Rangamati
Lake town of the hill tracts
Overview
Rangamati is the lakeside capital of the Chattogram Hill Tracts, a calm and scenic district wrapped around the enormous Kaptai Lake. Green hills rise on every side, dotted with indigenous villages, Buddhist temples and the occasional resort built out over the water.
Kaptai Lake — created in the 1960s when the Karnaphuli River was dammed for hydroelectricity — is the largest artificial lake in Bangladesh and the centre of life here. Boats are the main way to get around, gliding past submerged tree stumps, floating markets and hillside hamlets to reach spots like Shuvolong Waterfall and the quiet coves beyond.
The district is home to Chakma, Marma, Tanchangya and other indigenous communities, whose temples, weaving and cuisine give Rangamati a character distinct from lowland Bangladesh. The famous Hanging Bridge over an arm of the lake has become the town's symbol.
History & Culture
Rangamati was historically the seat of the Chakma Circle, and the Chakma Raja's palace still stands in the area. The hill tracts have a long, complex history of indigenous self-rule and, more recently, of conflict and a 1997 peace accord.
The construction of the Kaptai Dam in 1962 created the lake but also submerged large areas of farmland and the old Chakma royal capital, displacing many families — a defining event in the region's modern history.
Top things to do in Rangamati
Cruise Kaptai Lake by boat
Hire a wooden boat or speedboat to explore the lake — the best way to see Rangamati, passing islands, villages and hills reflected in the water.
Walk the Hanging Bridge
The 'Jhulonto Bridge' over an inlet of the lake is Rangamati's iconic photo spot, swaying gently above the blue water.
Visit Shuvolong Waterfall
A boat trip across the lake brings you to this waterfall that tumbles into the lake, busiest and fullest in the rainy season.
See Rajban Vihara
One of the most important Buddhist temples in the hill tracts, a peaceful complex associated with the revered monk and the Chakma community.
Explore indigenous markets
Browse the tribal textile and craft markets for handwoven fabrics, and try local hill-tract dishes such as bamboo-cooked specialities.
Rangamati in pictures
Photos via Wikimedia Commons under their respective Creative Commons licences. Click a photo credit for the source and full licence terms.
Highlights
- ✓Kaptai Lake boat trips
- ✓The Rangamati Hanging Bridge
- ✓Shuvolong Waterfall
- ✓Rajban Vihara Buddhist temple
- ✓Chakma, Marma & Tanchangya culture
- ✓Tribal handloom textiles and markets
How to get to Rangamati
Rangamati is about 75 km from Chattogram city (roughly 2.5 hours by road). Reach Chattogram from Dhaka by air, train or bus, then continue by bus or car into the hills.
Overnight coaches run from Dhaka to Rangamati (around 9–10 hours) via Chattogram.
Best time to visit Rangamati
The cool, dry winter from October to March is the most comfortable time, with pleasant weather and calm water ideal for boating.
The monsoon (June to September) fills the lake and makes Shuvolong and other waterfalls at their most powerful, but heavy rain can disrupt boat trips.
Check that the area is open and stable for tourism before travelling, as the hill tracts occasionally have travel advisories.
Where to stay
Rangamati has lakeside resorts and hotels, including options built out over the water with their own boat jetties, plus simpler guesthouses in town. Staying by the lake is the most scenic choice.
What to eat
- 🍽️Bamboo-cooked chicken and hill-tract specialities
- 🍽️Fresh lake fish
- 🍽️Indigenous Chakma and Marma dishes
Travel tips
- 💡Boats are the main transport — agree routes and fees with your boatman in advance.
- 💡Carry your national ID or passport, as there may be checkpoints in the hill tracts.
- 💡Respect indigenous communities and ask before photographing people.
- 💡Confirm current travel rules for the Chattogram Hill Tracts before your trip.
Nearby Attractions
The famous 'kingdom of clouds', reached via Khagrachari, a longer trip deeper into the hills.
The dam town at the other end of the lake, with its hydroelectric dam, parks and forest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rangamati famous for?+
Rangamati is famous for the vast Kaptai Lake, the Hanging Bridge, Shuvolong Waterfall, Buddhist temples like Rajban Vihara, and the cultures of indigenous peoples such as the Chakma and Marma.
What is Kaptai Lake?+
Kaptai Lake is the largest artificial lake in Bangladesh, created in 1962 when the Karnaphuli River was dammed for hydroelectric power. It is the centre of life and travel in Rangamati.
How do you get to Rangamati?+
Rangamati is about 75 km (around 2.5 hours) from Chattogram city by road. You can reach Chattogram from Dhaka by air, train or bus, or take a direct overnight coach from Dhaka.
When is the best time to visit Rangamati?+
The dry winter from October to March is most comfortable and best for boating, while the monsoon makes the waterfalls fuller but can disrupt boat trips.
