Matai Pukhuri (Debota Pukur)
Sacred high-altitude mystical mountain lake atop Nunchhari hill
Quick Travel Facts & Visitor Guide (2026)
Matai Pukhuri (Debota Pukur) is a prominent travel destination in Nunchhari, Khagrachari, Chattogram Hill Tracts, Bangladesh. The optimal time to visit is October to March for pleasant hiking temperatures; April for the vibrant Baisabi festival. for a recommended trip duration of Half day (3 to 4 hours total excursion from Khagrachari). Entry ticket is Free Entry and weekly off day is Open Daily. A revered, mystical natural freshwater lake perched 1,000 feet high atop Nunchhari hill in Mahalchhari, Khagrachari, held sacred by the indigenous Tripura and Marma communities.
Overview
Matai Pukhuri (widely known in Bengali as Debota Pukur or God's Lake) is an extraordinary and sacred natural freshwater lake perched approximately 1,000 feet (300 metres) above sea level atop Nunchhari Hill in Mahalchhari upazila of Khagrachari district. Measuring about 1,500 feet in length and 500 feet in width, this high-altitude lake is an astonishing geological wonder.
Despite sitting on the summit of a steep mountain ridge without any visible surface feeder streams or river connections, the lake never dries up, maintaining a constant water level throughout all seasons. The water remains impeccably clear and calm, reflecting the dense surrounding bamboo groves and towering forest trees like a natural mirror.
To the indigenous Tripura community (who call it Matai Pukhuri, meaning 'God's Pond') and neighbouring Marma people, the lake is profoundly sacred. According to centuries-old spiritual tradition, the lake is the celestial dwelling of the mountain deities who created the water source to answer the prayers of ancient villagers during a severe drought.
Reaching the lake involves an invigorating trek of climbing several hundred stone-cut stairs and forest paths through dense tropical jungle. The serene silence, sacred atmosphere, and breathtaking views over the surrounding valleys make it a deeply spiritual and rewarding pilgrimage.
History & Culture
According to ancient Tripura folklore, centuries ago a severe drought struck Nunchhari; the local deity (Matai) answered the fervent prayers of the villagers by creating this perpetual freshwater lake on the mountain summit.
Every year during the Chaitra Sankranti and Baisabi festivals, hundreds of indigenous devotees make a pilgrimage up the mountain to offer flowers, fruits, and prayers at the water's edge.
Geologists attribute the lake's perennial water supply to underground subterranean aquifer fissures within the elevated sandstone formation.
Top things to do in Matai Pukhuri (Debota Pukur)
Trek Up the Sacred Mountain Staircase
Climb the scenic stone-paved stairs through lush bamboo forest and native trees to reach the 1,000-foot summit lake.
Experience the Sacred Serenity of the Lake
Sit quietly on the grassy banks to soak in the tranquil, meditative atmosphere and clear mirror-like water reflections.
Learn Tripura Spiritual Traditions
Speak with local village elders and guides to hear the fascinating myths and legends surrounding the deity's lake.
Photograph Natural Forest Landscapes
Capture the pristine reflections of wild palms, blooming orchids, and towering hill trees on the placid water.
Video Guide: Experience Matai Pukhuri (Debota Pukur)
Watch cinematic 4K footage and essential visual travel highlights before planning your trip to Matai Pukhuri (Debota Pukur).
Matai Pukhuri (Debota Pukur) in pictures
Curated photography via Wikimedia Commons under Creative Commons licensing.
Highlights
- ✓Mystical high-altitude natural freshwater lake perched 1,000 feet atop a mountain
- ✓Perennial clear water that never dries up despite having no visible feeder streams
- ✓Sacred pilgrimage sanctuary for the indigenous Tripura and Marma communities
- ✓Scenic 45-minute mountain staircase trek through dense tropical jungle
- ✓Crystal-clear reflections of surrounding forested hills on the calm lake surface
- ✓Panoramic views of the Nunchhari and Mahalchhari valleys during the ascent
How to reach Matai Pukhuri (Debota Pukur) (Transport Routes)
Take a CNG auto-rickshaw or motorbike 15 km south along the Khagrachari–Chattogram highway to Nunchhari base (30 mins), then begin the 45-minute hike up the stairs.
