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Bogalek

Bogalek


Which is located at the foothills of Keokradong Hills, 15 km from Ruma Upazila of Bandarban District. More than 2,000 years ago, it is a calm, sweet, and cool water lake of the highest altitude, naturally formed on an area of ​​about 15 acres at the base of Mount Keokradong, about 1,246 feet (380 meters) above sea level. Basically it is located on a plateau between 457 meters and 610 meters above sea level, with a depth of 38 meters (125 ft). Professor of Geography and Environment Department of Dhaka University. Md. Shahidul Islam first measured Bagalek in 2005 and claimed that the height of Bagalek is 1,73 feet and the depth is 115 feet.

A mouza situated 29 km inland from the bank of river Shankh in the eastern part of Ruma upazila is ‘Naitong mouza’, whose lake is located on top of a hill belonging to the Palitai mountain range. Basically the lake is surrounded on three sides by mountain peaks, where all the mountains are covered by 46 meters high bamboo groves. The unique formation of Baga Lake on the top of a small funnel-shaped hill looks like a volcanic crater.

Beside Baga Lake there is a Bom Para (Bagamukhpara) and a Murang Para. Other tribes like Bam, Marma, Murang or Mror, Khumi, Tanchangya and Tripura also live as local tribes. They believe that gods live around this lake. And so they worship here.

The lake is completely enclosed. Water cannot come out or enter from it. There is no visible source of water even around it. However, there is a small spring source 153 meters below the lake, known as “Baga Rham”. According to Banglapedia information – the water of this lake is very acidic.So there is no algae or other aquatic plants in it. Not even any aquatic animals can live here. However, according to 2009 data – Baga lake water is very fresh and the lake water has a lot of algae, algae, algae and other aquatic plants, as well as a lot of small/large size fish. Although the water of the lake is clear blue, there is a hot spring at the bottom of it, so its water turns cloudy like muddy water every three to four years. But after three to four days the color of the water remains cloudy and returns to its normal color. In addition, Baga Lake takes on a new look every time, morning, evening or night. The lake is shimmering in the bright morning light and colorful in the night sky. And so Baga Lake at night and Baga Lake at day are completely different. The lake looks more beautiful especially on a moonlit night. However, as per the record of 2024, the lake can be stayed from morning to evening due to increased terrorist activity after evening.


History of Bogakain Lake or Bagalek

Locally it is known as Bogakain Lake, Bagalek or Dragon Lake. It is also known as ‘The Lake Of Mystery’. There are many popular stories about this lake. For example-

  • According to geologists, the lake was formed by the eruption of a dead volcano or the fall of a meteorite.
    According to many – it can be caused due to landslides.
  • According to another myth – this lake was a prosperous Mro village. In a tunnel next to the village, there were large snakes that caught and ate the villagers. In revenge of Nagaraja who fed the snake, the village along with the villagers went to the lake and Baga lake was created. Still Bom, the adivasis of Mro believe, the water of the lake becomes turbid when the Nagaraj, which lies deep in the lake, shakes its tail.
  • According to the legends of the local tribes and a report published by veteran journalist Chowdhury Ataur Rahman in ‘Dainik Bangla’ in 1983 about “Bagalek” – Many years ago, about 60 families of the Murong (Mror) community lived in the Bagalek area. A dragon would kill and eat their livestock. Later the locals killed the dragon and distributed its meat among the villagers. That night, a local old woman dreamed that the village was being submerged in water due to the killing of a dragon. He left the village before the next morning. After the sun rises, the area inhabited by the Mror community is submerged in water. This results in the creation of the lake.

Although there is no real evidence for this myth, scientific analysis and evidence suggest that the crater-like formation of the lake is consistent with the idea of ​​a dead volcano.

When Will You Go

During the monsoon, nature surrounds itself with its own beauty, but during this time Bagalek and its surroundings are very dangerous. However, if you want to go, during the rainy season, jeeps going to Ruma often go up to Kaikxyangjiri and then you have to travel by engine boat for more than 1 hour to Rumabazar. During this time, you have to walk the entire way from Rumabazar to Bagalek. Lake travel is safest and most convenient in winter as the roads are unpaved and muddy, making transportation difficult. The best time to visit Bagalek is considered to be from the beginning of November to the month of March next year.

