Lawachara National Park

Lauachara National Park is a protected forest area. Lauachhara National Park is located in Kamalganj and Srimangal (partial) upazilas of Moulvibazar district of Sylhet division . Lauachhara is one of the 7 wildlife sanctuaries and 10 national parks in Bangladesh. Its distance from Srimangal town is only 10 km. Calling this park a natural museum would be an understatement with an area of ​​1,250 hectares. Various types of plants and animals have added to the beauty of this forest. This national park is one of the places of aesthetic beauty full of biodiversity and is known as a tropical rain forest in the country. Lauachhra Udyan is one of the most visited places in Moulvibazar district.

Biodiversity is the main attraction of the forest. Various species of cats and birds can be seen in this park full of biodiversity. As per national database, this park has 460 species of rare plants and animals. Among them 160 species of plants including Chapalish, Segun, Agar, Jarul, Akashmani, Lohakath, Awal. There are 20 species of mammals, 240 species of birds, 6 species of reptiles. Notable wildlife include Deer, Lajjavati Monkey, Mukhpora Hanuman, Banrui Gandagokul, Bagdash, Wild Rooster, Porcupine, Python, Guisap, Hanuman, Jackal, Mechobag, Leopard, Wild Cat, Squirrel, Wild Dog. There are also various types of birds including hill myna, dhanesh, mathura, green dove. Lauachhra Park is the largest habitat of the extinct owl.

There are 3 trails to see the beauty of the forest up close. You can enjoy the form of this forest very closely by trekking on these trails for half an hour, one hour and three hours. Guides are available for trekking assistance. You can take a guide with you if you want. The dazzling play of light and dark, the chirping of birds, the singing of insects, all together will enchant you with a strange magic while wandering around. Apart from this, there are Khasiapunji, Paner Barj, Tea Garden and Jhiri inside Lauachhara Park.

The Dhaka-Sylhet railway line passes through the forest of Lauachhra. There are trees on both sides of the railway line. This place is also very popular with visitors. You can walk along the railway line for a while. Besides, on the way to Lauachhara, you will see tea gardens , high and low hills, pineapple, litchi and lemon gardens. Greenery is scattered on both sides of the road, it will seem like a paradise of green.

Train is the best way to go to Lauachhara National Park from Dhaka. From Dhaka to Srimangal by train you can choose Upaban, Jayantika, Parabat or Kalni Express trains from Kamalapur or Biman Port railway station as your travel companion. The train fare is 240 to 828 taka per person depending on the class. It takes seven to seven and a half hours to travel by train.

From Dhaka to Srimangal by bus, Hanif Enterprise, Shyamoli Paribahan, Sylhet Express, Ena etc AC/Non AC buses are available from Fakirapool or Syedabad for a fare of Tk 570 to Tk 700. It takes about 4 hours to go by bus.

You can go to Srimangal by bus or train from Chittagong. From Chittagong to Srimangal by train, two trains namely Paharika and Udayan Express ply 6 days a week. Train fare is Tk 300 to Tk 685 according to the class.

After reaching Srimangal, you can take any vehicle according to your needs to Lauachhara Udyan. Easybike/CNG/Jeep/Microbus to go anywhere. CNG will charge Tk 400-500 if you take the reserve including travel time.

Entrance fee for students and minors in Lauachhara National Park is Tk 20 (per person), adult tourists (domestic) Tk 50. And for foreign tourists, the entry fee is 500 rupees. You have to pay Tk 25 for car, jeep and microbus parking. If you want to take a guide, there are three categories of guides available here for between 200 and 600 taka.

2-4 hours may be enough to explore Lauachhara. If you want to spend the rest of the time, you can visit other places of interest around Srimangal. Among them are Madhavpur Lake, Bangladesh Tea Research Institute, Sitesh Babur Zoo, Neelkanth Tea Cabin, Baikkabil and the beautiful tea gardens. You can customize the plan according to your time and interest. You can reserve a CNG for a day tour. Morning or afternoon is the best time to visit Madhavpur Lake which is beautifully arranged inside the tea garden. Went to Madhavpur Lake early in the morning, after exploring there for an hour, came to Lauyachara Udyan before noon. You can go back to Srimangal town on the trail of your choice. After lunch, go to Bangladesh Tea Research Institute in the afternoon, check out before 5 pm, then go to Neelkanth Tea Cabin, a famous seven-color tea shop. Come back to Srimangal after having tea in the evening. CNG reserve for the whole day will take Tk 1200-1500. But before deciding where you will go, how long you will stay, what you will see.

There is no provision of food inside or around the Lauachhara National Park, so if necessary you can take some light food with you at your own risk. Besides, Shrimangal should be eaten again. There are various types of restaurants. There is everyone's favorite panshi restaurant. You can eat various types of food including bharta bhaji for 100-500 taka.

There are several beautiful resorts to stay in Srimangal. There are many cottages and government and private guest houses near tea gardens. Srimangal town also has various quality hotels. You can stay anywhere according to your needs. There is a five-star resort called Grand Sultan Golf Resort very close to Lauachara . Among the resorts surrounded by tea gardens and beautiful surroundings are notable –

Tea Resort & Museum : This resort under Bangladesh Tea Board is located along Srimangal – Bhanugacha road, each bungalow type cottage can accommodate 4-8 people. 5,000 – 8,000 rupees per night. Contact: 01749-014306 , website .

Novem Eco Resort : Location : Vishamani, Radhanagar, Srimangal. There are many beautiful cottages with modern amenities. Accommodation is available in mud houses, wooden houses, family villas, tents. 8,000 – 17,500 Tk per night for 2-8 people. Contact: 01709 882000 , Website .

Nisarg Eco Cottage : This cottage is located along the Srimangal – Bhanugacha road, the cottages are built in a rural environment and can accommodate 3-5 people. Contact: 01766-557780 , website .

Nisarg Lichibari Cottage : This cottage is located along the Srimangal – Bhanugacha road, the cottages are made in rural environment and can accommodate 3-8 people. Contact: 01766-557780 , website .

Lemon Garden Resort : Economy, deluxe, luxury, suite room rent in this resort next to Lauachhara garden is 3,000-8,000 taka. Contact: 01763555000 , website .

Shanti Bari Resort : A little inland before going along the Srimangal – Bhanugacha road, this resort has various types of cottages. Get details by contacting this number 01716189288 , website .

The rates of the above resorts and cottages may vary according to season and occasion. There are various discounts at different times. Talk to them before deciding where to stay, and if necessary, bargain a little on the rent. In addition, if you want to stay in Srimangal at a lower cost, there are many quality hotels in the city, just search a little and you will find the hotel of your choice.

Things to keep in mind while visiting the park: