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Kaptai Lake: Bangladesh's Largest Artificial Lake

Discover the serene beauty of Kaptai Lake: boat tours, lush hills, and cultural experiences await in Bangladesh's largest artificial lake.

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Kaptai Lake, the largest man-made lake in Bangladesh, offers stunning natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Created in the early 1960s for hydroelectric power, it's now a popular tourist destination known for its serene waters, lush green hills, and boat tours.

A brief summary to Kaptai Lake

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Local tips

  • The best time to visit is between November and February for cooler weather and optimal conditions for boating and outdoor activities.
  • Hire a boat from Reserve Bazar Ghat to explore the lake and nearby islands; negotiate the price beforehand.
  • Respect the local culture and traditions of the indigenous communities living around the lake.
  • Wear a life jacket during boat rides, especially if you are not a strong swimmer.
  • Avoid throwing any waste in the lake to preserve its natural beauty.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Rangamati town, take a local bus towards Kaptai. Buses depart frequently from the Rangamati bus station near the town center. The fare ranges from BDT 50-100, and the journey takes approximately 1 hour. Inform the conductor you wish to get off at Kaptai Lake. From the Kaptai bus stand, hire a CNG auto-rickshaw to reach specific points around the lake, such as the boat ghats. CNG fare will be around BDT 50-100 depending on the distance.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and CNG auto-rickshaws are readily available in Rangamati town. Hire a taxi or CNG directly to Kaptai Lake for a more comfortable and direct route. Negotiate the fare beforehand; a taxi may cost between BDT 400-600, while a CNG could range from BDT 300-500. The journey takes around 40 minutes, depending on traffic. Ensure the driver knows your specific destination around Kaptai Lake, as it's a large area.

  • Driving

    If you have your own vehicle or a rental car, head towards the Rangamati-Chattogram Highway. Follow the signs for Kaptai. The distance from Rangamati town to Kaptai Lake is approximately 25 kilometers. The drive takes around 40 minutes, depending on traffic. As you approach Kaptai, you will see signs pointing towards the lake. Parking is available near popular spots like the Kaptai Dam and the boat ghats. Parking fees typically range from BDT 50-100.

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Discover more about Kaptai Lake

Kaptai Lake, situated in the Rangamati district of Bangladesh, is a sprawling artificial lake created in 1962 by damming the Karnaphuli River as part of the Karnafuli Hydroelectric Project. Covering approximately 11,000 hectares, it's one of South Asia's largest man-made lakes. The lake's creation, while serving an important purpose for power generation and flood control, also resulted in the displacement of local indigenous communities and the submersion of significant agricultural land, a history that is important to acknowledge. Today, Kaptai Lake is a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors with its scenic beauty and opportunities for recreation. The lake is surrounded by lush green hills, offering breathtaking views and a tranquil atmosphere. Boat tours are a popular way to explore the lake, allowing visitors to discover hidden corners, visit nearby islands like Peda Ting Ting, and observe the local way of life. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, kayaking, and hiking in the surrounding areas. Nearby attractions include Shuvolong Waterfall, Kaptai Dam, and the Hanging Bridge in Rangamati. The Kaptai National Park offers a chance to see local wildlife, including deer and monkeys. The best time to visit Kaptai Lake is during the cooler months from November to February when the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities.

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