Travel Stories

It's been seven years since we passed SSC. After all this time, walking through nature with the people I used to see every day feels special. We rarely get to sit together like we did seven years ago.

We've all grown up, and we don't know if we'll get to see each other again. But these little moments take me back to 2019. They're almost like my childhood friends. I grew up with some of them since I was five or six.

I don't know where we'll be six or seven years from now, but I hope and pray for all of them. Stay happy and keep smiling.

Thanks to everyone for making this possible.

In 2024, I finally visited Sylhet for the first time in my life. For years, I had heard people talk about its natural beauty, the green landscapes, the calm rivers, and the peaceful vibe of the city. Even though I knew how beautiful Sylhet was, I never had the chance to experience it myself. This time, I didn’t overthink. I gathered a few friends who never say no to any travel plan, and Sylhet became our destination.

We planned everything in advance and booked our railway tickets ten days before the journey. There were eight of us, and we all met at the railway station with excitement, tired smiles, and backpacks full of expectations. The journey itself felt special because it marked the beginning of my first Sylhet experience.

Our first night in Sylhet was not luxurious at all. We stayed in a small hut because we couldn’t manage to book a hotel or cottage beforehand. Thanks to one of my university seniors, we at least had a place to stay. That night was hectic and uncomfortable, but honestly, it didn’t matter much. We had visited Sreemangal the day before, and the exhaustion was so heavy that we fell asleep almost instantly. Sometimes, travel is less about comfort and more about survival and stories.

The next morning, we set off to visit Shada Pathar, located near the India–Bangladesh border. Shada Pathar is famous for its white stones and pebbles that flow down from Meghalaya. Standing there, surrounded by water, stones, and open sky, felt incredibly peaceful. After exploring and soaking in the moment, we stopped for lunch nearby. Maybe it was the hunger, or maybe it was the place, but the food tasted like heaven. And the tea that followed was unforgettable. A trip to Sylhet without tea feels incomplete, and that cup of tea made sure the journey felt whole.

After another long and tiring day, we finally checked into a hotel named Britannia in Ambarkhana. Compared to our first night, this felt like a luxury upgrade. We stayed there for two nights, explored the city, and visited the shrine of Hazrat Shahjalal. Walking through the city and the shrine gave the trip a calm, spiritual touch that balanced our exhausting days.

Our trip was short, but it was full of moments worth remembering. We couldn’t visit places like Jaflong or Lalakhal this time, but maybe that’s what makes the journey incomplete in a good way. Sylhet is waiting for us again, and next time, we plan to finish what we started.Some trips end, but some places quietly invite you back. Sylhet is one of those places for me.

The Journey

We started our trip on the night of 12 November by Upoban Express. There were eight of us: Ihan Chowdhury, Mahbub Rohan, Hujaifa Fahad, Jahid Hassan Sharif, Shamshul Maola Shaon, Abu Shoyeb Mohammad Rimon, and Md Rimon.

The train was packed, loud, and sleepless, but traveling with friends always feels exciting, even when you're tired.

First Impressions

When we reached Sreemangal in the early morning, the scene felt like a painting coming alive. Sunlight was falling softly through tall trees, winter clouds were floating lazily in the sky, and endless tea gardens surrounded every road.

The fresh cold air made us forget the long night we had spent on the train.

Exploring Sreemangal

We didn't stay there overnight, because we planned to leave for Sylhet later that same day. Even then, we visited some of the most popular spots around the area, including Noor Jahan Tea Garden, Lawachara Forest, Madhabpur Lake, Adi Nil Kantha, and Rubber Garden.

We explored everything in a short time, but every moment felt special.

The Ride Through the Tea Gardens

The most memorable part of this trip was riding on a local Chander Gari. Those winding roads between tea gardens and tiny hills, locally known as tilla, felt like a dream.

We could smell tea leaves blowing in the wind, and the view was calm, green, peaceful.

The Experience

We tried the famous seven-layer tea, and as always, it tasted unique and unforgettable. The funniest memory was when we hiked up a hill and crossed a Jhiri Poth. We were laughing, slipping, helping each other, and making memories without realizing it.

Later in the afternoon, all of us became so tired that we fell asleep sitting in a nearby park field. Nothing fancy, just tired bodies resting beside nature.

What I Learned

That day, I understood something important: the place doesn't decide the experience, the people do. With the right people, even a short, tiring trip can become a beautiful memory.

The Journey and the Plan

I traveled to Netrokona by bus, visiting my aunt's house where my cousins, elder sister, and brother had already gathered. We cousins had decided to celebrate Eid together that year, and my aunt's house became our perfect holiday home.

