While trekking through hilly paths, the most inaccessible trails offer the most beautiful scenery. When the natural sounds of the wild springs mingle with the hum from the hidden abyss, it soothes the ears of outdoor enthusiasts. And, if the trekking leads to the heart-pounding heights of one of the highest waterfalls in Bangladesh, the journey will surely be memorable. Let's delve into the travel route details to reach the Baklai Falls in Bandarban. Significance and Geographical Location of Baklai Falls With approximately 380 feet, Baklai falls stands as the focal point of Baklai village located at Nighting mouza under Thanchi upazila of Bandarban district.  The Baklai village is situated between Keokradong and Tazing Dong, the two significant hills of the country. The majestic Baklai waterfall is visible from a distance of 110 km from Ruma and 45 km from Thanchi. Locally, the falls is also referred to as Baktalai Jharna. Due to extremely treacherous hilly roads and a lack of sufficient initiative, only a handful of tourists can reach the foot of this waterfall. Read more: Trekking to Ham Ham Waterfall, Moulvibazar: On the Way to Pass the Impassable The height of Baklai falls is close to Liluk or Langlok falls, which is also located in Thanchi. While doubts persist about the title of the country's highest waterfall, Baklai stands ahead in terms of sheer beauty. How to Visit Baklai Waterfall in Bandarban from Dhaka To reach Baklai Falls, Bandarban Sadar can be directly accessed from Dhaka through a bus route. Various buses depart for Bandarban from different points of Dhaka city including Gabtali, Kalyanpur, Kalabagan, Jatrabari, Mohakhali, or Fakirapool at fares ranging from Tk 850 to Tk 1,800 per person. If traveling by train, travelers need to reach Chattogram first and then take a bus to reach Bandarban. Chattogram-bound trains departing from Kamalapur or Biman Bandar railway stations charge BDT 285 to BDT 788 per person, depending on the class levels. Read more: Waterfalls in Bangladesh: Everlast Destination for Fountain Lovers Flying from Dhaka to Chattogram takes around 1 hour and can cost between BDT 3,000 to BDT 11,175 per person. However, booking seats in advance, at least 1 month ahead, may offer a chance to get a discount on the ticket price. Upon reaching Chattogram, the tourists can catch a Bandarban bus from BRTC or Dampara bus stand, with costs ranging from BDT 220 to BDT 300 per person.

The hilly trenches of Bandarban offer a heavenly feeling from a surprising height. In Bangladesh, seeing white cotton clouds flowing is nothing new. Chimbuk Hill, known as the “Darjeeling of Bangladesh” for many years, has become a favorite destination for Bangladeshi trekkers. Let's delve into this magical place shrouded in clouds. Location and Significance of Chimbuk Hill This hill is also known as Kala Pahar to many locals in Thanchi of Bandarban, a hilly district in the Chattogram division. The distance from the place to the Bandarban district headquarters is about 26 km. Located approximately 2,500 feet above mean sea level, this natural wonder is the third-largest hill in Bangladesh. Standing at this height, in addition to witnessing the sunrise and sunset, everyone can easily observe the cloud-covered mountains by turning 180 degrees. Read more: Tazing Dong Trekking: In-Depth Travel Guide and Cost Details Origin of the Naming of Chimbuk Among the various ethnic communities living in and around these hilly areas, the Mros constitute the majority. Due to their long-standing settlement in the area, their language is reflected in the names of the hills, the jungles, villages, and Jhum fields. Chimbok Mro was the original inhabitant of this hilly area, and that’s how the hill got its name, Chimbuk, after him. However, among the local Mro, it is still known as 'Yang Bong Hung.' The term 'Hung' is used to signify 'mountain' in the Mro language. Best Time to Visit Chimbuk Hill To enjoy panoramic views of the upazilas of Cox's Bazar and Chattogram from the hill's summit, tourists can visit the place during the summer months. During this period, the absence of fog allows for clear visibility of the scenes below. However, during the hot summer days, tourists can suffer from thirst, heat stroke and other health issues due to extreme summer heat. If the aim is to witness the clouds over the hill, trips can be planned during the autumn and monsoon seasons. The beauty of clouds can be witnessed from September to July. But during the monsoon months the paths can be inaccessible due to heavy rain and landslides.  Read more: Kaptai hanging bridge in Rangamati opens to tourists after over one month During the winter months, trekking Chimbuk hill can be enjoyable due to the availability of cool air.  Regardless of the season, be it hot or cold, the hill canopy on a full moon night maintains its pristine and authentic allure.

A significant number of people who sought refuge in shelters due to the devastating floods and landslides triggered by heavy rainfall in Bandarban have now returned to their homes, District Commissioner Shah Mujahid Uddin has said. During a press briefing held on Friday (August 11, 2023) afternoon, he outlined the overall situation in the district, elaborating on the extent of the destruction caused by the recent torrential rains and floods. The calamity has left a trail of destruction, displacing families and causing substantial damage to infrastructure. Read more Flood situation improves in Bandarban Currently, around 340 individuals remain in various shelters across the district as they grapple with the aftermath of the disaster. The impact has been dire, with 15,800 families stranded by flooding, and a staggering 15,600 houses being severely damaged, he said.  Quoting the Agriculture Department, the District Commissioner said that the agricultural sector has been hit hard, with 8,253 hectares of cropland succumbing to the deluge.  He also reported 10 deaths resulting from the flood and landslides.  Read more Woman, daughter among 3 killed in Bandarban landslides Furthermore, road connections to Thanchi and Ruma upazilas remain severed due to the relentless downpour. The Department of Public Health Engineering has taken steps for rehabilitation by setting up two mobile water purification units, he said. Already, 2 lakh litres of water have been distributed through this initiative. The Bangladesh Army has also joined the relief efforts, distributing an additional 53,800 litres of drinking water,  he said.  Additionally, 850 families have received essential dry food provisions, while 962 individuals have been given vital medical care and medications.  Read more Army deployed to tackle flood, landslides in Ctg, Bandarban

At least 47 shops were gutted in a fire at Bolibazar area in Bandarban’s Thanchi upazila this morning (March 22). Locals said the fire broke out at a shop in the market at around 5:50 am, and it soon engulfed the adjoining shops. On information, two fire service units reached the site and it took them nearly two hours to douse the flames, reports the UNB correspondent. Also Read: Hanif Paribahan bus catches fire in Chattogram Thanchi upazila Chairman Thoai Hla Mong Marma said locals informed him that the fire broke out from an electric stove. No casualties were reported as of writing this report at 11 am.