Shapla Blooms and Birdsong Fill Munshiganj’s Arial Beel in the Monsoon, a Wetland of 167,000 Acres

White and dark clouds drift across the sky while, below, shapla water lilies, saluk and water hyacinth sway on an expanse of water stretching to the horizon — that is the monsoon face of Arial Beel in Munshiganj. Amid the greenery, a kingfisher dives here, a heron wanders there, and birdsong fills the air.

For anyone wanting time in nature close to Dhaka, this wetland is well worth a visit. In the monsoon the beel’s vast area fills with water, a light breeze raises small waves, and floating aquatic plants rock along with them.

Different corners of the beel host bird species including the brahminy kite, kingfisher, watercock and pond heron. The season is described as especially enjoyable for nature lovers and photographers.

Arial Beel is not only about natural beauty; it is also an important part of local livelihoods and biodiversity. Its native fish are reputed.

When the water recedes in winter, crops and vegetables of many kinds are grown across the wide tracts. The area is also known for sweet pumpkin. In other words, the place that is a water-filled wetland in the monsoon becomes green crop fields across much of its area in winter.

Arial Beel spans Srinagar upazila of Munshiganj and parts of Nawabganj and Dohar upazilas of Dhaka. Its land area currently stands at 167,000 acres.

The vast wetland contains countless large and small water bodies, marshes and ponds. Ponds including Sagardighi and Kalachan Dighi further enrich the area’s natural character.

According to local lore, the beel was once called Churain Beel. It later took the name Arial Beel after the Arial Khan river.

Getting there is not difficult. From Gulistan in Dhaka, a Shimulia-bound bus drops passengers at Chhanbari stand in Srinagar for 60 taka per person. From there, visitors can go to the trawler ghat near Srinagar Bazar or Gadighat and hire a trawler to tour the beel.

A trawler for a full day’s tour starts at around 4,000 taka. Travellers are advised, however, to verify the current bus fare, route and trawler rates before setting out.

The beel’s appearance can change with the weather and water levels. Visitors are advised to follow the boatman’s instructions while on a trawler, wear a life jacket, and not litter the wetland environment.