Luxury 'Royal Adventure' houseboat launched on Kaptai lake

A luxurious double-decker wooden houseboat is now offering visitors a unique way to explore the scenic waters of Kaptai Lake, adding a new attraction to Rangamati's growing tourism industry.

Named Royal Adventure, the newly launched vessel is being promoted by its owners as one of the largest wooden houseboats in Bangladesh. Gliding across the lake's blue waters, the boat evokes the charm of the luxury houseboats found on India's famous Alleppey backwaters, while showcasing the natural beauty of the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

The houseboat was recently inaugurated on Kaptai Lake in the presence of several distinguished guests, including former Rangamati Hill District Council Chairman Brishaketu Chakma, Rangamati Hill District Council Member and District Awami League General Secretary Haji Md. Musa Matabbar, and Professor Selina Akhter, Vice-Chancellor of Rangamati Science and Technology University. Following the inauguration, the guests enjoyed a cruise across the lake aboard the vessel.

Speaking at the ceremony, Brishaketu Chakma said Rangamati's unique combination of hills, lakes and waterfalls has made it one of Bangladesh's premier tourist destinations. He expressed hope that the introduction of a modern houseboat on Kaptai Lake would become a major attraction for visitors and further strengthen the local tourism industry.

Haji Md. Musa Matabbar noted that luxury houseboats are typically associated with international tourist destinations and said the initiative would make a positive contribution to the development of tourism in Rangamati.

Modern Amenities for Travelers

Royal Adventure Chief Executive Officer Md. Mohiuddin Majumder said the houseboat was built to provide tourists with a modern, comfortable and memorable travel experience.

The vessel features eight guest cabins, including two super-premium cabins with private balconies. Each cabin is equipped with an attached bathroom, comfortable beds and modern amenities, with accommodation for up to four guests per room.

A spacious restaurant occupies the second deck, where meals are prepared onboard. According to Director Md. Faruk, guests can choose from a variety of dishes, including traditional local cuisine, allowing visitors to experience the rich culinary heritage of Rangamati.

An All-in-One Lake Cruise Experience

The houseboat offers an integrated travel package that combines accommodation, dining and sightseeing, eliminating the need for tourists to stay at separate resorts.

Guests can cruise to several of Kaptai Lake's popular attractions, including the Hanging Bridge, Shuvolong Waterfall, Peda Ting Ting, the Chakma Royal Palace, and other scenic destinations around the lake.

Positive Response from Visitors

Laboni Sen, a tourist from Cox's Bazar, described the experience as unforgettable.

''Watching the surrounding hills and lake while sitting on the rooftop's artificial grass deck was incredible. The cabins also provide panoramic views, making the journey even more enjoyable,'' she said.

Local resident Shefalika Chakma said the design and ambience of the houseboat blend harmoniously with Rangamati's natural landscape.

''It offers tourists a wonderful opportunity to experience nature up close and is likely to become a unique attraction for visitors,'' she added.

Package Details

According to the operators, the two-day, one-night package includes guided visits to major tourist attractions on Kaptai Lake.

The package covers one night's accommodation, six main meals, four snack sessions, and sightseeing at designated tourist spots. With four guests sharing a cabin, the package is priced at Tk 7,500 per person.