Exploring the Unknown Corners

Though I had visited Netrokona many times before, this trip was different. I explored areas that most people don't even know exist hidden spots near the Bangladesh-India border, where the hills of Meghalaya meet the fields of Bangladesh.

It felt like discovering a secret part of the country. We stayed there for almost a week, enough time to truly explore and enjoy the surroundings.

The Places We Visited

During the trip, we explored Bijoypur and Bijoypur Border, a peaceful area surrounded by hills, Zero Point marking the edge of Bangladesh, Uth Pahar with its quiet green hills, Tanguar Haor known for its calm waters and scenic views.

Pachgaon Kolmakanda was my personal favorite where the rice fields end and the hills begin. Watching the endless green merging with distant hills was one of the most peaceful sights I've ever seen.

The Ride Through Nature

One of the most unforgettable experiences was our day-long auto-rickshaw ride. We reserved a local rickshaw for the entire day and went on a long journey across haors, hills, and fields.

The roads were narrow but full of life water shimmering under the sun, birds flying low, and the wind carrying the smell of fresh paddy. It felt like time had slowed down.

A Scary Yet Memorable Moment

Every trip has its surprise, and ours came when one of my brothers almost drowned while bathing in the water. He didn't know how to swim, and for a few seconds, we were all terrified.

Luckily, my cousin jumped in quickly and saved him. The fear soon turned into relief — and another story we'll laugh about for years.

The Simplicity of Netrokona

Netrokona isn't known for fancy restaurants or city attractions, so I didn't try any local food this time. But what made it special were the people simple, friendly, and always ready to talk.

Their warmth and hospitality make every visit feel like coming home.

Reflections

When the week came to an end, I didn't feel sad — because I know I'll keep returning. Netrokona has become more than just a travel destination for me; it's a place of peace, a reminder of simplicity, and a glimpse of nature's untouched charm.

Journey to the Hills

Reaching Khagrachari from Dhaka took around 8 hours by bus. As we entered the hill district, the landscape transformed dramatically. Flat plains gave way to winding mountain roads, lush green valleys, and tribal villages scattered across hilltops.

The air felt cooler and fresher than the city, and every turn revealed a new scenic view.

Alutila Cave and Mystery Hills

Our first stop was Alutila Cave, a natural limestone cave hidden inside a hill. Walking through the narrow cave passages with dim lighting felt adventurous and slightly scary. The cave walls were wet and cold, and the guide told us ancient stories about the place.

Nearby, we visited the Alutila Mystery Hill, where vehicles seem to roll uphill on their own due to an optical illusion. It was fascinating to experience this strange phenomenon.

Richhang Waterfall

The highlight of our trip was Richhang Waterfall, also known as the 'Niagara of Bangladesh.' We had to trek through forest paths and cross streams to reach it. The sound of rushing water grew louder as we got closer.

When we finally saw the waterfall, it was breathtaking. Water cascaded down from a height, creating a misty spray that cooled the air around us. We spent hours sitting by the rocks, soaking our feet in the icy water, and just enjoying the peaceful surroundings.

Tribal Culture and Local Life

Khagrachari is home to several indigenous communities like Chakma, Marma, and Tripura. We visited a few tribal villages and learned about their unique traditions, handwoven textiles, and bamboo houses built on stilts.

The local people were incredibly welcoming. They served us traditional food and shared stories about their way of life, which felt simple yet deeply connected to nature.

Reflections

Khagrachari is not as famous as other tourist destinations, but that's what makes it special. It's quiet, authentic, and full of natural beauty. This trip reminded me that the best experiences often come from exploring places that aren't on everyone's travel list.

The Journey Begins

We started our journey from Dhaka to Teknaf by bus. It took almost 12 hours, and from there, we took a ship to Saint Martin, which took another 2.5 hours. In total, the journey was around 15 hours long but absolutely worth it.

This time, I wasn't traveling with my usual friends. I went with my elder brother, sister, and his university friends. The group felt new but full of energy and excitement.

Why Saint Martin

Saint Martin had been on my travel bucket list for a long time. I always dreamed of visiting this little island surrounded by crystal-blue water and coral reefs. Finally, in 2024, that dream came true.

First Impressions

My first impression was jaw-dropping. While on the ship, surrounded by the deep blue ocean, I felt like I was floating in a bowl of blue lemonade.

The sea breeze was so cool and refreshing that it instantly took away all my tiredness from the long trip.

Staying on the Island

We stayed for two nights and three days at a cozy guest house near the west beach. Saint Martin is a very small island, only around 15 square kilometers, so I decided to explore it on a bicycle.

