Tourism gets a boost in Khagrachhari

Khagrachhari is characterised by serpentine rivers, hills, greenery and diverse lifestyle of the indigenous communities. Photo Courtesy: flickr.com

The tourism sector got a boost as many nature lovers are coming to the hilly district Khagrachhari, known for its serene jade greenery.
Tourists from different parts of Bangladesh as well as overseas are visiting the different venues and buying indigenous handicrafts -- giving local businesses a much-needed boost. Though there are certain issues.
According to Khagrachhari Parjatan Motel sources, they are expecting to achieve their profit target this year as they received an impressive number of tourists. Business might pick up more if they can ensure better accommodation and dining, communication facilities and security, they added.
The Parjatan Motel can accommodate 50 tourists at a time.
The panorama of the locale has always been breathtakingly beautiful but since the NGO 'Thengamara Mahila Sabuj Sangha' (TMSS) has taken over the charge of Khagrachhari Parjatan Motel, services have improved, according to tourists.
According to motel sources, the establishment has earned about Tk. 8 lakh this year -- double the amount earned in 2007.
This boost in tourism also means good news for local traders.
Tutu Marma, a salesperson at Boian Textile said that they have sold over Tk. 4 lakh worth of local handicrafts including thami, gamcha, lunghi, chador, shirts, bags and much more to tourists.
Akrai Marma, assistant marketing officer of 'Thengamara Mohila Sabuj Sangha' said that like Rangamati, Bandarban and others areas in Chittagong Hill Tracts, Khagrachhari has the potential to become a tourist hotspot with its lush foliage, natural lakes and falls, scenic valleys, hills and diverse culture.
The lifestyle and traditions of the ethnic communities including Chakma, Marma, Tripura, Pankho and others are unique.
Khairul Alam Manzurul, manager of TMSS said that there are several attractive tourist spots including Alu Tilla Parjatan Complex, Reechang waterfall, Debotar Pukur, Ramghar tourist spot, Panchhari Aranya Kutir, Dighinala hanging bridge and the serpentine river Chenghi.
As there are many government-owned and private rest houses, motels, hotels and guesthouses the tourists can stay here at a reasonable cost. Roads are being expanded and improved as tourists, in particular foreigners, feel that the roads are narrow and in bade shape.
According to sources, the government is also planning to introduce eco-tourism in the district.