Sunamganj, Sylhet
A huge planted grove of silk-cotton trees beside the Jadukata river that turns red in late winter, with the Meghalaya hills behind it.
The Shimul Bagan near the Jadukata river in Tahirpur is a planted garden of silk-cotton (shimul) trees, set out in rows over a large stretch of land by a local landowner in the early 2000s. As the trees grew it became one of the most photographed places in the Sylhet region.
In late winter, before the leaves return, the bare branches are covered in large red flowers, and the ground beneath is carpeted with fallen petals. With the blue-green hills of Meghalaya on one side and the sandy bed of the Jadukata on the other, the scene draws crowds every February and March.
Outside the flowering season it is a quiet, shady grove — pleasant, but the reason to come is the bloom.
Hire a motorbike or CNG for the day towards Tahirpur and the Jadukata.
Walk the rows of flowering trees before the crowds arrive.
Cross to the river and climb Barikkatila for the view over the Jadukata.
Eat at Tahirpur bazar and head back to Sunamganj before dark.
February to early March, when the trees are in full flower
From Sunamganj town, go by motorbike or CNG towards Tahirpur and the Jadukata river, about 1.5–2 hours. Barikkatila is close by, so most visitors see both together. In the wet season part of the route can be by boat; ask locally.
