Rangamati, the lake Paradise of Bangladesh

It is called the city of Lake as this place is located on the bank of the beautiful Kaptai Lake. Rangamati, the largest District of Bangladesh located amongst the green hills, lots of beautiful lakes and rivers of the Chittagong Hill Tracts. It is the administrative headquarter of the Rangamati Hill District and located near about 77 kilometers far away from Chittagong. The whole path between Rangamati and Chittagong amidst green fields and winding hills leads to Rangamati; which is a marvelous repository of scenic magnificence’s with flora and fauna of various descriptions.

A heavenly scenery of Lake side village.

Situated on the western bank of the beautiful Kaptai Lake Rangamati is one of the most favorite holiday destination because of its wonderful landscape, scenic beauty of nature, blue watery lake, colorful lifestyle of indigenous groups (Chakma, Marma Tripura, Tanchangya etc.), homespun textile products, its flora and fauna, indigenous museum and heritage, celestial hanging bridge, outstanding ivory jewelry of tribal peoples and of course the indigenous men and women who fashion them.

This is the only place of the country to visit through out the year. Rangamati, the city of blue Lake expresses her full attraction only in rainy season. During this period trees becoming more and more greener, waterfalls are in full tide and the river Karnaphuli in her full wave. If you visited this panoramic city only in winter, I am requesting you please visit again in rainy season. No doubt, you will be delighted after seeing its different looks.

When you will visit this blue lake paradise, please do and visit the followings:

An Elysian scenery of Kaptai Lake.

Kaptai Lake: This beautiful blue watery lake was made by man. The size of Lake is approximately 11000km2, which was created as a reservoir when the Kaptai dam was built during the 1960. This amazing Lake was created by flooding valleys and plain lands between numerous hills all around the Lake. Kaptai has Bangladesh's only hydro-electric project. The Kaptai Dam on the Karnaphuli River created for this purpose resulted in the Kaptai Lake. This created a charming view as forested hills and plateaus rise from beneath the beautiful Lake water. A stretch of road connects the tourist spots of Rangamati and Kaptai. The road goes deep into the hill tracts and displays the natural beauty and wildlife of the district Rangamati. The government of Bangladesh run Tourism Corporation and many private operators offer Kaptai Lake Cruise Tours, which is worth of it. Other scenic spots are also accessible through the waterways. Cruising on the Kaptai Lake is an enjoyable way of observing the landscape as many great picnic spots, natural landmarks and historic monuments are accessible only by boats.

Beautiful view of Shuvolong water falls.

Shuvolong Water Falls: Shuvolong a place in Borokol which is a sub district of Rangamati located about 25 kilometers far away from district headquarter. There are some beautiful calm waterfalls in Shuvolong area which the largest one falling from near about 300 feet high. This place has turned into a favorite tourist destination due to its beautiful waterfalls and the nearby tribal market. The ideal vehicle for observing of its beauty is speed boats or motor boats from Rangamati.

Tribal Museum: Established at Rangamati town in 1978 the Tribal Museum is the only Tribal Cultural Museum in the Hill Tracts region. The museum is located just near the entry point to the Rangamati town. The Museum is run under the rules of Tribal Cultural Institute. This Tribal Museum enriched with a huge collection of traditional tribal ornaments, bamboo flutes, silver-and-ivory necklaces, costumes, potteries, musical instruments, armaments, tribal paintings and photographs, ancient manuscripts, lots of statues and ancient coins of various tribes are on displaying here. It is open Saturday to Thursday (10.00 am. - 4.00 pm) excluding public holidays.

Awesome scenery of blue lake in Rangamati.

Hanging Bridge: The total size of this panoramic structure is about 335 feet long and situated across a portion of the Kaptai Lake. It is a central iconic landmark of Rangamati town. This Hanging Bridge is a most popular tourist spot and a must go destination of the Lake paradise Rangamati.

Kaptai National Park: Located in Rangamati Hill District over Karnaphuly and Kaptai Ranges the forest is controlled under the Chittagong Hill Tracts (South) Forest Division. Total size of this calm, cool and green forest is near about 5464 hectares. The park is adjacent to Kaptai Bazar in the north-eastern corner of the Kaptai Upazila, Rangamati District. It is an attractive travel destination to all kind of traveler of the country. Every single year more then 50 000 peoples visit this green heaven, just paying an entrance fee of Tk10.00 only per a person. Wild lives in the Kaptai National Park include Deer, Elephant, Jungle Cat, Monkey etc. Adventures are including Boating, Picnic spots, Speed boat cruising, Water skiing and Hiking.

Peda Ting Ting: It is a small island on the Kaptai Lake. It is located few kilometers far away from Rangamati town. It is mostly known for its serenity. A few tourist accommodation facilities are available here and you will find a tiny restaurant here which is runs by the local tribal peoples. It is also offers foods ranging from traditional to indigenous delicacies.

Rajban Bihar Pagoda (Buddhist Temple).

Rajban Bihar Pagoda: This Pagoda is an internationally known Buddhist Temple. The spiritualist principal monk of Rajban Vihara, Shrimath Sadhana Nanda Mohasthabir(Ban Vante) lives here.  Most of the visitors who came in Rangamati, must visit this place.

Way to go: The Lake city Rangamati is 337 kilometers from Dhaka and 77 kilometers from Chittagong, the port city of Bangladesh. Lots of A/C and non A/C Buses are available from Chittagong city to Rangamati. Chittagong is directly linked with Dhaka by road, rail, and air. You have to go Dampara Police Line in Chittagong for the A/C buses. Few famous buses are including Shyamoli A/C and Non-A/C, Hanif Enterprise, Unique, S. Alam etc.

Where to stay: There are lots of hotels in Rangamati where you can stay. These are including Hotel Sufia International, Hotel Green Castle, Parjaton Motel, Banarupa Tourist's Inn. But Parjatan holiday complex is the best place to stay in Rangamati.