Camping in the forest, trails, waterfalls, mountain trekking! In one word, it was a perfect expedition!
Camping at Hazarikhil Sanctuary and Hazarikhil Trail Expedition. [2018]
Camping at Hazarikhil Sanctuary and Hazarikhil Trail Expedition. [2018]
People of Bangladesh are not very familiar with the place 'Hazarikhil Sanctuary'. Leaving aside Bangladesh, Chittagong and even Fatikchari where 'Hazarikhil Sanctuary' is located, the people there still do not know this 'Hazarikhil Sanctuary' properly. But when you go there, you will get a different thrill from other tourist spots in Bangladesh. A very calm and quiet place! When you go to other tourist spots in Bangladesh, you see people alone, garbage all around, populated areas, but 'Hazarikhil Sanctuary' is completely different. There is no movement of people. You can camp in the forest in a calm, quiet, clean environment! 'Hazarikhil Sanctuary' is a forest managed by USAID and Forest Department! They will arrange everything you need for your camping trip!
Nestled amidst the lush greenery of Chittagong, Bangladesh, lies a hidden gem of natural beauty - the Hazarikhil Wildlife Sanctuary. Spread over an area of approximately 6,000 hectares, this sanctuary is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. With its diverse flora and fauna, breathtaking landscapes, and rich biodiversity, Hazarikhil Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit destination for those seeking to connect with nature.
Moreover, if you don't want to camp but just want to visit, there are forest areas to visit, tea plantations! Have a tree adventure! And the biggest thing is that the 'Hazarikhil Trail' starts from there! Roughly 7/8 kilometers of this terrible Hazarikhil trail! The trail ends at the 'Kalapani' waterfall. This Hazarikhil trail is amazing. The magical form of nature can be seen here. Although the rainy season has not started yet, there are some places where the water is knee-deep and neck-deep. Once you enter the Hazarikhil trail, I can guarantee that you will walk through the jhiripaths, cascades and walk emotionally. You will be surprised the more you go forward, passing one turn of Jhiripath, cascade, because this Hazarikhil trail is so amazingly beautiful.
Hazarikhil Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a biodiversity hotspot. The sanctuary is home to various species of trees, shrubs, and herbs, including the iconic Sundari trees, which are mangrove species and provide essential habitat for many wildlife species.
The sanctuary is also home to a wide array of animal species, including Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, saltwater crocodiles, spotted deer, wild boars, monkeys, and various species of snakes, including pythons and cobras. Over 100 species of birds, including herons, kingfishers, egrets, and ducks, can also be found in the sanctuary, making it a birdwatcher's paradise.
The diverse range of flora and fauna in Hazarikhil Wildlife Sanctuary provides a unique and captivating experience for visitors, allowing them to observe and appreciate the natural beauty and wildlife of Bangladesh up close.
Landscape and Trails
The landscape of Hazarikhil Wildlife Sanctuary is breathtaking, with its dense mangrove forests, meandering rivers, and serene lakes. The sanctuary is crisscrossed by numerous trails, allowing visitors to explore its natural beauty and wildlife. These trails offer an opportunity to immerse oneself in nature and experience the tranquility and serenity of the sanctuary.
One of the most popular trails in the sanctuary is the Sundari Trail, which takes visitors through dense mangrove forests and offers a chance to spot various wildlife species. Another popular trail is the Karamjal Trail, which leads to a watchtower overlooking the vast mangrove forest and provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Boat rides are also available in the sanctuary, allowing visitors to explore the rivers and lakes and witness the beauty of the mangroves from a different perspective. The boat rides offer a unique opportunity to observe wildlife, including crocodiles and various bird species, in their natural habitat.
Conservation Efforts and Ecotourism
Hazarikhil Wildlife Sanctuary is managed by the Forest Department of Bangladesh, which has implemented various conservation measures to protect the flora and fauna of the sanctuary. These measures include habitat restoration, anti-poaching patrols, and community engagement initiatives to raise awareness about the importance of conservation among local communities.
In recent years, the sanctuary has also gained popularity as an ecotourism destination, attracting visitors who are interested in experiencing nature in a responsible and sustainable manner. Ecotourism activities in the sanctuary, such as guided nature walks, boat rides, and birdwatching, generate revenue that is used for conservation efforts and benefit local communities, creating a positive impact on both the environment and the local economy.
Visitors are encouraged to follow the rules and regulations of the sanctuary, including not littefact,not disturbing wildlife, and respecting the natural environment. By practicing responsible ecotourism, visitors can contribute to the conservation efforts of Hazarikhil Wildlife Sanctuary and help protect its unique biodiversity for future generations to enjoy.
how to go
Dhaka to Chittagong by bus/train. Then oxygen. From here by bus to Phatikchari. Rent (35/40). CNG in Hazarikhil is available in front of Phatikchari Phulkali Restaurant. (The fare will be 40 taka) Tell them to drop down at the gate of 'Hazarikhil Sanctuary'. Nile will be brought down to the market. Another 10/15 minutes walk from here is Hazarikhil.
It takes about 3/4 hours to reach Hazarikhil from Oxygen.
The return time is exactly one way. Hazarikhil Sanctuary>Fatikchari>Chittagong.
But let me tell you a little. Our plan was a bit extreme. We will camp at Hazarikhil Sanctuary for the night, then in the morning we will enter the Hazarikhil trail, see the Kalapani Jharna, trek up a small hill and exit through Baraiyadhala through Bara Darogar Hut. That means more than 30 kilometers of walking and mountain trekking. We left at 9 am and it was 7 pm when we reached Bara Darogar Hut.
However, if you wish, you can also return to the 'Hazarikhil Sanctuary'.You may or may not take a guide on the Hazarikhil trail. If you want to take a guide then Mahbub Mama: 01636706978
The guide will reach Hazarikhil from Kalapani Jharna again; will take 500 taka.
And if you want to go from Hazarikhil to Kalapani Jharna and go to Baraiyadhala through Bara Darogar Hut then; 800/900 will be taken.
If you only have plans for Hazarikhil trail and tree adventure then go to Hazarikhil in the morning. Otherwise it will be too late to return to Chittagong after completing the trail.
What do you remember?
- If you want to do camping in Hazarikhil Sanctuary, contact Ashish Bhai (01817273740). He is in charge of Hazarikhil.
- Talk to Ashish Bhai and decide how many of you are going, what to eat, everything about camping. Two people can stay in one tent. Our per head cost (tent+barbecue+chalk for campfire+a guide for hajarikhil who will help with everything from tent to barbeque and guard at night) was like 450.
- And if there is only a trail plan then you can contact Ashish Bhai for food back in Hazarikhil or you can also go to the market and eat.
- Tree Adventure Rs 100”
- There are many leeches on this trail. So you can keep salt, mustard oil
- Adequate amount of water will be required. So buy water beforehand from Hazarikhil.
- There are many places where the water is knee deep and the path is very slippery. So be careful and move safely.
We were 13 people. It cost us like 2200 per head including all the bus travel from Dhaka.
So why delay, for those who want to spend the night in the forest, want to camp in the peaceful, quiet environment of the wild forest, and want to spend hours walking in the enchanting nature, 'Hajarikhil Wildlife Sanctuary' is a perfect place in one word!
Bangladesh is our country and these tourist places are the wealth of our country. So don't waste the country's resources by littering wherever you travel.
Happy traveling :'D
