Bandarban district is one of the most unique districts in Bangladesh. Located in the Chittagong hill tracts in the division of Chittagong, it is one of three hill districts of the country. The area of Bandarban comprises 4,479.03 square kilometers, and a population of 404,093 people.
How to Visit Bandarban from Dhaka?
Being a tourist destination, Bandarban is often visited by people to spend quality vacations. With the growth of tourists, communication has improved significantly due to better built infrastructures. Today, Badarban can be visited from the Capital either by bus, or by train, and even by air.
Except bus services, there are no direct routes to Bandarban; thereby, travelers need to avail a second phase of transportation, either taxi, or bus to reach Bandarban after getting off at Chittagong by availing the train or air routes. Shyamoli Paribahan, Saudia Paribahan, S.Alam Paribahan are some of the only few direct bus services from Dhaka to Bandarban.
7 Places to visit in Bandarban
1. Boga Lake
Boga Lake is a lake that can be found in Bandarban’s Ruma Upazila. It is a natural sweet and deep lake. Mountain peaks covered in dense bamboo woods encircle the lake on three sides. It is one of the most scenic places in Bandarban, and one of the most visited tourist destinations of the district.
2. Nilgiri Hills
Nilgiri hills is composed of one of the tallest peaks and beautiful tourist spots in Bangladesh. It is about 3500 feet high and situated at Thanci Thana. In the rainy season, mesmerizing scenes can be experienced, when the entirety of the area is covered under the blanket of clouds. The Nilgiri hills are located 46 kilometers away from Bandarban sadar. It is a mandatory place to visit in Bandarban.
3. Amiakhum
Amiakhum is naturally one of the most serene and beautiful waterfalls in Bangladesh. The waterfall is located deep within the hilly terrains of the Bandarban district, in a place called Tindu, at Thanchi. The stunning scenic magnificence of the place is sure to make your Bandarban visit worthwhile.
4. Tajingdong Mountain
Tajingdong Mountain can be found in Ruma Upazila, Remakri Pangsha Union in the Bandarban District. In Bengali, this mountain is popularly known as Bijoy.
The mountain presents an otherworldly adventure for those who venture into its trails, enabling them to hike, discover, and fully immerse themselves in the breathtaking environment and natural splendor of the area.
5. Sangu River
Sangu River is one of the most prolific places to visit in the Bandarban district. The river mesmerizes its visitors with a scenic beauty that is unparalleled and unfounded in any other place in Bangladesh. Boating through the Sangu river, exploring habitats and the nature is one of the best things that a tourist can do while in Bandarban.
6. Buddha Dhatu Jadi
The Buddha Dhatu Jadi or the Buddhist Golden temple is one of the most important religious sites for the Buddhist people in Bangladesh. It has the second-biggest Buddha sculpture in the country, and stores significant historic significance. This is a place that should not be missed out while visiting the Bandarban district.
7. Meghla Parjatan Complex
Meghna Parjatan complex is an amazing tourist destination in Bandarban. The complex, features a mini-safari park, a zoo, a location for boat rides, a hanging bridge, and an artificial lake at the foot of the hills, is located 4 km from the Bandarban town and on the road to Keranihat. It is a well-liked tourist destination that many people frequent for fun.
3 Foods to try in Bandarban
1. Mundi
Mundi is a food that has its origins within the borders of Myanmar. It is one of the most popular foods among the locals of Bandarban. Mundi is composed of usually Vermicelli, chicken broth, shrimp powder, coriander, tasting salt, and more. It makes for an exquisite delicacy to have while travelling to the Bandarban district.
2. Bamboo chicken
Bamboo chicken is one of the most popular dishes of the hill tracts. It is a symbolic food that represents our tribal cultures, and evokes memories of the hill tracts. Usually, the food is made by boiling or steaming chicken in bamboo, with the addition of different spices. The serving of the food in all natural mediums makes it an amazing dish to enjoy.
3. Chicken Luxho
Chicken Luxho is a renowned dish in the hill tracts of Bangladesh. In simple terms, it is chicken shredded to bits and mixed with different spices. It is a delicious delicacy, and a must try for visitors.
5 Places to stay in Bandarban
1. Sairu Hill Resort
The Sairu Hill Resort is one of the most renowned resorts in Bandarban. Located amidst the green hilly landscape, it is an exquisite accommodation to enjoy your vacation. The resort offers accommodations customized to different people’s needs, a swimming pool, sightseeing activities, and more.
2. Nilgiri Resort
Rub and operated by the Bangladesh Army, the Nilgiri Resort is one of the most extravagant and secure resorts in Bandarban. The resort offers exquisite amenities and lodging to fulfill the needs of the tourists.
3. Labah Tong Hill Resort Ltd.
The Labah Tong Hill resort is considered to be one of the best hill resorts in Bandarban. The resort offers a serene shelter in the hills of Bandarban. The hotel provides numerous types of rooms and accommodations, alongside a premium restaurant to satisfy your hunger.
4. Hotel Hill View
Hotel Hill View is located near the Bandarban bus stand, on the main road of Bandarban. The hotel offers different types of rooms to satisfy the needs of its diverse customers. The amenities provided by the hotel include 24/7 security services, medical services, transportation services, multilingual staff, and more.
5. Hill Side Resort
The hill side resort offers some of the most exquisite accommodations in Bandarban. The resort offers small cottages to its customers; it also boasts a dormitory. The accommodation costs in this resort are cheap. Hill Side Resort provides an authentic experience to its visitors.
3 Things to do in Bandarban
1. Trekking
One of the best things that someone could do while in Bandarban, is to trek the place. The hilly terrain amidst the natural green alongside the flow of rivers, makes Bandarban one of the best places to trek in Bangladesh.
2. Boating
Amidst the hilly terrain in Bandarban, there lies beautiful rivers with clear waters amidst the background of the green nature. To explore this place by boating across the rivers is a mandatory activity that everyone should partake in. Boating across the Sangu river and exploring the numerous waterfalls and sceneries is one of the best experiences that people can enjoy while visiting Bandarban.
3. Exploring
Bandarban offers a lot of places that remain to be explored. The different indigenous ethnicities of Bandarban, such as the Marma, Bawm, Tripura, etc, all come from different cultures that offer a glimpse into their different lifestyles, cuisines, and perspectives.
Moreover, the Buddhist temples, statues, and sanctuaries also offer a premium experience to explore something new.
Conclusion:
Bandarban is an amazing destination to explore and experience the culture, people, food, cuisines, and nature. It is a mesmerizing district that complements the beauty of Bangladesh.
