Sylhet: the tea hills of Bangladesh

In northeastern Bangladesh, Sylhet remains surrounded by tea plantations terraced along the country's greenest hills.

The center, surrounded by Bangladesh's tea hills, is comfortably explored by motor rickshaw.

The Shrine of Shah Jalal, dedicated to the Sufi saint who according to tradition brought Islam to the region in the fourteenth century, remains the citys main pilgrimage site.

Minutes away, the Malnicherra tea plantations, among the oldest in Bangladesh, spread across lush terraced hills accessible through guided walks.

Heading toward the Indian border one reaches Jaflong, where the river descends from Meghalaya hills creating pools of clear water among the rocks.

As evening falls, the local markets of Sylhet sell tea cultivated in the region, exported throughout Bangladesh.

Sylhet produces roughly half of all tea grown in Bangladesh, thanks to its humid climate and rolling hills that recreate conditions similar to the neighboring Indian region of Assam.

The Shrine of Shah Jalal, a pilgrimage destination from across Bangladesh, houses according to local legend sacred fish in a pool that devotees consider bearers of good fortune.