Sylhet is a city in northeastern Bangladesh, known for its scenic beauty, tea gardens, and cultural heritage. It is the administrative center of Sylhet Division and is located on the banks of the Surma River. The city is famous for its lush green landscapes, rolling hills, and numerous water bodies, making it a popular tourist destination.
### Key Features of Sylhet:
1. **Tea Gardens**: Sylhet is renowned for its tea plantations, such as the Malnicherra Tea Estate, which is one of the oldest in the region. The area produces high-quality tea that is exported worldwide.
2. **Natural Attractions**:
- **Ratargul Swamp Forest**: A freshwater swamp forest located near Sylhet, often referred to as the "Amazon of Bangladesh."
- **Jaflong**: A picturesque area near the India-Bangladesh border, known for its stone collections and the Dawki River.
- **Lalakhal**: A serene canal with crystal-clear water, surrounded by green hills.
3. **Religious and Cultural Sites**:
- **Shah Jalal Dargah**: The shrine of the famous Sufi saint Shah Jalal, a significant pilgrimage site for Muslims.
- **Hazrat Shah Paran Dargah**: Another important religious site dedicated to Shah Paran, a companion of Shah Jalal.
- **Sylheti Culture**: The region has a distinct culture, language (Sylheti), and traditions, influenced by its history and geography.
4. **Economy**: Sylhet's economy is driven by tea production, natural gas extraction, and remittances from the large Sylheti diaspora, particularly in the UK and the Middle East.
5. **Education**: Sylhet is home to several educational institutions, including Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST), one of the top universities in Bangladesh.
Sylhet is also known for its hospitality and delicious local cuisine, including dishes like *Sylheti hatkora* (a type of citrus fruit used in cooking) and *pithas* (traditional rice cakes).
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