The Chittagong Hill Tracts are comprised of the following three districts, Rangamati, Khagra-chari, and Bandarban; each one is equally unique in its attraction. The Hill Tract area with its perennial forests, thrilling drive through the hills and is quite different from the rest of the country due to its physical appearance and the presence of the tribal people. As the name implies, the whole area is hilly. Although the height is not much, it is very much different from rest of the flat country.
There are fourteen groups of tribe people who are Mongoloid in this region,
and each group has its own language, culture and customs. Especially interesting
is their simple life, colorful homespun textile products, Ivory jewelry and
South-East Asian atmosphere that the areas has.
Rangamati
If you don’t visit Rangamati you will not discover a big portion of natural beauties of Bangladesh. From Chittagong a 77 km. road amidst green fields and winding hills will take you to Rangamati. It is also connected by waterway from Kaptai.
This is the only place to visit through out the year. Rangamati expresses her
full beauty in rainy season. Trees becoming greener, waterfalls are in full
tide, the river Karnaphuli in her full wave in this season. If you already visited
Rangamati in winter, we advice to go there again in monsoon; you will feel the
difference of nature yourself.
Parjatan holiday complex is the best place to stay in Rangamati. There are other
hotels in Rangamati where you can stay. Boating is the prime attraction in Rangamati.
You can go to Kaptai and also by Karnaphuli River you can go deep in side the
hill areas where on the way you will find lots of natural waterfalls. If you
wish you can take shower in the waterfall or you can swim in the river. By boat
you can visit the tribal villages, King Chakma's (tribal) Palace that is called
Chakma Rajbari, Rajbonbihar pagoda, Tribal museum etc. You can also enjoy the
tribal handmaid crafts if you go for shopping in the local markets.
The Hills
The Hill Tract is divided into four valleys surrounded by the Feni, Karnaphuli, Sangu (Sankhu) and Matamuhuri rivers and their tributaries. The ranges or hills of the Hill Tracts rise steeply thus looking far more impressive than what their height would imply and extend in long narrow ridges. The highest peaks on the northern side are Thangnang, Langliang and Khantiang while those on the southern side are Ramu, Taung, Keekradang, Tahjindong (4632 ft, highest in Bangladesh), Mowdok Mual, Rang Tlang and Mowdok Tlang.
Tribal life
The inhabitants of the Hill Tracts are mostly tribal. Life of the tribal people is extremely fascinating. Majority of them are Buddhists and the rest are Hindus, Christians and Animists. Despite the bondage of religion, elements of primitiveness are strongly displayed in their rites, rituals and everyday life. The tribal families are matriarchal. The women-folk are more hard working than the males and they are the main productive force.
The tribal people are extremely self-reliant, they grow their own food, their
girls weave their own clothes and generally speaking, they live a simple life.
Each tribe has its own dialect, distinctive dress and rites and rituals. The
common feature is their way of life, which still speaks of their main occupation.
Some of them take pride in hunting with bows and arrows. Tribal women are very
skilful in making beautiful handicrafts. Tribal people are generally peace loving,
honest and hospitable. They usually greet a tourist with a smile.
The Forests
The valleys of the Hill Tracts are covered with thick-planted forests. The vegetation is in semi-evergreen to tropical evergreen dominated by tall teak trees. The natural vegetation can be seen best in the Rain-khyong valleys of the Bandarban district equally also in Rangamati and Khagrachari district.
The valuable wood which is used for various purposes, besides supplying wood
and bamboo for the Karnaphuli Paper Mills and the Rayon Mills situated at Chandraghona.
Here a tourist may be lucky to see how huge logs of wood are being carried to
the plain by the tamed elephants.
The Lakes
Famous Kaptai Lake, the largest "man-made" lake, spreading over 680
sq. km. of crystal-clean water flanked by hills and evergreen forests lies in
the Rangamati Hill District. The lake was formed when the Karnaphuli river dam
(153 feet high, 1800 feet long crest) was built for the purpose of hydroelectric
power project at Kaptai. The old Rangamati town was submerged under lake water
and a new town had to be built later. The lake is full of fish and provides
facilities for cruising, swimming and skiing. There are also facilities for
angling and short trip by Sampan, local name for country boats.
Note:
To visit Rangamati; foreigners must need a permission from Rangamati District
Administrative Autority office.
For all tour activities in Rangamati; we strongly recommend you to use
the assistance of a professional local guide. This will enhance your experience
and ensure your safety.
We request you to follow these rules when you visit tribal villages:
• Respect the local traditions and social rules at all times.
• Never photograph people without their permission.
• Do not litter.
• Do not disturbing the wildlife and refrain from picking flowers,
plants or fruits.