SAINT MARTIN- THE DREAM ISLAND

  
In your dream, you have your own world where you have your own island. Yap, saint martin is the dream island where you will get all element of your dream. This the place where the blue of sky and blue of sea get together and creat a heavnly place which is only possible in your dream. 
     
     Saint martin is also known locally as " Narical Gingira" that means "Coconut Island". It is the only coral beach of  BANGLADESH which is small island in the northeast part of the Bay of Bengal about 9 km south of the tip of  Cox's Bazar-Teknaf  peninsula. It is almost flat & is 3.6 m above the mean sea land. The island is 7.315 km long and is divided into three parts. In addition to the main island there are a number of tiny islets which are locally known as Chheradi which means separated island.

HOW TO GO :   

 Saint martin island has become a popular tourist place for live corals and beatiful coconut trees as well as bountiful marine life. It's a clean and peaceful place without even a mosquito to disrupt your serenity. You can go there by  motor boat or sea truck. Currently, three shipping liners run daily trips to the island which include Sea-truck & Keary-Sindabad. You can book your trip either from chittagong or Cox's Bazar. It will take around two hours to reach there. During winter season, sea keeps calm but in summer & rainy time sea becomes rough, so it is best to go to there during cold weather.


WHERE TO STAY:
      

 Those who want to go there few hours and want to come before sunset, they dont need to worry. It usually take 3 hours to roam the island. But those who want to see chera dip, they have to stay more. 


Those who want to stay for longer time, they can go for hotels. There are lots of  hotels and cottage for staying. There are 16 hotels and few cottage where can saty about 500 tourists. You can get some people house where you can stay. It will take around 200-250 taka, but it will be higher if you will go there in winter season. 

HERE IS SOME LIST OF HOTEL:
  
    SIMANA PERIYE
     10 Rooms{ 4 people each}
     700-800 taka per room.
     mob: +880189018027


   PRINCE HEAVEN
  18 rooms[4 people each]
  double room- 600-800 taka
 single room- 400-500 taka.
  mob: + 0189308058


 BLUE MARINE RESORT
 34 room, 18 double bed room, 5- 6 beded room & 2 cottage.
 1000-2500 taka


 SOMUDRO BILASH
  each room 500-1000 taka
  mob: +8801711969833


BEACH CAMP
mob: +8801889041899


HOTEL SAGORPAR
mob: +88189006664


   Accommodaton  is limited here, so it is advisable to book accomodation before you plan to go there. MOTEL NIJHUM, PRASAD PARADISE & SRABONI BILASH  are good hotels. Booking os these hotels are possible from dhaka. All these three hotels are situated adjacent to Seashore. From these hotels lobby or veranda,you can enjoy the sea.

In the past five years visitors has increased dramatically in this dream island. You can enjoy here following things............


# beautiful Coral reef
# long Coral beach
# sandy beach
# deep blue water
#Coconut trees
#peaceful environment


For observing sunrise & sunset, ST Martin is the best place in Bangladesh. Sunset point is a rocky peninsula on the northwest corner of the island. 
   There is a SEA TURTLE HATCHERY which is located on the west side of the island south of Shemana Preye Resort.  
    There is a Oceanic Scuba Dive Center which is the only dive operation in Bangladesh.
    Overnight staying in St. Martin Island is really an exotic feeling where you feel and listen the sound of sea. Amazingly plentiful stars get on a moonless night. due to the lack of electricity on ST Martin. If you are lucky enough then you can spend the exotic moonlit night at island. The beauty of Full moon in this island cannot be expressed, if you are not there at that time.


    Cheera-deep is a part of  St. Martins Island but divided during tides. You can go to Cheera-deep by walking. About two and a half hours walk from St. Martins island or you can go there also by motorboat. In that Island you will find the Coarls, both living and dead all over the island. A small bush is there which is the only green part of Cheera-deep, enhancing the beauty of this island.

Sunrise in Kuakata

Kuakata is a rare scenic Bangladesh Eco-Tourism destination located in the south west coastal area. It is just about 70 kilometers away from the district headquarters of Patuakhali, 320 kilometers from dhaka and about one hour trawler journey away from The Sundarbans. The beautiful sandy beach of Kuakata attracts scores of tourists as from this location one can watch both Sunset and Sunrise on Sea. This less freqented destination is often visited by tourists who also make a trip to The Sundarbans.

The sea beach at kuakata is about 30 kilometers long and 6 kilometers wide and gently slopes into the water. This allows tourists a pleasant bath or swim, a walk and lazy relaxation on the beach.

