Frosty Forest – Rema Kalinga, Episode -2

Now we could hear birds waking up, breaking the muted silence — voices we could barely recognize. Then we heard the red jungle fowls crowing. Yesterday evening we also heard their voices, we were again hearing them today. A fowl was cooing somewhere very near. We left the trail and softly stepped into the forest. It was easy to walk without making a noise because the fallen leaves were now dew-sodden. Visibility was low because of the dense undergrowth. The fowl was now very near. We squinted our eyes and slowed down. Then we saw it — a bright blob of red, golden and deep green. The bird saw us at the same instant and flapped its wings like pistons. It took it a few seconds to rise above the bush and vanish away.We pushed deeper into the forest and meandered round the thick bushes. Wood-spiders had woven huge early morning cobwebs. The big spiders were sprawled in the middle and several times we got entangled in the webs.

More Read:  http://thedailystar.net/holiday/2008/01/02/holiday.htm

Khagrachhari: A little attention can make it a prime tourism spot

Picturesque hill district of Khagrachhari, despite having plenty of natural features to be a prime tourist destination, is losing out due to absence of cellular communication and modern tourism facilities. Harmonious existence of culturally diverse ethnic groups along with its breathtaking landscape showcasing several artificial and natural lakes, scenic valleys and natural waterfalls, Khagrachhari, with a little more infrastructural development, can stand out and turn into a favourite choice of tourists from home and abroad. Khagrachhari is laid out on 2,600 square kilometres of rugged terrain where six lakh inhabitants from different tribes of Chakma, Marma, Tripura, Santals, Pankho and Rakhine live peacefully with Bangalee settlers.
The locations that draw most visitors are tourist spots and Parjatan motel at Ramgor upazila, Alutilla Parjatan spot and Buddhist temple, Reechang natural waterfall, Debotar Pukur, Panchhari Aranya Kutir, Dighinala suspension bridge, Krishi Gabeshana institute, and the snaky and curved Chenghi and Mainee rivers. The Alutilla Parjatan spot attracts most visitors as it is only 15 to 20 minutes away from Khagrachhari town. The Alutilla Buddhist temple, a mysterious cave and several majestic waterfalls are also located here. The fascinating view of the town and the River Chenghi from hilltops can mesmerise any visitor.

Reechang natural waterfall, the largest waterfall in Khagrachhari, is located in the dense tropical rain forest of Alutilla.

Another popular attraction, Debotar Pukur or the pond of gods, is situated about a thousand feet above the sea level on top of a hill. The level of water in this pond remains the same all year round and visitors are allowed to go for a dip in it.

Khagrachhari has a number of government and private rest houses, motels, hotels and guesthouses that are rented out at very reasonable rates.

Several transport companies are currently operating comfortable bus services to and from Khagrachhari and the travel is expected to get more comfortable after the completion of the ongoing road expansion work in the area, said sources.

Narrow roads and unavailability of cellular phone network and quality restaurants meeting hygiene standards are the three drawbacks that hold back most tourists, especially from overseas, from making a trip to Khagrachhari, the sources added.

Mohammad Mahbubur Rahman, manager of Khagrachhari Parjatan Motel, said the most difficult hurdle tourists face in the district is the unavailability of cellular communication network. Their patrons, mostly business owners, do not want to be in Khagrachhari as they fear of incurring financial losses due to being unable to take care of their business over their cellphones, he added.

Asked to comment on the security situation in the district, Tareq Ahmed, assistant superintendent of police in Khagrachhari, said security measures taken for both local and foreign tourists are adequate. He however stressed on the need for further development of infrastructures to ensure enhanced security.

Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Adviser Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury on December 13 told journalists that the government would undertake special projects and establish an ecotourism facility in Khagrachhari to promote tourism in the area.

Rema Kalinga for lonely trail

A beautiful unknown destination, situated at the north-east of Bangladesh. Rema Kalinga is one hour journey from Srimongol (Sylhet). The place is at a small hill circled by untamed forest. There is a small bungalow at Rema Kalinga, a neat small hut powered by a solar panel, a sprawling courtyard in front.

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For sight viewing tourist might have to explore the surrounded forest. A beautiful lake will be on sight, on tourists trail. Bio-diversity of this forest can be enjoyed during the tour.

For More Read this story of a visitor: http://thedailystar.net/holiday/2008/01/01/holiday.htm, Written By: Inam Ahmed