Khagrachari tourism picks up after weeks of slowdown

Tourist centres in Khagrachari have started seeing more visitors after several weeks of a decline in tourist arrivals, bringing renewed activity to the hill district’s tourism sector.

The Zilla Parishad Horticulture Park has witnessed a notable increase in visitors, with tourists enjoying its green hills, lakes, hanging bridges, zip lines and other recreational facilities.

Visitors from different parts of the country, including families and groups of friends, have started arriving in the district.

A visit to the Zilla Parishad Horticulture Park on Friday afternoon found a large number of tourists enjoying the attractions. Many were spending time with their families, taking photographs and experiencing different amusement rides, creating a festive atmosphere across the park.

Humayun Ahmed, who travelled from Cumilla with his biker friends, said they reached Khagrachari around 1:00 PM after setting out in the morning. They visited Richang Waterfall and Alutila Park before heading to the Zilla Parishad Park.

He said he had visited Khagrachari after seven to eight years and noticed significant changes, including the addition of new rides and recreational facilities.

Tanjil Chowdhury, who came from Narayanganj with his family, praised the park’s natural beauty and entertainment facilities. He particularly enjoyed the hanging bridge and zipline ride, which he experienced for the first time.

He also said renovation work, including road improvements, was underway at Alutila tourist centre and would make the destination more attractive once completed.

Mantosh Tripura, in-charge of the Zilla Parishad Horticulture Park, said visitor numbers had increased compared with previous weeks, with most tourists arriving after noon.

He said tourist arrivals had declined following the blockade in Sajek but the park witnessed a gathering similar to its usual levels on Friday.

Abhi Kumar De, who operates the park’s zipline attraction, said interest in the ride had also increased. At least 100 tourists took the ride on Friday, compared with only three or four visitors a day in recent days.

However, the prolonged slowdown has affected tourism-related businesses across the district.

Md Sagar, manager of Aranya Bilash Residential Hotel, said the closure of Sajek had directly affected Khagrachari’s tourism-dependent businesses, including hotels and restaurants.

He explained that many tourists visit different attractions in Khagrachari during the day before returning to their destinations at night, reducing demand for overnight accommodation.

He expressed optimism over Friday’s increased tourist arrivals, saying sustained visitor numbers could gradually help revive local businesses.

Khagrachari Tourist Police Sub-Inspector Md Abdus Chamad said tourist police were maintaining round-the-clock surveillance and patrols at important tourist destinations to ensure visitors’ safety.

He said Tourist Police, Ansar and regular police personnel were jointly providing security and remained alert to assist tourists whenever necessary.

The renewed flow of visitors has raised hopes among tourism-related businesses, transport workers and employees at tourist centres that normal activities will gradually resume.

With its natural attractions and growing recreational facilities, Khagrachari is once again drawing tourists, offering fresh hope for the hill district’s tourism economy.