Khagrachhari

Khagrachhari sits in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, about 112 kilometres from Chittagong city. For most visitors, the trip starts there, and the most practical way is by road. Buses leave from Chittagong’s Badurtola bus stand and the GR Memorial bus stand. The journey takes around three to four hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. The road winds through green hills and small towns, and the final stretch climbs into the district headquarters.

You can also come from Dhaka. Direct buses run from the capital to Khagrachhari, but it’s a long ride, often ten hours or more. Many travellers prefer to break the journey in Chittagong. If you’re coming from Cox’s Bazar, you’ll need to change buses in Chittagong. There is no train or flight to Khagrachhari, so the road is your only option.

Once you arrive in Khagrachhari town, local transport is easy to find. CNG auto-rickshaws and small pickup trucks, known as ‘chander gari’, wait near the bus stops. These can take you to hotels, the hill tracts council office, or the main market area. For destinations outside town, like Alutila or Richhang, you’ll need to hire a chander gari or a jeep for the day.

Permits and Entry Rules

Foreign visitors need a permit to enter the Chittagong Hill Tracts, including Khagrachhari. You can apply for this at the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Chittagong, or in Dhaka at the Ministry of Home Affairs. The permit is usually issued for a specific number of days, so plan your stay accordingly. Bangladeshi citizens do not need a permit, but they may be asked for identification at checkpoints.

There are army and police checkpoints on the main roads into Khagrachhari. Keep your passport and permit copies with you at all times. The rules can change, so it’s wise to confirm the latest requirements with the local administration or your hotel before you travel.

Where to Stay and What to Eat

Khagrachhari town has a few decent hotels, mostly around the main road and the bus stand area. Options range from basic guesthouses to mid-range hotels with air conditioning. Booking in advance is a good idea during the winter season, from November to February, when the weather is dry and pleasant. There are also eco-cottages and resort-style accommodations in the hills around town, but these are limited.

Food is simple but filling. Local restaurants serve rice, dal, vegetable curries, and fish. You’ll also find traditional Marma and Tripura dishes, often with bamboo shoots and local herbs. In the town centre, there are small eateries and tea stalls. For snacks, try the local pineapple, which is famous in this region.

Getting Around and Practical Details

To explore the sights, you’ll need local transport. Chander garis are the most common way to reach places like Alutila Cave, the Richhang waterfall, and the hilltop viewpoints. These open-air vehicles can be bumpy, so hold on tight. Negotiate the fare before you start, and agree on a return time with the driver.

Mobile network coverage is decent in the town, but it can be patchy in the hills. The main operators, Grameenphone, Robi, and Banglalink, all have towers in the area. Carry cash, as ATMs are scarce outside the town centre. The market area has a few ATMs, but they may not always work, so bring enough money for your trip.

The best time to visit is between November and March. The weather is cool and dry, and the hills are lush after the monsoon. From April to June, it gets hot and humid. The monsoon, from June to October, brings heavy rain, which can cause landslides and road closures. Always check the weather forecast before you head into the hills.

Safety and Return Travel

Khagrachhari is generally safe for travellers, but it’s wise to stay alert. The hill tracts have a history of unrest, but the situation has been calm for years. Still, avoid remote areas after dark, and stick to well-known paths. Listen to local advice about which areas are safe to visit.

For the return journey, buses leave Khagrachhari for Chittagong throughout the day. The last bus usually departs in the late afternoon, so plan your departure if you need to catch a train or flight from Chittagong. You can also hire a private car for the return trip, which is more expensive but offers flexibility.

If you’re heading to Rangamati or Bandarban, the other two hill districts, you’ll need to go back through Chittagong first. There are direct buses between Khagrachhari and Rangamati, but they are less frequent. Check the schedule at the bus stand the day before you plan to leave.

Comparison: Khagrachhari vs. Rangamati

Frequently Asked Questions