During the recent Eid-ul-Fitr holidays, Sylhet in Bangladesh, renowned for its tea production, experienced a surge in tourism as visitors flocked to its tea estates, waterfalls, and eco-parks, transforming these locations into bustling centers of activity.
The seven-day holiday period, commencing last Tuesday, attracted families and groups from various parts of the country to popular spots like Srimangal, Kamalganj, Jaflong, and Madhabkunda. Smaller resorts in Srimangal reported full occupancy, while larger establishments were booked up to around 70%. Tourism operators noted a slow start in advance reservations until the late days of Ramadan, but there was a significant increase just before Eid.
Visitors shared mixed experiences of the season, with some expressing disappointment at overcrowded and poorly managed locations they had seen on social media, while finding solace in the peaceful and refreshing ambiance of the tea gardens. Cultural encounters, such as visits to Manipuri villages, were praised, along with the visible police presence that instilled confidence in traveling families.
Industry experts mentioned that though the influx of tourists was slightly lower compared to previous Eid seasons, it provided much-needed relief to Moulvibazar’s tourism industry, which sustains numerous families. According to Salim Ahmed, a local entrepreneur in Srimangal, tourists began returning towards the end of Ramadan, but bookings at major resorts did not reach full capacity.
Popular attractions like Lawachhara National Park, Baikka Beel, Hakaluki Haor, Hamham Waterfall, and Madhabkunda attracted large crowds. However, traffic congestion in Srimangal town highlighted the necessity for improved management. Some visitors suggested the establishment of a government-operated tourist center to enhance visitor arrivals and enhance oversight.
Superintendent of Police Mohammad Billal Hossain assured that tourist police and district forces were deployed to ensure the safety and crowd control of visitors. For many travelers, the annual Eid trip to Sylhet has become a tradition combining photography, cultural immersion, and the enduring appeal of the tea gardens.
