Kaptai Lake
The largest lake and the largest artificial lake in Bangladesh is Kaptai Lake. It is a result of human experiments or we can say it’s a fruit of human activity. Whatever, at present time the lake is the biggest tourist attraction in Rangamati and also the main reason why Rangamati is called the Lake City of Bangladesh. Of its appearance, tourists can’t identify it as a man-made lake. Rangamati known as the queen of form accepts the lake as her own and turns it into a beautiful lake that is now known as the most beautiful lake in my country. When the queen of form is adorning the lake, how could it not be the most beautiful? What will be more fascinating rather than a boat running over the Kaptai Lake and you are on it? I’d love to help you explore the beauty of Kaptai Lake. I’ve shared all the details you need for your trip.
How it looks
Kaptai Lake less look like a lake rather it look like calm ocean more with numerous islands. In the Lake what are you see as islands, actually these are the top parts of hills. Your curiosity will be piqued when you notice the differences between these islands, as if each one has a different story to tell. On one you will see a village of indigenous people, on another you will see the palace of the Chakma king, on another you will see a Buddhist temple and many more things you will see on these islands which you will be more enjoyable if you discover them yourself. The lush green hills, forest and the lake combinedly make an another level of eye soothing canvas. That canvas easily captivate anyone’s heart, feel like stepping into paradise. Boating on the Kaptai Lake is really adventurous, actually it’s a mix feel of peace, wonder, and excitement. The long you stay there, the more you want to lost there and more want to capture its unmatched beauty.
How did Kaptai Lake form?
In 1961, when the Karnaphuli River was dammed to implement the Kaptai Hydroelectric Project, a large area of 11,000 square kilometers was submerged and Kaptai Lake was formed. In zoological language, we call this type of event Impoundment. When a large area is permanently inundated by humans, the artificial water bodies are called impoundment. This impoundment event not only created the biggest man-made lake in Bangladesh but also created the biggest man-made lake in South Asia. Since I study zoology, I’m constantly looking for connections between everything and my studies. Though the lake is man-made it looks pure natural and it never disappoints tourists, not a single moment. No matter how many times tourists explore the lake, they will come back again and again just to enjoy the Kaptai Lake again. Because of the fondness of tourists, the lake become the best tourist place in Bangladesh.
Importance of the lake
Kaptai Lake is intentionally made to assist the country. Currently with the help of the lake the Karnaphuli Hydroelectric Power Station runs and supplies electricity to various parts of the country. This lake also plays a major role in preventing floods in my country. Besides these, the lake serves multiple purposes like irrigation, fishing, and controlling the water level of soil. In the traveling sector, it is known as one of the best places to visit in Rangamati, so it’s a great asset in tourism. As it spread over 11,000 square kilometers, the lake has great importance to the ecosystem.
How to go
Rangamati City is located on Kaptai Lake, as if the city is floating on Kaptai Lake. So, going to Rangamati City means going to Kaptai Lake, and the city is well connected by road from other parts of my country. Travel safely to Rangamati by road and explore the country’s largest lake. To explore the lake, make sure to rent a good boat.
About boats & boat rentals
Normally, tourists rent tourist boats from the Reserve Bazar Launch Terminal. Every bus on the Rangamati route drops passengers at Reserve Bazar, Rangamati. From there, the launch terminal is a two-minute walk away. Tourist boats charge 2000-4000 BDT; if you bargain well, you can manage one for 2000 BDT. All these tourist boats will take tourists around Kaptai Lake and all the tourist attractions adjacent to Kaptai Lake throughout the day. I gathered some boat owner phone numbers; if you want, you can book a boat in advance through these numbers .Before booking, always ask first which spots they will show you around Kaptai Lake.
01889760457 Monir Hissain
01871396814 Bassha
01820303288 Hossain
01837841018 Mahbub Alam
01832757270 Mohiuddin
01612303024 ???
My friends, there is nothing about business purpose. During my Rangamati trips, I collect these boat owner numbers, and now I put these numbers here to help you travel. That’s my intention.
Activities
1. Boating:
Undoubtedly boating is the supreme way to enjoy Kaptai Lake. If luck favors you, you can enjoy the lake in the rain. This moment can enchant anyone’s travel spirit. The boat runs over water, a cloudy atmosphere, there is only the sound of rain dropping, and you are looking at the lush green islands from the window or roof of the boat. I hope everyone can enjoy the rainy Kaptai Lake.
