My First Ever Trip to Sylhet
My First Journey to Sylhet: A Short Trip Full of Memories
In 2024, I finally visited Sylhet for the first time in my life. For years, I had heard people talk about its natural beauty, the green landscapes, the calm rivers, and the peaceful vibe of the city. Even though I knew how beautiful Sylhet was, I never had the chance to experience it myself. This time, I didn’t overthink. I gathered a few friends who never say no to any travel plan, and Sylhet became our destination.
We planned everything in advance and booked our railway tickets ten days before the journey. There were eight of us, and we all met at the railway station with excitement, tired smiles, and backpacks full of expectations. The journey itself felt special because it marked the beginning of my first Sylhet experience.
Our first night in Sylhet was not luxurious at all. We stayed in a small hut because we couldn’t manage to book a hotel or cottage beforehand. Thanks to one of my university seniors, we at least had a place to stay. That night was hectic and uncomfortable, but honestly, it didn’t matter much. We had visited Sreemangal the day before, and the exhaustion was so heavy that we fell asleep almost instantly. Sometimes, travel is less about comfort and more about survival and stories.
The next morning, we set off to visit Shada Pathar, located near the India–Bangladesh border. Shada Pathar is famous for its white stones and pebbles that flow down from Meghalaya. Standing there, surrounded by water, stones, and open sky, felt incredibly peaceful. After exploring and soaking in the moment, we stopped for lunch nearby. Maybe it was the hunger, or maybe it was the place, but the food tasted like heaven. And the tea that followed was unforgettable. A trip to Sylhet without tea feels incomplete, and that cup of tea made sure the journey felt whole.
After another long and tiring day, we finally checked into a hotel named Britannia in Ambarkhana. Compared to our first night, this felt like a luxury upgrade. We stayed there for two nights, explored the city, and visited the shrine of Hazrat Shahjalal. Walking through the city and the shrine gave the trip a calm, spiritual touch that balanced our exhausting days.
Our trip was short, but it was full of moments worth remembering. We couldn’t visit places like Jaflong or Lalakhal this time, but maybe that’s what makes the journey incomplete in a good way. Sylhet is waiting for us again, and next time, we plan to finish what we started.Some trips end, but some places quietly invite you back. Sylhet is one of those places for me.