a home to a comprehensive variety of flora and fauna
Satchari National Park
Satchari National Park is a haven for nature lovers who want to experience tropical rainforests, wildlife, birdwatching, wildlife photography, and adventures, as it hosts a variety of flora, fauna, and vibrant local communities.
Satchari Park is named after the seven (sat) streams (chari) that flow through this forest. These streams provide water for wildlife and are an important part of the ecosystem of the park; fossilized tree branches can be found among their sandy beds in the dry season. This forest was declared a national park in 2005 with an area of 243 hectares and the aim of preserving the natural environment and biodiversity of the region. Satchari National Park is a protected area and located in Raghunandan Hill Reserve Forest, in Paikpara Union of Chunarughat Upazilla, Habiganj District.
Satchari national park is a haven for nature lovers who want to experience tropical rainforests, wildlife, birdwatching, wildlife photography, and adventures, as it hosts a variety of flora and fauna. Satchari National Park stores 266 tons of CO2 per hectare for climate change mitigation. There are about 24 species of mammals, 38 species of reptiles, 19 species of amphibians, and 183 species of birds. This remnant fruit-rich forest supports globally threatened primates such as the Northern Pig-tailed Macaque, the critically endangered Western Hoolock Gibbon, the Capped Langur, the fishing cat, and the Phayre’s leaf monkey. This forest is very popular among birdwatchers around the world. Notable colorful species include the Red Junglefowl, the Redheaded Trogon, the Oriental Pied Hornbill, the Green Imperial Pigeon, the Cachar Bulbul, and early monsoon is the breeding season for cuckoos and Hooded Pitta. More than 200 tree species have been identified in this forest, including sal (Shorea Robusta), teak, agar (Aloeswood, Eaglewood, Gharuwood, or Aquilaria malaccensis), Garjan (Dipterocarpus turbinatus), Chapalish (Artocarpus chaplasha), palm, mehgani, krishnachur (Flamboyant or Delonix regia), dumur (The Tipra ethnic community resides here and has a population of three globally threatened primates.
There are miniature spotted flying lizards (Draco maculatus) hiding in the forest, but they are harmless and only eat insects. This remarkable small lizard lives high on tree trunks and spreads out flaps of skin between its elongated ribs so that it can glide between trees without needing to come to the ground. The males have flags under their chins that they flash out to display. Satchari is a good place to see this rare lizard of our eastern forests.
The park is managed by the Forest Department and the Nishorgo Network, an NGO that works for nature conservation and eco-tourism. The park has several walking trails that allow visitors to explore the forest and observe the wildlife. There is also a watchtower that offers a panoramic view of the park. The park has a visitor center that provides information and guidance to tourists. The Nishorgo Network also sells some souvenirs and handicrafts made by local communities.
The park is located about 130 kilometers from Dhaka and 60 kilometers from Srimangal. It can be reached by hiring a taxi or taking a bus from either of these places. The nearest town is Chunarughat, where accommodation and food facilities are available. Satchari Park is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day and charges an entry fee of Tk 20 for locals and Tk 400 for foreigners.
Satchari National Park is one of the best tourist destinations in Sylhet Division and Bangladesh as a whole. This forest is surrounded by tea estates and villages, and local people are a constant pressure on the National Park and adjacent forests, threatening biodiversity. Satchari offers an exceptional opportunity to experience the beauty and diversity of nature in a serene and pristine environment. It is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature and wildlife.
Activities around Satchari National Park area
- Cycling around the tea estates
- Visiting the villages of Khashia, and Monipuri Tribal community
- Hiking through the Lawachara Rain Forest
- Hiking to the Ham Ham Waterfall
- Madhabpur Lake
- Hail Haor, Baikka Bil Haor (Migratory birds Sanctuary)
- Madhabkunda Waterfall
- Mausoleums of Shah Jalal and Shah Paran
- Cruise on Lala Khal
- Ratargul Swamp Forest
- Remakalenga Reserve forest
- Jaflong Mari River
- Stone collecting and crushing industry
- Tanguar Haor