Lawachara National Forest
About Lawachara National Forest
Although it is listed here with Sylhet, Lawachara National Forest lies in Moulvibazar district, a short drive from Sreemangal, the tea capital of Bangladesh. It is one of the country’s best-known protected forests, a patch of tall, mixed evergreen woodland surrounded by tea estates.
The star residents are the western hoolock gibbons, the only apes in Bangladesh, whose loud whooping calls carry through the trees in the early morning. With patience and a good guide you may also see capped langurs, macaques, giant squirrels and many birds. Marked trails of different lengths, from a short loop to a walk of a few hours, wind through the forest, and the Dhaka to Sylhet railway line cuts straight through it, a favourite photo spot.
Inside the forest is the Khasi village of Magurchhara, where families grow betel leaf; see Khasi Tribal Village. On our private Sreemangal tours we start early, when the forest is cool and the animals are most active, and combine Lawachara with the tea gardens.
Things to do
-
Forest trails
Walk one of the marked trails, from a short loop to a longer hike through the forest, with a guide who can read the signs of wildlife.
-
Gibbon spotting
Listen for the morning calls of the western hoolock gibbons and look up into the canopy. Early starts give the best chance.
-
Birdwatching
The forest is good for birds such as hornbills, drongos and bee-eaters. Bring binoculars.
-
Railway track
The Dhaka to Sylhet railway runs through the forest, a striking scene with tall trees on both sides.
Getting there
From Sreemangal: a short drive of about 15 to 20 minutes along the Kamalganj road.
From Dhaka: take the train or drive to Sreemangal, roughly four to five hours, and visit the forest the next morning.
Where to stay
Stay in Sreemangal, where tea garden resorts and simple hotels make a peaceful base for Lawachara and the tea estates.
More to see in Moulvibazar
Tours that visit Lawachara National Forest
Holiday Tours
Explore the Natural Beauty of Bangladesh
Price on request
Short Tours
Sreemangal & Sylhet Discovery Tour: Tea, Tribal Culture & Nature
from $400 per person
Holiday Tours
Ten Days Across Bangladesh
from $800 per person
Short Tours
The Best of Bangladesh: City, Tea & Heritage Tour
from $500 per person
Questions
Will I see gibbons at Lawachara?
There is a good chance in the early morning with a local guide, but sightings are never guaranteed in a wild forest.
How long are the trails?
There are several marked trails, from a short loop of about half an hour to longer walks of a few hours.
Is there an entry fee?
Yes, an entry ticket is charged at the gate, and hiring a local forest guide is recommended.
Is Lawachara in Sylhet?
It is in Moulvibazar district in Sylhet Division, near Sreemangal, roughly two to three hours by road from Sylhet city.