Adventurous, divergent, and eye-catching – three words to describe Bandarban, one of the country's most beautiful places of enormous natural magnificence and scenery. The beauty of its rainforests, various waterfalls, highest peaks, and traditions of its 15 distinct ethnic groups draw visitors from home and abroad.
Bandarban is regarded as the Dynasty of Khumah, and the Debotakhum must adorn the crown of perfection in this kingdom. The scenery around Debotakhum, which is in the Rowangchhari Upazila of the Bandarban region, is beautiful and adds to the area's charm.
The Story of Debotakhum
The term 'khum' in Marma means a waterfall. Debotakhum is almost 50 to 70 feet deep and 600 feet long, making it considerably wider and larger than Belakhum, another adjacent khum.
Despite the name Debotakhum, there is no Hindu idol to be seen here. The naming of the place has an intriguing history.
As per the ethnic locals, this Khum contained an unidentified animal weighing more than 80 kg. Many people noticed this monster earlier in the khum's water, but now it can't be seen according to them. They regard this creature as a god. Since the Bengali word 'debota' means 'god,' the location became popular as Debotakhum.
If you wish to visit the Debotakhum, you must first get permission from the Kachaptali military camp and travel to Shilbandha para.
Visitors must make the bamboo whale from Shilabadha para. Then they need to pass Pong Su Ang Khum. The Debotakhum will begin after passing Pong Su Ang Khum. Sonakhum is the name given by the locals. In the Marma language, it is known as Thongchikhum.
Special Features of The Khum
Debotakhum's route is both lovely and dreadful. Although the trail is beautiful in the rainy seasons, sliding on the slick, rocky terrain is also dangerous. As a result, it is also quite risky.
Debotakhum is particularly dark on the interior due to its location in the middle of two large hills. It can drive your mind dreadfully. Sunshine is also scarce here.
The Khum is a hiking, adventure, risk, and whale kayaking package. You can hear the sounds of nature, water, and your own echo. The surroundings are so strange and quiet that you'll feel like you're on a true adventure.
There is no sound but the running river and no mobile network. There is complete silence all around, giving the impression of a haunted environment. The sound of water splattering will intensify the creepy ambience.
Visitors must navigate the passage by raft across the middle of two hills. From here, one can experience and appreciate the splendour of nature up close. This route may also serve as a reminder of how lovely the way to paradise might be.
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How to Reach
To begin with, you can travel to Bandarban from anywhere in Bangladesh. You may take any CNG/bus/motorcycle to Rowangchhari. Then you may again need to take a bus or a CNG to Kacchaptali. Finally, it is just half an hour or an hour's walk to the destination.
Generally, the Non-AC Bus fare from Dhaka to Bandarban may be BDT 620. (it may vary). CNG rent from Rowangchhari to Kacchaptali would cost at least BDT 150-200.
Things to Keep in Mind
You need to go to Kacchaptali and verify the military camp with your guides. Keeping a copy of the NID card/passport is necessary. It is advisable to inform the guide about your intention to turn around ahead of time. There will be difficulties with the network.
On Kacchaptali, you can only use the Robi/Airtel network. However, you will be entirely disconnected from the network on your trip to Khum. If trekking is inconvenient, purchase. It will cost about TK 120-150. Don't forget to wear a life jacket while riding the boat.
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