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The scenic hill district of Rangamati is witnessing a massive influx of tourists during the Eid holidays, bringing renewed life to the region's tourism sector after months of sluggish activity.
Known as the "Daughter of the Hills" for its breathtaking landscapes, Rangamati has become a major attraction for holidaymakers seeking respite from urban life. Thousands of visitors from across the country are flocking to the district's iconic destinations, including the Jhulanto (Hanging) Bridge, Kaptai Lake, Subalong Falls and Sajek Valley, BSS reports.
Tourism operators report that hotels, motels, and resorts in Rangamati and Sajek had already received 70 to 80 percent bookings ahead of Eid. Nearly all accommodations in Sajek Valley are currently fully occupied.
According to tourism officials, Rangamati town has 56 residential hotels and 17 resorts, while Sajek Valley hosts more than 116 hotels, resorts, and restaurants. Most of these establishments are experiencing high occupancy rates due to the surge in visitors.
Popular attractions such as the Hanging Bridge, regarded as the symbol of Rangamati, have been crowded since early morning. Tourists are spending time taking photographs, enjoying boat rides on Kaptai Lake, and exploring the district's lush green hills and waterfalls.
Md. Zahirul Islam, a tourist visiting from Chattogram with his family, expressed his admiration for the district's natural beauty.
"We are overwhelmed by the beauty of nature here. The combination of Kaptai Lake and the surrounding hills is unique. If tourism facilities are further modernized, visitors will continue to come throughout the year," he said.
Tourists have also emphasized the potential of Rangamati as a major tourism hub, calling for planned development of new attractions and improved infrastructure. They believe such initiatives could significantly boost government revenue and attract both domestic and international visitors.
Md. Yusuf, who manages the ticket counter at the Rangamati Tourism Complex's Jhulanto (Hanging) Bridge, said tourist arrivals have risen steadily since before Eid.
"Currently, around 2,000 to 3,000 visitors are coming every day just to see the Hanging Bridge," he said.
Boat rides on Kaptai Lake remain one of the most popular activities for visitors. Tourist boats carrying passengers to attractions such as Subalong Falls have been operating at full capacity throughout the holiday period.
To accommodate the growing number of visitors, the Rangamati Hotel Owners' Association has introduced special Eid holiday packages. The association's General Secretary, Md. Yusuf Chowdhury, said hotel operators are also prioritizing tourist safety and service quality.
The district's tourism hotspots, including Sajek Valley, Kaptai Lake, Palwell Park, Mayabi Island, Aranyak Resort, Rangadeep, Lakeview Island, and Subalong Falls, are witnessing unprecedented crowds. Officials estimate that almost all of the roughly 112 resorts and cottages in Sajek are fully booked.
Rangamati Tourism and Holiday Complex Manager Alok Bikash Chakma said tourist numbers have exceeded expectations.
"About 70 to 80 percent of our rooms were booked in advance through online and offline reservations. At present, there are virtually no vacant rooms in Rangamati's hotels and motels," he said.
He added that an average of 2,000 to 3,000 tourists are visiting the tourism complex daily and expressed optimism about achieving the government's revenue targets from the tourism sector.
The increased tourist traffic has also benefited businesses associated with tourism. Md. Rajman Ali, Vice President of the Boat Leasing Association in the Rangamati Tourism Corporation area, said demand for boat services has risen significantly.
"Our business is performing very well due to the increase in tourist arrivals. We are providing all possible assistance to visitors," he said.
Meanwhile, authorities have strengthened security measures to ensure the safety of tourists during the holiday season.
Rangamati Superintendent of Police Muhammad Abdur Rakib said the district administration, police, and tourist police have coordinated efforts to provide enhanced security. Help desks have been established at key locations to prevent harassment and assist visitors.
"We are fully prepared to ensure tourists can travel safely throughout the district during the Eid holidays," he said.
Rangamati, home to Kaptai Lake-the largest man-made freshwater reservoir in Southeast Asia, covering approximately 725 square kilometres-remains one of Bangladesh's most popular tourist destinations. Tourism officials are expecting record visitor numbers during the current holiday period.
The surge in tourist arrivals has once again revitalized the local tourism economy, reinforcing Rangamati's status as one of the country's premier travel destinations.