Golden Temple

The Golden Temple is located in Balaghta area, 9 km from Bandarban district headquarters. This Golden Temple is equally known as Mahasukh Mandir or Buddhist Dhatu Jadi. Despite the name Golden Temple, there is no structure made of gold here. Yet it is known as the Golden Temple for the abundance of golden colors in the temple. This beautiful pagoda built on top of the hill is a holy place of pilgrimage for Buddhists. Numerous Buddhists from all over the country come to visit and pray at this golden temple. A Buddhist statue built during the contemporary period of Gautama Buddha is placed here. This temple has been built at a cost of around 10 crores. This pagoda is one of the most popular Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia. On the hill there is a small pond containing water called Devata Pond.

The Golden Temple currently ranks as one of the tourist spots of Bandarban district. The architecture of this pagoda is modeled after Buddhist temples in Myanmar, China and Thailand. This pagoda is a shining example of modern religious architecture. A fair is held here every year. The pagoda is open for worshipers throughout the day. A few days ago there was a ban for visitors, but now the Golden Temple has been opened for visitors.

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 Sonar Bangla, Suvarna Express, Turna Nishita, Mahanagar Godhuli trains from Dhaka to Chittagong. Class wise rent is 405 to 1398 taka. Besides, you can directly come to Chittagong from Dhaka by air.

From Baddarhat in Chittagong, two boats named Pubali and Purbani set out for Bandarban. These two buses cost Tk 220 per person. You can come to Bandarban by bus from Dhampara bus stand in Chittagong for Tk 200-300.

How to reach Golden Temple from Bandarban One can go to Golden Temple by hiring a CNG Autorickshaw or Chandergari/Jeep from Bandarban. It will take 300-700 taka for going to the golden temple only. But usually tourists reserve a car to visit more sightseeing places around Bandarban like Nilgiris , Nilachal, Chimbuk, Shailprapat, Meghla etc.

You can plan your trip according to your time and what to see and reserve the car of your choice. To visit Neelachal , Meghla, Swarnmandir, jeep (6-8 seats) will be rented for 1000-1200 taka, Chander car will be rented for 1200-1500 taka, CNG will be rented for 500-800 taka. Before deciding the price, do you know where to go and take a bargain?

You will have to pay a toll of 20-30 taka on the road to go to the golden temple by car, and a fee of 20 taka per person will be charged to enter the golden temple.

There are numerous resorts, hotels, motels and resthouses in Bandarban. In which you can stay overnight for 600 to 3000 taka.

Hotel Hill View: Next to Bandarban City Bus Stand. Rent 800 to 2500 taka. Hotel Hilton: Near Bandarban City Bus Stand. Rent 800 to 3000 Tk. Hotel Plaza: 5 minutes walk from bus stand. Rent 800 to 3000 Tk. 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.

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.

Bandarban city has several mid-range hotels catering to tourists. From them you can eat three meals at the hotel of your choice. Among them Tajing Dong Cafe, Meghdoot Cafe, Food Place Restaurant, Rupsi Bangla Restaurant, Ri Song Song, Kalapata Restaurant etc.