Risang Waterfall

Risang, also known as Risang Jhorna, is a scenic waterfall in the Khagrachari district, set deep in the central Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh. The falls tumble as a tall, single cascade down a forested stream, gathering in a deep, clear pool at the base that is safe for wading during the dry season. It is one of the more accessible hill-stream destinations from Khagrachari town, making it a favourite for day trips and short treks into the surrounding woodland.

The walk to Risang begins from a nearby road and winds gently through mixed evergreen and deciduous trees, with the sound of running water growing louder as the falls come into view. The surrounding forest is alive with hill birds, butterflies and a few small mammals, while small freshwater pools along the stream invite visitors to pause and cool off in the dry months. It is a popular stop on any Khagrachari itinerary, often paired with the Alutila Cave and a wander through the district's main town.

Beyond its natural beauty, Risang holds cultural significance for the Tripura and Marma communities of the area, who regard the stream as sacred. Travellers are asked to respect this heritage, to seek permission before photographing local people, and to tread lightly along the banks. The combination of accessible forest, a striking cascade and living indigenous culture gives the site a quietly distinctive character within the Hill Tracts.

Reaching the falls is straightforward: from Khagrachari town, the trailhead is roughly one to two hours away by CNG or motorbike, followed by a 30 to 60 minute forest walk. Simple tea stalls can be found at the trailhead, while full accommodation awaits back in Khagrachari town itself. Most visitors spend a half to a full day here, leaving time for the trek, a swim and a leisurely return before dusk.

Risang has long served as a natural landmark within the forested hills of the central Chittagong Hill Tracts, where the surrounding streams have shaped local life for generations. The waterfall and its waters are woven into the cultural identity of the area, and the site continues to be a place of everyday significance rather than simply a scenic stop.

The Tripura and Marma communities, who are among the principal indigenous groups of Khagrachari district, consider the stream at Risang to be sacred. Visitors today still encounter this living heritage, and the waterfall remains a place where nature, spirituality and community traditions meet in the heart of the Hill Tracts.

October to March is the most comfortable window, with cool, dry weather that makes the forest trek and wading in the plunge pool especially pleasant. Visibility is good for birdwatching and photography, and the path is generally firm underfoot.

April and May bring warmer temperatures and rising humidity, with reduced water flow at the falls. Early starts are advisable, and the smaller stream pools remain inviting even as the main cascade thins.

The monsoon months of June to September fill the falls to their most powerful and dramatic, but the trail becomes muddier and the wading riskier. Visitors should be confident on wet, slippery rocks and prepared for sudden rain.