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Shimul Bagan is a beautiful garden of silk cotton trees (locally called Shimul trees) located in Sunamganj district.
The word "Bagan" means garden in Bengali, and this place truly is a garden of red flowers during the blooming season.
The garden sits on the banks of a wetland area near Tekerghat, close to the Bangladesh-India border.
What makes this place magical is that the trees stand in shallow water, creating a dreamlike scene especially when the bright red flowers bloom against the blue sky and are reflected in the still water below.
Shimul Bagan is famous for one thing - the stunning display of red silk cotton flowers that bloom from late January to mid-March.
During this short window, the trees burst into flame-red blooms that draw photographers and nature lovers from across Bangladesh.
The silk cotton tree (Bombax ceiba) is known for its tall, straight trunk and bright red flowers that appear before the leaves.
The flowers are large, about 5-8 inches across, and their deep red color stands out beautifully against the winter sky.
During blooming season (February-March), expect to see rows of Shimul trees covered in red flowers.
The reflection of these fiery blooms in the water below creates perfect photo opportunities.
The morning light is especially beautiful for photography.
Outside of blooming season, the garden is still peaceful and worth a visit if you are in the area.
The trees have their own charm even without flowers, and you can combine your visit with nearby attractions like Niladri Lake, Tanguar Haor, and Tekerghat.
Note: During peak bloom season (February-March), the area gets more visitors.
There are no formal ticket systems - this is a natural village area.
Shimul Bagan is an open natural area with no fixed opening or closing times.
You can visit anytime during daylight hours.
Note: There is no artificial lighting.
Plan to leave before sunset for safety.
Enough time to walk through the garden, take photos of the trees and flowers, and enjoy the scenery.
Suitable for those on a tight schedule or making a quick stop on the way to other attractions.
Allows time to explore the entire garden, find the best photo spots, and relax in the peaceful setting.
Good for photography enthusiasts who want to capture different angles and lighting.
Combine Shimul Bagan with nearby Niladri Lake or Tekerghat.
This gives you a more complete experience of the area.
Visit Shimul Bagan in the morning, then explore Tanguar Haor in the afternoon.
This requires early start from Sunamganj.
Note: Travel time from Sunamganj town to the garden is about 1-1.5 hours.
Factor this into your planning.
Take a bus from Sayedabad or Mohakhali bus terminal to Sunamganj town.
The journey takes around 5-6 hours.
From Sunamganj, hire a local auto-rickshaw or CNG to reach Shimul Bagan directly.
The garden is about 8 kilometers from the main town.
Shimul Bagan is closer from Sylhet city.
Take a bus or CNG from Sylhet to Sunamganj, which takes about 1.5-2 hours.
From Sunamganj bus stand, local transport is easily available to the garden.
You can drive directly to Shimul Bagan.
The road is paved and in good condition.
Parking is available near the entrance.
From Dhaka, take the Dhaka-Sylhet highway and turn towards Sunamganj at the appropriate junction.
The most comfortable way is to come via Sylhet.
You can combine this trip with visits to other nearby attractions like Tanguar Haor and Niladri Lake.
Local vendors sell tea, biscuits, and light snacks at the entrance.
For proper meals, you will need to go back to Sunamganj town.
Pack your own food and water for a comfortable visit.
Local photographers are available who can take your photos among the beautiful shimul trees.
Charges are usually between 50-100 BDT per photo.
You can also take unlimited photos yourself.
This is the main reason people visit Shimul Bagan.
During February-March, the red flowers create a stunning backdrop for photos.
Early morning light is best for capturing the vivid red colors.
The contrast of red flowers against the green fields and blue sky makes every photo special.
Take a peaceful walk through the rows of shimul trees.
The garden is spread over a large area, and walking among the tall trees is a calming experience.
In the flowering season, you can see fallen petals on the ground creating a natural red carpet.
Many visitors bring food and have a small picnic under the trees.
The shaded areas are perfect for sitting with family and friends.
Just make sure to clean up after yourself and take all trash with you.
Different birds visit the shimul trees, especially during flowering season.
Parakeets, bulbuls, and woodpeckers are commonly seen.
Bring binoculars for a better experience.
After visiting Shimul Bagan, you can combine your trip with other attractions:
Shimul Bagan is generally a safe place to visit.
It is located in a rural area with friendly locals.
However, follow basic travel precautions.
This is THE time to visit Shimul Bagan.
The silk cotton trees are covered in bright red flowers, creating a stunning visual display.
Late February is usually the peak of blooming.
This is when photographers and tourists flock here from all over Bangladesh.
Early blooms may start appearing.
Good time if you want to avoid the biggest crowds.
Not all trees will be in full bloom yet.
Flowers start falling and leaves begin to appear.
Still some blooms left but the peak beauty has passed.
Fallen flowers on the ground can also create nice photos.
The trees have no flowers during this time.
The garden is quiet and peaceful but lacks the main attraction.
Only visit during this time if you are already in the area for other attractions.
The area floods with water.
Trees standing in water can be interesting to photograph but access may be difficult.
Not recommended unless you specifically want to see the flooded landscape.
The exact bloom timing varies each year depending on weather.
Check social media or call locals before visiting to confirm flowers are blooming.
Peak bloom usually lasts only 2-3 weeks.
Note: Prices are estimates and may vary by season.
