Haor Basin Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, and must-try dishes in Haor Basin. This article includes a week-long itinerary, transportation options, and safety and health tips.


Introduction to Haor Basin

Haor Basin is a wetland ecosystem located in northeastern Bangladesh. It spans over 10,000 square kilometers and is home to over 2 million people. The basin is formed by the Teesta, Surma, and Kushiyara rivers, which create a unique floodplain ecosystem that supports a diverse range of flora and fauna. The area is popular for bird watching, fishing, and agriculture, including rice production.

List of Places to Visit in Haor Basin

If you’re planning a trip to the Haor Basin, here are some must-visit attractions:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Madhabpur Lake
  • Boro Kuthi
  • Siddheswari Temple
  • Shashi Lodge

Natural Attractions of Haor Basin: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Hakaluki Haor Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Tanguar Haor
  • Lawachara National Park
  • Ratargul Swamp Forest
  • Bijoypur Rudra Sagar Lake

Hiking/Biking Routes of Haor Basin

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, the Haor Basin offers many scenic hiking and biking trails. Here are a few options to consider:

  • The trail around Tanguar Haor
  • The trail around Hakaluki Haor Wildlife Sanctuary
  • The trail around the Ratargul Swamp Forest
  • The trail around Bijoypur Rudra Sagar Lake

Best Things to Do in Haor Basin: Activities and Tours

  • Take a boat ride to explore the wetlands
  • Enjoy birdwatching at Hakaluki Haor Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Take a guided tour of Boro Kuthi
  • Visit Lawachara National Park for wildlife spotting and trekking
  • Learn about the local culture by visiting the Siddheswari Temple

Week-Long Itinerary for Haor Basin

Day 1: Explore Hakaluki Haor Wildlife Sanctuary Day 2: Visit Boro Kuthi and Madhabpur Lake Day 3: Trek through Lawachara National Park Day 4: Take a boat ride around Tanguar Haor Day 5: Visit Siddheswari Temple and Shashi Lodge Day 6: Go for a hike around Ratargul Swamp Forest Day 7: Explore Bijoypur Rudra Sagar Lake

Food and Drink Scene of Haor Basin

Must-Try Dishes

  • Panta Ilish: Rice with fermented Hilsa fish
  • Shutki Maachh: Dried fish curry
  • Bhorta: Mashed vegetables with spices
  • Borhani: Spiced yogurt drink
  • Chomchom: Sweet, milk-based dessert

Local Beverages

  • Tea: Try a cup of “cha” at a local tea stall
  • Pitha: Sweet rice cakes

Where to Stay in Haor Basin: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Haor Backyard
  • Tamabil Guest House
  • Nirvana Garden Guest House
  • Alinagar Nidra Potro

What to Buy in Haor Basin: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Terracotta pottery
  • Hand-woven textiles
  • Bamboo craft items
  • Tea leaves

Local Culture and Customs of Haor Basin

The local culture of the Haor Basin is shaped by the wetland ecosystem and the diverse communities that call it home. Visitors should be respectful of local customs and dress modestly when visiting places of worship. It is also customary to remove your shoes before entering a house or temple.

Best Time to Visit Haor Basin

The best time to visit the Haor Basin is between November and March, when the weather is dry and cool. During this time, the wetlands are at their most beautiful and you can experience local festivals like Poush Utsab and Baul Mela.

Do’s and Don’ts of Haor Basin

Do:

  • Dress appropriately and cover up when visiting religious sites.
  • Try the local cuisine.
  • Learn a few words of Bengali to communicate with locals.
  • Hire a guide for the best experience.

Don’t:

  • Disrespect local customs and traditions.
  • Cause harm or disturb wildlife.
  • Litter the wetlands or leave plastic waste behind.
  • Venture into the wetlands alone without a guide.

Safety and Health

Safety in Haor Basin

While the Haor Basin is generally safe, visitors should exercise caution when exploring the area. Carry a first-aid kit and be prepared for emergencies.

Health in Haor Basin

Visitors should be up-to-date on their vaccinations and take necessary precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Drink only bottled water and avoid street food that may not be prepared hygienically.

Getting to Haor Basin: Transportation Options and Logistics

The most convenient way to reach the Haor Basin is by road. You can hire a car or take a bus from Dhaka to Sylhet or Sunamganj, which are the closest towns to the basin.

Airports Near Haor Basin

The nearest airports to the Haor Basin are Osmani International Airport in Sylhet and Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka.

Bus Stations Near Haor Basin

The main bus stations in Sylhet and Sunamganj offer regular services to nearby towns and cities.

Other Options

You can also take a train to Sylhet and then hire a car or take a bus to the Haor Basin.

How to Get Around in Haor Basin

The best way to explore the Haor Basin is by hiring a guide or taking a shared taxi. You can also rent a bicycle or motorbike to explore the wetlands at your own pace.

Where to Go Next from Haor Basin: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Srimangal: Famous for tea plantations and trekking
  • Lawachara National Park: Spot wildlife and hike through the rainforest
  • Sylhet: Visit the Shrine of Hazrat Shah Jalal and explore the city’s historic landmarks

Conclusion

The Haor Basin is a must-visit destination for travelers who want to experience the unique wetland ecosystem of Northeastern Bangladesh. From wildlife spotting to cultural experiences, this amazing region has something to offer for everyone. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the Haor Basin!

A haor with small islands A haor with small islands In the haor basin. Note the mobile phone tower on the island In the haor basin. Note the mobile phone tower on the island A goods trawler in the haor basin A goods trawler in the haor basin