Riding along the narrow paths, watching the waves crash, and feeling the soft sand beneath my feet made me feel completely free.

The Highlights

The most unforgettable part of the trip was visiting Chera Dip the last piece of land in Bangladesh, disconnected from the main island during high tide.

Standing there, surrounded by the endless ocean, I felt like I had reached the edge of the world.

Food and Flavors

This time, I stepped out of my comfort zone and tried seafood something I avoided during my first trip to Cox's Bazar. I tasted Coral fish, Shurma fish, Roop Chanda, and Kalo Chanda.

Each had a unique flavor, and I finally understood why people love the seafood of Saint Martin so much.

A Scary Yet Beautiful Night

One of the most thrilling moments happened one night. We went to a local fair to enjoy dinner and music. On our way back, the sea had risen, covering the entire beach. We lost our path and had to return by climbing over walls to reach our guest house safely.

But in the middle of that fear, nature gifted us something magical we saw the blue plankton glowing in the dark sea water. The view was absolutely mesmerizing scary and beautiful at the same time.

The End of the Trip

When it was time to leave, my heart grew heavy. I didn't want the trip to end. Every wave, every breeze, every star over the ocean felt like it was calling me to stay longer.

Even now, as I write this blog in 2025, I'm already planning to return in January 2026 to relive those magical moments once again.

What Saint Martin Taught Me

This trip taught me many new things from organizing a long journey to managing people and handling unexpected situations. Most importantly, it taught me how to embrace adventure fearlessly and appreciate the beauty of nature in its purest form.

The Journey

Rangamati, also known as the 'Lake City of Bangladesh,' is one of the most beautiful hill districts in the country. Located around 77 km from Chittagong, it took us about 3 hours by bus to reach this serene destination.

This was my second trip to Rangamati, but this time it felt different more planned, more adventurous, and more memorable.

Exploring the Hanging Bridge

One of the first places we visited was the famous Hanging Bridge, locally known as 'Jhulonto Bridge.' Walking across it felt thrilling as the bridge swayed gently with every step.

The view from the bridge was breathtaking green hills on one side and the calm Kaptai Lake on the other. It was the perfect spot for photos and quiet moments.

Shuvolong Waterfall

The highlight of our trip was Shuvolong Waterfall. We took a boat ride across Kaptai Lake to reach the waterfall. The ride itself was peaceful and scenic, surrounded by hills and calm waters.

When we finally reached Shuvolong, the sound of water cascading down was mesmerizing. We spent hours there, playing in the water, taking photos, and just soaking in the beauty of nature.

Tribal Culture

Rangamati is home to several indigenous communities, including the Chakma, Marma, and Tripura tribes. We visited a few tribal villages and learned about their unique culture, traditions, and lifestyle.

The people were incredibly welcoming and shared stories about their handwoven clothes, traditional food, and festivals. It felt like stepping into a completely different world.

Reflections

Rangamati is a place where you can truly disconnect from the chaos of city life and reconnect with nature. Every hill, every lake, and every moment felt peaceful and refreshing.

This trip reminded me why I love traveling because it's not just about seeing new places, it's about experiencing different cultures and creating memories that last forever.

The Beginning

Cox's Bazar had always been on my bucket list. Known as the world's longest natural sea beach, it stretches over 120 kilometers along the Bay of Bengal. In November 2023, I finally got the chance to visit this iconic destination with my friends.

We took a night bus from Dhaka, and after a long 8-hour journey, we reached Cox's Bazar early in the morning. The moment we saw the vast ocean, all our tiredness disappeared.

First Impressions

The beach was more beautiful than I had imagined. The endless stretch of golden sand, the sound of waves crashing, and the cool sea breeze made everything feel magical.

We spent our first day just walking along the beach, collecting seashells, and watching the sunset. The sky turned into shades of orange and pink, and it was one of the most peaceful moments of my life.

Adventures and Exploration

During our trip, we explored several nearby attractions, including Himchari, Inani Beach, and the Marine Drive. Each place had its own unique charm.

Himchari was surrounded by hills and forests, Inani Beach had crystal-clear water and coral stones, and the Marine Drive offered stunning views of the ocean from a winding road.

Food and Flavors

Cox's Bazar is famous for its seafood, but since I don't usually eat seafood, I stuck to familiar dishes. However, the local fruit and street food were amazing.

One evening, we had a bonfire on the beach and roasted snacks while sharing stories and laughter. It was simple but unforgettable.

The End of the Journey

When it was time to leave, I felt a mix of happiness and sadness. Happy because I finally experienced Cox's Bazar, and sad because I had to leave.

This trip taught me that the best memories are made when you step out of your comfort zone and explore new places with good company.