Bogalake

Bogakain Lake or Bogalake is a naturally formed lake 2000 years ago at a height of about 1200 feet above sea level at the foot of Keokradong Hill , 17 km from Ruma Upazila of Bandarban District . According to geologists, this lake was formed by the eruption of a dead volcano or by the fall of a meteorite. Bagalek is popularly known as Dragon Lake. Tourists who come here are fascinated by the different beauty of form in the morning, evening or night. The calm cool water of the lake washes away all the tiredness of the journey in an instant. Covering an area of ​​about 15 acres on the lap of the hills, Bagalek has become unique to the tourists with its expanse of sky, mountains and blue water.

Bagalek is quite difficult to travel in monsoons so it is convenient to go to Bagalek in winters. However, many of the adventure-loving tourists accept the hardships and come to be charmed by the beauty of Bagalek. The whole way from Bandarban to Bagalek is a winding mountain road. The beauty of this route will attract you, travel fatigue will be away.

Whichever part of the country you live in, you must first come to Bandarban to go to Bagalek. S. from Dhaka's Arambagh, Fakirapool, Abdullahpur and Sayedabad. Alam, Saudia, St Martin Transport, Unique, Hanif, Shyamli, Dolphin etc. buses leave for Bandarban. The fare of these buses is Tk 800-900 for Non AC and Tk 1200-1800 for AC respectively. It takes 8-10 hours to go to Bandarban from Dhaka by bus.

If you want to go by train, you can go to Chittagong by train from Dhaka, Tourist Express , Cox's Bazar Express , Sonar Bangla, Subarna Express, Turna Nishita, Mahanagar Godhuli. Class wise rent is 405 to 1398 taka. Besides, you can directly come to Chittagong from Dhaka by air.

From Baddarhat in Chittagong, two boats named Pubali and Purbani set out for Bandarban. These two buses cost Tk 220 per person. You can come to Bandarban by bus from Dhampara bus stand in Chittagong for Tk 200-300.

Bandarban to Bagalek

If you want to go to Bagalek from Bandarban city, you have to go to Ruma Bazar first. The distance from Bandarban to Ruma Bazar is 48 km. Ruma Bazaar can be reached by local bus or Chander Car/Jeep. To go by bus you have to go to Ruma bus stand in Bandarban. After 1 hour from there the bus leaves for Ruma. The fare is 120 taka per person, it will take about 3 hours. If you go in a group, you can go to Ruma Bazar by Jeep/Chander. One car can go 10-15. 3000-4000 taka to rent a car from jeep station in Bandarban city. It will take about 2 hours if done by jeep.

After reaching Ruma Bazar, you need to fix the guide first to go to Bagalek. Taking a guide is mandatory. If there is a registered guide, someone should fix it. Permission to go to Bagalek must be obtained from Ruma Bazar Army Camp before departure. The identity of all traveling members must be submitted in writing for permission. The guide will help you to do these tasks. And definitely remember that it is not allowed to go from Rumabazar to Bagalek after 4 pm.

The distance from Rumabazar to Bagalek is 17 km. After taking permission, Land Cruiser Jeep or Chander Car should be hired from Rumabazar. 8-15 people can go in one car. You can take the help of a guide for these tasks. Telling the guide what you need will usually take care of it. Reserve rent of landcruiser from Ruma to Bagalek is 1800 taka, Chand car rent is 2000 taka. If you have few members, you can talk to other groups and arrange a car together. Or you can buy a ticket and go to the local bus. Local Chand cars come and go every hour from 8 am to 4 pm. Local fare till Bagalek is Tk 100 per person.

* At present, you can go directly from Rumabazar to Bagalek by car, but if the road is bad during monsoon, you may not be able to go directly to Bagalek.

There is no decent hotel or resort in Bagale. Adivasis have some small cottages. You have to stay in one of those cottages. It will cost 100-200 taka per person to stay in these cottages of tribals in the natural environment. One room cottage can accommodate 5-6 people. Besides, separate cottages can be arranged for couples or women. If you have any preference in advance, tell the guide at the time of going and the cottage will fix it. Or you can go and fix it.

Food should be arranged in tribal house. Food packages are usually available for Rs 100-200. Meals are prepared with rice, eggs, potatoes, mountain chicken. For this, you have to tell in advance what to eat and how many people will eat. If you want to eat on arrival, you can ask the guide when you go. The cottages have barbecue facilities, you can buy mountain chickens and sit by the lake and enjoy this arrangement of a different environment.