Niladri Lake

Niladri is a flooded limestone quarry at Tekerghat in Sunamganj, worked for the cement industry and abandoned, and the pit has filled with water that reads a strong blue-green against pale rock walls, with the Meghalaya hills rising directly behind across the Indian border. It sits beside the Jadukata river and a disused ropeway and rail line from the quarrying days run down to the water. It is usually visited as part of a Tanguar Haor houseboat trip, which stops here, and it has become one of the most photographed spots in the north-east. Swimming is common. There is nothing there beyond the quarry and the setting, and the industrial remains are part of the interest.

What you actually see

• A flooded quarry pit - blue-green water against pale limestone.
• Meghalaya hills behind - the border range rising directly above.
• Disused ropeway and rail - the abandoned quarry infrastructure.
• The Jadukata river alongside - the water running past the site.

When to go

October to March. Half a day, usually as a stop on a Tanguar Haor trip. Weekends and holidays are crowded. The colour is best in bright light.

Honest expectations

It is a disused quarry, and visitors expecting a natural lake are surprised. Depth is significant and there are no lifeguards; drownings have happened. Litter is heavy at the accessible edge. There are no facilities.

Nearby

Tanguar Haor is west; Sada Pathor lies south-west.