Bandarban: Heaven of Bangladesh

Bandarban has been the most beautiful tourist destination of Bangladesh in recent years. Nature has adorned this region with its magnificent and splendid green ornaments. Beauty is scattered everywhere of Bandarban in magnanimous mood.

 One will find the virgin beauty of Bandarban on every step he or she advances. Nature is extravagant here. Behind the name of Bandarban there is an overwhelming story. Long time ago this district was a great natural habitat for monkeys and it was crisscrossed by numerous canals (jhiri). Monkeys used to collect fruits from forests on the other side of the canal and cross it.

After eating and collection of fruits, they returned in the same way as a group. When they crossed canals it looked like a dam from a distance. It caught the sight of local Marma community and they termed it as Magci. Here Mag means monkeys and Ci means dam.

Gradually it has been transformed in the local dialect Bandarbon. With the passage of time it has undergone a phonetic change and now it is Bandarban.Tajingdong also known as "Bijoy" is the highest mountain of Bangladesh. Tajingdong is located above 4300 ft (1310 meters) from the sea level.

It is situated in Remakri pangsha union under Ruma upazilla. According to local tribal language "Tajing" means "Great" and "Dong" means "Hill" so that means "Great Hill". Various tribal communities have developed centering the mountain. Once the way to Tahjingdong was thought to be nearly impossible but today a lot of tourists undertake this journey to have a unique experience.

Keokradong is the second highest mountain of Bangladesh. It is located on the border between Bangladesh and Myanmar. Keokradong is about 4,035 ft (1,230 meters) high from the sea level. It is situated 30km away from Ruma upazilla. You can see many small and big mountains and hills there.

The whole area is covered with dense forests. You will be pleased seeing the dazzling beauty of the green hills, cool fountains, zigzag paths, hilly road sides and hide and seek games played by the clouds on the top of the hills.

Boga Lake is the most beautiful natural lake of Bangladesh. It is also known as Bagakain Lake or Baga Lake. This amazing lake is located 18 kilometer away from Ruma Upazilla. Boga Lake is about 15 acres. It is about 2700-3000 feet above sea level. After the monsoon, when the hill becomes lavishly green, this lake turns into a real beauty. The lake is surrounded by mountains screened with thick bamboo bushes.

There is no channel for draining the water from the lake. The water is crystal clear with blue shed and under the lake water rocks and boulders can be seen everywhere. Don't miss the chance to bath and swim in such blue water. You can have a campfire beside the lake.

The River Sangu is also known as Sangpo or Shankha. It flows north through Thanchi, Rowangchari and Bandarban Sadar Upazila and finally falls into Bay of Bengal. Sangu River with its gorgeous landscapes and transparent water, offers tourists astonishing beauty and tranquility of nature. You can hire traditional boats or engine boats from the old Sangu Bridge. A Ruma Bazar-Bandarban-Ruma Bazar boat journey is simple magical. You will see villages only accessible by boats.

Nilachal is the nearest tourist spot from Bandarban. It is situated at tiger Para, only 5 km away from the Bandarban town. From Nilachal, located about 2000 ft above the sea level, you can have a total glimpse of Bandarban town and a vast landscape. In the rainy season, you can become thrilled while walking through the clouds. You can watch a golden twilight in the evening and can enjoy   blissful moonlight in the full moon nights.

Nil Giri is the highest hill resort of Bangladesh with amazing natural beauty. This Resort is located 47 km South East of Bandarban town on Chimbuk Range at a height of 2400 feet from sea level. It has a high-class residential accommodation that makes a difference. You will be amazed when you will see that the cloudy sky often kisses the peaks of the hills. Gentle breeze blows down the hillside and thin clouds float so close that you can touch the clouds from the spot!

Shorno Mondir or the Buddha Dhatu Jadi is a Theravada Buddhist temple. It is located at Pulpara, 4 km from Balaghata town and 10 km from Bandarban. Shorno mondir is one of the most beautiful Buddhist temples of Bangladesh.

The Golden Temple is the largest Theravada Buddhist temple with the second largest Buddha statue in Bangladesh. The Buddha Dhatu jadi is located at Balagata in Bandarban district. The modern Architectural design in golden colour is the main attraction of this temple.

Nafakhum is one of the most beautiful waterfalls of Bangladesh. This marvelous waterfall is situated on the wild hilly Sangu River at a remote area called Remakri of Thanchi upazilla under Bandarban District. You have to hire a boat to travel to Nafakhum. The boatman will not allow more than five persons in his boat. You need to start your journey early in the day, as you may need eight hours to reach Remakri.

Then you have to go to Nafakhum falls by walking, which will take 2 hours to reach. The beauty of Nafakhum is really mind blowing. You can take bath there. Every traveler should have a plan to visit this beautiful spot at least once in his/her lifetime.

Jadipai Waterfall or Jadipai Jhorna is one of the widest waterfalls of Bangladesh. It is located at Ruma upazilla in Bandarban. During the rainy season, the flow of Jadipai fall becomes robust.

You have to trek hill and difficult hilly roads to reach Jadipai. Journey to this astonishing waterfall will take huge time. You have to go to Boga Lake first and stay a night there. On the next day, you can start the trip at 7.00 am. At first, you have to go to Keokradong.

On the way, you will pass by a tribal village known as Darjiling Para where you can take rest for half an hour. After reaching Keokradong, you have to prepare for a long journey to reach Jadipai. It will take you about 2.5 hours to reach Jadipai from Keokradong. After a long journey, when you finally reach  this gorgeous waterfall, you will find that your efforts have been well rewarded.