Special Advice
Photographs of locals may not be taken without permission. Avoid getting into arguments with locals. It is not proper to throw shells or plastic items and bottles anywhere. Since you have to go for a trek of about 4-5 hours in remote areas, try to carry small bags and light things as much as possible. Carry enough water, light food and first aid supplies.

  • It is convenient to travel in a group of at least 6 people.
  • Keep a copy of your voter ID or birth certificate.
Special precautions
Traveling on the roof of the jeep is completely prohibited by the Bangladesh Army. There is no electricity facility except solar, so it is very important to carry power bank and torch. Robi and Airtel are suitable as mobile SIM networks here. To avoid untoward risks and to prevent recurrence of previous fatal incidents, bathing or bathing in the lake is strictly prohibited by the local administration.

 

Distance of Bagalek from different divisional cities of the country
Dhaka 273.80 km. (170.13 miles)
Rajshahi 490.43 km. (304.74 miles)
Rangpur 544.97 km. (338.63 miles)
Sylhet 341.56 km. (212.23 miles)
Mymensingh 379.16 km. (265.60 miles)
Khulna 322 km. (200.08 miles)
Barisal 233.33 km. (144.99 miles)
Chittagong 85.25 km. (52.97 miles)

To go to Bagalek first you need to go to Bandarban

How to reach Bandarban from Dhaka

Bus Dhaka Bus Stands:-

  • Fakirapool
  • Saidabad
  • Kolabagan
  • Abdullahpur
  • Gabtali
  • Kalyanpur
  • Jatrabari
  • Arambagh

(Bus available from 09.00 PM to 11.30 PM)

Buses:-

  • Shyamoli
  • Hanif
  • S Alam
  • the dolphin
  • Unique
  • Saudia
  • Eagle
  • Saint Martin
Train

(There is no direct train facility from Dhaka to Bandarban so you have to take train till Chittagong.)

Trains from Dhaka to Chittagong-
Trains from Dhaka Kamalapur or Airport Railway Station to Chittagong Railway Station-

  • Mahanagar Prabhati (704)
    Departure time is 07:45
    Arrival Time 14:00 (Daily)
  • Suvarna Express (702)
    Departure Time – 04:47 P.M
    Arrival Time – 09:50 PM (Mondays Only)
  • Mahanagar Express (722)
    Departure time is 21:20
    Arrival Time 04:50 (Closed on Sundays)
  • Turna Express (742)
    Departure time is 23:30
    Arrival Time 06:20 (Daily)
  • Sonar Bangla Express (788)
    Check out time is 07:00
    Arrival Time 12:15 (Closed on Wednesdays)
  • Chittagong Mail (02)
    Check out time is 22:30
    Arrival Time 07:25 (Daily)
  • Karnaphuli Express (4)
    Check out time is 08:30
    Arrival Time 18:00 (Daily)
  • Chattla Express (64)
    Check out time is 13:00
    Arrival time 20:50 (Closed on Tuesdays)
Biman

(As there is no direct flight facility from Dhaka to Bandarban, you have to fly to Chittagong.)

Flights to Chittagong:-
Flights from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to Chittagong Airport-

  • Biman Bangladesh
  • US Bengali
  • NovoAir
  • Air Astra

How to get from Rajshahi

Bus

(As there is no direct bus, train or flight facility from Rajshahi to Bandarban, you have to go to Bandarban via Chittagong.)

Bus Stands to Chittagong:-

  • Rajshahi Bus Stand
  • Baneshwar
  • Binodpur
  • kajla
  • Katakhali
  • Phutia
  • Rajabari
  • Shirul

Buses to Chittagong:-

  • Evergreen Transport
  • Hanif Transport

(Before travelling, check carefully where you are going, whether the transports will reach your destination. Because the information changes with the change of time)

Train

(As there is no direct train facility from Rajshahi to Chittagong, you have to go to Dhaka first and then take the train.)

