Habiganj, Sylhet
One of the largest surviving natural hill forests in Bangladesh, on the Tripura border, with long trails, a watchtower and rich birdlife.
Rema-Kalenga is a large protected forest in the hills of Chunarughat, running up to the border with the Indian state of Tripura. It is one of the largest areas of natural hill forest left in Bangladesh, and has been a wildlife sanctuary since the 1980s.
The forest is known for its birds — hundreds of species have been recorded — and for primates such as hoolock gibbons, capped langurs and macaques. Deer, wild boar and many reptiles also live here, though most animals are shy and heard more often than seen.
It is quieter and wilder than Satchari: fewer visitors, longer trails and a watchtower over the canopy near Kalenga. Tripura, Santal and other communities live in villages around the forest.
Leave Chunarughat or Habiganj early by jeep, CNG or motorbike.
Meet your guide and climb the tower for birds and the view over the canopy.
Walk a longer trail through the hills, watching for gibbons, langurs and hornbills.
Return for a late lunch, leaving the forest well before dark.
November to March for dry trails and birdwatching
From Habiganj town, go to Chunarughat by bus or CNG (about 45 minutes), then by CNG, jeep or motorbike to Kalenga at the sanctuary’s edge, about 1–1.5 hours on a partly rough road. Ask in Chunarughat about the road after rain.
On foot along the forest trails from Kalenga, from short walks to the watchtower to longer half-day routes.
