Tourists start flocking to Khagrachhari again
Reechang Natural Waterfall.
Tourism in Khagrachhari is gaining back its momentum for the last few weeks with the increase of tourists from across the country. Different exotic spots that offer nature's bounty and rich ethnic diversity are seen these days abuzz with tourists of all ages, including a good number of foreign nationals. Parjatan Motel sources said most of tourists, however, love to take a glimpse of unique places like Alu Tilla Parjatan Complex, Reechang Natural Waterfall, Debotar Pukur (Pond of God), Ramghar, Panchhari Arranya Kuthir, Dighinala Hanging Bridge, Chenghi and Mainee rivers and Agricultural Research Centre. “Tourism on the whole witnessed an unprecedented slump in Khagrachhari during the last two months of 2008, although it was a peak season for tourism, as far as earning is concerned compared to the corresponding periods of previous years,” they said. But the gloomy picture changed from the very first day of current month that saw an enthusiasm among the tourists, much to the relief of government and private tourism service providers. The 50-seat-capacity Khagrachhari Parjatan Motel, which missed income target in November and December last year, is back on profit margin again since first week of January and fetching on an average Tk 25,000 a day against accommodation facility while its earning reaches Tk 35,000 against dining, sources said. Citing comparative picture they said the number of tourists in Khagrachhari on an average was only 25 to 30 percent of the target last year while it already surpassed 50 percent this year and if the trend continues for the next few months it would certainly cross the annual target as well. Coinciding with the current trend, the sale of different indigenous products is also on the rise bringing about smile for the local small traders. Tutu Marma, a salesman of Boian Textile, told The Daily Star that they have earned over Tk 2 lakh by selling local cottage products including thami, gamchha, lungi, chador, shirts and moneybags. Baby Chakma, a saleswoman in Narikel Bagan Pahari Textile, said their income is over Tk 1.5 lakh so far this month (January). “The sale is quite satisfactory for us,” she said with a large smile. Rashedul Hasan, a tourist from Dhaka, said despite having abundance of natural beauty Khagrachhari is relatively unsuccessful to draw most advantageous tourists due to lack of its proper projection as well as poor infrastructures and communication. “No doubt, Khagrachhari has the prospect to become a tourist hub of the region with its beautiful geographical setting, varied culture and several artificial and natural lakes, scenic valleys and natural waterfalls,” he said. The tourist especially the foreign ones are reluctant to visit Khagrachhari as the roads are narrow and in bade shape, he said, adding that there is also lack of good and hygienic hotel and restaurant. Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) Masud Ahmed said tourists are facing troubles for 'not-so-good' communication and infrastructure facilities in Khagrachhari. Mohammad Qaiumuzzaman Khan, superintendent of police, said security of both the local and the foreign tourists is by and large quite good as proper measures are taken for them. To ensure better security the infrastructure facilities of the district have to be developed, he added. Deputy Commissioner AKM Khairul Alam told The Daily Star that he had already placed some suggestions to the ministry concerned to develop the communication facilities and infrastructure facilities to boost further the tourism in the district.
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