Baklai Waterfall in Bandarban : How to Get to One of the Tallest Waterfalls in Bangladesh
While trekking through hilly paths, the most inaccessible trails offer the most beautiful scenery. When the natural sounds of the wild springs mingle with the hum from the hidden abyss, it soothes the ears of outdoor enthusiasts. And, if the trekking leads to the heart-pounding heights of one of the highest waterfalls in Bangladesh, the journey will surely be memorable. Let's delve into the travel route details to reach the Baklai Falls in Bandarban.
Significance and Geographical Location of Baklai Falls
With approximately 380 feet, Baklai falls stands as the focal point of Baklai village located at Nighting mouza under Thanchi upazila of Bandarban district.
The Baklai village is situated between Keokradong and Tazing Dong, the two significant hills of the country. The majestic Baklai waterfall is visible from a distance of 110 km from Ruma and 45 km from Thanchi.
Locally, the falls is also referred to as Baktalai Jharna. Due to extremely treacherous hilly roads and a lack of sufficient initiative, only a handful of tourists can reach the foot of this waterfall.
The height of Baklai falls is close to Liluk or Langlok falls, which is also located in Thanchi. While doubts persist about the title of the country's highest waterfall, Baklai stands ahead in terms of sheer beauty.
How to Visit Baklai Waterfall in Bandarban from Dhaka
To reach Baklai Falls, Bandarban Sadar can be directly accessed from Dhaka through a bus route. Various buses depart for Bandarban from different points of Dhaka city including Gabtali, Kalyanpur, Kalabagan, Jatrabari, Mohakhali, or Fakirapool at fares ranging from Tk 850 to Tk 1,800 per person.
If traveling by train, travelers need to reach Chattogram first and then take a bus to reach Bandarban. Chattogram-bound trains departing from Kamalapur or Biman Bandar railway stations charge BDT 285 to BDT 788 per person, depending on the class levels.
Flying from Dhaka to Chattogram takes around 1 hour and can cost between BDT 3,000 to BDT 11,175 per person. However, booking seats in advance, at least 1 month ahead, may offer a chance to get a discount on the ticket price.
Upon reaching Chattogram, the tourists can catch a Bandarban bus from BRTC or Dampara bus stand, with costs ranging from BDT 220 to BDT 300 per person.
Bangladesh tallest waterfall Baklai
Baklai waterfall
For visiting Baklai Falls from Bandarban, visitors can choose either the route of Thanchi or Ruma.
On the way to Thanchi, approximately 79 km from Sadar, the local transports called 'Chander Gari' drop the tourists at Thanchi market in 4 to 5 hours. At this point, hiring a travel guide to reach Baklai will be helpful, as this path hasn't been developed as a tourist spot yet, and the army can restrict access due to its remote location.
The journey to Baklai Para takes about 12 hours, passing through small villages like Tutang Para, Boarding Headmen Para, and Kaitun Para. The trekking path from Baklai village to the waterfall needs 1 hour more. About 1 hour of trekking is required to reach the top of the waterfall.
Alternatively, for the Ruma route, it takes around 4 hours to reach Ruma from Bandarban Sadar by 'Chander Gari.' From this point, the tourists can travel to Bogalake by local transport and then commence walking until they reach the Baklai waterfall. En route to Tazing Dong via Keokradong, Baklai village will fall in between.
It is advisable to allocate at least 5 to 7 days to comfortably complete this entire journey.
The Natural Beauty of the Highest Waterfall in Bangladesh
After traversing the hilly trekking paths and reaching the cloud-covered village of Baklai, the trail of fear and hardship becomes worthwhile. Staying at a place far above the ground with the marvellous view of isolated communities below makes this place seem like a piece of paradise. The silence of this place allows a majestic sense of calm and serenity that is only interrupted by the buzz of insects and chirping of wild birds.
It is a popular camping spot for trekkers.
Travellers can watch the enthralling beauty of falling water while spending a night at this place. And, if it is a full moon, the splendour of Baklai falls can give an unforgettable experience.
An army camp is located in this area. Approximately 20 families reside in each of the surrounding villages.
The adventure, however, doesn't end with the rugged trekking; another hour's walk is needed to reach the very fountain.
Baklai tallest waterfall Bangladesh
Baklai waterfall
That sensual sound of falling water evokes the joy of discovering the unseen beauty of mother nature.
The closer one gets to the fountain, the more dazzling its immense height becomes. The sound of water splashing down on the rocks from such a height evokes a feeling of thrill and awe.
Food and Accommodation
For a stopover or overnight stay on the way to Baklai waterfall, there are some establishments like Thanchi cottage or BGB (Border Guard Bangladesh) cottage. Besides these, tourists can stay in Thanchi Bazar along the Sangu River, Machang hut, or Jhum hut in Baklai village.
Beyond Bandarban Sadar, there are some restaurants in Thanchi, with a few decent hotels available in Sherkar Para.
Places to Visit Nearby
The extensive Thanchi-Ruma circuit is enriched with several small and large waterfalls. En route to Baklai, travelers can encounter Gingsium Falls. Travellers can watch the marvellous beauty of Jadipai Falls and Tolabong Falls. Moreover, there is also a chance to explore Kapital Hill as well as the famous Keokradong.
Best Time to Visit Baklai Falls
Similar to many waterfalls, Baklai showcases its full aesthetic splendour during the rainy season. In times of heavy or torrential rains, the ravines of the hills behind get covered in thick white water. When the monsoon ends, the flow of water gradually lessens in intensity. Subsequently, during winter, it transforms into a very narrow line.
Nevertheless, reaching the foot of this waterfall during the monsoon season is highly challenging. Since its discovery, the hilly paths are hard to pass through, making it arduous for many tourists to traverse the trails without necessary trekking experiences.
In a Nutshell
The trip to Bandarban’s Baklai falls, one of the highest waterfalls in Bangladesh, can be a breathtaking, thrilling, and lifetime experience. During the journey, adventure enthusiasts will observe the spellbinding view of the green landscape and hilly terrain of the country. Crossing settlements of local communities along the mesmerising Sangu River can make the trekking journey more interesting.
