Take A Boat
Take A Boat
Tanguar Haor

Tanguar Haor from Dhaka: Simple & Cheap Ways to Travel

28/05/2025

Tanguar Haor From Dhaka: Best Ways

Have you ever wanted to escape the busy city life of Dhaka and explore a peaceful natural wonder? It’s a perfect spot for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and anyone looking for a calm getaway.

But how can you get to Tanguar Haor from Dhaka without spending too much money or getting confused by tricky routes? Don’t worry! This easy guide will show you the simplest and cheapest ways to travel there.

Whether you’re going alone, with family, or with friends, we’ve got tips and steps to make your trip smooth and affordable. Let’s start planning your journey to this hidden treasure of Bangladesh!

Why Should You Visit Tanguar Haor?

Before we talk about how to get there, let’s see why Tanguar Haor is worth your time. This huge wetland covers over 9,500 hectares and is a special place for nature, recognized worldwide. It’s home to many kinds of birds that fly in from far away, rare fish, and beautiful plants.

In the rainy season, the haor turns into a giant lake, and you can take amazing boat rides through villages underwater. In the dry season, it becomes a green paradise with local life all around. Picture yourself on a boat at sunrise, hearing birds sing while the water shines—doesn’t that sound like the perfect break from Dhaka’s noise?

Now, let’s look at the easiest ways to reach Tanguar Haor without spending too much.

Option 1: Bus Travel – The Cheapest Way to Tanguar Haor

If you want to save money, taking a bus from Dhaka to Sunamganj is the best choice. It’s super affordable and easy to do. Here’s how:

Step 1: Take a Bus from Dhaka to Sunamganj

Many buses run from Dhaka to Sunamganj every day. A ticket for a regular (non-AC) bus costs between BDT 500 and BDT 800, which is about $5 to $8. You can catch a bus from Sayedabad or Mohakhali bus stations in Dhaka.

Companies like Shyamoli Paribahan, Hanif Enterprise, and Ena Transport are popular. The trip takes around 6 to 7 hours, depending on traffic.

Quick Tip: Choose a night bus that leaves around 10 PM or midnight. You’ll sleep during the ride and reach Sunamganj early in the morning, saving time and avoiding the daytime heat.

Step 2: From Sunamganj to Tanguar Haor

When you arrive in Sunamganj, you need to go to Tahirpur, the starting point for Tanguar Haor. From the Sunamganj bus stand, hop on a local CNG auto-rickshaw or a shared tempo. It costs just BDT 50 to BDT 100 per person and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.

In Tahirpur, rent a boat to explore the haor. A full-day boat trip costs between BDT 1,000 and BDT 2,000, depending on your group size. Share the boat with other travelers to spend less!

Total Cost for Bus Route: About BDT 600 to BDT 1,000 per person (not including the boat).

Option 2: Train to Sylhet – A Relaxing and Pretty Ride

If you want a comfy trip with nice views, take a train from Dhaka to Sylhet, then head to Sunamganj. It costs a bit more than the bus but feels more relaxing.

Step 1: Train from Dhaka to Sylhet

Trains like Parabat Express, Jayantika Express, and Upaban Express leave daily from Dhaka’s Kamalapur Railway Station to Sylhet. Tickets cost BDT 300 for a basic seat (Shovon) or up to BDT 1,200 for an AC seat. The ride takes about 6 to 7 hours.

Quick Tip: Buy your ticket early online at the Bangladesh Railway website or at the station. This is especially important in winter when Tanguar Haor is most popular, and seats fill up fast.

Step 2: Sylhet to Sunamganj

From Sylhet, take a bus to Sunamganj for BDT 150 to BDT 200. This takes around 2 hours. If you’re with a group, you can also rent a CNG or small car for BDT 1,500 to BDT 2,000. Then, follow the same steps from Sunamganj to Tanguar Haor as in the bus option.

Total Cost for Train Route: About BDT 500 to BDT 1,500 per person (not including the boat).

Option 3: Private Car – Easy and Flexible but Costly

If you want to travel on your own schedule and in comfort, renting a private car or using ride-sharing apps like Uber or Pathao is a good idea. This works well for families or groups.

Step 1: Rent a Car in Dhaka

You can hire a car in Dhaka for a day or longer to go to Tanguar Haor. It costs BDT 5,000 to BDT 8,000 per day, not including fuel or driver fees. The drive to Tahirpur (through Sunamganj) is about 300 kilometers and takes 7 to 8 hours.

Step 2: Get to Tanguar Haor

Once you’re in Tahirpur, rent a boat like in the other options. With a private car, you can stop at beautiful spots along the way, making the trip more fun.

Total Cost for Private Car: BDT 6,000 to BDT 10,000 for a group of 4-5 people (not including the boat).

