Explore Sreemangal Tea Gardens: A Must-See Destination

Wander through the lush tea gardens of Sreemangal, known for its serene landscapes and fresh tea production. A perfect escape into nature awaits you.

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Explore Sreemangal Tea Gardens: A Must-See Destination. _ Part 2

From MIS department Of DBL Group, I have found a team that is extremely fond of traveling. As part of our plan to explore all of Bangladesh, this time our destination was the tea capital of Bangladesh—’Sreemangal.’ Here is the continuation of first part of Sreemangal Travel.

43% of Sreemangal – nearly half – is under the domain of tea gardens. Stretching for miles and miles, tea gardens upon tea gardens have enhanced Sreemangal’s charm with the intricate artistry of an evergreen design.

Khasi Punji

The Khasi people call their settlements, built on the folds of the hills, Punji, which means village. They believe in the phrase “Long Jeidna Ka Kinthi“, meaning “Humanity originates from women.” This belief has shaped their matriarchal society, where women hold authority in almost all aspects of life. Not only do they wield power, but they also take the lead in various work and responsibilities.

One of the main sources of income for the Khasi people is betel leaf, locally known as Tumpiew. In every Khasi household, betel leaves are sorted, counted, and carefully bundled into Bira—each consisting of 144 leaves, tied in groups of twelve. The Khasis call this a “handful.” Known for its pollution-free, spicy flavor, this betel leaf is highly valued both locally and internationally.

The Khasi people are extremely cleanliness-conscious, which is evident from their well-maintained homes. In their matriarchal society, women have not just inherited authority—they have earned it through hard work. They skillfully manage both household and external tasks with equal dedication. Alongside the Tipra, Manipuri, and Garo indigenous communities, the industrious Khasi people have added a unique cultural diversity to the way of life in Sreemangal.

Rubber Garden

Located about 16 kilometers southwest of Sreemangal city, the Satgaon Rubber Garden is one of the 17 rubber plantations in the country. Covering an area of 1744 acres, this garden is a significant part of Sreemangal’s rubber industry. The rubber trees in this garden have a tall shape, and they are of medium size. Their scientific name is Hevea brasiliensis. The leaves of the rubber tree are quite thick, and their color is a deep green. Generally, about 250 rubber trees can be planted per hectare.

In mature trees, the bark of the trunk is cut in a diagonal, similar to how a date tree is cut, and a container is placed to collect the sap that oozes out. This thick, sticky liquid is referred to by some as turu kheer or dukh kosh, and in English, it is called latex. Each tree produces around 2 kg of sap annually. From the Satgaon Rubber Garden, 30 to 40 kg of sap is collected daily. This sap is then taken to a factory where natural rubber is processed and made.

Madhabpur Lake

Located in Patrokhola, under Madhabpur Union of Kamalganj Upazila, Madhabpur Lake is a breathtaking artificial reservoir. Just 10 kilometers east of Sreemangal town, this picturesque lake is nestled within lush tea gardens. The crystal-clear waters of the lake are adorned with vibrant water lilies and lotuses, while whistling ducks, coots, and migratory birds frolic in playful harmony, adding life to the serene landscape.

To address water scarcity in tea plantations, the National Tea Company (NTC) constructed Madhabpur Lake in 1965. Despite abundant rainfall in the region, the hilly terrain with steep slopes made it difficult to retain water. To overcome this challenge, NTC built a 50-acre artificial lake by damming three hills within its tea estates. Today, the lake stands as a harmonious blend of nature and human ingenuity, where the fresh aroma of tea leaves mingles with the serene waters, creating an enchanting atmosphere.

In the middle of the lake, a mud road has been built for visitors, leading to a straw-roofed resting hut atop a hill. Along the way, we meet the “Tea Daughters”—local tea workers who warmly invite us to taste their homemade tea leaf mash (bhorta), a unique local delicacy. Borrowing their handcrafted bamboo sun hats, we capture the moment in a fun-filled photo session, blending into the picturesque tea garden landscape.

Pineapple Plantations of Sreemangal

The rolling hills of Sreemangal are covered with rows upon rows of pineapple farms. Some of these plantations resemble the delicate wings of a butterfly, while others form lines like marching ants. Four varieties of pineapples grow in Sreemangal, with the Honey Queen variety being the most abundant. Nestled among spiky, elongated leaves, pineapples ripen gracefully, wearing their signature crowns.

The combination of hilly slopes, sandy-loamy soil, a warm and humid climate, and the careful cultivation by farmers makes this region highly fertile for pineapples. Each Honey Queen pineapple in Sreemangal weighs approximately 1 kilogram, boasting a sweet, juicy taste packed with nutrients. Due to its high pineapple production, Sreemangal is often referred to as “The Pineapple Capital” of the country.

Jackfruit Orchards of Sreemangal

The national fruit of Bangladesh, the jackfruit, grows abundantly in Sreemangal. Thanks to well-drained clay-loam soil and a favorable climate, the region produces a high yield of jackfruits. Professional jackfruit farmers carefully harvest the fruit intact, cutting it from the tree and lowering it using ropes to prevent damage.

Sometimes, the owner of the tree collects the jackfruit, and at other times, local traders gather the fruit from the orchards on a commercial basis. During the summer, the jackfruit becomes the primary livelihood for the farmers, traders, and common sellers in this region. Sreemangal produces jackfruit on approximately 300 hectares of land, with an annual yield of around 20 tons per hectare, totaling 60,000 tons each year. The jackfruit is transported to various local markets in rickshaw-like wooden carts.

Lemon Orchards

In Sreemangal, there are lemon orchards spread across hill after hill. The lemon flowers are particularly attractive, with red-violet petals underneath and white on top. Around 8 to 10 varieties of lemons, including Pati and Kagzi Elaichi, are grown here, and they are harvested almost year-round. The farmers typically collect lemons from May to August.

In Moulvibazar district, the annual lemon production is around 28,000 tons, with Sreemangal contributing 21,000 tons of that total. A familiar sight on the streets of Sreemangal is the early morning procession of handcarts carrying lemons, pineapples, and jackfruit. These carts are headed to local markets, hats, and business hubs, both near and far.

The Sreemangal Market in the city is a renowned place for the seasonal sale of fruits. The fruits, packed in carts, are sold through auctions. After the auction, the sold fruits are transported by truck to various parts of the country. Lemons are auctioned in a unique way here. Buyers make bids whispering to the sellers, and through these whispers, the price of the lemons increases. From here, lemon shipments are also exported abroad.

Where to Stay?

There is no shortage of accommodation options in Sreemangal. You can stay in attractive resorts and rest houses within a budget of 500 to 2000 Taka per night, such as Green View Resort and Tea Town Rest House.
For a more luxurious stay, the 5-star Grand Sultan Hotel is located near the city. Don’t forget to enjoy the seven-colored tea during your visit!

Conclusion

Sreemangal is brimming with abundant resources and beauty, both in water, land, and sky, with no shortage of either. It is not possible to explore all of Sreemangal’s attractions in just one day. You will need at least 3 days to visit all the tourist spots. The best time to visit Sreemangal is between October and March. However, if you plan to visit in winter, be cautious about road conditions.

In winter, this region experiences heavy fog, and the temperatures remain the lowest in the country. For affordable yet good-quality meals, you can choose London Restaurant or Pansi Restaurant. Before hiring a vehicle, make sure to negotiate the price. Hamm Hamm Waterfall is located in a very rugged area, so it’s better not to visit if you are with children or elderly people. It’s also advisable to go in groups rather than alone. Hamm Hamm Waterfall may have leeches, so be cautious. If traveling by train, be mindful of the time.