Trains to Dhaka:-

  • Madhumati Express
  • Silk City Express
  • Padma Express
  • Dhumketu Express

(As you have to catch the Dhaka mail train. So it is better to go to Dhaka by fast express from Natore first)

Biman Flights to Chittagong:
Flights from Rajshahi Airport to Chittagong Airport-

  • US Bangla Airlines
  • NovoAir

Ways to go from Rangpur

Bus

(As there is no direct bus, train or flight facility from Rangpur to Bandarban, you have to go to Bandarban via Chittagong.)

Bus Stands:-

  • Dhaka (Kamar Para) Bus Stand

Buses:-

  • Hanif Transport
  • Shyamoli
  • Shanto travel
  • Shah Fateh Ali

(Before travelling, check carefully where you are going, whether the transports will reach your destination. Because the information changes with the change of time)

Train

(As there is no direct train facility from Rangpur to Chittagong, you have to go to Dhaka first and then take the train.)

Trains to Dhaka:-

  • Kurigram Express
  • Rangpur Express
Biman

(If you want to go directly to Chittagong by plane, you have to go to Syedpur Airport, 40 km from Rangpur city.)

Flights to Chittagong:
Flights from Syedpur Airport to Chittagong Airport-

  • Biman Bangladesh
  • US Bangla Airlines
  • NovoAir

Way to go from Sylhet

Bus

(Since there is no direct bus, train or flight facility from Sylhet to Bandarban, you have to go to Bandarban via Chittagong.)

Bus Stands to Chittagong:-

  • Sylhet Bus Stand
  • Kadamtali
  • Humayun Rashid Chatwar
  • Sovani Ghat

Buses to Chittagong:-

  • Ena transport
  • Saudia Transport

(Before travelling, check carefully where you are going, whether the transports will reach your destination. Because the information changes with the change of time)

Train Trains to Chittagong:-

  • Jalalabad Express (Runs Daily)
  • Paharika Express (Runs on Saturday only)
  • Udayan Express (Runs on Sundays only)
Biman Flights to Chittagong:
Flights from Sylhet Airport to Chittagong Airport-

  • Biman Bangladesh
  • US Bangla Airlines

How to get from Mymensingh

Bus

(As there is no direct bus, train or flight facility from Mymensingh to Bandarban, you have to go to Bandarban via Chittagong.)

Buses from Mymensingh district city to Chittagong:-

  • Ena transport
  • Soukhin transport
  • Alam Asia
  • Dream transport
  • Hanif Transport

(Before travelling, check carefully where you are going, whether the transports will reach your destination. Because the information changes with the change of time)

Train Trains to Chittagong:-

  • Mymensingh Express (Runs Daily)
  • Vijay Express (Closed on Wednesdays)
Biman

(As there is no direct flight facility from Mymensingh to Bandarban, you have to fly to Dhaka from there)

Flights to Chittagong:-
Flights from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to Chittagong Airport-

  • Biman Bangladesh
  • US Bengali
  • NovoAir
  • Air Astra

How to reach Bandarban from Khulna

Bus

(As there is no direct bus, train or flight facility from Khulna to Bandarban, you have to go to Bandarban via Chittagong.)

Bus Stands to Chittagong:-

  • Sonandanga
  • Royal Chattar
  • Royal Mor
  • Daulatpur
  • Fakirhat
  • Phulbari Gate
  • Phultala Bus Stand
  • Katakhali Bus Stand
  • Khulna zero point
  • Khulna Bus Stand

Buses to Chittagong:-

  • Saint Martin Hyundai (Robi Express)
  • Saudia coach
  • Time travels
  • Royal Travels

(Before travelling, check carefully where you are going, whether the transports will reach your destination. Because the information changes with the change of time)

Train

(As there is no direct train facility from Khulna to Bandarban, you have to go to Dhaka and from there take a train to Chittagong)

Trains to Dhaka:-

  • Suvarna Express (Closed on Mondays)
  • Chitrangda Express/Chitra Express (Operates Daily)
Biman Flights to Chittagong:-

  • US Bangla Airlines
  • Biman Bangladesh Airlines

How to reach Bandarban from Barisal

Bus

(As there is no direct bus, train or flight facility from Barisal to Bandarban, you have to go to Bandarban via Chittagong.)

