Rema Kalenga Wildlife Sanctuary sits in Moulvibazar district, inside the Srimangal tea country. If you are planning a visit, the real question is how to get there without wasting time or getting stuck on bad roads.
Starting from Srimangal town
Most travellers base themselves in Srimangal, the nearest town with decent accommodation and transport links. From Srimangal, the sanctuary is about 25 kilometres east. You cannot rely on public buses because they drop you only at the main road junction, still several kilometres from the entry point.
The practical option is to hire a CNG (auto-rickshaw) or a private car from Srimangal. A CNG takes around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on road conditions. The fare in 2024 was roughly 600–800 BDT for a one-way trip. Negotiate before you start. The road is narrow and partly unpaved after you leave the highway, so expect a bumpy ride.
Entry point and permits
The sanctuary entrance is at the village of Rema. There is a small forest office where you must register. You need to show a photo ID – a passport or national ID card works. Foreign visitors pay a higher entry fee (around 300 BDT) compared to locals (50 BDT). The office opens from 8 AM to 5 PM, but it is best to arrive before 10 AM to have enough daylight for the trails.
No advance booking is required for individuals. If you are in a group of more than 10 people, you may need to inform the Divisional Forest Office in Srimangal a few days ahead. A local guide is mandatory inside the sanctuary. The forest office can arrange one for about 500–800 BDT per trip. Guides know the trails and help spot wildlife.
Inside the sanctuary
Once inside, you walk on marked trails through mixed evergreen forest. The main trail is about 3 kilometres long and takes two to three hours. You will see large trees, bamboo thickets, and maybe langurs or macaques if you are quiet. The sanctuary is home to hoolock gibbons, but they are shy and rarely seen on short visits.
There are no food stalls or drinking water inside. Carry your own water and snacks. Mobile network coverage is patchy – Grameenphone works in some spots, but do not rely on it. Wear long pants and closed shoes. Leech attacks are common during the rainy season (June to October). Carry salt or a leech repellent.
Return transport is the same as arrival. Your CNG driver may wait if you agree a return fare in advance. Otherwise, you can walk to the main road and flag down a passing bus or CNG heading back to Srimangal. Buses from the highway run until early evening, but frequency drops after 5 PM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to enter Rema Kalenga Wildlife Sanctuary?
Yes, you must register at the forest office at the entrance. Bring a photo ID. Foreign visitors pay around 300 BDT, locals pay 50 BDT. No advance permit is needed for small groups.
What is the best time to visit Rema Kalenga?
The dry months from November to March are best. Trails are drier, leeches are fewer, and wildlife is easier to spot. Avoid the monsoon (June to September) when trails become muddy and leeches are abundant.
Can I visit Rema Kalenga without a guide?
No, a local guide is mandatory. The forest office assigns one at the entrance. Hiring a guide costs 500–800 BDT and is included in the entry process. Guides are knowledgeable and help you navigate safely.
Is there accommodation inside the sanctuary?
No. The nearest accommodation is in Srimangal town, 25 km away. You can find guesthouses and eco-resorts there. Some travellers stay in Srimangal and do a day trip to the sanctuary.