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**About Tekerghat:** Tekerghat is a stunning border area located in the Tahirpur upazila of Sunamganj district. This small riverside settlement sits right at the foot of the [Meghalaya](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meghalaya) hills of India. What makes Tekerghat truly special are the numerous waterfalls that cascade down from these hills, creating one of the most beautiful natural scenes in Bangladesh. During and after the monsoon season, you can see dozens of waterfalls flowing down the green hillsides. The crystal-clear water that forms these falls is the same source that feeds the nearby [Jadukata River](/tourist-places/jadukata-river). **The Famous Waterfalls:** The waterfalls at Tekerghat are seasonal but spectacular. During the rainy season (June to October), water pours down from the Meghalaya mountains in multiple streams. Some falls are small and gentle, while others are powerful and dramatic. The most famous ones are visible from the Bangladesh side of the border. The sound of falling water combined with the misty mountain views creates a magical atmosphere that attracts thousands of visitors each year. Many tourists combine a Tekerghat trip with visits to nearby [Tanguar Haor](/tourist-places/tanguar-haor), the famous wetland sanctuary. **Historical Significance:** Tekerghat also has historical importance. In the past, this area was known for limestone quarrying. You can still see the remnants of the old limestone mines and the infrastructure left behind. Interestingly, similar quarrying activities in the region created the stunning [Niladri Lake](/tourist-places/niladri-lake), now one of Sunamganj's most popular destinations. The area served as an important trade route between Bangladesh and India. Today, while the commercial activities have reduced, the natural beauty remains unchanged, drawing tourists who want to experience this unique border landscape.
**About Tanguar Haor** Tanguar Haor is one of Bangladesh's most important wetland ecosystems and a [Ramsar Wetland of International Importance](https://www.ramsar.org/wetland/bangladesh). Located in the northeastern part of Sunamganj district in Sylhet division, this vast freshwater wetland covers about 10,000 hectares and is home to an amazing variety of wildlife. The haor sits at the foot of the Meghalaya hills of India, collecting water from numerous small streams that flow down from the mountains. This creates a unique landscape that changes with the seasons - during monsoon, it transforms into a seemingly endless inland sea, while in dry season, scattered villages and green marshlands emerge from the water. **Why It's Special** Tanguar Haor was declared a Ramsar site in 2000, recognizing its global importance for biodiversity. The wetland supports over 140 species of fish, making it one of Bangladesh's most important freshwater fisheries. During winter, the haor becomes a paradise for bird lovers, hosting over 200 species of migratory birds from as far as Siberia. The haor consists of 46 interconnected beels (permanent water bodies) and is fed by over 30 small rivers and streams. Local communities depend on the haor for fishing, and the sustainable management of this ecosystem is a model for wetland conservation in Bangladesh. **What to Expect** Visitors to Tanguar Haor can expect a peaceful escape into nature. The boat rides through the open waters offer stunning views of the horizon meeting the water. For the best panoramic views of the haor, visitors often climb [Barek Tila](/tourist-places/barek-tila), a nearby hillock that offers 360-degree views of the wetland. Early mornings are magical, with mist rising from the water and birds beginning their daily activities. Nearby attractions include the spectacular waterfalls at [Tekerghat](/tourist-places/tekerghat) and the stunning blue waters of [Niladri Lake](/tourist-places/niladri-lake). The local villages on the haor's edges give visitors a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of the fishing communities who have lived here for generations.
**About Niladri Lake** Niladri Lake is a stunning blue-green lake tucked away in the hills of Sunamganj district. The name "Niladri" means "Blue Mountain" in Bengali, and the lake truly lives up to its name with its beautiful blue-green waters surrounded by green hills. This hidden gem sits near Tekerghat, close to the Bangladesh-India border. The lake was created by limestone and stone quarrying activities in the past, but nature has transformed it into a breathtaking natural attraction. The deep blue color of the water comes from the minerals in the surrounding limestone. **What Makes It Special** What makes Niladri Lake so beautiful is the contrast between the bright blue water and the lush green hills around it. On sunny days, the water reflects the sky and hills like a mirror, creating picture-perfect scenes. The lake is surrounded by rocky terrain and some vegetation, giving it an almost otherworldly feel. Unlike many natural lakes, Niladri Lake has very clear water that allows you to see quite deep. The color changes throughout the day - appearing brighter blue in strong sunlight and turning deeper shades as the light changes. **What to Expect** Visitors to Niladri Lake can expect a peaceful and scenic experience. The area is not heavily developed for tourism, which means you get a more raw, natural experience. You can walk around parts of the lake, sit on the rocks and enjoy the view, or just take in the quiet atmosphere away from city life. The lake is often combined with visits to nearby [Tanguar Haor](/tourist-places/tanguar-haor), [Shimul Bagan](/tourist-places/shimul-bagan), and [Tekerghat](/tourist-places/tekerghat) to make a complete Sunamganj tour.
**About Jadukata River:** Jadukata River is one of the most beautiful rivers in Bangladesh. The name "Jadukata" means "magic cut" in Bengali, and once you see it, you will understand why. The river flows down from the [Meghalaya](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meghalaya) hills in India, bringing crystal-clear water that looks almost magical. During winter months, the water becomes so clear that you can see the riverbed even in deep sections. **The Crystal Clear Water:** What makes Jadukata special is the color and clarity of its water. The river carries fine white sand and small colorful stones from the hills above. When sunlight hits the water, it creates beautiful shades of blue and green. The water is cold and refreshing, coming straight from the mountains. Many visitors say they have never seen such clear river water in Bangladesh before. **The Scenic Beauty:** The river flows through a stunning landscape. On one side, you can see the towering Meghalaya hills rising into the clouds - the same mountains where the spectacular waterfalls of [Tekerghat](/tourist-places/tekerghat) originate. The riverbanks are lined with rocks, pebbles, and stretches of white sand. Small streams and waterfalls join the main river at various points. The whole area feels peaceful and untouched, making it a perfect escape from city life. The river eventually feeds into the vast [Tanguar Haor](/tourist-places/tanguar-haor) wetland system. During the dry season, the exposed riverbed reveals beautiful patterns of rocks and sand that photographers love to capture.