Sometimes the colors of nature touch the human mind. For instance, the vast blue sky can give absolute joy. The crystal clear water of a lake can pacify souls. Green hills can cause emotional outbursts. The illusory beauty of Niladri Lake, the shelter of an abandoned limestone mine, presents a fascinating combination of blue sky, crystal clear water, and green hills. Let's have the details about this Quarry-Limestone Lake, also known as Kashmir of Bengal.

Historical background

The lake is known as 'Niladri' mainly to the tourist community because of the eye-catching beauty of the blue clear water. But its real name is Shaheed Siraj Lake.

Freedom fighter Sirajul Islam was martyred in the 1971 war of independence. The hero sacrificed his life to liberate Sachna Bazar and Jamalganj Thana area of Sunamganj from the Pakistani Army. After independence, Shaheed Siraj was conferred the title of Bir Bikram by the Bangladesh Government.

During the liberation war of Bangladesh, several martyred freedom fighters were buried in the Borochhora sub-sector under Sector-5. Sirajul Islam was one of those brave hearts. The lake was named 'Shaheed Siraj Lake' in his memory. The graves of some freedom fighters including Sirajul Islam have also been preserved near the lake. Here a memorial is built in the memory of martyred freedom fighter Siraj Sangsad.

The natural beauty

Captivating Niladri Lake is like a drop of tear from the sky. This lake is located at Tekerghat village in Tahirpur Upazila under Sunamganj district. With scattered stones at the feet, the hills of Meghalaya stand beside this lake of dense blue water. The melody of the wind with the leaves of the tree comes from the nearby green hills. Small hillocks can be seen in the middle of Niladri Lake.

There is a seating area made of cement next to the lake. The view of the mountains and water can also be enjoyed from there. Floating in a small boat over the lake, the tourists can mingle their souls with the heavenly blue water. This magnificent face of nature can make people forget any earthly weariness instantly.

In this area, the border of Bangladesh is separated from India by the lower part of the Meghalaya hill ranges. There are barbed-wire fences on the skyscraper hills. Those who are fond of hills can visit Niladri lake to view the angelic beauty of the Indian Meghalaya hill while staying in Bangladesh. Considering the uniqueness of Niladri lake, tourists adore this place as 'Kashmir' of Bangladesh.

The lake was once a supply of limestone, the raw material of the limestone factory, which is no longer there.

Next to Niladri Lake, there is an old rusty railway engine-bogie, with which limestones were used to be transported. Photographers hardly miss the chance to capture the views of the lake and the surrounding mountains through their lens.

When to visit

Since the natural beauty of the nearby Tanguar Haor area blooms in the rainy season, the monsoon is the best time to visit Niladri Lake. During the monsoon, nature looks more enchanting while playing the hide-and-seek game of sun, cloud, and rain. What's more, a lot of migratory birds visit the lake during winter. Therefore, bird lovers may plan their trips during the winter.

How to reach

Sunamganj can be reached directly by bus from Sayedabad or Mohakhali bus stand in Dhaka. The cost per person is around BDT 550 and the journey takes about six hours. Rental motorcycles are available to reach Tekerghat in the new bridge area of Sunamganj city. The reserved Motorcycle costs range from BDT 300 to 400. On the way, the travelers have to pay BDT 5 per person and BDT 10 per motorcycle for crossing the Jadukata river.

The motorbike fare from Sunamganj to Laurer Garh will be around BDT 200. Tekerghat can be reached by motorcycle from Barikka Tila passing the banks of the Jadukata river for the fare of BDT 120.

At 11 pm an intercity train leaves from Dhaka towards Mohanganj in Netrokona. The ticket fee is BDT 200 per head. The train reaches Mohonganj in the morning and it takes another 1 hour to travel from Mohonganj to Modhyonagar. From Pipra Kanda Ghat in Modhyonagar, the local water transports, such as trawlers, speedboats, or boats reach Tekerghat during the rainy season. In an alternative way, tourists can rent Trawlers, speedboats, or boats from Netrokona to reach Tekerghat directly.

However, during the winter season, motorcycles transport visitors from Netrokona to Tekerghat. The bikes reach Niladri Lake passing through Kolmakanda and Moheshkhola. Due to the long journey, many tourists stop at Moheshkhola and have a light breakfast.

Niladri lake trip

In Barichara Bazaar, there are several guesthouses, where the room-rent ranges from BDT 200 to 400. The guest house of the old limestone factory near Niladri Lake can be a wonderful choice for spending the night. Arrangements can be made to stay in the Upazila Guesthouse subject to permission from the Upazila Chairman. Hotels are available in Tahirpur as well.

How to arrange meals

Barikka Tila has a few standard local food hotels. Besides, there are some fair-quality restaurants for food in Borochhora Bazaar or the small market of Tekerghat next to Jadukata. But the tourists usually visit the Sunamganj town to buy food from the standard quality hotels.

Besides, there is a tea shop next to Niladri Lake. The beauty of the lake can be enjoyed while sipping tea. Coconuts are abundant nearby to quench the thirst for the water of the tourists.

Nearby visit

There are several beautiful places near Niladri Lake. Usually, the outdoor enthusiasts visit this place with a bucket list. Among the places of interest are Barikka Tila, Tanguar Haor, Jadukata River, Shimul Bagan, and Lakma Chhara.

During the monsoon season, Tekerghat can be reached by boat from Sunamganj via Tanguar Haor. Local transports, such as Laguna, or CNG, or bikes can be rented near the big bridge over the Surma river in Sunamganj to arrive at Tahirpur. There are different-sized boats crowded at the boat dock in Tahirpur. These water vessels transport the travelers to Tekerghat via Tanguar Haor on rent.

Cautions

Since Niladri Lake is a border area, it is advisable to be careful. Especially, tourists should refrain from getting too close to the border.

A large amount of limestone was once extracted from the Niladri lake. These activities have made the lake very deep. So it is recommended not to go into the water of the lake without knowing how to swim. And even for the swimmers, it is better to stay near the shore of the lake.

To reach Niladri lake the tourists are required to change transports several times. So, before planning a trip to Niladri Lake, nature lovers should consider their physical ability.

Conclusion

Niladri lake or Shaheed Siraj Lake is a wonderful piece of nature. Travelers from different parts of the country and abroad visit this place every year to experience the enthralling beauty of the lake. The journey to Niladri Lake might be strenuous for many, but it is worth the peaceful moments to spend near the blue water close to nature. However, careless activities might risk lives or cause afflictions; so the travelers should be cautious during the tour. Happy traveling!