Visit Kuakata and enjoy this still unspoiled destination.

Kuakata Tourist Attractions:

       The unique opportunity to fully view both Sunset and Sunrise exclusively on the bay.
 

       Lines of coconut trees, and forests provide a sanctuary for migratory winter birds and provides the bird watchers an extra perk for coming to kuakata.
 

       The picture perfect setting in a laid back environment where time comes to a standstill. It is a pleasure to watch the frolicking of the sailing boats, busy in surfing or fishing.
 

       The Gangamati Reserved Forest, a remnant of the Sundarban, is in reachable distance and provides an opportunity of seeing a miniature mangrove forest.
 

       Nearby Buddhist temple containing an idol of Goutom Budhdha, is also a common tourist destination. Two 200 year old wells are also present in the vicinity.
 

       The fishing villages also provide an opportunity to learn about the fishermen's lives and customs. In exchange of some money they can even take tourists for a fishing trip into the bay. Fresh fishes can also be bought from this place.

       During the "Rash Purnima" and "Maghi Purnima" Hindu and Buddhist devotees arrive here for a celebration and usually fairs are also arranged.

Means of Communication : There

 exists road commiunication between Dhaka and Patuakhali district headquaters. Accessible by road, water or air transport up to Barisal. Then one may travel by road or water to Kuakata or Patuakhali.

BRTC has introduced direct bus service from Dhaka to Kuakata via Barisal. Besides that, Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation, National Tourism Organization may organize guided package tours from Dhaka to Kuakata on demand.

Khagrachari.... daring beauty

Khagrachhari, also spelled Khagrachari, can be reached by road and most visitors on their way to this magnificent part of Bangladesh travel to Chittagong first, as it is the closest city to Khagrachhari. Dhaka is just over two hundred and sixty kilometers away, but the distances traveled to Khagrachhari will soon be forgotten once tourists begin to explore this spectacular hill town that is surrounded by forests, green vegetation and breathtaking views. It is not only one of the most beautiful locations in Bangladesh, but has its own fascinating sites and attractions to offer.

The town of Khagrachhari is often described as the single destination in Bangladesh where the country’s true beauty, wonderful wildlife and unforgettable nature can be observed. It has a friendly, peaceful and tranquil atmosphere, with the Chengi River flowing with life and adding to the splendor of Khagrachhari. Indeed, the town knows only how to appreciate nature and to rejuvenate tired souls, as it is far from the bustling cities and rejects modernization and the rushed lifestyle of the present day world.

One of the many attractions in Khagrachhari, is Alutilla. This massive cave nestled amongst the mysterious forests is a magnificent sight to behold. Torches, available at the top of the hill, allow visitors to view the stream that flows through the natural cave. The hill also provides visitors with an amazing view of Khagrachhari, and the lighthouse, Buddhist Temple and Watch Tower are also worth exploring. Other noteworthy sites include the Deeghi (water tank) of the (former) King of Tripura, Guimara Forest, Mogh Chief Rajbari (palace), Ramgarh Tea Garden, Sharthok Ejamno memorial monument and the Matai Pukhiri Lake. If in Khagrachhari during April, visitors will be able to partake in their New Year festival, known as the Biju Festival, which is accompanied by cultural ceremonies, dancing, music, song and sport.

Getting to know the traditions, culture and lifestyles of the local people is another wonderful feature of Khagrachhari, which is often described as exotic. And with such picturesque surroundings, peacefulness and natural beauty, it is easy to believe that one has been swept away from conventional Bangladesh and transported into a euphoric world.

Beauty Queen..... Rangamati

Rangamati, a small town located amongst the green hills, lakes and rivers of the Chittagong Hill Tracts. This is what makes it a prime Bangladesh hill destination. It is known as the Lake City of Bangladesh as this place is located on the bank of the beautiful Kaptai Lake. It is the administrative headquarter of the Rangamati Hill District, the largest district of Bangladesh and located some 77 kilometres away from Chittagong. For long time Rangamati has been a prime Bangladesh tourist destination for its location, scenic beauty, colourful tribal people, tribal homespun textiles and ivory jewellery.

