The bounty of nature

Yet, Rangamati is undoubtedly a bit different from among the spots so far aesthetic richness is concerned. Nestled around with zigzag hills, the greens all around, the serene lakes and the serpentine roads really beckon refreshing moments to the tourists, especially those who have penchant to go close to the nature. And once visited, any tourist will be tempted to make another comeback to Rangamati.

Tourists usually flock in great numbers to Rangamati each winter spanning three to four months from November. The period is called peak season for tourists when the tiny hill town wears a festive look. Most of the cottages, lodges, hotels, motels, rest houses and bungalows become overcrowded with tourists from home and abroad during the season.

The Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation (BPC) lodges and cottages are available in Rangamati for tourists to have a brief sojourn there. The rent for a single cottage of eight beds is Tk 1,500 a night while Tk 1,000 for a four-bed cottage.

"The fare is relatively cheaper if one considers the facilities we offer to the visitors," said a BPC official in Chittagong.

The private hotels, however, charge reasonable fare ranging between Tk 100 to Tk 300 for each night but they lag far behind the facilities the BPC offers. Many tourists are to stay in private low quality hotels as the number of tourists is much higher than the cottages, lodges or rest houses can contain during the peak season in Rangamati.

"I travel Rangamati every winter and sometime I have to stay in low quality hotels, finding no space in cottages or lodges," said Shahidur Rahman, Public Relations Officer of Chittagong Eye Infirmary and Training Complex, a frequent visitor to the scenic town.

Rangamati has too many exciting spots to pay visit. A glimpse to the hanging bridge, Pedatingting, tribal museum, Rajbihar and Shubhalong fountain can make one's trip memorable.

Of the scenic spots, Shubhalong is the most attractive one because of its beautiful natural fountain and the sweet murmur from it. The fountain water incessantly gives delight to the travellers and feasts their eyes to witness nature's bounty.

Wooden trawler is the lone mode of transport to travel to Shubhalang from Rangamati hill district. It is a one hour and 15 minutes' journey to reach the coveted place, crossing over 20km waterways. The journey becomes more worthwhile when guest birds are found in all sorts of fun and frolic over the lake water. The tribal people also wave from their passing trawlers to the tourists as a gesture of greetings.

The Shubhalong Recreation Centre is another attraction. A mini zoo provides much pleasure to the children there. Tourists can take a sip of warmth and hot coffee and buy few items at the Coffee House in Shubhalang. There are also a number of shops in the district headquarters with attractive tribal commodities. They sell tribal dress, foods and other cultural icons. Those can be purchased as mementos.