Debotakhum
Bandarban never dissatisfies the travelers and always introduces them to the mysterious nature. Being immersed in nature is another level of pleasure. A place in Bandarban that makes you feel that is Debotakhum. It’s an extraordinary waterbody. A narrow waterway is surrounded by hills on both sides and the hills are full of dense forests. Sunlight penetrates the dense forest and falls down the hill into the Debotakhum. As a result, the water of the Khum is very cold. Also, the environment is silent and there is no network. All in all, a ghostly atmosphere is seen and felt there. And slowly uncovering the whole Khum with a raft made of bamboo on the water in this ghostly environment. I must say, Devotakhum is like “Floating on this raft of happiness, I will smile and laugh with green wings and reach the land of fairy tales”. The depth of Debotakhum is 50-60 feet deep and the length of it is 600 feet long. Before coming to this Khum, another Khum must be passed by a boat. And before that, you have to come to Shilbandha para by trekking from Kacchaptoli. That means the entire journey will bring you much closer to nature. Indeed, the journey will be adventurous for you. This beauty of nature keeps attracting tourists from all over Bangladesh. Debotakhum of Bandarban is currently the most popular natural destination and its popularity is increasing day by day. Many tourists called it a king among all the Khums. In my eyes, Debotakhum is a complete package for those who are extremely adventure lovers.
Location:
In short, Debotakhum is situated at Kacchaptoli in Rowangchhari Upazila, Bandarban District.
How to go:
First, land in Bandarban. Then Go to Rowangchari Army Camp (20 km away from Bandarban city, where every tourist needs to hire a guide and submit their names to the police. It’s for safety, and for submitting names, tourists have to bring two photocopies of their NID card or Birth certificate. Without hiring a guide and submitting names, no one is allowed to visit Debotakhum). Now you have to cross 7 km to come to Kacchaptoli. Then all of you need to cross another 4 km long trail to reach Shilbandha Para (a Marma tribal village) and then desirable Debotakhum.
Features:
1. Green water: Unlike crystal clear or blue, Debotakhum’s water is green in color. I have been there in winter and also in early monsoon, and both times I have seen green-colored water there. I don’t know why its watercolor is green and I didn’t try to find the reason behind it because I was busy hunting the beauty of its.
2. Hills: Stunning hills standing on both sides are like the Guardian of the Khum. They are semi-green, and slippery, and look amazing when sunlight falls upon them through the gaps of the leaves.
3. Scenic beauty: The green water, stunning hills, silence, and wild environment offer scenic beauty to travelers.
4. No network: Before starting the trekking, call whoever you want, otherwise you won’t be able to do that, because the moment you start trekking, you will lose network.
5. Adventurous: From trekking in the jungle to rafting on the green water, you will feel the adventure at its best
Activity:
1. Trekking: You will get a chance to trek in nature for at least for few hours. Oh sorry, you will go once and come again, so, you will get more hours to trek in nature.
2. Rafting/boating: I think you have already found out that without a raft or a boat, you can’t explore the Debotakhum. I prefer a raft to explore the Khum. When you drive your raft slowly on cold water between hills, something different you will feel and experience. Experience it first and then share the feeling with me. Will you?
3. Explore a tribal village: Shilbandha Para, Marma people have been living there for a long time. In this journey, Tourists have the luxury of getting the chance to know the tribal people so closely.
Timing:
The Monsoon, the Winter, and the Spring are good times to visit Debotakhum. However, tourists should be more cautious when trekking during the Monsoon. Winter is the ideal time for first-time visitors due to the cool and dry weather.
My thought:
I always feel sad for the tourists who don’t know about Bandarban, one of the beautiful tourist spots packed district. The district is so beautiful, and there are so many places to visit but the district is not known that much as a travel destination outside Bangladesh. And now, Debotakhum has been compounding its regret for the past years. Such a beautiful place surrounded by mountains inside the jungle but not visited by world travelers. It is indeed a misfortune. What is more annoying is that if foreign tourists want to visit Bandarban, they have to apply to the Ministry of Home Affairs a month in advance. Their desire to visit Bandarban will die before they get permission. I hope this matter will be solved in the near future and Debotakhum will get more and more foreign tourists