Tanguar Haor (15)

An incredible biodiversity with breath-taking scenery, Tanguar Haor is definitely worth a visit.

Tanguar Haor, a vast and vibrant wetland system in Sunamganj District, is not just a beautiful landscape but a globally recognised ecological hotspot. It is at the foothills of the Khasi Hills of India’s Meghalaya state. It spans approximately 100 to 126 square kilometres, with about 2,802.36 hectares specifically being wetland and consists of 120 beels (canals) of various sizes.

This area is designated as a Ramsar site in 2000 for its international importance as a wetland, and earlier declared an Ecologically Critical Area in 1999.

This rainy season, from June to September, is arguably the most captivating time to witness the “Tanguar Haor” in its full spectacle.

As the monsoon clouds gather and the rivers swell, Tanguar Haor transforms into an ethereal expanse, revealing its true majestic self. Imagine cruising and swimming through endless stretches of water, where the villages and trees appear as floating islands and the lush greenery meets the vast and ever so shifting skies.

As the night comes upon Tanguar Haor, a magical transformation begins. The vast wetland, which hums with life by day, gradually shifts into a sublime realm of utter beauty.

Imagine floating on the calm water, the gentle lapping against your boat the only sound, as the moon casts a silver glow across the expansive haor – the soft glimmer of fireflies in the reeds, the mysterious shadows of the distant trees, and the feeling of being wholeheartedly connected to nature.

Niladri Lake, known locally as Shaheed Siraj Lake, is a gem nestled amidst the green hills of Tahirpur, near the border with India, and it’s often a highlight of any Tanguar Haor trip. Nearby, you might encounter small, seasonal waterfalls, especially during or after heavy rains.

Then there’s the Shimul Bagan, while its most vibrant display is in early spring when the red cotton flowers are in full bloom, it remains a significant landmark.

And when the rain adds to the journey, that’s when the magic truly unfolds. As the first drops hit the water, creating countless ripples, the entire landscape transforms. The air becomes incredibly fresh and clean, carrying the scent of damp earth and verdant foliage.

A journey to Tanguar Haor isn’t just a trip; it’s an experience that weaves together breathtaking sceneries and beautiful places into a tapestry of lasting memories.