2. Shuvolong waterfall:
This waterfall is one of the most graceful waterfalls in Bangladesh and it is located just beside the Kaptai Lake. Just beside means just beside, so exploring this waterfall is a must-do activity in Kaptai Lake. One thing is this waterfall is graceful only in the rainy season or on rainy days. If you are not visiting the lake in the rainy season or on rainy days, you can skip this waterfall.
3. Cultural experience:
Tourist can learn about the Indigenous community’s lifestyle, tour their village, and buy their craft from the market. Indigenous communities like Chakma have been living in the surroundings of Kaptai Lake for years.
4. Kayaking:
After boating, if you are soul still craving for Kaptai Lake. Then satisfy your soul by Kayaking. Early morning is a good time in my opinion because at that time Kaptai Lake is covered with mist and I think tourists will like this Kaptai Lake more.
5. Trekking and Hiking:
Kaptai Lake has numerous islands and some of the islands you can walk around. You know these are not islands; these are the tops of hills. Trekking on these gives tourists a better angle to enjoy Kaptai Lake.
6. Swimming:
Swimming is permitted in some parts of the lake, offering a cool respite in hot weather.
7. Photography:
Activities 1 to 6: Whatever you do, the beauty of the lake will captivate you every time. You will want to capture those beauties by taking pictures, and if you are a photographic person, then you are in photography heaven.
8. Fishing:
Banglaies are like to fish where they go, it like Banglay’s universal habit. Because of its abundance of fish, Kaptai Lake is a well-liked destination for fishing lovers.
9. Camping:
If possible, set a camp near Kaptai Lake; it is 100 percent possible. The lake is spread over 11,000 square kilometers, and you won’t find a place to set camp. For a restful night in the great outdoors, camp by the lake.
Food & stay
Tourists can have their breakfast and dinner at the Reserve Bazar in Rangamati. During lunch time, tourists usually enjoy Kaptai Lake and it’s surrounding on boat, so tourists can choose between two options for lunch. Either they carry lunch with them or can have lunch in a island type restaurants. But tourists have to order their lunch in advance at these type of restaurants. Peda Ting Ting, Yareng Restaurant, and Chang Pang Restaurant are famous restaurants on Kaptai Lake. And they are also situated before Shuvolong Waterfall. So, if tourists want, they can order lunch from any one of these restaurants before going to see Shuvolong Waterfall and can have lunch after visiting the waterfall.
Tourists can find hotels in the Reserve Bazar area for 1000-1500 BDT, but don’t expect much from these hotels. And if tourists want to experience a very good quality stay, tourists can visit the island type resorts on the lake and the resorts next to the lake. Wildwood Island Resort, Divine Lake Island Resort, Bargee Lake Valley, and Nilanjana Boat Club & Resort are very famous in Kaptai Lake. Even many tourists choose these resorts to enjoy Kaptai Lake beautifully, these resorts cost 2500-4000 BDT per night.
Frequently ASK Question
1. How deep is Kaptai Lake?
An average of 30 meters and a maximum of 150 meters.
2. Kaptai Lake tour cost?
Traveling does not depend on money, it depends on Passion. The more you are passionate about traveling, the more you explore. Solo Kaptai Lake travel surely costs you more but a group of 5-6 can have a good tour at 5000 BDT per head.
3. Best time to visit?
Monsoon & winter
4. Kaptai Lake’s dark history?
There is no dark history of the Lake, it is a fate that happened. When the lake formed, it submerged vast areas of land, including fertile agricultural fields and villages, leading to the displacement of approximately 100,000 people, primarily from the Chakma and other Indigenous communities. It was really bad but what is already done is done and we need to accept it. Accept it as a developed effort of the country.
5. The capacity of the tourist boat?
15-20 persons
We write the story of our life, we can make our life story more beautiful by traveling the world. Additionally, having the desire to travel is more important than having the money.
Kaptai Lake is truly a gem of Bangladesh, and this article beautifully captures its scenic beauty and charm. The detailed insights about its history and attractions make it an informative read for anyone planning a visit. Have you considered adding some extra tips for first-time visitors, such as the best time to visit or recommended boat routes? That would be really helpful!”
Very informative content
Until you see kaptai lake with your own eyes, you won’t believe how beautiful the lake is.