Explore Rangamati

🌊 Rangamati Travel Guide

Known for: The picturesque Kaptai Lake, lush green hills, indigenous communities, tribal handicrafts, and Buddhist pagodas
Location: Chittagong Hill Tracts, bordering India and Mizoram

🕒 Best Time to Visit:

• October to March (Winter):
  Best weather — cool, breezy, and perfect for boat rides and sightseeing.

• April to June (Pre-monsoon):
  Hot but vibrant — Kaptai Lake is full and nature is lush.

• July to September (Monsoon):
  Scenic with heavy rains — great for photography but limited travel due to landslides.

✈️ How to Get There:

• From Dhaka:

  • By Bus: Direct overnight buses (Hanif, Shyamoli, Unique) → ~7–9 hours

  • By Train: No direct train — take a train to Chattogram, then drive to Rangamati

  • By Air: Fly to Chattogram → 2.5–3 hour drive to Rangamati by CNG, car, or bus

🌟 Top Attractions:

🌅 Nature & Lakes:

• Kaptai Lake:
  Man-made but stunning — take a boat ride to islands, tribal villages, and waterfalls.

• Shuvolong Waterfall:
  A popular boat-trip destination on the lake — best during monsoon.

• Polwel Park & Floating Restaurant:
  Leisure spot with family-friendly amenities and lake views.

• Hanging Bridge (Jhulonto Shetu):
  Rangamati’s most iconic photo spot — set over the lake.

🏯 Religious & Cultural Sites:

• Rajban Vihara (Buddhist Monastery):
  Home to revered monks — a peaceful and spiritual place.

• Tribal Museum (Pahari Zadiya Museum):
  Displays the lifestyle, clothing, tools, and artifacts of 11 ethnic groups.

• Chakma Rajbari (Royal Palace):
  Residence of the Chakma Circle Chief — historical site and cultural hub.

🚤 Activities to Do:

• 🚣‍♀️ Boat tour on Kaptai Lake (to Shuvolong, tribal islands, restaurants)

• 🥾 Light hiking in nearby hills and viewpoints

• 🧘 Visit Rajban Vihara for a spiritual retreat

• 🛍️ Shop for tribal handicrafts (handloom clothes, bamboo items)

• 📷 Photography — especially sunrises, sunsets, and lake panoramas

🏨 Accommodation:

• Luxury/Mid-range:

  • Parjatan Holiday Complex – lakeside, government-run resort

  • Hotel Green Castle

  • Hotel Lake View

• Eco & Budget:

  • Banarupa Hill View Hotel

  • Hillside Cottage (locally run, basic amenities)

  • Tribal homestays (in some villages via local guides)

Book early during holidays; lakeside views are in high demand.

🍽️ Food and Restaurants:

• Must-Try Local Dishes:

  • Bamboo-cooked chicken/fish

  • Sticky rice with hill herbs

  • Dry fish curry (Shidol)

  • Bamboo shoots and tribal-style vegetable dishes

• Popular Restaurants:

  • Peda Ting Ting – floating restaurant on Kaptai Lake (local + tribal dishes)

  • Bamboo Cafe – cultural ambience, hill food

  • Hill Taj Restaurant – Bengali and fusion options

🧑‍🌾 Local Culture:

• Ethnic Groups: Chakma, Marma, Tripura, Tanchangya, and others

• Languages: Bengali + indigenous languages

• Religion: Predominantly Buddhist with some Hindus and Christians

• Crafts: Handwoven textiles, bamboo baskets, beaded jewelry

• Festivals:

  • Boisabi Festival (April): Traditional New Year celebration of the hill tribes

Booking information