Sunamganj

A reservoir formed in an abandoned limestone quarry, whose minerals give the deep-blue water its famous hue against the Meghalaya hills — a highlight of Tanguar Haor trips. October to March is the best window, when water is calm and skies clear. Small engine boats from the Tekerghat shore are the way to explore the lake.

A garden of about 3,500 shimul (cotton) trees across some 30 acres on the west bank of the Jadukata River in Tahirpur. Per BSS, the red blossoms open from 10 February and last at least until 28 February, with fallen petals forming a red carpet on the grass; the garden draws an average 500-700 visitors daily in season. Out of bloom the scenery is ordinary — late February is the sweet spot — with the Jadukata River and Meghalaya hills alongside.

The 'mother of all haors' — about 100 sq km across Dharmapasha and Tahirpur in Sunamganj, designated a Ramsar wetland of international importance on 10 June 2000 (reference 1031). Every winter roughly 200 types of migratory birds arrive, and the haor holds over 140 freshwater fish species. It has grown popular for houseboat trips; in monsoon the basin fills and boats are the only access, with water receding in winter.