Bandarban is significant on the tourist map of Bangladesh due to its breathtaking natural beauty and many exciting places. The three highest places in Bangladesh are located in Bandarban. They are Tajindong (Victory), Moudak Moul (Saka Huffong) and Keokradong. To conquer these three peaks one can happily climb jungles and mountain rivers. Once you start mountaineering, you will also see interesting waterfalls. Exceptional gifts, food items, handicrafts etc. received from the tribals will cheer the mind. Through all this, you will also get close to the indigenous culture. Saifur Rahman Tuhin gives details
Shail Prapat: Shail Prapat is located in the Milnachhari area and is within four kilometers of the road from Bandarban to Thanchigami. It is one of the notable waterfalls of Bandarban. During the monsoon season, the current water flow is very high. While visiting here, you will also come in contact with handicrafts, weaving products and food items made by the adivasis in the small markets. You can go to Shail Prapat in Thanchi Upazila by reserving a hill jeep from Bandarban district town.
Nafakhum: Nafakhum is one of the most attractive waterfalls in Bangladesh. Nafakhum is located on the Sangu River, a fast flowing river and forest in Remakri, a remote area of Thanchi Upazila. Nafakhum is also known as Remakri Falls. Once you go here, you will want to go again and again. The necessary vehicles to get here can also be found in Bandarban district town.
Jadipai Falls: Jadipai is one of the widest waterfalls in Bangladesh. It is located in Ruma upazila. To reach Jadipai Falls, you have to walk for an hour from Keokradong
How to get there: Reserve a jeep or moon car from Bandarban district town and reach Ruma Bazaar first. To get to Boga Lake from Ruma Bazaar, you have to reserve a jeep or a moon car again. It will be evening when you go to Boga Lake and you will have to spend the night there. There are many indigenous villages in the Boga Lake area. With the help of a guide you will get a good place to stay and eat here. We have to start our journey on the way to Keokradong very early in the morning. Jadipai waterfall is not very close to Keokradong. You can reach there on foot in about two and a half hours.
Boga Lake: Boga Lake is the most attractive natural lake in Bangladesh. Boga Lake is located at a distance of 18 km from Ruma Upazila Sadar. The lake covers an area of about 15 acres. The clear blue water of the lake will catch your eye. A large number of tourists visit the lake every year, especially in winter. There are several indigenous communities in the vicinity of the lake. It is a little difficult to walk around the lake in the rainy season. However, there is no shortage of leisure entertainment for tourists on the lake. You will definitely be amazed to see all the rocks scattered around the lake. If you want you can campfire around the lake.
Buddha Dhatu Jati Mandir: Another name of Buddha Dhatu Jati Mandir is Bandarban Swarna Mandir. The temple is located at Palpara, ten kilometers from Bandarban and four kilometers from Balaghata. Here is the second largest Buddha statue in Bangladesh. Construction of the 200-foot-high temple began in 1995 and was completed in 2000. It is an attractive place not only for Buddhist pilgrims but also for any tourist from home and abroad. There is a small pond on the top of the hill next to the temple which is known as the 'pond of the gods'. From this place one can enjoy the beauty of Balaghata and its surroundings. Every year different types of fairs are organized here. The temple is open to visitors from 5 pm to 6 pm. Entrance fee is 10 rupees. It is forbidden to go here wearing shorts or shoes. From Bandarban city you can go to Buddha Dhatu Jati Mandir by rickshaw or autorickshaw.
Chimbuk: Chimbuk is the third highest mountain in Bangladesh. Its location is about 26 km away from Bandarban city. The height of Chimbuk hill from sea level is about 2500 feet. The roads in this area are crooked and winding. It is a thrilling experience to cross these roads in a jeep. On the way you will cross various tribal villages. There are two government-owned rest houses in the Chimbuk area. If you want to stay, you have to take a reservation from the authorities first. There is also a good quality canteen for easy eating and snacking. Since Chimbuk is a short distance from Bandarban city, you have to reserve a car to go here. You can also take a bus or jeep to Thanchigami. There will be a military checkpost on the way to Chimbuk and tourists will have to register their names and addresses there
Meghla: Meghla Tourist Complex is an attractive leisure center. It is located very close to the Bandarban Hill District Council. Meghla, located on Keranihat Road, four kilometers from Bandarban town, has a mini safari park, a zoo, a hanging bridge, an artificial lake at the foot of the hill and a boat trip. This is a great place to have a picnic. There are no heavy meals inside the cloudy tourist center, only snacks are available. Chinese and Continental food can be found at Holiday Inn Resort and Tourist Motel just outside Meghla. Both have nightlife arrangements. You can reserve a private jeep or autorickshaw from Bandarban to Meghla. Local buses are also available.
Nilachal: Nilachal is near Meghla Tourist Complex. Which is also known as Tiger Hill. The nearest tourist spot to Bandarban is Nilachal. Its location is in Tigerpara. Which is five kilometers away from Bandarban city. The height of Nilachal from sea level is about 2000 feet. From here you can see the whole city of Bandarban through the eyes of a bird. Here you will find the thrill of walking through the clouds in the rainy season. From here you can enjoy not only the golden twilight, but also the indescribable beauty of the night. In winter you will get eye-catching foggy mornings. There is no accommodation facility yet. If one wants to stay longer, one has to take food and water from Bandarban city. Being close to the city, you can easily go to Nilachal by private jeep or autorickshaw.
Nilgiris: Nilgiris are one of the highest and most attractive tourist spots in Bangladesh. The place is about 3500 feet high in Thanchi police station. Located on the Bandarban-Chimbuk-Thanchi road, Nilgiri is 48 km from Bandarban district town. Nearby are the Mro tribal villages. The place is very suitable for campfire. The Bangladesh Army is in overall charge of the place. There is an interesting resort built by them at the very top of the Nilgiris. If you want to stay, you have to take a reservation through an army officer. There are three nice cottages for rent of Rs 4,000 to Rs 6,000 each. There are three tents with four beds, each costing Rs 2,000. There are also restaurants and helipads. Electricity will be available from 6 pm to 9 pm. The temperature here is between 10 and 25 degrees Celsius. If you want to go to Nilgiris from Bandarban city, you have to take a bus or jeep to Thanchigami. On the way to Nilgiris, every tourist has to register his name and address at the army check post.