Nilgiri, Bandarban

Nilgiri is called Darjeeling of Bengal . The green hills and clouds lurking across the horizon will mesmerize anyone with its form. If you want to touch the clouds at a height of 2200 feet above the sea level, then the Nilgiris will fulfill your desire. Nilgiri Tourist Center is one of the most beautiful tourist centers in Bangladesh run by the army at the top of Nilgiri Hills. Nilgiri is a 2200 feet high mountain about 50 km from Bandarban district headquarters.

Looking around from the Nilgiris, you will be mesmerized by the endless beauty of nature and the rolling clouds in the mountains. Along with the mountain ranges from the top of the Nilgiris, if the sky is clear, you can see Bagalek , Keokradong , the fifth highest mountain peak in Bangladesh , the beach of Cox's Bazar and Chittagong Port and the Sangu River. You can also visit the tribal villages near the Nilgiris to learn about their culture and traditions. As there is an army camp in the Nilgiris, there is no reason to worry about security, so you can easily visit the Nilgiris famous for Darjeeling in Bengal with your family. Read this travel guide for all information about Nilgiris to make your visit easy and enjoyable .

The Nilgiris retain their beauty throughout the year. Dark Nilgiris in different forms at different times. The play of rafts of clouds in the morning, the play of light at sunrise. The mesmerizing surroundings of afternoon sunset or Jyotsna night will leave you mesmerized. Usually in Monsoon, Autumn and Hemant, the hide and seek game of clouds can be witnessed beautifully. And for this you have to go to the Nilgiris early in the morning. The clouds of autumn and winter and the blue sky are united together. In winter, the surroundings are covered in fog. He is a sight to behold. So you can visit Nilgiri anytime. However, if there is heavy rain in monsoon, there is a risk of mountain collapse, then the road to the Nilgiris is often closed.

Whichever part of the country you live in, you have to come to Bandarban first to go to the Nilgiris. S. from Abdullahpur, Arambagh, Kalyanpur, Gabtali and Sayedabad of Dhaka. Alam, Saudia, St Martin Transport, Unique, Hanif, Shyamli, Dolphin etc. buses leave for Bandarban. The fare of these buses is Tk 800-900 for Non AC and Tk 1200-1800 for AC respectively. It takes 8-10 hours to go to Bandarban from Dhaka by bus.

If you want to go by train, you can go to Chittagong by train from Dhaka, Tourist Express , Cox's Bazar Express , Sonar Bangla, Subarna Express, Turna Nishita, Mahanagar Godhuli. Class wise rent is 405 to 1398 taka. Besides, you can directly come to Chittagong from Dhaka by air.

Two buses named Pubali and Purbani leave for Bandarban from Baddarhat in Chittagong. These two buses cost Tk 220 per person. You can come to Bandarban by bus from Dampara bus stand in Chittagong for Tk 200-300.

Bandarban to Nilgiris : You can go to Nilgiris from Bandarban by Jeep/Chander car/Mahendra/CNG or local bus. It is best to take a reserve vehicle. This will allow you to explore more places around. If you want to go back in a day then you have to arrange a car from Bandarban jeep station for 3000-5000 rupees according to different vehicles. Chander cars can accommodate 12-14 people, Landcruiser type jeeps can accommodate 7-8 people, small jeeps can accommodate 4-5 people and CNG 3-4 people. If there is no problem on the road, it will take two to two and a half hours. If you want to see clouds in Nilgiris then you have to leave early in the morning to reach Nilgiris by 7-8 am.

If the number of members is less or if you want to travel at a lower cost, you can go by local bus, but it will take more time. Bus leaves for Thanchi after 1 hour from Thanchi bus stand, fare 120 Tk. But if you want, you can join any other group going to Nilgiris by sharing the fare.

Tourists have to record their names and addresses at army check posts on the way to Nilgiris for security reasons. Generally no vehicles are allowed to go to Nilgiris after 5 pm so check the time before traveling. Tourists are charged Tk 50 per person for tickets and a separate parking fee of Tk 300 for cars to visit the Nilgiris tourist center.

On the way to Nilgiris, Milanchari View Point, Shail Prapat Jharna, Sairu Hill Resort and Chimbuk Tourist Center must be passed. If you take a reserve car, you can spend some time in these spots. Tell the car in advance when towing. But it is best if you go directly to the Nilgiris in the morning, then you will see clouds. On the way back you will spend some time at Chimbuk Hill, then some time at Shailprapat Jharna. And on the way, you have to get down at the check post at Milanchari View Point, then you can see the beautiful scenery from there. You can also do the opposite if you have a plan to spend the afternoon in the Nilgiris, then on the way, spend some time at Shailprapat Jharna and Chimbuk tourist center and then go to the Nilgiris.

Night stay is available at Nilgiri Resort controlled by Bangladesh Army in Nilgiris. 8,000 per room for accommodation in six cottages. As Nilgiri resorts are attractive to everyone, rooms are usually not available without booking a month in advance, especially during holidays, it is almost impossible to get a room without prior booking. Contact: 01769-299999

Besides, most of the tourists go to Nilgiris from Bandarban and return to Bandarban on the same day. There are several hotels, resorts and cottages to stay in Bandarban. Hotels and resorts are located in and around Bandarban city. Hotels and resorts to stay in Bandarban include:

Hotel Hill View: Next to Bandarban City Bus Stand. Rent 1000 to 2500 Tk. Hotel Hilton: Near Bandarban City Bus Stand. Rent 1200 to 3500 Tk. Hotel Plaza: 5 minutes walk from bus stand. Rent 600 to 3000 taka. River View: The hotel is situated on the banks of Sangu River in the city. Rent 600 to 2000 taka. Tourist Motels: Located next to mountains and lakes. Located in Meghalaya, 4 km from the city. Rent 1200 to 2500 taka.

Our Video Guide: Best Hotels & Resorts in Bandarban

It is good to remember that the fare will depend on the time of your visit. Season (December-February) and public holidays are more crowded with tourists so fares may be lower. And if you go during the season and holidays, you can book the hotel room in advance to avoid trouble. 20-50% discount if you go in off season. Apart from this, there are numerous resorts, hotels, motels and rest houses in which you can easily stay overnight for 500 to 3 thousand taka.

There is a restaurant in Nilgiris, if you are hungry you can eat from there. But if you want to eat there, you have to order in advance, you can eat for 300-600 taka per person. Or come back and eat in Bandarban city. You can take some dry food with you while going. There are many restaurants to eat in Bandarban city, including Tajing Dong Cafe, Meghdoot Cafe, Food Place Restaurant, Rupsi Bangla Restaurant, Ri Song Song, Kalapata Restaurant etc.