Kaptai Lake: A Man-Made Marvel
Discover the serene beauty and cultural richness of Kaptai Lake, Bangladesh's largest man-made lake, offering boating, fishing, and cultural experiences.
Kaptai Lake, the largest artificial lake in Bangladesh, offers stunning natural beauty and a chance to experience local culture. Created in the 1960s for hydroelectric power, it's now a popular tourist destination known for its serene waters and lush green hills.
A brief summary to Kaptai Lake কাপ্তাই হ্রদ
- M66P+VG5, BD
Local tips
- The best time to visit Kaptai Lake is during the winter months (November to February) for pleasant weather and optimal water levels.
- Take a boat trip to explore the lake's hidden corners and visit attractions like Shuvolong Waterfalls and Peda Ting Ting Island.
- Respect local customs and traditions when visiting indigenous tribal villages around the lake.
- Bargain for boat rentals at Reserve Bazar Ghat to get the best price.
- Consider visiting during the monsoon season to see Shuvolong Waterfalls at its most impressive.
Getting There
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Road
Kaptai Lake is accessible by road from Chittagong, which is the nearest major city. Buses from Baddarhat Bus Terminal in Chittagong leave frequently for Rangamati, costing BDT 80-120, and the journey takes approximately 2-3 hours. From Rangamati, you can hire a local taxi or take a bus to Kaptai Lake, which is about 10 km away. A taxi from Chittagong Airport to Kaptai Lake will cost approximately BDT 2000-3000.
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Boat
Once in Rangamati, a short walk from the bus stand leads to a jetty for renting boats. Boat rentals depend on the size, quality, and duration, and it is advisable to bargain. A full-day tour on a reserved boat typically costs between BDT 1800-2500. Speed boats and domestic boats are available for hire at Reserve Bazar, Tabalchhari, and tourist wharves, with speed boats costing BDT 1200-1500 per hour and domestic boats costing BDT 500-600 per hour.