Bus Stands to Chittagong:-

  • Natullabad

Buses to Chittagong:-

  • Hanif
  • Ena
  • Sohag
  • Labiba Classic
  • Seven Star Deluxe
  • Saudia coach

How to get from Chittagong to Bandarban

Bus Bus Stands:-

  • Baddar Hat
Buses:-

  • Pubali
  • Purvani

Bandarban To Bagalek

Routes and Description:
Route: Bandarban-> Ruma Bazar-> Bagalek

  • From Bandarban City Bus/Chander Car Stand take local bus or Chander Car/Jeep to Ruma Bazar.
  • On reaching Ruma Bazar first you have to fix the mandatory registered guide. Permission to go to Bagalek should be obtained from Ruma Bazar Army Camp before departure. The identity of all traveling members must be submitted in writing for permission.
  • After taking permission, you have to hire a bus or landcruiser jeep or Chander car from Rumabazar. (A moon car can carry 8-15 people.)
  • Local bus or landcruiser must be reserved from Ruma to Bagalek. (A moon car can carry 8-15 people.)

On The Way Back-
After visiting Bagalek, you can return to Bandarban according to the previous route in the morning.

(Don’t hesitate to negotiate and bargain with the guide very well to get a good view of the convenient route and surrounding areas.)


Accommodation and Food

(There are all sorts of arrangements in tribal neighborhoods for accommodation and food.)

Residential Hotels
  • Some small cottages of tribals
  • Siam Didi Hotel
  • A state-of-the-art Rest House of Hill Development Board (under construction)

(As there is no residential hotel on the route, the tribals have to stay in the neighborhoods. Therefore, you can arrange accommodation by directly talking to the house owner of the said residential neighborhoods or with the help of a guide.)

Restaurants

You will get the facility of eating anywhere in the neighborhood or in a residential house.

Note: Tell the guide what you need and they will usually arrange it.

Basic distance and fare from Bandarban to Bagalek-

Bandarban to Rumabazar – (Approximately 48 km)

  • Local Bus- Fare minimum 120 taka per person
  • Chander’s Car- Minimum 3000-4000 Tk

Arrival time – about 3 hours

Rumabazar to Bagalek – (About 17 km)

  • Local Bus- Fare minimum 100 taka per person
  • Chander’s car – minimum Tk 2000-2500

Arrival time – about 2 hours

Please note that these lists are only indicative of minimum fares. Which is changing in current situation. So negotiate according to the correct information.


Advantages of traveling to Bagalek are-

  • Advanced communication system.
  • Facilitate spending quality time with family/couple or friends.
  • Beautiful and pleasant environment.
Advice- First Of All, Always Be Careful In Bargaining Before Booking A Car Or Boat Trip, Hotel Booking, Food Or Anything Else. Also-
  • If Necessary, Take Water Bottle, Umbrella Or Raincoat And Water Proof Bag.
  • Get Full Charge On Mobile, Torch, Power Bank.
  • With The Help Of A Local Guide You Can Tour The Whole Region Beautifully.
  • Don’t Forget To Take Necessary Materials For Trekking.
  • Travel In Groups Of At Least 6 People.
Sightseeing: Any Tourism Destination Is Our Heritage, Our Country’s Heritage. Let Us Refrain From Any Harmful Actions Towards The Natural Or Scenic Beauty Of These Places, And Encourage Others To Do The Same. It Is Our Responsibility To Be Careful About Everything In Our Country.
 
Caution: The Costs Of Hotels, Resorts, Transportation Rentals, And Other Expenses May Change Over Time, So The Information Provided May Not Be Current. Therefore, Please Make Sure To Gather Information About Current Rentals And Expenses Before Planning Any Trip.

Note- Beware of all kinds of brokers/scammers. Be very careful on the way so as not to get into any kind of danger. In case of any problem, take the help of local administration or call the National Emergency Service of Bangladesh – 999.


For Any Information Or Travel Help Please Contact Or Comment-
Email- admin@biratbazar.com
 
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