Wonderful Suspension Bridge of Rangamati

Rangamati district has a special importance for the tourist lovers. Rangamati has several tourist centers to attract tourists. Among them, the 335 feet long suspension bridge built over the Kaptai Lake is notable. All the tourists visiting Rangamati come to see the suspension bridge which is known as the 'Symbol of Rangamati'. This colorful hanging bridge connects the mountains on two separate banks of Kaptai Lake. Standing on this bridge one can observe the beautiful view of Kaptai Lake. On the hill on one side of the bridge there are swings, sleepers etc. for the amusement of children. Engine-driven boats under the bridge are available for hire at Tk 200 to Tk 300 per hour for a trip to the lake. The tourism corporation has to pay a fee of Tk 20 per person to enter the hanging bridge.

When to go and what to see

You can visit the Hanging Bridge at any time of the year. However, when it rains heavily during the monsoon, water often rises on the hanging bridge. Do not go over the suspension bridge at that time. So, if you go in monsoon, you will find out in advance. Tourists usually visit the suspension bridge before winter and during winter. If you go to Rangamati, not only the hanging bridge, there are other places to visit in the vicinity which you can visit together in the same day. If you reserve a trawler for the whole day, you can visit the hanging bridge, Shublong Jharna, Rajban Vihar, lake tour and some other places of interest. Plan and reserve the trawler/boat accordingly.

How to go

There are numerous bus counters from Dhaka to Rangamati at Fakirapool Mor, Abdullahpur and Saidabad in Dhaka. These buses usually leave Dhaka for Rangamati between 8am to 9am and 8.30pm to 11pm. Dhaka to Rangamati AC bus fare is 1000 to 1600 taka per seat. Besides, the fare of all non-AC buses is between Tk 750 to Tk 800.

From Chittagong various local and gatelock/direct buses to Rangamati are available from Oxygen junction of Chittagong city. Should take gatelock or direct bus even though the fare is a bit high. You can get direct bus from Chittagong to Rangamati within Tk 150. You can also get buses to Rangamati from Chittagong's Bahaddarhat bus terminal.

You can go directly to the suspension bridge by auto rickshaw or CNG from Rangamati town. CNG fare from Tabalchari to hanging bridge is 50 to 60 taka. And the CNG fare from Banrupa in Rangamati is Tk 120.

Rangamati Accommodation

Rangamati has various quality guest houses and residential hotels. Try to fix hotels near the lake in Old Bus Stand and Reserve Bazar area of Rangamati town. Then you can enjoy the atmosphere and calm air of Kaptai Lake from the hotel. Besides, you can join boarding to stay at low cost. Although the cost of staying in the boarding houses is low, their condition is not very good. Name of some notable residential hotels:

Hotel Green Castle: The non-AC single bed, double bed and triple bed room rent in this hotel located in Reserve Bazar is Tk 800, Tk 1000 and Tk 1200 respectively. You will get AC double bed room for 1600 taka and AC triple bed room for 2000 taka. Contact: 01726-511532, 01815-459146

Tourist Motel: Located next to the Rangamati Hanging Bridge, you have to pay Tk 1000-1200 for a non-AC double bed room in this hotel. And you will get AC double bed for 1500-1800 taka. Contact: 0351-63126

Rangdhanu Guest House: Renting a family bed or a couple bed in this guest house will cost 650 and 500 taka respectively. Contact: 01816-712622, 01712-392430

Hotel Sufiya: Fisari Ghat, Kanthaltali. Contact: 01553-409149

Hotel Al-Moba: New Bus Station, Reserve Bazaar. Contact: 01811-911158

Eating and drinking

Rangamati has numerous food restaurants of various quality. You can have your daily meal at any restaurant you can afford. You will get all local traditional food in the restaurant. Don't forget to taste these different flavors.

Places to visit around Rangamati

Besides, there are other interesting and sightseeing places in Rangamati district: Shubolang Jharna, Kaptai Lake, Sheikh Russell Aviary & Eco Park, Tribal Museum, Jhoom Restaurant, Tuktuk Eco Village, Chitmaram Village & Tower, Yamchuk, Raikshyang Pond, Nirbanpur Forest Center, Rajban Bihar, Traditional Chakma Rajbari, Peda Ting Ting, Tribal Textile Market, Navy Picnic Spot, Rajasthani Hanging Bridge, Furmon Hill, Sajek Valley, Aryapur Dharmojjbal Ban Vihar, Doluchari Jetvan Vihar, Betbunia Geosatellite Center, Kattali Bill and Na-Kaba Harma Jharna etc.

Travel tips and warnings

Going together as a team will reduce costs.
Costs will be lower during off-season and holidays.
When reserving a trawler/boat, what do you see and where do you go?
Bargain properly while reserving.
Try to fix any hotel near the lake.
In some places, the water depth of the lake is very deep, if you want to go down, ask the boatman.
Do not take any ricks unnecessarily.
Common spots can be visited in one day.
Please do not do anything that harms the environment and biodiversity.
Be polite to local people.