Sada Pathor, Bholaganj travel guide

At a glance

Location

Companiganj, about 35 km from Sylhet city

River

Dhalai River

Getting there

Boat from Ghat No. 10

Best time

June–October

History and details

At Bholaganj the Dhalai River enters Bangladesh from Meghalaya, India. White and grey stones carried down by monsoon floods have built up at the river mouth into a huge spread of stone — now known as 'Sada Pathor' (white stone).

The area is one of the country's biggest stone quarries; stones were once carried by a ropeway built in British times, remains of which can still be seen. The place became popular with tourists around 2017.

Meghalaya's green hills above, white stones and cold clear water in front — most beautiful in the monsoon. But the current is strong and in many places the water gets deep suddenly.

Things to do

• Sit on the stones and enjoy the cold water
• See the remains of the old ropeway
• Fix a return trip with your boat at Ghat No. 10

How to get to Sada Pathor, Bholaganj

In Companiganj; about 35 km from Sylhet, then a boat.

Sylhet is about 240 km from Dhaka; the journey takes 5–6 hours.

• 🚌 By bus: Green Line, Ena, Hanif, Shyamoli from Sayedabad/Fakirapul; non-AC ৳650–750, AC ৳1,200–1,600.
• 🚆 By train: Parabat, Joyontika, Kalni, Upaban Express from Kamalapur; fare about ৳375–1,100.
• ✈️ By air: Biman, US-Bangla, Novoair; one way ৳3,500–6,000, 45 minutes.

Where to stay

• Rose View Hotel
• Nirvana Inn
• Grand Sylhet Hotel & Resort
• Mid-range hotels at Dargah Gate and Zindabazar (৳1,500–3,500)

What to eat

Meat with satkora, bhorta-rice at Panch Bhai/Panshi restaurants, tea

Good to know

• Strong current — don't go deep; accidents happen every year
• Taking stones away is forbidden

More to see nearby

• Bholaganj ropeway area
• Utmachhara (10 km)
• Turungchhara

More places to visit in Sylhet district

• Ratargul Swamp Forest — The country's only freshwater swamp forest; boat among the trees in the monsoon.
• Jaflong — The Piyain River, stones and clear water below India's Meghalaya hills; Khasia punjis nearby.
• Bichanakandi — Clear water flowing down from the hills over a bed of stones; most beautiful in the monsoon and autumn.
• Lalakhal — A river of blue-green water and tea gardens; boat trips.
• Shrine of Hazrat Shahjalal (R) — One of the country's main spiritual pilgrimage sites.
• Malnicherra Tea Garden — The subcontinent's first commercial tea garden (1854).
• Panthumai Waterfall — A big waterfall coming down from the Meghalaya hills, seen from the river.

Location on the map