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Mesmerising, diverse, and majestic – three words to describe Bandarban, one of the country's most beautiful places of enormous natural magnificence and sceneries. The beauty of its rainforests, waterfalls, highest peaks, and traditions of 15 distinct ethnic groups draw visitors from inside and beyond the country.
Bandarban is regarded as the Dynasty of Khumah, and the Nafakhum must adorn the crown of perfection in this kingdom. Due to water flow, Nafakhum is one of Bangladesh's biggest waterfalls, often called the Niagara of Bengal.
Nafakhum tales
The Nafakhum Waterfall is located in Bandarban's Thanchi Upazila. On the shores of the Sangu River is where you'll discover Thanchi Bazar. Bandarban is 79 kilometres away from Thanchi. Tindu and Raja Pathor are three hours away from Remakri on the Sangu River by boat.
Boat travel to Tindu takes three hours from Thanchi. Along the Sangu River, the boat must slowly be elevated toward Remakri. On either side of the river, there are big hills. This river is littered with large stones. The stones resemble a piece of art.
The word 'Nafakhum' originated from the tribal people living in the Bandarban district and speaking the indigenous Marma language. 'Nafa' is Arabic for bamboo, and 'Khum' is Arabic for cave or hollow. The name alludes to the bamboo trees that line the waterfall's perimeter and the water's entry point into a rock hole.
In a different sense, the name Nafakhum (which translates to 'flame hill' in the local language) accurately describes the waterfall, as the water pours down the rocks with a burning passion, assembling an ethereal environment.
The name of the waterfall is based on mythology, per local folklore. The waterfall is claimed to have been discovered by a party of hunters who once pursued a deer across the woodland. The hunters chose to take a short break by the waterfall since they were so taken with its beauty. They heard an odd noise while sleeping coming from the gap in the stones where the water dropped. They looked about and came to a cave covered with bamboo gardens. They named the waterfall Nafakhum in honour of the bamboo forests they had found.
Whether or not these stories are accurate, the term Nafakhum has come to represent the splendour and grandeur of the waterfall. The name symbolises the rich history of the Bandarban district and has been incorporated into local culture and history.
Visiting Nafakhum
The lengthy and challenging trip through the Bandarban district's deep forest is the first leg of the route to Nafakhum. The excursion is not recommended for those who are easily alarmed due to the occasionally perilous trail's high inclines and uneven terrain.
The drive is worthwhile, nevertheless, due to the breathtaking beauty of the surroundings. A wide range of flora and wildlife, including uncommon bird and animal species, call the deep forest home. The roar of the pouring water grows louder as one gets closer to the waterfall, generating excitement and expectation. After walking, the waterfall is finally visible and incredibly breathtaking.
While the waterfall is full of splendour, the rainy season is the ideal time to visit Nafakhum. When the water circulation is at its highest, a mist is produced by the water dropping, contributing to the location's ethereal ambience. Visitors must use caution in the monsoon season since heavy rains can make the route treacherous and slick.
Special features
One of Bangladesh's most stunning waterfalls, located at Nafakhum, is a major attraction. Continuously flowing water rushes over the rocks, producing a spectacular light and sound show. The waterfall is made even more beautiful by the moss-covered rocks that surround it. Throughout the monsoon season, the waterfall is in all its splendour, and the mist produced by the water cascading adds to the place's ethereal ambience.
Not for the faint of heart, the trip to Nafakhum entails a long and challenging hike through the deep Bandarban district forest. Due to its occasionally steep inclines and uneven terrain, the path may be dangerous.
The trip is worthwhile, nevertheless, due to the breathtaking beauty of the surroundings. A wide range of flora and wildlife, including uncommon bird and animal species, call the deep forest home.
Besides the waterfall, many other sites near Nafakhum provide breathtaking panoramas of the neighbouring hills and valleys.
A popular location with an outstanding view of the nearby hills and valleys is the neighbouring Chimbuk Hill. Another well-liked location that provides a breathtaking perspective of the surrounding valleys and hills is the Nilgiri Resort, which stands on top of a hill.
Anyone who appreciates the outdoors and seeks adventure must visit Nafakhum. The waterfall is a wonderful marvel of nature, and the hills and woodland surrounding it provide a breathtaking perspective of the area's unspoiled splendour. Despite the difficulty of the trip to Nafakhum, it is definitely worth it.