Kaptai Lake
কাপ্তাই হ্রদ
The country's largest man-made lake, a maze of green islands best explored by slow boat.
Kaptai Lake was formed in the early 1960s when the Karnaphuli river was dammed for hydroelectric power. The rising water flooded valleys and villages, including much of old Rangamati, and displaced many Chakma families, a history worth remembering on the water. Today it is a vast, winding lake of hilltop islands, floating markets and fishing boats. A day on a hired boat takes in villages, island restaurants and waterfalls.
How to get there
Buses from Chattogram reach Rangamati in about 2.5–3 hours; boats are hired at Reserve Bazar or the Parjatan area.
Good to know
Wear life jackets. Foreigners need prior permission to enter the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Check the latest government advisories before travelling.
More from Rangamati
District guide →
Place Rangamati Hanging Bridge
রাঙামাটি ঝুলন্ত সেতুA red suspension footbridge over an arm of the lake, the best-known landmark of Rangamati town.
Place Sajek Valley
সাজেক ভ্যালিA ridge-top village in the far north of Rangamati, famous for sunrise over seas of cloud.
Place Shuvolong Waterfall
শুভলং ঝর্ণাA tall cascade tumbling down a cliff straight into Kaptai Lake, reached only by boat.
Place Rajban Vihara
রাজবন বিহারA large Buddhist monastery complex on the lakeshore, beside the palace of the Chakma Raja.
Nearby
Place Rangamati Hanging Bridge
Rangamati · রাঙামাটি ঝুলন্ত সেতুA red suspension footbridge over an arm of the lake, the best-known landmark of Rangamati town.
Place Rajban Vihara
Rangamati · রাজবন বিহারA large Buddhist monastery complex on the lakeshore, beside the palace of the Chakma Raja.
Representative photo Tradition Kathin Chibar Dan
Rangamati · কঠিন চীবর দানA Buddhist robe-offering festival where monks' robes are spun, woven and dyed in a single day.
Representative photo Food Pajon
Rangamati · পাজনA Chakma festival curry of many vegetables cooked together, served to every guest during Biju.