Quick Tip: Share the cost with friends or family to save money. Also, make sure the driver knows the rural roads to Sunamganj, as they can be hard to navigate.

Best Time to Go to Tanguar Haor

Picking the right time to visit can save you money and make your trip better. The best time is winter (November to February). The weather is cool, and lots of birds come to the haor. Travel costs are steady, and boat rides are pleasant.

The rainy season (June to September) shows a different side with lots of water, but heavy rain can make travel tough, and boat prices might be higher.

Easy Tips to Save Money on Your Trip

You don’t have to spend a lot to enjoy Tanguar Haor. Here are some simple ways to keep costs down:

  • Go with Friends: Share bus, CNG, and boat costs with others to spend less.
  • Pack Light: Don’t bring too much stuff to avoid extra fees on buses or trains.
  • Eat Local Food: Buy cheap meals at small shops in Sunamganj or Tahirpur instead of pricey tourist places.
  • Ask for Better Boat Prices: Talk to boatmen in Tahirpur to get a fair deal, especially if it’s not a busy time.
  • Book Early: Get your bus or train tickets ahead of time to avoid higher prices or full seats.

What Will You See at Tanguar Haor?

When you finally reach Tanguar Haor from Dhaka, get ready to be amazed by its natural beauty. Rent a boat with a local guide to learn about the area and see special birds like the Pallas’s Fish Eagle. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and binoculars to enjoy it fully. You might even see fishermen working or villagers rowing boats—a view that feels like a picture!

Safety Tips for Your Trip

Traveling to Tanguar Haor is usually safe, but it’s smart to be careful:

  • Check the weather before you go, especially in the rainy season, as floods can mess up plans.
  • Bring cash since there aren’t many ATMs in places like Tahirpur.
  • Be kind to locals and nature—don’t leave trash in the haor.
  • Keep emergency phone numbers, like local police, just in case.

Why I Loved the Budget Way – A Short Story

I still remember my first trip to Tanguar Haor. I was a student with little money, so I took the night bus from Dhaka to Sunamganj. The ride wasn’t fancy, but seeing the foggy morning views of villages made it special.

Sharing a boat with other travelers saved me cash and helped me make new friends over tea at a roadside stall. Traveling cheaply doesn’t just save money—it lets you feel the real heart of a place. Have you ever tried a budget trip and loved it? Tell me about it!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Tanguar Haor Travel

Here are answers to common questions to help you plan your trip:

1. How far is Tanguar Haor from Dhaka?

It’s about 300 kilometers away. By bus or train (through Sylhet), it takes 6 to 8 hours to reach Sunamganj or Tahirpur, where you start for the haor.

2. What’s the cheapest way to reach Tanguar Haor from Dhaka?

Take a bus from Dhaka to Sunamganj for BDT 500 to BDT 800. Then, a CNG or tempo to Tahirpur costs BDT 50 to BDT 100. Total cost is under BDT 1,000 (not counting the boat).

3. Can I do a one-day trip to Tanguar Haor from Dhaka?

It’s possible, but not the best idea since it’s 6-8 hours each way. Staying overnight in Sunamganj or Tahirpur lets you enjoy the haor without rushing.

4. Are there places to stay near Tanguar Haor?

Yes, there are simple guesthouses and homestays in Sunamganj and Tahirpur. They cost BDT 500 to BDT 2,000 per night. Some locals also offer rooms for a real village experience.

5. What should I bring for the trip?

Pack light with comfy clothes, sunscreen, a hat, bug spray, binoculars for seeing birds, a water bottle, and cash since ATMs are rare.

6. Is it safe to travel to Tanguar Haor alone?

Yes, it’s usually safe. Stick to main paths, travel in daylight if you can, and join other tourists for boat rides to stay safe and save money.

7. How much is a boat ride at Tanguar Haor?

A day-long boat ride costs BDT 1,000 to BDT 2,000, based on group size and bargaining. It can be more in busy times like winter.

8. Can I visit during the rainy season?

Yes, from June to September, the haor is full of water and looks unique. But rain can make travel hard, and boat costs might go up. Check the weather first.

Conclusion: Start Your Tanguar Haor Adventure Now!

Getting to Tanguar Haor from Dhaka is easier and cheaper than you might think. Pick the budget-friendly bus, the scenic train, or a comfy private car—there’s a way for everyone. With a little planning and the tips from this guide, you can enjoy this amazing wetland without spending too much.

Tanguar Haor isn’t just a place to visit; it’s a chance to see nature at its purest. So, grab your bag, choose your route, and head out for an memorable trip. Where will you go next?

Read: How to Book a Tanguar Haor Tour Online

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more travel tips and updates!

image

Shafat Mahmud Khan

Dhaka