Photo: Moheen Reeyad, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Meghla Tourism Complex
About Meghla Tourism Complex
Just outside Bandarban town, on the road from Chattogram, the Meghla Tourism Complex is a gentle introduction to the Chittagong Hill Tracts. A long, narrow lake winds between wooded hills, crossed by two hanging bridges that sway a little as you walk over them.
Paths and steps lead up through the trees to small viewpoints, and there are paddle boats on the lake, a children’s play area and a few snack stalls. It is a popular outing for Bangladeshi families and can be busy on Fridays and holidays, but on a weekday morning it is calm, green and full of birdsong.
Meghla is not wild nature, and it is best seen as a pleasant stop on the way into town or a short break between bigger sights. Pair it with sunset at Nilachal Hill, which is also close to town, and save a full day for the drive up to Nilgiri Hill. On our private Bandarban tours, the guide and driver fit Meghla in where it suits the day.
Things to do
-
Hanging bridges
Walk across the two suspension bridges over the lake for views along the water and the wooded hills.
-
Lakeside walk
Follow the paths and steps around the lake and up through the trees to small viewpoints.
-
Paddle boats
Hire a paddle boat for a slow half hour on the lake, a favourite with families.
-
Birdwatching
Early in the morning the trees around the lake are busy with birds, before the day visitors arrive.
Getting there
From Bandarban town: Meghla is a few kilometres away on the Chattogram road, about 15 minutes by car or auto-rickshaw.
From Chattogram or Dhaka: you pass Meghla on the way into Bandarban, so it makes an easy first stop after the drive.
Where to stay
Stay in or around Bandarban town, which has simple hotels and a few hillside resorts. It is the base for Meghla, Nilachal and Nilgiri.
More to see in Bandarban
Tours that visit Meghla Tourism Complex
Holiday Tours
Explore the Natural Beauty of Bangladesh
Price on request
Questions
Is there an entry fee?
Yes, a small entry ticket is charged at the gate, with separate charges for some activities. Your guide will handle it.
How long should I spend at Meghla?
An hour or two is plenty for the bridges, a walk around the lake and a boat ride.
Do foreigners need permission to visit?
Meghla is close to Bandarban town. Rules for foreign visitors in the Hill Tracts can change, so we check the current requirements before your trip and carry passport copies.
Is Meghla suitable for children and older travellers?
Yes. The paths are mostly easy, though some sections have steps.