Srimangal and the Tea Gardens

Srimangal, in the lush northeastern hills of Sylhet, is known as the tea capital of Bangladesh, a tranquil and beautiful region carpeted with endless rolling gardens of vivid emerald tea bushes - the hills where tea was first planted commercially in the country in the 1850s. Wandering or cycling among the estates, watching the pickers at work amid the greenery, is a peaceful delight, and the town is famous for its unique seven-layer tea, a novelty drink of distinctly coloured, separated layers. Nearby, the Lawachara National Park, a patch of tropical rainforest, shelters the rare hoolock gibbon and rich birdlife, adding wild nature to the scenic tea country.

What you actually see

• The tea gardens - the endless rolling emerald tea estates.
• The seven-layer tea - the town's famous novelty layered drink.
• Lawachara National Park - the rainforest and rare hoolock gibbon.
• The pineapple and lemon groves - the surrounding plantations.

When to go

October to March, the cool, dry season, for the most pleasant weather and greenest gardens after the monsoon; the tea bushes are lush and the estates at their most beautiful. Wildlife in Lawachara, including the gibbons, is best sought in the early morning. Ratargul is only properly flooded and boatable during and just after the monsoon, roughly June to September, the opposite of the comfortable season. It is an easy, scenic escape from the bustle of the cities.

Honest expectations

It is a gentle, scenic region of tea gardens and rural calm rather than dramatic sights, so its appeal is peaceful strolls, greenery, the novelty seven-layer tea and a glimpse of tea-estate life rather than blockbuster attractions; the wildlife in Lawachara is present but elusive. The estates themselves are private working farms - entering the rows needs permission, usually arranged through a guesthouse or guide. As a tranquil, verdant and refreshing contrast to Bangladesh's crowded cities, though, Srimangal is a lovely and worthwhile retreat.

Nearby

The city of Sylhet, Jaflong and the Meghalaya border hills, and the northeastern haor wetlands are within reach.