But potentials of the hill district headquarters largely remain untapped. Rangamati abounds with resources for tourism from which the government can earn huge revenue, local people said

Some private initiatives, though not significant, have been made to help develop tourism in the hill district after signing of peace accord. And all these have given the tourists an escape from the humdrum of routine life for a break and to stay with nature's bounty and make their holidays a memorable one through cruise in the lake and sightseeing in Rangamati.

The most attractive places here are Hanging Bridge, Peda Ting-Ting, Suvolong natural waterfalls, Rajban Bihar, Chakma Royal Palace, Kaptai Lake, Indigenous Museum, Holiday Blast, Tuk Tuk Eco Village and DC Bungalow.

Hanging Bridge is the most favourite spot for the tourists and visitors. Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation (BPC) built the bridge. Peda Ting-Ting, a restaurant, is located at the mouth of Suvalong Channel, about five km east of Rangamati town. It is about a 20-minute ride on an engine boat to reach the site. The restaurant provides varied dishes ranging from traditional cookery to indigenous people's delicacies.

Suvalong Natural Waterfalls is another exquisite place to visit. There are many big and small waterfalls near the Suvalong Bazar. One can easily go to the site by an engine boat or tourist boat, in one hour from the district headquarters. The 4,800-sq km artificial lake of crystal clear water, which was created after damming of Kaptai Hydroelectric Project in 1960, is a picturesque hinterland of large hill and forest. A cruise on the lake water can be a memorable experience.

Rajban Bihar is an internationally well-known Buddhist temple wherein venerable spiritualist and principal of the monk of Rajban Vihara Shrimath Sadhana Nanda Mohasthabir (Ban Vante) lives. Situated on 100 acres of land in the hill town, it is also an attractive place for the tourists. Any visitor can directly visit Chakma Royal Palace and talk to the royal family members. Barrister Debashish Roy is the present king of the Chakma community. Indigenous Museum offers many rare collections like attires, ornaments of indigenous people, depicting their socio-economic, cultural and historical traditions.

Holiday Blast is a private tourist spot. There are three cottages here -- Radhamon, Dhanpudi and Tanyabi replicating the lifestyle of the indigenous people. It conducts voyages across the Kaptai Lake and operates guided tours all over the district. They also arrange adventurous trips and hiking for tourists. Tuk Tuk Eco Village is also a private spot at Balukhali union under Sadar upazila and 20 km away from the district headquarter.

Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation (BPC) has a motel with capacity of 62 people. It also has a bar and an amusement centre with modern facilities. Besides, many private hotels have also been sprung up here to make the visit of the tourists enjoyable. Of them, Hotel Sufia, Motel Jourge, Green Castle, Hotel Anika, Dream Land, Al-Mova, Golden Hill, Alif Boarding, Hotel Dignity, Shapla Boarding, Saikat Boarding, Arju Boarding, and Lake View are good for stay.

Goutam Dewan, former local government council chairman and owner of the Holiday Blast & Peda Ting-Ting, said there are huge potentials to build Rangamati an international-standard tourist spot, but unfortunately the successive governments have not taken any steps in this regard.

Developing more attractive spots, infrastructures and road communications are very important to attract the tourists, he said.

Goutam said ban on free movement of foreign tourists is hampering development of tourism in Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) and due to the ban the number of foreign tourists are declining.

BPC Manager Sunirmol Talukder said number of tourists and visitors has increased after signing of the CHT peace accord.

Saiful Islam, owner of Sufia Hotel, however, said unnecessary watch on the tourists and harassment to them by the law enforcement agencies and non-qualified guides are obstacles to expanding tourism in Rangamati.