The Surma is the river that defines Sylhet — broad, slow-moving in the dry season, swollen with monsoon water in summer. The Keane Bridge spans it at the city centre; small wooden ferries run constantly between the north and south banks, carrying people and bicycles for a few taka per crossing.
Hiring a boat for an hour at sunset is one of the best simple pleasures in Sylhet: the city skyline lit up, the bridge in silhouette, the fishermen pulling in nets. Touts at the Keane Bridge end will arrange short trips. Negotiate the price before stepping in.