for spending hours observing wildlife.
Budget breakdown for visiting from Sreemangal:
Add accommodation costs:
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**A Hidden Gem in the Tea Gardens** Madhabpur Lake is one of Moulvibazar's best-kept secrets. This natural lake sits quietly inside the Madhabpur Tea Estate, surrounded by small hills and endless rows of tea bushes. The crystal-clear water, covered with beautiful water lilies, creates a picture-perfect scene that feels like a dream. **Where Nature Comes Alive** What makes Madhabpur Lake truly special is its wildlife. This is the only confirmed place in Bangladesh where you can spot the rare Great White-bellied Heron. Bird lovers from around the country visit here hoping to catch a glimpse of this magnificent bird. During winter, many other migratory birds also make this lake their temporary home. **A Peaceful Escape** Located about 15 kilometers from [Sreemangal](/tourist-places/sreemangal) in Kamalganj Upazila, Madhabpur Lake offers a peaceful escape from the busy world. The Patrokhola Tea Garden that surrounds the lake adds to its charm. On clear days, you can even see the distant hills along the Indian border from the higher points around the lake. **Year-Round Beauty** The lake looks different in every season. In monsoon, the water level rises and the surrounding greenery becomes even more lush. In winter, the calm waters reflect the blue sky perfectly, and the comfortable weather makes exploring a joy. No matter when you visit, the serene atmosphere and natural beauty of Madhabpur Lake will leave you refreshed.
**A Living Cultural Heritage** Manipuri Para (also called Monipuri Palli) is a unique cultural village in [Sreemangal](/tourist-places/sreemangal) where the Manipuri community has preserved their ancient traditions for over 200 years. These villages offer a rare glimpse into one of Bangladesh's most colorful and culturally rich communities. **Who Are the Manipuris?** The Manipuri people are believed to be descendants of soldiers and refugees who came from the Manipur Kingdom in northeast India. They started settling in this region during the 18th century, especially after the Manipuri-Burmese wars (1819-1825). Despite being away from their homeland for centuries, they have kept their language, culture, religion, and traditions remarkably intact. **Main Manipuri Villages** - Kalapur - About 10 km from Sreemangal town - Adampur - One of the main settlements - Madhabpur - Near the famous lake - Bhanubil - Offers community tourism experiences **What Makes Them Special** - Ancient dance forms like Raas Leela and Lai Haraoba - Beautiful handloom weaving traditions - Unique traditional dress - the colorful Phanek and Innaphi - Their own language - Meiteilon (Manipuri) - Rich festivals including the famous Raas Mela in November **Weaving Heritage** Almost every Manipuri family owns a handloom. The women are master weavers, creating beautiful textiles including saris, shawls, bags, and traditional costumes. Their fabrics are known for unique patterns and excellent quality, and are sought after across Bangladesh and beyond. The Manipuri villages are more than just tourist spots - they are living examples of how a community can maintain its identity and traditions while living far from their ancestral home.
Madhabkunda Waterfall is one of the highest and most beautiful waterfalls in Bangladesh. Standing at about 162 feet (some say up to 200 feet), this stunning waterfall is located in Barlekha Upazila of Moulvibazar District. The Gangamara stream flows down from the rocky Patharia Hill, creating this amazing natural wonder that attracts thousands of visitors every year. **The Waterfall and Its Streams** The water cascades down from a great height into a pool below, then continues as the Madhabchhara stream. This stream flows westward and eventually joins the famous [Hakaluki Haor](/tourist-places/hakaluki-haor), one of the largest wetlands in Bangladesh. During monsoon season, the waterfall is at its most powerful, with water rushing down in multiple streams creating a misty spray that you can feel from far away. **Madhabkunda Eco Park** The waterfall is the main attraction of Madhabkunda Eco Park, established in 2001. The park covers about 267 hectares (roughly 660 acres) of beautiful forest land. In 2023, a plan was approved to expand the protected area to 925 acres. The eco park was created to protect the waterfall and the rich plants and animals living in the surrounding forest. **A Place of Legend** The waterfall has an interesting story behind its name. Local legend says that in 1335 AD, Raja Govardhan of Gour, the last Hindu king of Sylhet, was hunting in this area when he met a holy man named Madhaveshwar who was meditating by the water. The monk wished to become one with the goddess Ganga, and after he merged with the waters, a divine voice called out "Madhav Madhav Madhav" three times. This is how the waterfall got its name. **Indigenous Khasi Community** The forest around the waterfall is home to the indigenous [Khasi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khasi_people) tribe. These people live in small villages on the hilltops deep in the forest. They are famous for growing betel leaves, which they cultivate on the hillsides. Visiting their villages offers a glimpse into their unique way of life and culture. **Parikunda - The Sister Waterfall** Just a 10-15 minute walk along the stream from Madhabkunda, you will find Parikunda waterfall, sometimes called the "sister waterfall." While smaller than Madhabkunda, Parikunda has its own charm and is less crowded, making it worth the short walk. **Religious Significance** Near the waterfall pool, there is a Hindu temple on the right side and a small cave that is considered a sacred pilgrimage site. Every year, Hindu devotees gather here for special rituals and a fair is held at the site.

**A Hidden Gem of Moulvibazar** Nowabganj Tea Garden is one of the lesser-known but equally beautiful tea estates in Moulvibazar District. Unlike the crowded tourist spots, this garden offers a peaceful escape where you can experience authentic tea country life without the usual crowds. **Colonial Heritage** Like most tea gardens in the region, Nowabganj has roots going back to the British colonial era. The estate was established when the British identified the hilly terrain and climate of Sylhet as perfect for growing tea. Today, the garden continues producing quality tea using methods passed down through generations. **The Working Tea Estate** What makes Nowabganj special is that it remains a fully working tea estate. You can see real tea production happening - from the early morning plucking by women in colorful clothes to the processing in the factory. It's not a tourist show but actual daily life of a tea garden. **Scenic Beauty** Rolling hills covered with neat rows of tea bushes stretch in every direction. Shade trees dot the landscape, providing rest spots for workers and creating a picturesque scene. The garden is particularly beautiful in early morning when mist hangs over the tea bushes. **Tea Worker Community** The garden is home to a community of tea workers, many of whom are descendants of tribal laborers brought from central India during British times. They have their own unique culture, festivals, and traditions that add to the garden's character. **Perfect for Quiet Exploration** If you want to escape the tourist crowds of [Sreemangal](/tourist-places/sreemangal) while still enjoying tea garden beauty, Nowabganj is an excellent choice. It's perfect for those who prefer authentic experiences over polished tourist attractions.