Moulvibazar, Sylhet
A protected wetland sanctuary in Hail Haor near Sreemangal, with a watchtower over water lilies, fish and winter birds.
Hail Haor is the wetland that lies just west of Sreemangal, below the tea hills. Baikka Beel, one of its beels, was set aside in the early 2000s as a permanent fish and wildlife sanctuary, managed with the local community. Fishing is not allowed inside, so the beel acts as a nursery that restocks the rest of the haor.
The protection brought the birds back. In winter, ducks, herons, egrets, jacanas and many other species gather on the water, and the observation tower beside the beel gives a wide view over lilies, lotus and reed beds. A short walk along the embankment completes the visit.
Baikka Beel is a quiet half-day trip from Sreemangal and pairs well with a tea-garden morning or an afternoon at Lawachara.
Take a CNG or car into Hail Haor at first light.
Climb the tower and watch the birds on the water with binoculars.
A slow walk along the beel among lilies and fishing villages.
Return to Sreemangal for seven-layer tea and lunch, leaving the afternoon for Lawachara or the tea gardens.
December to February for birds; the monsoon for lilies and lotus
Easiest from Sreemangal town: about 45 minutes to an hour by CNG or car on the road into Hail Haor; the last part can be rough. From Moulvibazar town, first go to Sreemangal by bus or CNG (about an hour).
