The hills of Khagrachhari have started to see a gentle flow of visitors as the Eid-ul-Adha holidays begin, bringing life slowly back to its tourist spots after a quiet start.
Khagrachhari’s tourism centres have started to see growing visitor activity during the Eid-ul-Adha holidays. On Thursday, the Eid day, local visitors along with a small number of tourists were seen at different recreation centres across the district. Tourism-related sources expect a larger flow of visitors in the coming days as the remaining holiday period continues.
In previous years, tourist destinations in Khagrachhari would quickly turn crowded from the very first days of the holiday. This year, the picture is slightly different. Although the country is enjoying a seven-day government holiday, most tourist spots began to pick up activity only from Eid day.
Even so, movement has started. Visitors from outside the district joined local tourists at different spots. Among them were Sujit Saha, Dilip Das from Dhaka’s Jatrabari, and Md Rubel Hossain and Robiul Islam from Noakhali. They said many people in the country still do not know about such beautiful and scenic places.
They spoke highly of Alutila, calling it a standout attraction. From there, visitors can see the entire town of Khagrachhari along with the winding Chengi River below. They also mentioned the fresh and clean air, something they said city life does not offer.
The Alutila cave added another layer of fascination. Tourists described it as a mysterious natural tunnel where people can enter from one side of the hill and come out from the other side. First-time visitors said they were surprised by the beauty of the hill district and had not expected such scenery. Many said they felt the area was far more beautiful than they had imagined.
Some tourists also visited Khagrachhari after travelling to Sajek. They shared that while Sajek is widely known for its beauty, Khagrachhari is no less impressive.
A family from Mirpur in Dhaka, Md Sahab Uddin and his wife Khadija Akter, visited the area with their children. They entered the cave and described it as a memorable experience. They said they did not feel fear inside the cave, but rather enjoyed a completely different kind of excitement. They also said such a natural cave experience is rare in the country.
However, the tourism business side tells a different story this time. Hotel and motel bookings remain low in Khagrachhari. Tourism operators said they had expected strong bookings and better business during the long holiday, but that expectation has not been fulfilled.
Khagrachhari Tourist Motel manager Kaching Marma and Aranya Bilas Hotel assistant manager Rajib Dey said they have not received any bookings.
Meanwhile, tourist police have strengthened security arrangements to ensure visitors can travel safely during the Eid holidays, following central instructions.
Tourist Police Assistant Superintendent of Police Nayan Barua said adequate police deployment has been ensured at all tourist spots. Mobile teams are also actively on duty. He added that immediate assistance will be provided if any tourist faces difficulties.
Khagrachhari’s major attractions continue to draw attention. These include Alutila, with its hanging bridge and mysterious cave, the District Council Horticulture Park, hanging bridge, scenic lakes, Mayabini Lake, Elephant Head Hill, Debta Pond, Teidu Chhara waterfall, and the Hill Agriculture Research Centre.
Despite low hotel bookings, the hills remain open, calm, and quietly welcoming. As the Eid days continue, Khagrachhari does not rush to fill up. Instead, it slowly unfolds—one visitor, one trail, and one quiet view at a time.
