Eid crowds fill Sajek, rush spreads across Rangamati’s tourist belt

Eid-ul-Azha holidaymakers have packed Sajek Valley to the brim, sending spillover crowds surging into Rangamati town’s scenic hotspots, from the hanging bridge to Kaptai Lake.

The rush has given a strong boost to the region’s hill tourism businesses, with footfall rising steadily since the long Eid break began.

The steady stream of arrivals has brought life to every major site, including the DC Bungalow, Polwel Park, Rajbari, Nilanjana Resort, Rangadip, Berannye Lake, Ejor, Rannyetugun, and the Assam Bosti-Kaptai Road.

Many are also taking boat rides on the tranquil waters of Kaptai Lake.

“I’m here in Rangamati for the first time,” said Jannatul Ferdous, a tourist from Dhaka.

“This is also my first time seeing the hills. I had no idea the harmony between lake and mountain could be so breathtaking.

“You can’t truly grasp nature’s beauty unless you experience this.”

Saiful Islam Sohag, visiting from Chattogram with five friends, said they were touring several locations across the district. “Hills on one side, lake on the other—it’s just incredible.”

Md Sohel, a staff member at the hanging bridge ticket counter, said over 1,000 tourists had visited the bridge since Monday morning. “We’re getting a good number of visitors.”

At the tourist boat terminal, toll collector Fakhrul Islam said: “Rangamati’s key spots have been packed since Eid began. Boatmen and owners are having a busy few days.

“Around 20 to 30 boats are being rented out daily as tourists explore the lake.”

Alok Bikash Chakma, manager of Rangamati Tourism Holiday Complex, said the surge had just begun.

“We’re already 80 percent booked, and reservations are still coming in. We’re expecting full occupancy in the coming days. Every year, just after Eid, we see record tourist turnout.”

Sajek Valley, often called the “land of clouds”, is also swarming with visitors.

Drawn by its famous misty hills, tourists have rushed in, booking up rooms well in advance.

According to Surban Debbarma, president of Sajek Resort and Cottage Owners’ Association, all 98 resorts and cottages in Sajek are fully booked through Jun 13.

“Sajek is packed right now—we’re at 100 percent occupancy,” he said.