Rangamati
Rangamati, a small town located amongst the green hills, lakes and
rivers of the Chittagong Hill Tracts. This is what makes it a prime Bangladesh
hill destination. It is known as the Lake City of Bangladesh as this
place is located on the bank of the beautiful Kaptai Lake. It is
the administrative headquarter of the Rangamati Hill District, the largest
district of Bangladesh and located some 77 kilometres away from Chittagong. For
long time Rangamati has been a prime Bangladesh tourist destination for its
location, scenic beauty, colourful tribal people, tribal homespun textiles and
ivory jewellery.
The rich natural resources,
diverse flora and fauna makes Rangamati a Bangladesh Eco-Tourism destination.
The road leading to Rangamati circles and winds through hilly terrains
covered with lush green forests and creates a memorable experience for
years to come. A stay here provides a glimpse into the lifestyle of various
tribes living there. The ethnic tribes of Rangamati are the Chakma, Marma,
Tonchongya, Tripura, Murong, Bome, Khumi, Kheyang,
Chak, Pankhoa, and Lusai. The mix of different races,
cultures, religions and customs creates an interesting community at Rangamati.
It is said that without visiting Rangamati a tourist will miss a colourful
slice of Bangladesh.
Visit Rangamati during October to February as the temperature remains
cool and usually there is no rainfall, however, the beauty of Rangamati
unleashes during the monsoon as the forest becomes greener, bursts with life
and the rivers and waterfalls becomes replenished.
Kaptai Lake
This large man
made lake of Bangladesh spanning over an area of approximately 11000km2,
was created as a reservoir when the Kaptai dam was built during the 1960s. The
lake was created by flooding valleys and plain lands between numerous hills.
This created a picturesque view as forested hills and plateaus
rise from beneath the water. The government run tourism corporation
and private operators offer Kaptai Lake Cruise Tours, which is worth of
it. Other scenic spots are also accessible through the waterways.
Shuvolong Falls
Shuvolong
a place in Borokol sub district, located about 25kilometers (11kilometers – as
the crow flies) away from Rangamati. There are few waterfalls in Shuvolong
area with the largest one falling from as high as 300 feet. In the past several
years, this place has turned into a tourist destination due to beautiful
waterfalls and the nearby market. Shuvolong is easily accessible by speed boat
or motor boats from Rangamati.
Tribal Museum
The museum is located near the entry point to
the city. Established in 1978, it is run by the Tribal Cultural Institute.
Traditional ornaments. costumes, potteries, musical instruments, armaments,
paintings and photographs, old manuscripts, statues and ancient coins of
various tribes are on display here. It is open Saturday to Thursday excluding
public holidays.
Hanging Bridge
This 335feet long bridge across a portion of
the Kaptai lake is an icon of Rangamati.
Kaptai National Park
This forest reserve is located in the
Karnafuly and Kaptai range. According to the government statistics some 50,000
people visits the national park every year as it provides some walking trails among the lush green
forest. The animal species of Kaptai National park are deer, elephants,
monkeys, fishing cats and birds. The Kaptai Forest Rest
house, Kaptai Mukh Forest Rest House and several picnic spots are located here.
Rajban Bihar Pagoda
An internationally
known Buddhist Temple, where the spiritualist principal monk of Rajban
Vihara, Shrimath Sadhana Nanda Mohasthabir(Ban Vante) lives.
Peda Ting Ting
A small
island on the Kaptai Lake, few kilometres away from Rangamati. It is mostly
known for its serenity. There are a few tourist accommodation
facilities here and a tiny restaurant run by the locals. It offers
foods ranging from traditional to indigenous 
Chakma Royal Palace
This is the palace of the present Chakma King.
However, it is open to public for a visit.
DC Bungalow Area
The District Commissioner’s Bungalow is
located adjacent to the lake. There is a small light house and a shelter
accessible to the public. This spot provides a nice view of the lake.
Sajek Valley A Rroof of Haven Tourist Spot in Rangamati Bangladesh
About Sajek Valley
It is one of the
big union in Rangamati districts. It is the name of a river which separates
Bangladesh from India. The river flows into the Karnafuli River in the
Chittagong Hill Tracts. Sajek Valley is situated in the North angle of
Rangamati, near the Mizoram border boundary area. The valley is 18000 ft high
from sea level. Many small rivers flow through the hills among them Kachalon
and Machalong are famous. It is one of the biggest union in Bangladesh. The
main ethnic minorities on the valley are Chakma, Marma, Tripura, Pankua, Lushai
and Sagma. Before traveling there, be alert about malaria. There is some body
lotion or cream to prevent the mosquito. The place is known as hill queen for
its natural beauty and roof of Rangamati.
Marishsha is a
name of a place near Sajek Valley. Bamboo makes most of the houses. There is
another place near Sajek, it is Kanlak, and it is famous for the orange
orchard. Most attractions of the spot are sunset, rain, morning, evening, and
night and aborigine people. Tourist can buy aborigine people product from
indigenous Haat. Roads are like big snake spirals mountains. Most of the people
are Buddhist, and people are Christian here. A new road has been built up to
the Ruilui Para by the guidance of Bangladesh army. On the way, a traveler
needs to take permission from the military camp. Bangladesh army is very
helpful and cooperative.Now the mobile network is available here.
How to Go
The valley is in
Rangamati, but tourist can reach there from Khagrachhari it is better for them.
From Dhaka many bus services are available. They are Saint Martin(AC), Soudia,
Eagle, Shyamoli, S Alam and more. After reach to Khagrachhori, you need a
Chander Gari to arrive at Sajek. The route is Khagrachhori – Dighinala Bazaar –
Bagaihat Bazaar – Machalong Haat – then Sajek. It is 106 km from Khagrachhari.
Dighinala to Sajek is 25 km. Main transportation is Chander Gari. It costs
Tk.5000-tk.6000/- from Khagrachhari. It is like a four-wheel jeep. Sometimes
visitor can take some tea break on the way at Haat.
From Dighinala
traveler can hire a motorbike. It may cost Tk 1000-tk1500/- up down. The region
is extremely very backward. The visitor can also go to Sajek from Rangamati by
engine vessel. It takes 5-6 hours. Baghaichari is the landing station. Costing
is within TK 200/-. And Baghaichari to Sajek by Chander Gari. Per person, it takes
TK 300/-. Normally it is better to book reserve for the return journey.
