Kanchenjunga From Tetulia

From Tentulia in Panchagarh, the northernmost district of Bangladesh, the beauty of Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world (8,586 meters or 28,169 feet) can be seen. At Tentulia Upazila Sadar there is a historic Dakbungalow built in Victorian style built by King Katrik of Cooch Behar. At present, the post bungalow is under the management of the Zilla Parishad. A picnic spot has been constructed by Tentulia Upazila Parishad near Dak Bungalow. The beauty of Kanchenjunga can be enjoyed in Hemant and winter from the balcony of Dak Bungalow on the banks of the Mahananda River bordering India. Kanchenjunga looks even more magnificent when the Mahananda river is full of water during the monsoons. Kanchenjunga Hill can be seen from several other places in Panchagarh but Dak Bungalow in Tentulia is the best place. Best seen from here.

Kanchenjunga is not seen throughout the year. Usually from the beginning of October to the middle of November when the sky is clear, the snow-capped Kanchenjunga hill can be seen in the distance. So if you want to see Kanchenjunga, you have to go during the above time and if the sky is clear at that time, the chances of seeing it will be very high.

If you want to go directly from Dhaka to Tentulia, you can go by Hanif or Burimari Express bus. AC/Non AC bus fare is Tk 1150-1900 per person. Besides, you can go to Tetulia via Panchagarh.

Nabil Paribahan, Hanif Enterprise, Tanjila Travel, Barkat Travel can go to Panchagarh from Dhaka's Shyamoli, Gabtali Bus Terminal and Mirpur. Non AC bus fare from Dhaka to Panchagarh is Tk 1000-1100 and AC bus fare is Tk 1,300-1,900.

If you want to go by train, you can come to Panchagarh from Kamalapur in Dhaka by Panchagarh Express, Ekta and Hirtyan Express trains. According to the class, the train ticket fare ranges from Tk 695 to Tk 2398 per person.

Local buses ply from Panchagarh to Tentulia at regular intervals throughout the day. Bus ticket price is 50 to 60 taka per person. Private cars and micros can be hired from Panchagarh Central Bus Station and Chowrangi Mor to explore various places in Panchagarh. Private car and micro reserve will cost approximately Tk 2000 to 3000.

There are two residential hotels in Tetulia namely Kazi Brothers Hotel and Shimandar Par. Non AC room rent in these hotels is 600-800 taka and AC double bed rent is 1000-1500 taka.

If you want to stay in Dak bungalow on Mahananda river bank, you have to take permission from Tentulia Upazila Nirbahi Officer. The rent per room of Dak bungalow is 400 taka. One can stay in forest department rest house and Dak bungalow of Zilla Parishad of Banglabandha land port subject to prior permission.

Apart from this, you can stay in a non-AC room for 500 to 800 taka in standard residential hotels in Panchagarh. AC rooms can be rented for Tk 1000-1500.

Feature Image: Firoz Al Sabah