Freshwater swamp forests, or flooded forests, are forests that are inundated with freshwater, either permanently or seasonally. They normally occur along the lower reaches of rivers and around freshwater lakes. Freshwater swamp forests are found in a range of climate zones, from boreal through temperate and subtropical to tropical. Ratargul Swamp Forest is the only freshwater swamp forest in Bangladesh.
Ratargul Swamp Forest is located in Goainghat area of Sylhet. This forest is flooded by the water coming from the hills of India only in the monsoon period and make the swamp. Other times, it remains dry. The water of this beautiful forest is so clear that you can see the bottom layer. The water level never remains at the same level in this forest. It depends on the number of rainfalls. The water level could be 15-20 feet in the forest on the time of heavy rainfall. The total area of the forest is 3325.61 acres, among which 504 acres of forest was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1973.
The main trees of this forest are zigzag-style Koroch and Hizal tree. The root of these trees is in two-level. One in the ground, and another in the mid-level which is used while the forest is flooded in the monsoon time. If someone sees this forest in monsoon time, he may think these trees are born above the water because of the roots at mid-level. Among wildlife, monkeys, snakes, frogs, and many types of birds are seen here.
4 months in the monsoon period is the best time to explore the forest. You can hire a local wooden boat and spend a whole day wandering and relaxing in the forest. Other times there will be no water in the forest, and you have to walk in clay. If you want to spend a whole day in the Sylhet division, Ratargul Swamp Forest is the best place for doing so!
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