Set on the Surma River and surrounded by lush tea plantations, Sylhet is an enchanting introduction to Bangladesh. The laid-back city is brimming with history and culture, with centuries-old Sufi shrines standing alongside handsome British-era architecture.
Things to do in Sylhet
One of the most important pilgrimage sites in Bangladesh, the Shrine of Hazrat Shah Jalal welcomes visitors with an ornate blue-and-white entrance. Step inside to admire the 14th-century tomb of the Islamic saint and peer into the beautiful mosque.
Discover the legacy of one of Bangladesh’s most famous musicians and poets at the Museum of Rajas. The tiny museum is tucked away in the Zinda Bazar and pays tribute to the late Dewan Hasan Raja Chowdhury, a pioneer of Bengali folk music.
For foodies, Sylhet is a fantastic place to dive into Bangladeshi cuisine. You’ll find plenty of friendly neighbourhood restaurants serving specialties like mutton biryani, chargrilled chicken and shrimp curry. Don’t forget to order piles of fluffy naan. Street food stalls will tempt you with Bangladesh favourites like crispy samosas, buttery roti, puffed rice and fish curry.
Sylhet is famous for its tea and you’ll find several picturesque plantations within a short drive of the city centre. Founded in 1875, Lakkatura is one of the most beautiful and continues to produce hundreds of tonnes of tea every year. You can wander through the emerald-green plantations and learn about the production process.
Getting there
Rickshaws and taxis are often the fastest and easiest way to get around Sylhet. The city is also serviced by local buses while hiring a private driver is an excellent way to explore nearby attractions. Osmani International Airport is a 25-minute drive from the city centre.