The rich natural resources, diverse flora and fauna makes Rangamati a Bangladesh Eco-Tourism destination. The road leading to Rangamati circles and winds through hilly terrains covered with lush green forests and creates a memorable experience for years to come. A stay here provides a glimpse into the lifestyle of various tribes living there. The ethnic tribes of Rangamati are the Chakma, Marma, Tonchongya, Tripura, Murong, Bome, Khumi, Kheyang, Chak, Pankhoa, and Lusai. The mix of different races, cultures, religions and customs creates an interesting community at Rangamati. It is said that without visiting Rangamati a tourist will miss a colourful slice of Bangladesh.
Visit Rangamati during October to February as the temperature remains cool and usually there is no rainfall, however, the beauty of Rangamati unleashes during the monsoon as the forest becomes greener, bursts with life and the rivers and waterfalls becomes replenished.

 

Rangamati Tourist Attractions:

• Kaptai Lake: This large man made lake of Bangladesh spanning over an area of approximately 11000km², was created as a reservoir when the Kaptai dam was built during the 1960s. The lake was created by flooding valleys and plain lands between numerous hills. This created a picturesque view as forested hills and plateaus rise from beneath the water. The government run tourism corporation and private operators offer Kaptai Lake Cruise Tours, which is worth of it. Other scenic spots are also accessible through the waterways.
   
• Shuvolong Falls: Shuvolong a place in Borokol sub district, located about 25kilometers (11kilometers – as the crow flies) away from Rangamati. There are few waterfalls in Shuvolong area with the largest one falling from as high as 300 feet. In the past several years, this place has turned into a tourist destination due to beautiful waterfalls and the nearby market. Shuvolong is easily accessible by speed boat or motor boats from Rangamati.
   
• Tribal Museum: The museum is located near the entry point to the city. Established in 1978, it is run by the Tribal Cultural Institute. Traditional ornaments. costumes, potteries, musical instruments, armaments, paintings and photographs, old manuscripts, statues and ancient coins of various tribes are on display here. It is open Saturday to Thursday excluding public holidays.
   
• Hanging Bridge: This 335feet long bridge across a portion of the Kaptai lake is an icon of Rangamati.
   
• Kaptai National Park: This forest reserve is located in the Karnafuly and Kaptai range. According to the government statistics some 50,000 people visits the national park every year as it provides some walking trails among the lush green forest. The animal species of Kaptai National park are deer, elephants, monkeys, fishing cats and birds. The Kaptai Forest Rest house, Kaptai Mukh Forest Rest House and several picnic spots are located here.
   
• Rajban Bihar Pagoda: An internationally known Buddhist Temple, where the spiritualist principal monk of Rajban Vihara, Shrimath Sadhana Nanda Mohasthabir(Ban Vante) lives.
   
• Peda Ting Ting: A small island on the Kaptai Lake, few kilometres away from Rangamati. It is mostly known for its serenity. There are a few tourist accommodation facilities here and a tiny restaurant run by the locals. It offers foods ranging from traditional to indigenous delicacies.
   
• Chakma Royal Palace: This is the palace of the present Chakma King. However, it is open to public for a visit.
   
• DC Bungalow Area: The District Commissioner’s Bungalow is located adjacent to the lake. There is a small light house and a shelter accessible to the public. This spot provides a nice view of the lake.
   
• Others: The local market is also a tourist attraction as it offers handicrafts, textiles and ornaments made by the tribal people.
•  

       

KeukaraDong.... Where Beauty Lies

 Part 02
How to Go There:

 To go there you have to reach at Bandarban first How to reach Bandarban : There are direct bus services from Dhaka. Soudia, S. Alam , Unique ,Dolphin are the non ac bus service which leave Dhaka for Bandarban at late night. Any one can even move from Chittagong. There are some services from Baddarhat Bus station. First bus leaves Chittagong at 0600 hours. The best services named ‘Purbani’ and “Purobi”

After reaching Bandarban : Bus from Dhaka will reach Bandarban in early morning hours. From there you have to go Ruma. Most used transport is named Chander Gari. It is actually 4 wheel drive vehicle as land Cruiser. You can ride on the local one by buying tickets. Otherwise you can reserve it or any other vehicle. A rickshaw or a little hike will take you to the Chander Gari stand. The first trip is at 0900hours. Otherwise you can hire vehicle around where the bus droop you.

This will take you near to Ruma bazaar. It will take around two to three hours depending on the road and other factors. Then you have to ride on a boat. Some time especially in winter you may can have a hike up to Ruma Bazaar. In that time you may have to register your name at Ruma Garrison. If you leave Bandarban at 0900 hours, I wish you can reach at Ruma Bazaar by 1300 hours or around.

