Keokradong
Type: Hill / Mountain
Contributed By: Nayeem
Brief
Keokradong is the second highest mountain of Bangladesh, about 4,035 ft (1,230 meters) high from the sea level. It is situated 30 km away from the Ruma Sadar Upazila of Bandarban District. This remote area is full of natural beauty, consisting of small and big mountains and hills. This area is covered with dense forests, birds and animals.
Keokradong is located on the border between Bangladesh and Myanmar. You may be surprised after seeing its beauty. This natural beauty may attract the mind of the adventurous people. It is visited by many adventurous tourists in winter. Dazzling beauty of green hill, cool fountains, zigzag paths, hilly road side, hide and seek game of clouds on the top of the hill; all of these are simply mind-blowing.
How to go
Travel from Bandarban to Ruma: You have to make a trip from Bandarban to Ruma Upazila by “Chander Gari” (public jeep) or a private vehicle.
Travel from Ruma to Boga lake: From Ruma Bazar, you should hire public jeep (Chander Gari) up to Boga lake and it may take Tk. 2000-2500. Before going to Boga lake you have to register your name, contact address and other details in the respective security or Army camp, you will require a guide to reach Jadipai Jhorna. For the first day the guide will charge 600/- Taka (BDT) and for the second day onwards the guide will charge 500/- Taka (BDT) per day. You should consult with the guide before going to Jadipai.
You will reach Bogalake in the following evening. So you need to pass the night there. There are many Tribal villages in the Boga lake area. You can stay at night, take dinner from here and guide will help you to find a good place.
Visit the desired place Keokaradong: The Next day you should start your journey very early. You should start the trip at 7.00 am. At first you have to go Keokradong. On the way of Keokradong, you will pass a tribal village known as “Darjiling Para” where you can take rest for half an hour. After reaching Keokradong you have to prepare for a long way to reach Jadipai. It will take you about 2.5 hours to reach Jadipai from Keokradong. At this way you will pass the “Passing Para” and “Jadi Para”. Last 30 minute of this journey is really dangerous. But when you reach Jadipai, you will forget all the anguish because of the natural beauty of Jadipai waterfall.
How To Reach: Bandarban District
Dhaka and Bandarban are linked by road. There are direct bus services available from Dhaka to reach Bandarban.
Some of the bus services are listed below for your assistance:
1. S Alam services Ltd
Contact: 0341-62902
2. Shyamoli Paribahan
Contact: 0443-449934
3. Saudia Paribahan
Arambag, Contact: +88-02-7102465
Gabtoli, Contact: +88-02-8018445
There are no direct flight services available from Dhaka to Bandarban. However, you can travel to Chittagong by air and then take a bus or private car to reach Bandarban. Bangladesh Biman, United Airways, Regent Airways and Novo Air, all provide flight services to Chittagong.
Where to Stay
1. Hillside Resort
Address: Chimbuk road, Bandarban
Contact: 01730 045083, 02-988 6983
2. Hotel Greenhill
Address: Main Road, Bandarban-4600
Contact: +88 01856699910, +88 01856699911
3. Hotel Purabi
Address: V.I.P. Road, Bandarban Sadar, Bandarban
Contact: 01823-346383, 0361-62531
4. Hotel Paharika
Address: Main Road, Bandarban
Contact: 62155
5. (Resident)
Address: It is located in the South-West of Thanchi Bazar in Thanchi Sadar Upazila
Contact: 01819537753, 01818100435
6. Upazila Rest House
Owner/Manager: Mr. Kalhacing Marma, Chairman, Upazila Parisad
Address: Thanchi Bazar (close to the mosque), Thanchi Sadar Upazila
Eating Facilities
You have to manage your own food, drinks and other stuffs from local tribal communities.
Travel Tips
You need to hire a tour guide from Ruma. There is no mobile network, no restaurant and also no proper road communication. Remember that, this journey is a bit hard. You should always carry water and first aid box with you.
There are some residential hotels in Ruma Bazar, so you have to confirm hotel reservation before going to Ruma, otherwise you will have no alternative way to pass the night. If you are fortunate you can get a tribal house to pass the night.
