Lowacherra Forest Reserve

Some 8km east of Srimangal on the road to Kamalganj, Lowacherra Forest is not to be missed, especially if you're a bird-watcher. The local name for the forest is Shaymoli. It extends for only a few kilometres, but the terrain is hilly and the vegetation is fairly thick, thus slowing your walk. Fortunately, this forest is in an area that's not so heavily populated. Consequently it's less threatened than Madhupur Forest in Dhaka division.

There are unmarked trails to follow, but you can wander off without fear of getting lost. Look for wild orchids growing in the upper branches of trees, and keep an eye out for gibbons that make lots of noise as their troupe swings through the branches in the upper canopy. The blue-bearded bee-eater and the red-breasted trogon are a couple of interesting birds to watch for in addition to the variety of forest birds that show up. Take care during the wet season, as leeches are not unheard of here.

Getting There & Away From Srimangal, take the paved road east towards Kamalganj. The poorly marked turn-off to your left (north), which is easy to miss, is about 4.75km past the ODA compound and another 2.75km beyond the well-marked turn-off for the Nurjahan and Madabpore tea estates. The dirt road into the forests, which crosses the railroad tracks, is less than a kilometre long and thus an easy walk.