The trekking: Your next destination will be Bogalake, A tribal village at estimated 1167 feet. If you want to start your trekking that day then you have to ask for the permission in Ruma bazaar Army Camp within 1400 hours. In the time you have to get a guide, have your lunch and buy anything if you need.

After staying at Bogalake for the night, next morning you may start the trek to summit Keokradong and back to Boga by noon time. It would be a 2-3 hours comfortable trail with light steps. On the way back you can visit Chingri Jhiri.

note : we advise all to trek through Jhiri Path to have the best view of the places. and this article is written specifically for the route.
Where to stay:
at Bandarban town there are some Hotel. But for have better accommodation you have to go little outside of the town. Millon Chori or Megla can be a better choice. At Ruma Bazaar, there is also some Hotels but not good enough. After starting the trek , except Bogalake you have to stay at Tribal’s home. At Bogalake you will get some lodging facility, they called guest house. Regular Hotel of Bandarban will cost of around 150 to 200 taka per night for single room, 250 to 300 taka for double room. Other expensive option also available.
note: in tourist season (like after EID or big holidays period Bogalake or Bandarban might be a crowded place)
What to eat (food):
Up to Bandarban you will find local restaurant (here it is called “hotel”) who serves decent rise and curries. After you leave Bandarban for the trail, you have to depend on whatever food you have or you may ask the tribal village to prepare some local food for you.
note: take some dry food with you.
Tips/advise for traveler:
note : we advise all to trek through Jhiri Path to have the best view of the places. and this article is written specifically for the route. But if you are new at trekking then make sure you leave the Jhiri Path before sunset.
• Visit in rainy season if you like adventure, winter is most easy season for trek.
• You may take medicine for malaria as this rezone is treated as malaria affected zone.
• Wear comfortable foot wear. It is very important issue for trekking.  Make sure it can give you a better grip. You can wear local plastic sandal if you don’t have any thing. But must wear it with socks, better with couple of socks. Otherwise if you are not sure what you should wear then buy a jungle boot, which you can buy from supply stores of army or police accessories. You can get this stores at Kachukhet bazaar or Palwel super market
• Take a tribal guide rather than a Bengali guide. They are more efficient
• Pack all of your good in extra water proof bag or bags.
• Fix how much the guide will cost you. The standard rate is 300 taka per day.
• Don’t take too much load, use back pack instead of other sorts of bag. Couple of pairs of dress will be enough. You don’t need any tent because you will get accommodation easily.
• It is a really easy trek so do not be afraid
• Don’t rush, that may occur any accident or trouble.
• Keep head cool in danger. That is the best act. Try to enjoy even in tough situation.
• Be a team.
• The accommodation will cost you around 50 to 60 taka per person per night.
• Take rope if you are there in rainy season.
• Trekking with friends is better than trekking with unknown person.
• Your physical stress can create mental stress. So any one can behave roughly, take it easy.
• There might be some lice, don’t be afraid they are not life threatening.
• Support your weaker partner, don’t leave him. That support may make the trip enjoyable.
• Respect tribal culture.
• Please keep the hills clean – Do not litter.
What to take:
• Sleeping Bag (You may get bedding there, but it’s better to have your own, specially at winter)
• Extra one pack of dress to sleep at night.
• Electric Torch with extra battery.
• Camera.
• Dry food, light but enough to eat in the way.
• Water container, to drink water on the way.
• Can take water purifier, though most of the time water is clean.
• Extra socks, as much as possible
Expected Cost:
Bus fair (Dhaka to Bandarban)-350 Taka (non AC)
Chander Gari fair (Bandarban to Kaikhang Chora or Ruma)around 2500Taka Reserve or 90 Taka per person in regular service transport
Boat fair (Kaikhang Chora to Ruma Bazaar)around 20 taka per person from Kaikhang Chori to Ruma Bazar.
Food- around 80+ Taka in tribal village every meal per person .
We prefer to ask you some dry foods (cost depend on you)
Accommodation- around 150 taka at Ruma Bazaar
70+ taka at tribal villages,
200 taka at Bandarban Town.
Accessories- as rope, torch cell (depend on you).
Guide- standard cost will be 300 taka per day, but it may cost bit more.
(cost depend on various factor. the given figure is just to have an idea )
Attraction : Tribal life of Bangladesh, Shailo Propat, Patang Jhiri , Chingri Jhiri, Beauty Of Hill Tracks of Bangladesh , Trekking, Jhiri path, Bogalake, Keokradong
 

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