Sreemangal is known for tea gardens. This guide covers community tourism. Community tourism helps local people earn from visitors. It shares their culture and daily life. BRAC's Atithi arranges such trips. You can join in Srimangal or other places. Check their Facebook page for details.

How to get there?

Leave Dhaka at 6 AM by bus or train. Reach Srimangal by 11:30 AM. Stay at a simple resort with natural surroundings. Guides from Atithi meet you there. They give a gift box with a towel, tea leaves, and a clay cup.

3-day plan

Day 1: Check in and rest. Eat lunch at Panshi Restaurant. Food is average. Rizik Restaurant has better options. Visit a tea garden in the afternoon. Watch workers' cultural activities like dances.

Day 2: Go to Nirala Punji village. It is 23 km from town. Ride a chander gari through tea gardens. The ride covers 10-15 km. See tea plucking on the way. Nirala Punji is the largest Khasiya village in Bangladesh. About 1,200-1,500 people live there. Most follow Christianity. Their main work is betel leaf farming. Watch women bundle leaves. One bundle has 144 leaves. It sells for TK 60-70. Visit Mother Mary Church on the return. Stop at Finlay Tea Garden for views. Go to Denston Cemetery in a tea garden. It has 48 British graves. End with Manipuri weaving at a home.

Day 3: Walk to Atithi's picnic spot through tea gardens. The path has hills on both sides. Learn tea history from the guide. See a Shiva temple and banyan tree. Picnic by the lake. Drink tea, eat fruits, chat, and sing. Finish at Lawachara National Park. Walk through the forest. See the train line between Dhaka and Sylhet. Films like ‘Around the World in 80 Days’ and ‘Amar Ache Jol’ were shot there.

Attractions

Tea gardens offer green views. Khasiya village shows clean homes and farming. Betel bundles include leaves, nuts, and lime. Picnic spot has lake and temple. Park has forest and train tracks.

Practical tips

Book through Atithi for guides. Trips suit those who want local experiences. Eat at popular spots. Visit gardens in morning or evening. Avoid midday heat. This tourism supports villagers.