Best time to visit Matai Pukhuri (Debota Pukur)& Seasonal Advisory
November to February: Cool winter weather; ideal for climbing the stone stairs and exploring the forested summit.
April: Baisabi / Sangrai festival; sacred rituals and colorful traditional celebrations at the lake.
July to October: Monsoon; dense lush forest, though steps can be slippery.
Where to stay near Matai Pukhuri (Debota Pukur)
Stay at hotels and resorts in Khagrachari town (15 km away) or community homestays in Mahalchhari.
Local food & dining
- 🍽️Traditional Tripura-style vegetable and bamboo shoot dishes
- 🍽️Fresh mountain stream fruits and coconut water at the trail base
- 🍽️Local hill tea and parathas in Nunchhari bazaar
Essential Travel Tips & Rules for Matai Pukhuri (Debota Pukur)
- 💡Wear sturdy walking shoes suitable for climbing hundreds of stone steps.
- 💡Maintain respectful decorum; as a sacred site, avoid loud noises, littering, or swimming in the sacred waters.
- 💡Carry drinking water and a small towel for the uphill climb.
- 💡Combine your trip with Alutila Cave and Tareng Viewpoint.
Nearby Places to Visit around Matai Pukhuri (Debota Pukur)
Combine your visit to Matai Pukhuri (Debota Pukur) with these closely located attractions and scenic destinations.
4.8 km (NE)Alutila Mysterious Cave in Khagrachari is a 100-meter natural subterranean dark cave tunnel carved inside Alutila Hill, where visitors walk through cool ankle-deep mountain water holding flaming bamboo torches.
6.3 km (NE)Alutila Cave is a vast limestone cavern north of Khagrachari town, offering narrow tunnels, tall chambers and a sunlit exit in the heart of the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
8.2 km (NE)Khagrachari is the peaceful district town of the central Chittagong Hill Tracts, surrounded by forested hills and serving as a base for exploring indigenous communities, caves and waterfalls.
10.6 km (NE)A modern, scenic hilltop park and observation viewpoint in Khagrachari, offering unobstructed 360-degree panoramas of emerald valleys, winding rivers, and rolling hill chains.
Curated Destination Highlights
Frequently Asked Questions about Matai Pukhuri (Debota Pukur)
Why is Matai Pukhuri called Debota Pukur?+
In the local Tripura language, 'Matai' means God and 'Pukhuri' means Pond, translated into Bengali as 'Debota Pukur' (God's Lake).
How high is the lake above sea level?+
The lake sits at an altitude of approximately 1,000 feet (300 metres) atop Nunchhari Hill.
How long does the climb take?+
The climb up the stone stairs takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes depending on physical fitness.
Related Destinations & Travel Guides
Explore 5 interlinked destinations in Nunchhari, Khagrachari, Chattogram Hill Tracts& surrounding regions
Alutila Cave is a vast limestone cavern north of Khagrachari town, offering narrow tunnels, tall chambers and a sunlit exit in the heart of the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
A scenic single-drop waterfall in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, reached by a short forest trek from Khagrachari town and loved for its cool pools and sacred stream.
A modern, scenic hilltop park and observation viewpoint in Khagrachari, offering unobstructed 360-degree panoramas of emerald valleys, winding rivers, and rolling hill chains.
The highest hill peak in Chattogram district, sacred for the hilltop Chandranath Shiva Temple reached via 1,000 stone steps.
A picturesque 40-acre natural lake dotted with scenic green islands, pedal boating, and shaded gazebos, located in the peaceful hill country of Panchhari in Khagrachari.