Travel Stories

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.

Arriving at the Lake City

Rangamati is about 77 kilometers from Chittagong, and we reached there by road in around 3 hours. The moment we entered the town, we could see Kaptai Lake stretching endlessly in the distance. The view was calming and beautiful.

Unlike busy tourist spots, Rangamati felt peaceful and relaxed. The town is built around the lake, and boats are the main mode of transport.

Boat Ride on Kaptai Lake

We rented a speedboat to explore the lake. The ride was thrilling as the boat cut through the blue water, creating waves behind us. The hills surrounding the lake were covered in green forests, and the sky was clear with floating clouds.

We stopped at several spots along the way, including small islands and tribal villages accessible only by boat.

Hanging Bridge and Tribal Villages

One of the most memorable stops was the Hanging Bridge in Shuvolong. Walking on the swinging bridge over the water felt both exciting and scary. Below us, small boats passed by, and the reflection of hills danced on the water surface.

We also visited a Chakma village where locals welcomed us with warm smiles. They showed us their handmade crafts, bamboo houses, and traditional musical instruments. It was fascinating to see how they live in harmony with nature.

Rajban Bihar (Buddhist Temple)

Another beautiful place we visited was Rajban Bihar, the largest Buddhist monastery in Bangladesh. The golden statues, peaceful prayer halls, and the view of Kaptai Lake from the hilltop made it a serene experience.

The atmosphere was so calm that I spent a long time just sitting there, thinking and enjoying the silence.

Sunset Over the Lake

As the day ended, we watched the sunset from our boat. The sky turned orange and pink, and the hills looked dark against the glowing horizon. It was one of those moments that felt too beautiful to be real.

What I Learned

Rangamati taught me the value of slow travel. Sometimes the best experiences come not from rushing through tourist spots, but from sitting quietly on a boat, watching the water, and simply being present in the moment.

Arrival and First Impressions

We reached Cox's Bazar by a night bus from Dhaka, arriving early in the morning. The moment we stepped onto the beach, I was struck by how vast it was. The shoreline seemed to go on forever, with waves continuously crashing onto the sand.

The beach was already filling up with tourists, street vendors, and locals enjoying their morning walk.

Walking Along the World's Longest Beach

Cox's Bazar holds the record for the world's longest unbroken sea beach, stretching over 120 kilometers. We walked barefoot on the soft sand, letting the cool waves wash over our feet.

The feeling of endless space, the sound of the ocean, and the salty breeze made everything feel peaceful despite the crowds.

Sunrise and Sunset Views

We woke up early one morning to watch the sunrise over the Bay of Bengal. The sky slowly changed colors from dark blue to orange and pink, and the first rays of sunlight sparkled on the water. It was magical.

The sunset was equally breathtaking. We sat on the beach with snacks from local vendors, watching the sun slowly disappear into the ocean. The entire sky turned red and orange, creating a scene I'll never forget.

Himchari and Inani Beach

We also visited Himchari, a nearby spot known for its hills, waterfalls, and clearer water. The beach there was less crowded, and the surrounding green hills added a different charm.

Inani Beach was another beautiful stop. The sand there is said to be golden, and the water looked cleaner and more blue compared to the main Cox's Bazar beach.

Local Food and Beach Activities

We tried fresh seafood like grilled fish, prawn curry, and lobster from beachside restaurants. The food was simple but incredibly tasty.

We also enjoyed activities like horse riding on the beach, collecting seashells, and taking countless photos with the ocean in the background.

Final Thoughts

Cox's Bazar is crowded, commercialized, and sometimes overwhelming. But despite that, it's still a beautiful place. The vastness of the ocean, the feeling of sand under your feet, and the sound of waves have a way of making you feel small yet connected to something much bigger.

If you visit Cox's Bazar, try to go during off-season when it's less crowded. That way, you can truly enjoy the beauty of the world's longest beach.

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

• 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 Eid Vacation

I had visited Netrokona before, but this time was different. It was during Eid ul Adha, and I went with my family. The pace was slower, calmer, and full of warmth.

Exploring the Hidden Border Areas

One of the most interesting parts of Netrokona is its location near the India-Bangladesh border. Some places are so remote and peaceful that they feel forgotten by time.

We visited several beautiful but lesser-known spots like:

• Bijoypur: Peaceful riversides and quiet village life.

• Zero Point: A symbolic place showing the border line.

• Tanguar Haor: A massive wetland filled with birds, boats, and endless water.

• Pachgaon Kolmakanda: A village surrounded by hills and green beauty.

The Auto-Rickshaw Ride

To reach many of these places, we traveled on a local auto-rickshaw. The roads were bumpy, narrow, and surrounded by fields and trees. The wind felt fresh, and the journey itself became part of the memory.

A Scary and Unforgettable Moment

While crossing a river by boat, something went wrong. The boat began to sink, and water started filling it. I panicked and thought: this is it. I might drown today.

But somehow, the boat didn't go fully under. We managed to reach the shore safely. My heart was racing, but looking back now, it's one of those stories that makes a trip unforgettable.

What I Felt About Netrokona

Netrokona is not famous like Cox's Bazar or Sylhet. It doesn't have crowded tourist spots or Instagram-famous views. But that's exactly what makes it beautiful.

It's simple, peaceful, and real. The people there are humble and warm. The food is fresh and local. And the nature is untouched, pure, calm.

If you want to escape city noise and enjoy slow travel, Netrokona is the perfect hidden gem in Bangladesh.

The Journey Begins

I started the journey from Dhaka early in the morning with a group of friends. We took a night bus to Teknaf, which is the southernmost tip of Bangladesh. After reaching Teknaf, we boarded a ship that would take us to Saint Martin Island.

The ship ride took about 3 hours, and the sea was rough that day. Many passengers felt sick, but I loved watching the endless blue water and feeling the ocean breeze.

First Impressions of the Island

As soon as we reached Saint Martin, I was amazed by the clear blue water, the white sandy beaches, and the peaceful surroundings. The island is small, but it has its own unique charm.

Unlike crowded tourist spots, Saint Martin feels more natural and raw. You can walk barefoot on the beach, collect seashells, and enjoy the calmness of the ocean.

Exploring the Island

We spent the day exploring different parts of the island:

• Chera Dwip (Broken Island): A beautiful extension of Saint Martin, accessible during low tide.

• Coral stones: We saw many coral pieces along the shore, though collecting them is now banned to protect the environment.

• Sunset view: Watching the sun slowly disappear into the ocean was one of the most peaceful moments of my life.

Food and Local Life

We tried fresh seafood like grilled fish, lobster, and crab. The food was simple but incredibly tasty.

We also enjoyed activities like horse riding on the beach, collecting seashells, and taking countless photos with the ocean in the background.

The Scary Yet Magical Night

At night, we walked along the beach and saw something I had only heard about: blue plankton (also called bioluminescence). Tiny glowing organisms in the water created a magical effect every time the waves hit the shore.

But the night also had a scary side. The ocean waves became stronger, and the sound of crashing water was loud and intimidating. It reminded me how powerful and unpredictable nature can be.

Lessons from the Trip

This trip taught me the importance of respecting nature. Saint Martin is a fragile ecosystem, and over-tourism has already caused damage to the coral reefs.

I also realized that sometimes the best experiences come from stepping out of comfort zones. Traveling to remote places, dealing with rough seas, and living without luxury made me appreciate simple moments even more.