Location:
Birishiri
is situated at Durgapur upazila of Netrokona district, which is almost 170 kilometer
north of Dhaka city. This far-flung locality is close to Bangladesh-India
border. These two neighboring countries have been separated by the Someshwari
River, which on the other end connects the Meghalaya state of India. This rural
area is placed at the feet of Garo Hills from where Someshwari River originates
(Nokrek Peak). This river divides the Garo Hills into two parts. However, in
Bangladesh, it passes through Shusong-Durgapur and other areas of the Netrokona
district.
Tourist
spots:
Because
of its appealing natural beauty, the entire Birishiri area can be considered a
piece of heaven. Visitors become attracted and fascinated by its glamour. It is
difficult for naturalists and tourists to visit the whole place in a single
day. It is better to make a list of the main attractions of the place before
going there. Locations that catch attention of the people a lot are Someshwari
River and its surrounding green countryside, ceramic (China Mati) mountain of
Durgapur and the blue water underneath the mountain valley (blue lagoon),
deserted coal mines, palace of the Susang Maharaja (king), the Dasha Busha
Temple, Orange Garden, Gajarie forest, the Ramkrisna and Loknath Baba Temples.
The
picturesque landscape of the Someshwari River and sand-covered banks will fascinate
anybody. It changes its beauty with the rise and fall of the water level along
with the change of seasons. Someshwari remains almost dry except the rainy
season. In the dry months, water level goes down allowing people to cross the
river on foot and can see the fields of golden color sands on both sides of the
river. During winter season, river water becomes very clear and greenish in
color that you can see the bottom of the river. When the sun rays fall, sands
beneath the river water glitter. For this reason, it is also called golden
river. This white sand has high demand in making building. Coal and stones,
which are the main sources of the local people’s livelihood, are also found in
this river. However, you can see the different scenario during the rainy season
as the river swells in size. Boat is the main transport to cross this
slow-flowing river.
Crossing
the river by boat, you have to trek another tourist spot named ceramic
mountain, which is around half an hour journey by motorbike. You cannot
contemplate what is waiting for you until you reach there. Visitors would be
astonished seeing different colors of hills- white, red, pink, violet, purple
etc. You will get a clear image of the local tribal people and their quarters
from the peak of the hills. People mainly visit here to see the white ceramic
hill and blue water at the mountain’s valley. The color of the water in this
lake distinguishes it from other lakes of the country. If you are a good
swimmer you can take a swim in this blue water, but if you do not know how to
swim then it is better not to get down into the water as it is 60-80 feet deep,
according to the local people.
It
looks like that Creator has bestowed this place with natural beauty. Wherever
you look, you will see green and green. While walking through the orange
forest, Gajarie forest and spice garden, which is filled with Cinnamon and Bay
Leaf trees, travelers will feel relaxed as well as relieved from stress. The
journey into the forests will be worth remembering.
Other
places are- the palace of Susang king, the Dasha Busha Temple, Loknath Baba
Temple and the Ramkrisna temple near Kula Para. Without visiting there, your
journey will remain incomplete. Ranikong Mission, which is situated on a hill,
is close to ceramic hills. In that mission, you will also find church, convent
etc. It should be noted here that Durgapur was once under the Shusong (Susan)
king. For this reason, this area is also called Shusong Durgapur. It is also
the home of comrade Moni Singh, the leader of Tonk movement, the local meaning
of Tonk is local landlord.
Home
of tribal groups:
Apart
from natural beauty, it is also blessed with rich ethnic culture because of the
population of many ethnic groups like- Hajong, Garo, Achik, Mandi etc. So, it
can be a perfect place for researchers to learn and experience cultures of
different ethnic groups and their lifestyles. There is Birishiri Tribal
Cultural Academy and ethnic museum at Birishiri. If you go there, you should
not miss the opportunity to visit there.
Transport
facilities:
Road
trip from Dhaka is perhaps the best way to go there. Bus service is the
cheapest and easiest option for travelers. In Mohakhali bus stand, you will
find direct bus to Birishiri. It will take 5-7 hours to reach the destination.
Ticket price will not cost more than Tk 200-300. You can also choose local
train as an alternative mode of transportation. If you board the train then you
have to get down at Jaria and then from there you have to take either motorbike
or rickshaw. As the road is muddy and rough, it is better for tourists to
choose motorbike. Then you can go from one place to another place very quickly.
Accommodation
facilities:
If
you plan on staying there for one or two nights then you have to book hotels or
guest houses as soon as you get off there or prior your journey. It would be
better if you find a hotel or guest house closer to the tourist spot. Keeping
it in mind, you can go for- YMCA (Young Mens’ Christian Association) and YWCA
(Young Womens’ Christian Association), guest houses run by missionary organizations.
Even you can stay in the rest house of Tribal Cultural Academy. Standard
quality hotels are also available in Mymensingh city, but the only problem is
that it is little bit away from Birishiri. However, hotel room or bed rent may
cost Tk 200-400 per day. In order to make it a pleasant journey, you can carry
tent along with you to camp in the forest or on mountain.
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