Things to do in Sylhet Division
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Bangladesh Tea Research Institute
The Bangladesh Tea Research Institute isn’t a commercial estate as such, but rather the scientific headquarters of Bangladeshi tea production. New strains of tea and new growing techniques are tried out here, and the staff are knowledgeable and very happy to spread that knowledge. There is also a production factory, which with a bit of luck you might be allowed to visit, and a tea-tasting room which you are almost certain to be ushered into. It is polite to give advance notice of your visit. See also p156.
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Adventure Tourism
Run by the ambitious Mr Rashed Husan. Adventure Tourism organises day tours (Tk 800 per person) taking in a tea estate, the Lowacherra National Park, some tribal villages and various other sights of interest in the region. It’s an effective way to tick off all the sights quickly and painlessly, but his guides aren’t very knowledgeable. If he doesn’t find you, you can find him through the Hotel Tea Town. He also rents out bikes (Tk 150 to Tk 200 per day).
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Shrine of Hazrat Shah Jalal
In the north of the city, off Airport Rd, is the Shrine of Hazrat Shah Jalal, a 14th-century Sufi saint. The shrine is one of the biggest pilgrimage sites in the country and a fascinating place to visit. Being buried near the saint is considered a great honour. Shah Jalal's sword and robes are preserved within the large new mosque, but aren't on display. The tomb is covered with rich brocade, and at night the space around it is illuminated with candles - the atmosphere is quite magical.
It's never entirely clear whether non-Muslims can visit the shrine, though it seems to be OK if you are suitably solemn and well dressed. Women, however, are definitely not allowed up to t…
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Osmani Museum
In Nur Manzil, near the centre of town and east of Noya Sarok Rd, is the Osmani Museum. This small, colonial-era house is dedicated to General Osmani, a key figure in the Liberation War. As it’s one of the few tourist sights in town, you should visit, but be warned – it’s slightly less interesting than an algebra lesson. It contains such thrilling articles as a ‘chair’ (and that is exactly what it is). Electricity is a hit-and-miss affair and if you’re lucky you’ll get a man following you around with an oil lamp to illuminate the displays for you.
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Nilkantha Tea Cabin
Nilkantha Tea Cabin The Nilkantha Tea Cabin, around 5km south of town, produces the almost world-famous Willy Wonka-esque five-colour tea. Yes, it does have five distinct layers of colour and five equally differing tastes. In addition to the five-colour tea (Tk 50), there are dozens of other flavours (from Tk 5) and the tea cabin has turned into a social institution for the young of the area. A baby taxi from town shouldn’t cost more than Tk 20.
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Hamadan Restaurant
This is Sylhet’s special-occasion restaurant and it’s certainly a nice break from the heat and crush outside. Unfortunately the food, which is mainly Chinese and Thai, is hardly worthy of the fuss – we’ve had tomato salads that contained more meat than our chicken dish! To find it, take the escalators to the third floor and climb the stairwell at the back left-hand corner of the building.
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Agra Continental Restaurant
Every town needs a Chinese restaurant and this new establishment on the edge of town is one of the genre’s better examples. It’s the only relaxing, sit-down place to eat in town and is frequented by locals on special occasions.
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Burger King
The name might ring a bell but nothing else about this 2nd-floor restaurant will. Its greasy burgers and kebabs will provide a welcome break from all that healthy rice (don’t worry, it’s good for the heart).
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Mia Fazil Restaurant
One of tonnes of identical Bengali restaurants. This one reserves a warm welcome for foreigners and always makes room for you, no matter how busy (and it normally is). Look for the yellow Bengali sign.
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Agra Hotel & Restaurant
As full of character as it is full of characters, this popular restaurant, tucked away in a corner, won’t give you much privacy with its cramped quarters, but will give you great food.
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Famous Restaurant
For something marginally posh, and we mean marginally, try the Famous Restaurant, which is on the same road as Jamania Restauarant.
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Jamania Restaurant
Try the unmistakably turquoise Jamania Restaurant in the Telihaor area which receives rave reviews from travellers.
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New Green Restaurant
If you're staying in the Telihaor area, you'll have lots of choices, including the friendly New Green Restaurant.
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Shah Restaurant
In the heart of town, a few doors south of the main intersection, the Shah turns out filling and tasty meals.
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Shagorika Restaurant
If you're staying in the Telihaor area, you'll have lots of choices, including Shagorika Restaurant.
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Raymahal Sweets and Fire Foods
An excellent range of sugary treats and Western fast-food imitations.
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