Enveloped by the hush of winter’s embrace, allow the Lakshmibaur Reservoir in Baniachong to weave a tapestry of memories for you and your cherished kin. Behold, the grandeur of Bangladesh’s largest reservoir, Lakshmibaur, beckoning you in this season of enchantment. Haor-Baor cradles this watery expanse within its verdant bosom, a sanctuary of unrivaled natural beauty.
In the heart of Baniachang Upazila, nestled amid the embrace of Habiganj District, lies this arboreal treasure, merely a whisper away, a mere 5-kilometer sojourn from Baniachong Sadar. Cast your gaze upon the Lakshmibaur Reservoir, a colossus that dwarfs even Sylhet’s Ratargul, stretching its arms across a thousand acres of serenity. This is the hour, the finest of moments, to embark on an odyssey with your loved ones, traversing the vastness of this sylvan wonder.
see a glimpse of the road here
As winter’s enchantment weaves its spell, the Swamp Forest of Baniachang beckons, a place renowned in local parlance as the Kharti Jungle. Encircled by a sprawling expanse of a thousand acres, this forest stands as a sentinel of time itself.
Each day, scores of wanderers, their hearts aflame with wanderlust, converge upon this mystical woodland. They journey from the far reaches of the district, bringing with them the laughter of families on holiday. Take a moment to lose yourself in this sylvan sanctuary.
Fear not, for Lakshmibaur Forest shall never falter in its promise to captivate. Its visage shall leave you spellbound, while the Lakshmibaur Reservoir extends a welcoming hand. For those who cherish the untamed embrace of nature, this is your call, your invitation to an unspoiled Eden. The Lakshmibaur forest, a treasure trove of pure oxygen, awaits your arrival.
Just as the Amazon breathes life into our planet’s lungs, the Lakshmibaur forest breathes vitality into the very essence of Baniachang. Here, life awakens, and seasons converge in a timeless dance, reflecting the vibrant tapestry of Bengal.
Baniachang offers you a unique privilege—the taste of six seasons, a flavor that has dwindled in many corners of Bangladesh. Yet, in the heart of Baniachang, the essence of each season lingers, a testament to nature’s generosity.
Day by day, hundreds of wanderers grace this woodland stage, where a chorus of trees of diverse lineage stands sentinel. Amidst them, the Hijal-Karach-Barun-Khagra sway in harmony with reeds and a kaleidoscope of trees and blossoms. Unnamed arboreal wonders add an air of mystery. Foxes and a diverse amphibia frolic within, while the skies are adorned with a spectrum of avian wonders—domestic and exotic birds, including the esteemed winter guest Bok (Herons), Balihas(Cotton pygmy goose), and Pankauri(Cormorant).
Nature’s palette unfurls, and the governance and locals unite to declare the sanctity of birdlife, with a firm hand against any who would harm these creatures. Birds assemble at morning and eve, for this forest is a sanctuary, not only for winter guests but also a realm for diverse reptilian species. As monsoon graces the land, the forest assumes an entirely different guise—a tale recounted in another chronicle.
Now, as the dry season beckons those with wanderlust in their hearts, heed the call to explore and learn. Venture not to distant lands but to this haven of discovery. May your sojourn be rich, your communion with nature profound, and your journey a testament to the allure of the unknown.
To reach this enchanted forest, venture through the heart of Haor, where a paved road guides you through this mesmerizing wilderness. Transport options abound, from motorcycle to tomtom and autorickshaw, ensuring accessibility. Within a mere score of minutes from the upazila headquarters, you shall find yourself at the threshold of this sylvan wonderland. Alternatively, should you desire, embark within the sanctuary of a private car—an ideal abode for a picnic of unparalleled splendor.
Yet, after a day’s meandering, you must return to Baniachong Sadar before the daylight falls, for the night here belongs to nature—a realm where reptiles and creatures of the night freely roam. Safety, a steadfast companion, bids you a timely retreat.
For those who yearn to feast upon a picnic or kindle fires themselves, the forest offers haven. Alternatively, in the heart of Baniachong Sadar, markets await, where native chicken and fresh fish may be procured and prepared.
Or, delve into the bustling bazaar of Baniachong, home to delectable food havens. Pre-orders are welcome, where gastronomic delights shall tease your senses and beckon encore performances. Within the domain of Bara Bazar Post Office Road, a constellation of fine eateries awaits, including Himel, Panahar, and Palliraj.
Here, the symphony of local fish and poultry unfurls, a melodic medley to savor. Post-lunch, the tapestry of Baniachong’s tourist offerings beckons, from the historic Kamala Rani Dighi and Sagardighi to the Baniachang Rajbari, Habba-Gommar’s Dara Ghuti, the Mughal-era historical marvel, Puran Bagh Jame Masjid, Bibi Darga Jame Masjid, Kalikapara Jame Masjid, Rajbari Jame Masjid, and Shyam Baul Akhara.
The entirety of Baniachong village unveils itself for your exploration, where autorickshaws, motorcycles, and private cars become your chariots, guiding you through its rich heritage.
(On the banks of Sagardighi, Pallikbi Jasim Uddin penned his famous Kamala Rani poem)
Kamala Rani bears witness to the birthplace of illustrious souls—Ramnath Biswas, the world’s intrepid bicycle-traveling globetrotter; Hem Sen Sushil Sen, a stalwart ally of Master Da Surya Sen in the anti-British crusade; Sir Fazle Hasan Abed, founder of the world’s largest NGO BRAC, knighted by the British government; former minister and scribe Sirajul Hossain Khan. Their legacies unfurl on the western shores of Dighi, while the house of intellectual martyr Saidul Hasan stands sentinel in our village.
And in this very village, the legendary late music maestro Subir Nandi was born, his residence a testament to his enduring legacy.
Should the day’s wanderlust extend into twilight, Banyachang extends its arms to cradle your night’s rest. Several residential hotels await, or arrangements may be made to reside in the Zila Parishad Dak Bungalows.
Alternatively, the night may be spent in the vibrant heart of Habiganj city, where dreams and stories continue to unfurl beneath the night’s starry canopy.
Since 2012, Bangladesh Environment Movement (Bapa) has been asking for the recognition of Lakshmibaur as Swamp Forest and Water Forest. It is possible to turn the Lakshmibaur reservoir into an attractive tourist spot by taking initiatives to protect the environment and biodiversity of the Lakshmibaur reservoir through co-management by the local people and the government.