The Malnichhora tea gardens, located conveniently near the International Airport of Sylhet, hold the distinction of being the first and largest tea garden in the subcontinent. Established by Lord Hudson on a sprawling 1500 acres in 1849, this tea garden, currently under private supervision, welcomes visitors with prior permission from the authority. This historical tea garden is not just a testament to the region's rich tea culture, but also a symbol of the enduring legacy of tea cultivation in the area.
For travelers eager to explore this iconic tea garden, reaching Sylhet is straightforward. Options range from buses and trains from Dhaka to air travel. Airlines such as Biman Bangladesh, NovoAir, and US Bengal offer flights to Sylhet, transporting you to the heart of tea country in less than an hour, with plane fares ranging between 2,700-7,000 Tk.
Once in Sylhet city, the journey to Malnichhara tea garden is a short one. You can rent a rickshaw or CNG for the trip; it takes about 10 minutes by CNG and 25 minutes by rickshaw from Amberkhana Point to reach the tea garden. The journey itself is as enchanting as the destination, with the lush greenery of Sylhet providing a beautiful backdrop.
For those planning an overnight stay, there are several accommodation options. The shrine area of Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) offers rooms in various categories, with prices ranging from 500 to 3,000 Tk. For a more luxurious stay, Sylhet boasts several notable hotels, including Hotel Roseview International, Hotel Fortune Garden, Hotel Dallas, Hotel Supreme, and Hotel Hilltown. Each of these hotels offers a unique blend of comfort and convenience, ensuring your stay in Sylhet is as enjoyable as your visit to the Malnichhora tea gardens.
Visiting the Malnichhora tea gardens is more than just a trip to a tea plantation; it's an immersive experience into the heart of Bangladesh's tea history, surrounded by the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of Sylhet.
