Bandarban

Natural Site/Breathtaking and Unspoilt Bandarban

Some 92 km from Chittagong by metalled road through the green forests and hills is tucked away the quiet haven of peace and tranquility known as Bandarban. The unspoilt setting of this little township, rich in tribal heritage, attracts a large number of tourists. Its flora and fauna, the pretty bamboo cottages made by the ethnic people and their colourful lifestyle have distinguished this charming hill resort a preferred destination of tourists from home and abroad. The panoramic views of Bandarban will surely induce visitors to extend their stay, so that they may roam around at leisure in the natural wilderness of this hilly district. Tourists can also have good access to a wide variety of activities like hill trekking to remote tribal villages, bird watching, visiting waterfalls on day trips, and a better chance of interacting with the indigenous locals and appreciating their ethnic culture.

Bandarban includes the following places of interest:

Bagakain Lake, popularly known as Baga Lake, is a natural water-body. The lake attracts tourists because of its amazing scenic beauty but it is inaccessible by any means of transport. Only those who take the challenge of trekking through the hilly bushes can visit the lake whose main source of water are natural springs. The local tribal people use the water of the lake for drinking. Mt. Keokeradong Discovery Trek is another typical trek which includes a river journey by country boat to Ruma, then a day's hike up a river bed to the lily-­filled Saga Lake and a lakeside Bawm tribal village.

Below the lake one will find a Marma village. Mental strength and physical fitness are essential to take part in such trekking in Bandarban. Another noteworthy site is Chimbuk hill which in the Bangladeshi context is an out-of-the-ordinary tourist attraction. It is called 'the Darjeeling of Bengal' and is 700 metres above sea level.

Located Chimbuk hill is 25 km south of Bandarban town, approached by a zigzag road and offering a stunning view of the Sangu river, it can give the visitor the experience of a lifetime. The top of this hill is plain and just like a plateau. The dance of the clouds increases in liveliness with the rise of the morning sun and immediately before sunset, and tourists can have the delightful experience of touching clouds with their hands. The entire ambience is so captivating that one would surely like to return here again and again.

Ruma Bazar, 60 km southeast of Bandarban, is another attractive tourist destination. The place is famous for its scenic beauty and visitors can while away a few pleasant hours before making the journey back to Bandarban by sampan (boat). Ruma is full of diversely Rijuk Waterfall, Prantik lake, the Bromang Raj Bari and museum are also worth seeing. But a visit to Bandarban remains incomplete if Meghla is left out. Situated about 6 km from the Chittagong-Bandarban highway, it boasts a lake of extraordinary beauty. Alikadam is well known for the settlements of the Murang and Khumi tribal people. Another attraction is the Shailapropai (waterfall), 8 km from Bandarban. The walk to this spot involves several ascents and descents. Buddha dhatu jadi is an attractive temple located at a height of 60 meters on a hill at Balaghata, 2 km from Bandarban town. Its golden colour and eye-catching architecture make it a feast for the eyes. Sangu river is another attraction of this hilly district. Tourists can take a boat from Kaptai lake and travel downstream along the Sangu to go to Bandarban.