Travel Stories

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, a beautiful spot with quiet green hills.
• Tanguar Haor, known for its calm waters and scenic views.
• Pachgaon Kolmakanda, 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'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 knew I'd keep coming back. 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.

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 had 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 seawater. 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 Beginning of the Journey

The plan came from one of my friends, whose hometown is Khagrachari. He invited us to visit, and we eagerly accepted. It was the perfect opportunity to explore a new place and gain fresh experiences.

When we arrived, the first impression was absolutely amazing. The air felt fresh, the hills were vast, and the roads winding through the hill tracks gave a sense of adventure at every turn.

Our Stay and Exploration

We stayed for three days at my friend's house in Mastar Para, near the main bazar area. This gave us the perfect base to explore the nearby attractions and enjoy authentic local hospitality.

During our trip, we visited:

• Alutila Cave, a fascinating natural wonder.
• New Zealand Para, a scenic spot filled with green hills and clouds.
• Hatir Matha, famously known as the "Stairs of Heaven" or Shorger Shiri in Bengali.

Unforgettable Moments

Our most memorable moment was on the morning we arrived in Khagrachari. Driving along the winding hill roads, it felt like we were floating among the clouds. The adventure continued when we trekked to Shorger Shiri. The climb took nearly two hours, and as my first hill trekking experience, it was challenging but completely worth it. The view from the top of endless hills, valleys, and clouds beneath our feet was truly mesmerizing.

Fun, Challenges, and Local Life

The trek to Hatir Matha tested our stamina, but the journey was filled with laughter and excitement. I also got a taste of the local life by buying fresh indigenous mangos. They were huge, delicious, and only 10 Taka per kilogram! We bought 5 kg, but that was all we could carry on the way back.

The End of the Trip

After three adventurous days, we finally packed our bags for the return journey. Exhausted from trekking and exploring, we slept almost the entire way back to Dhaka, but our hearts were full of memories.

What Khagrachari Taught Me

This trip reminded me why I love traveling. The hills, the challenges of trekking, the friendly locals, and the breathtaking views inspired me to explore more places and meet new people. It reinforced the joy of stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing the adventure that each new destination brings.

The Beginning of the Plan

It all started casually, during a conversation with my friends. We were talking about going somewhere for recreation, when one of them found a tour package on social media. Without thinking twice, he booked four seats for all of us. That spontaneous decision turned into one of my most memorable adventures.

That night, we boarded a Shyamoli Paribohon bus, the same trusted service from my first trip. The night was long and quiet, and I slowly fell asleep, dreaming of the unknown hills ahead.

The First Sight of Rangamati

When I woke up early in the morning, I looked out of the window and my heart skipped a beat. A beautiful waterfall was sliding down the hills, and its crystal water was flowing from one hill to another. Between those hills, white clouds were floating softly, as if they were resting on the treetops. That view alone was worth the whole journey.

The Day-long Adventure

Our trip was short, just one full day, but every minute was filled with joy. We had no hotel booking; we planned to explore all day and return at night.

Our first stop was the Shuvolong Waterfalls (1 and 2). The sound of falling water echoed through the hills, and the cold mist touched our faces. We couldn't resist the call of nature, we bathed under the waterfall, laughing and shouting like little kids.

After that, we boarded a large boat to explore Kaptai Lake. The journey on the lake was my favorite part. The boat moved slowly between the green hills, the water shining under the soft sunlight. It felt peaceful, almost unreal.

We were so tired and hungry that we decided to rest on the rooftop of the boat. We even changed our clothes there right under the open sky and lay down for a nap. The soft breeze, the gentle sound of water, and the quietness of the hills made it one of the most relaxing moments of my life.

Later, we visited the Hanging Bridge and Polwel Park, two more beautiful places that completed our short but unforgettable day.

The Taste of Rangamati

Before leaving, I tried a local dish called Shutki Vaji (or Vorta), made with tiny dried fish. I wasn't sure about it at first, but it turned out to be incredibly delicious. It was so good that I even tried to recreate it later at home!

The End of the Day

As the sun began to set, the hills turned golden. Our bus was scheduled to leave at night, so we spent the evening sitting on a bench by the ghat, resting and watching the sunset reflect on the calm water. The sound of gentle waves and the evening air made that moment peaceful and unforgettable.

What Rangamati Taught Me

This trip showed me a new side of Bangladesh, the life of the hill people, their simplicity, and their strength. I realized how hard their daily life is due to limited facilities, yet they live with peace and kindness.

That day, I fell in love with the hills. The sea had given me freedom, but the hills gave me peace. From that trip onward, I knew that I wasn't just a traveler, I was becoming a part of the stories that each place had to tell.

Along with my three close friends, I boarded an economy bus from Shyamoli Paribohon, ready for a 10-hour ride toward the world's longest sea beach, Cox's Bazar.

The Journey Begins

Cox's Bazar had always been a dream destination for me. It's one of the most visited tourist spots in Bangladesh, so when the opportunity came, I didn't hesitate for a second. This was my first travel experience, and I was filled with excitement. We even reached the bus stop an hour before departure, that's how eager we were!

As the bus approached Cox's Bazar, it drove downhill, revealing a breathtaking view of the blue ocean ahead. A cool sea breeze brushed against my face, and in that moment, I felt something new, the true joy of traveling.

The Stay & Exploration

Our plan was short two days and one night, but full of adventure. We checked into Hotel Urmee Inn, a cozy budget hotel perfect for students like us.

That first morning, we explored Laboni and Sugondha Beach, letting the waves wash away our tiredness from the long journey. After lunch and a quick nap, we headed to Kalatali Beach in the evening. Sitting by the sea, sipping tea, and watching the sunset paint the sky was simply magical.

On the second day, we visited Himchari and Inani Beach, two beautiful spots filled with calm waves and stunning natural scenery. After enjoying the views, we grabbed some snacks in the evening and prepared for our return to Dhaka.

Moments That Stay Forever

I wasn't a big fan of seafood back then, so I didn't try any local dishes, but I did buy some local handmade home décor items as souvenirs. The entire trip was filled with laughter, jokes, and joy.

One funny moment I'll never forget was when one of my friends got into a small debate with a local horse owner but we sorted everything out quickly, turning it into a story we still laugh about today.

The most unforgettable part, though, was sitting on a sea bench at night, quietly listening to the sound of the waves. That peaceful rhythm touched my heart in a way I can't describe.

What This Trip Taught Me

That journey changed something inside me. I realized how traveling can refresh the mind and heal the soul. After coming back, I noticed I could focus better on my studies, it felt like my spirit had been recharged.

Since then, I've fallen deeply in love with traveling. Each trip helps me discover more about myself, teaching me lessons that no classroom ever could.

The End That Felt Like a Beginning

When our trip came to an end, we all sat quietly on a bench beside the sea, feeling a mix of sadness and peace. I didn't want to leave. It felt like Cox's Bazar still had so many stories waiting for me.

I've been back twice since then in 2024 and again in 2025, but that first trip will always be the most special. Because no matter how many times I return, I know one thing for sure: Cox's Bazar isn't the same without my friends. Their laughter, energy, and friendship made it unforgettable.