Rangamati: The Green Paradise of Bangladesh

• Helloনমস্কার
  [Nomoshkar]
• Goodbyeবিদায়
  [Biday]
• Yesহ্যাঁ
  [Hyāṁ]
• Noনা
  [Nā]
• Please/You're welcomeদয়া করে
  [Dôẏā karē]
• Thank youধন্যবাদ
  [Dhônnōbād]
• Excuse me/Sorryদুঃখিত
  [Duḥkhita]
• How are you?আপনি কেমন আছেন?
  [Āpani kēmana āchēna?]
• Fine. And you?ঠিক আছি। আপনি?
  [Ṭhika āchi. Āpani?]
• Do you speak English?আপনি ইংরেজি বলতে পারেন?
  [Āpani iṅrēji bōlatē pārēna?]
• I don't understandআমি বুঝতে পারছি না
  [Āmi bujhate pārachhi nā]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseদয়া করে মেনুটি দেখাবেন
  [Dôẏā karē mēnuṭi dēkhābēn]
• I don't eat meatআমি মাংস খাই না
  [Āmi māṅsa khāi nā]
• Cheers!চিয়ার্স!
  [Chiẏārs!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseদয়া করে আমি দিতে চাই
  [Dôẏā karē āmi ditē chāi]

• Help!সাহায্য!
  [Sāhāẏya!]
• Go away!চলে যাও!
  [Chalē yā'ō!]
• Call the Police!পুলিশকে ডাকুন!
  [Puliśakē ḍākun!]
• Call a doctor!ডাক্তারকে ডাকুন!
  [Ḍāktārakē ḍākun!]
• I'm lostআমি হারানো গেছি
  [Āmi hārānō gēchi]
• I'm illআমি অসুস্থ
  [Āmi asustha]

• I'd like to buy...আমি ... ক্রয় করতে চাই
  [Āmi ... krôẏa karatē chai]
• I'm just lookingআমি একমাত্র দেখছি
  [Āmi ēkmātra dēkhachhi]
• How much is it?এটা কত টাকা?
  [Ēṭā kata ṭāka?]
• That's too expensiveএটা খুব দামি
  [Ēṭā khuba dāmi]
• Can you lower the price?দাম কমাতে পারবেন?
  [Dāma kamātē pārabēn?]

• What time is it?এখন কত বাজে?
  [Ēkhana kata bājē?]
• It's one o'clockএকটা বাজে
  [Ēkaṭā bājē]
• Half past (10)দশের অর্ধেক
  [Dasher ōrdhēka]
• Morningসকাল
  [Sakāla]
• Afternoonঅপরাহ্ন
  [Aparāhna]
• Eveningসন্ধ্যা
  [Sāndhyā]
• Yesterdayগতকাল
  [Gatakāla]
• Todayআজ
  [Āja]
• Tomorrowআগামীকাল
  [Āgāmīkāla]
• 1এক
  [Ēka]
• 2দুই
  [Dui]
• 3তিন
  [Tina]
• 4চার
  [Chara]
• 5পাঁচ
  [Pām̐ca]
• 6ছয়
  [Chhôy]
• 7সাত
  [Sāta]
• 8আট
  [Āṭa]
• 9নয়
  [Nôẏa]
• 10দশ
  [Dasha]

• Where's a/the...?...কোথায়?
  [... Kōthāẏa?]
• What's the address?ঠিকানা কি?
  [Ṭhikānā ki?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?আপনি আমাকে দেখাতে পারবেন?
  [Āpani āmākē dēkhātē pārabēn?]
• When's the next (bus)?পরবর্তী (বাস) কখন?
  [Pōrbartī (bāsa) kakhan?]
• A ticket (to ....)একটি টিকেট (.... এ)
  [Ēkaṭi ṭikēṭ (.... ē)]

Rangamati, known for its lush green hills and serene lakes, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The region was historically part of the ancient Pundra Kingdom, which thrived during the pre-Mauryan and Mauryan periods. The indigenous communities, such as the Chakma, Marma, and Tripuri, have preserved their unique cultural heritage over the centuries, contributing to the region's diverse cultural tapestry.

Buddhism has played a significant role in the cultural and spiritual life of Rangamati. The region is dotted with ancient Buddhist temples and stupas, some dating back to the 8th century AD. The Rajban Bihara, a prominent Buddhist monastery, stands as a testament to the enduring influence of Buddhism in the area. The monastery attracts pilgrims and tourists alike, offering a glimpse into the region's spiritual heritage.

During the British colonial period, Rangamati became part of the Chittagong Hill Tracts, an administrative region established in the 19th century. The British implemented policies that significantly impacted the indigenous communities, including land and forest regulations. The construction of the Kaptai Dam in the 1960s, during the Pakistani era, led to the displacement of many indigenous people and submerged a large part of the region under water, creating the Kaptai Lake.

The Kaptai Dam, built on the Karnaphuli River between 1956 and 1962, is one of the most significant historical landmarks in Rangamati. The dam's construction created Kaptai Lake, the largest man-made lake in Bangladesh, covering an area of approximately 110 square miles. While the lake has become a major tourist attraction, its creation also had profound social and environmental impacts, including the displacement of around 100,000 indigenous people and the submergence of fertile land and cultural sites.

The Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord, signed in 1997 between the Government of Bangladesh and the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Sanghati Samiti (PCJSS), marked a significant milestone in the history of Rangamati. The accord aimed to end decades of conflict between the government and indigenous communities seeking greater autonomy and recognition of their rights. The peace accord has facilitated greater stability and development in the region, promoting tourism and cultural exchange.

Rangamati is renowned for its vibrant cultural festivals, which reflect the rich traditions of its indigenous communities. The Boisabi Festival, celebrated by the Chakma, Marma, and Tripuri people, marks the New Year and is characterized by colorful processions, traditional dances, and the preparation of special foods. The region's handicrafts, including hand-woven textiles, bamboo products, and traditional jewelry, showcase the artistic skills and cultural heritage of its people.

Rangamati is located in the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh. The nearest major city is Chittagong, which has an international airport (Shah Amanat International Airport). From Chittagong, you can take a bus or a private car to Rangamati. The journey typically takes around 3 to 4 hours by road. Alternatively, you can take a train from Dhaka to Chittagong, and then continue by road to Rangamati.

Rangamati is a hilly area, and while many attractions are accessible by foot, hiring a local guide or taking a rickshaw can be helpful for longer distances. Local buses and boats are also available for transportation within the district. Motorbikes can be rented for greater flexibility in exploring the area.

The official currency in Bangladesh is the Bangladeshi Taka (BDT). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels and restaurants, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially when visiting remote areas and smaller establishments. ATMs are available in Rangamati, but it's wise to carry sufficient cash for your needs.

Rangamati is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it's important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but staying vigilant is always recommended.

In case of emergency, dial 999 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Rangamati. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes before entering a mosque or a local home. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Salaam'. A slight bow of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Rangamati like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional handicrafts. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the area's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Kaptai Lake, which offers stunning scenic views and boat rides. For a unique experience, visit the remote tribal villages to learn more about the diverse ethnic groups in the region.