Jaflong is one of the top tourist attractions in Bangladesh, located in the Sylhet District. It is about 57 km away from Sylhet city.
My Experience in Jaflong
Recently, my two friends and I decided to travel to Sylhet. However, we were unsure about where to go first since there are many places to visit in Sylhet. Eventually, we decided on Jaflong.
We reached Sylhet very early in the morning (around 5:00 AM to 5:30 AM), and since there were no buses at that time, we had to wait for about 40 minutes to an hour. Eventually, we caught a local bus from the Sylhet Bus Terminal to Jaflong. The journey took a little over two hours and cost around 100 Taka ($0.90).
When we arrived in Jaflong by bus, we were captivated by the breathtaking scenery. Brother, the view was absolutely stunning! The bus was heading straight to its destination, and the misty mountains looked different from a distance. Also, the soft morning sunlight made everything appear magical—like something out of a dream!
Once we got off the bus, we took an auto-rickshaw to get closer to Jaflong.
Afterward, we walked for a while and found some stairs, which we climbed to reach a viewpoint. Unfortunately, I forgot the name of that spot. From there, you could easily see Meghalaya, India. The view was absolutely stunning, especially in the morning.
We then walked to Jaflong Zero Point. Here’s something interesting—after a short while, we actually crossed into India! There is no barbed-wire border in that area.
After wandering around for a while at Zero Point, we took a boat to Mayabi Waterfall. It took about 8 to 15 minutes to reach, maybe a little more. After the boat ride, we walked for about 10 minutes or so and finally arrived at Mayabi Waterfall. After visiting the waterfall, you can also explore Khasia Village, which is another popular tourist attraction.
The day was extremely hot, and the water was refreshingly cold. We had a lot of fun swimming and bathing for at least an hour and a half, maybe even longer. Wow! The experience was fantastic. But remember one thing—don’t risk your life by climbing up the waterfall. Many people have accidents there.
After our swim, we took a boat back to a place near Jaflong Zero Point, where we swam again for about two to three hours. By the way, the rocks under the water were extremely slippery, almost as if they could cut your feet. So, we put on shoes and continued. The timing was perfect; it was an amazing experience.
After all that walking and swimming, we were exhausted. So, we went to a nearby market and then took a bus back to Sylhet town. By the time we arrived, it was evening, so we booked a hotel. We didn’t explore any further because we were too tired.
Shopping in Jaflong
There were many small shops near the stairs where people were buying chocolates, tea, and other items. I only bought chocolates. You will find a lot of Indian chocolates here.
Although there were small shops near the waterfall selling tea leaves, I would advise against purchasing from them. Unfortunately, I was scammed when I bought 500 grams of tea that turned out to be of poor quality. So, if you’re looking to buy tea, it’s best to avoid those shops. My best recommendation is to buy tea from good-quality stores.
Best Time to Visit Jaflong
Tourists love to visit Jaflong during the winter season, from November to February. However, there is a downside to visiting during this time—you can’t enjoy the water properly. Due to a lack of water, the main tourist spots feel lifeless. You won’t be able to see Mayabi Waterfall in its full glory.
If you are interested in the natural beauty of Jaflong, the best time to visit is during the monsoon season. I highly recommend visiting between July and September for the best experience.
Getting There: Bus, Train, and Air
By Bus: If you are coming from Dhaka (the capital of Bangladesh), the bus fare is about 700 Taka (Non-AC Bus). After reaching Sylhet Bus Terminal, you can rent a CNG or take a local bus to get to Jaflong. If you reserve a CNG, it will cost around 1,200–1,500 Taka.
By Train: If you are coming from Dhaka, you need to go to Kamalapur Railway Station and book an online ticket from eticket.railway.gov.bd. Then, take a train to Sylhet Railway Station and continue your journey by CNG or bus.
By Air: The closest airport is Osmani International Airport in Sylhet. From there, you can take local transport to reach Jaflong.
Best Local SIM Card for Sylhet
Looking for the best local SIM card in Sylhet? I recommend buying a Grameenphone Sim card. This mobile provider offers reliable service with strong network coverage, fast data speeds, and excellent customer support, making it a great choice for staying connected.
By the way, if you are a Starlink user, you will be able to use Starlink in Bangladesh soon (work is currently underway to bring Starlink to the country).
