“চায়ের দেশে স্বাগতম” (Welcome to the land of tea) is what a sculpture says on the entrance of the Moulvibazar district. It portraits a female tea-plucker with a basket on her back. This is enough to let you know the main attraction of this place is the tea-estates. But it will be only half of the picture, as moulvibazar has so many other fascinations besides the tea-estates.
Moulvibazar is a north-eastern district of Bangladesh. On its west is Habiganj. On the north side it is surrounded by Sylhet distrtict. While on the South and east sides it has a boundary with Indian states Tripura and Assam respectively. From these adjacent states various streams find their way into Moulvibazar. The Dholoi, Manu and Juri ,the main rivers of this region, are such rivers.
Moulvibazar offers great scenic beauty and immense natural charm. Tea-gardens, mixed evergreen forests, mountains and waterfalls running down these mountains are the major fascinations of its beauty. Among other attractions of the land are the interesting lifestyle of the tea-garden workers and the unique culture of the local tribal people. The luxurious residences made by the expatriates may also be noted in the “Places to See” list.
Tea estates are the common most feature of Moulvibazar. Moulvibazar has many hills – small ones and big ones followed by flat lands. These topographic features make it very favorable for production of tea. This is why there are 92 tea- estates in Moulvibazar while there are 154 of them in the whole country. Bangladesh has become one of the leading countries of the world in exporting tea. Two of the greatest tea producing estates in the world are located here. In the tea – gardens the tea trees are planted in regular manner in the slopes of the hills. Big trees usually trees bearing fruits are planted in between them to provide shade. Everything there is in a very orderly fashion. Every plant and tree seems to be very strict as if not to disrupt the regularity. In these tea estates various animals find shelter. If you are lucky you may see some rare animals while visiting them.
Accommodation:
Moulvibazar has flourished much as a tourist spot. A large number of tourists from home and abroad every year visit this place. For their accommodation, now a good number of hotels are available here with a few differences in facilities served. Some of Moulvibazar’s hotels are –
Hotel Sonargaon (contact no: 0861 – 64607)
Hotel Helal (contact no : 0861- 52535)
Hotel Rezia (contact no: 01716 – 086463)
Parjatan Resthouse (contact no: 0861 – 52350)
Sheraton Plaza (contact no: 0861 – 52020)
Hotel Rajdhani
Hotel Camilla
Hotel Basundhara
Hotel Lal Kella
Some restaurants are –
Hotel Western Plaza (contact no: 0861 – 64810)
Bengal Food and Restaurant
Hotel City King Chinese (contact no: 0861 – 62775)
Rajmahal
Shad
Hotel Prince
Khawa-dawa
Rahmania
Manager stall etc
All these Hotels and Restaurants are located in Moulvibazar town. You can also book your rooms in hotels not located in moulvibazar rather than in Srimangal, which may be considered the best tourist attraction spot of this division.
Some hotels and restaurant in Srimangal are –Hotel Plaza (contact no: 08626 – 71525)
Tea resort (contact no: 08626 – 71207)
B.T.R.I (contact no: 08626 – 71225)
Tea town restaurant
Hotel Prince etc.
Places to visit:
- The Shrine of Hazrat Shah Mustafa (Ra)
- Madhabkunda waterfalls
- Madhabkunda Eco park
- Lawachara national park
- Hakaluki haor
- Madhobpur tea garden and lake
- Barshijora Eco park
- Memorial of Birshreshtho Hamidur Rahman
- Monipuri village
- Damaged gas field at Magurchara
- Orange gardens
- Baikka beel
- Muktijuddho grave yard
- Old court building
- Palace of Hindu Raja Raj Chandra in Khalilpur union is famous for its architectural heritage.
- Ekatuna is one of the richest unions for its pounds and dollars coming from UK and USA
The mazar of Hazrat Shah Mustafa (Ra) is located at the center of the Moulvibazar town. He was a descendent of the 4th Khalifa Hazrat Ali (Ra). About 700 years ago he came to Sylhet as a companion of the great Sain Hazrat Shah Jalal (Ra). Hazrat Shah Mustafa (Ra) began to live at Mostafapur of Moulvibazar district. He spread the words of Islam there and established a peaceful society. It is said that the place was actually named after Hazrat Shah Mustafa (Ra). The city Moulvibazar has been named after his successor Moulvi Syed Kudrat Ullah. Many people come daily to visit this mazar. Visiting this mazar will instill a feelings of holiness in your mind.
Madhabpur tea estate lake:
Madhabpur tea estate is another beautiful spot near Moulvibazar. It is about 50km from the town in Kamalganj upzilla. The estate offers great natural sceneries with all the tea plants standing in line on the hillocks. The presence of a lake in this tea estate makes the surrounding gorgeous. The lake is huge and it has small hills are on all the sides. The water here is awesomely cool and refereshing. It will be hard to control yourself from not jumping into it. Arrangement for boat riding in the lake is also available. Generally evening time is best for boat riding in the lake. Rare blue lotus and water lily mostly pink ones decorate the banks of the lake from time to time. These flowers add final touch of elegance to this lake’s charm. In winter this lake becomes a home for migratory birds.
Barshijora Eco park:
It is located in Moulvibazar Sadar, 2km from the zilla sadar. This eco park is also an attempt to conserve our precious nature. It is not yet that much developed as other eco parks but when you are in the town and have a little time with nothing to do at all, this might be the place you may make a short visit to.
Monipuri village:
Majority of the Monipuri population of the country lives in Moulvibazar. Adampur and Madhabpur are their main residence. Monipuri Community is famous for their culture and traditions. The Ras Mela is a yearly celebrated festival of the Monipuris. Every year in November which is the beginning of Bengali month of Agrahayan this festival is arranged. People from all around come to visit and enjoy this Mela. Traditional Monipuri costumes ‘Khami’ and their homemade products are exhibited and sold here. Monipuri community makes their clothing themselves. Almost every family there owns a handloom. It is a part of their culture to weave their own cloths. Besides Khami they produce various other products like – shawl, sari, bedsheets and bags. These products have great demand in all parts of the country and abroad. Even if you don’t visit the Ras Mela or the Monipuri village itself you can find these Monipuri products in local markets of the town.
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| Monipuri Dance |
The Monipuri community is also renowned for their dance. Their unique dance reflects their tradition and heritage. If you are visiting this part of the world, you shouldn’t miss the chance of watching Monipuri dance. More information about this ethnic community can be obtained at the Monipuri Culture Academy in Madhabpur.
