Sajek: A Hidden Gem in the Queen of 83 Hills

Sajek, the Queen of Hills

A name like Sajek, which conjures up images of the harmony of the natural world and the peace of the hills, has long been on my list of things to do before I die. A year ago, I was finally given the chance to discover this undiscovered treasure that is located in Bangladesh. Sajek, which is located in the Rangamati District in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, is sometimes referred to as the “Queen of Hills” due to the captivating scenery and tranquil atmosphere that it possesses. The following is a descriptive account of my once-in-a-lifetime trip to Sajek.

The Journey’s Initiation

The trip started out with careful preparation and planning. In spite of the fact that Sajek is becoming more and more famous among visitors, it is still somewhat distant, so cautious planning is required. In the hopes of avoiding the rainy season and taking advantage of the crisp, clear air of fall, we decided to schedule our vacation for the beginning of November. A group of five pals made up our group, and they were all equally enthusiastic about the experience that was in store for us.

Our adventure began in Dhaka, the busy city of Bangladesh, where we met up with our hosts. The intention was to take a bus to Khagrachari, which is the entrance of Sajek, and then go on as planned. We did some research and then made reservations for seats on a night bus with the intention of arriving at Khagrachari at an early hour in the morning.

The Journey to Khagrachari by Night

Although it was a lengthy bus trip, the trips were comfortable. At roughly ten o’clock at night, we set out from Dhaka, and the trip took us approximately eight hours. The lights of the city began to recede into the distance, and we found ourselves engulfed in the peace and quiet of the countryside surrounding us. Along the trip, the bus made a few stops, which provided us with the opportunity to stretch our legs and have some food and refreshments.

During the early hours of the morning, we landed in Khagrachari. At the same time, the sky was painted with shades of pink and orange, and the air was fresh and cool. The next step was to make arrangements for a jeep to transport us to Sajek after we had finished getting dressed and had a full breakfast at a nearby restaurant. Because the terrain in Sajek is so rugged and mountainous, the most popular means of transportation that people use to get there is.

The Charming Path to Sajek

In and of itself, the journey from Khagrachari to Sajek is an exciting adventure. It is estimated that the trip is around 70 km; however, due to the difficult roads, the trip can take anywhere from three to four hours. As soon as we left Khagrachari behind, the landscape started to undergo a significant transformation. Rolling hills, deep woods, and scenic valleys replaced the familiar urban panorama as the terrain changed.

While we were driving along the twisting roads, our jeep provided us with beautiful sights at every curve. Throughout the journey, we made a number of pauses in order to take pictures of the breathtaking scenery and to engage in conversation with the local inhabitants. Inspiring It was a wonderful experience to receive inspiring hospitality from the indigenous groups, especially the Chakma and Marma people.us with kind grins, they told us stories about their way of life and shared their experiences.

When we stopped at the famous “Hanging Bridge” close to Dighinala, it was one of the most memorable pauses possible. A lot of people like to take pictures of this bridge since it is hanging over a river that is moving quickly. Some time was spent here, during which we were awestruck by the architectural achievement as well as the natural beauty that surrounded it.

Reaching Sajek

At the same time that we continued to climb, our anticipation increased. In the early afternoon, we arrived to Sajek after a long journey. Our breath was taken away as we had our first glimpse of Sajek. Being placed on a hilltop, the settlement provides breathtaking views of the hills and valleys that are located in the surrounding area. Compared to the humid atmosphere of Dhaka, the air was clean and chilly, which was a pleasant contrast.

We arrived at our resort, which was a quaint wooden home that was perfectly integrated into the natural environment. Although the resort provided some standard facilities, the real pleasure was the vista that could be seen from the balcony. We had the ability to view the clouds drifting below us, which contributed to the eerie and dreamy mood.

Delighting in Sajek’s Wonders

While we were in Sajek for the first time, we spent the day visiting the nearby environs. We took a stroll through the hamlet at a leisurely pace, taking in the peaceful atmosphere and appreciating the traditional bamboo homes and structures. The people who lived in the village were kind and interested, and they frequently struck up talks with us.

One of the most notable features of Sajek is Konglak Hill, which provides a breathtaking perspective of the entire region. The ascent to the summit of Konglak Hill is a walk that is not very difficult and takes around an hour. Upon reaching the peak, we were greeted with a stunning panorama that encompassed the whole landscape, encompassing the hills and valleys that extended as far as the eye could see. Something that will remain ingrained in my memory is the image of the sun sinking behind the hills, bathing the area in a golden hue.

Magical moments can be found in Sajek’s nights. An extraordinary sight that is rarely seen in the city, the sky was studded with an infinite number of stars as night descended. While we were enjoying the peaceful night, we gathered around a bonfire and shared stories with one another. A wonderful symphony of nature was formed by the sound of crickets, the sound of a fresh wind, and the sound of a brook murmuring in the distance.

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A Memory-Breaking Dawn

In order to catch the dawn the following morning, we got up early and got ready. We didn’t want to miss out on Sajek’s gorgeous sunrises because they are so well-known for their beauty. As we made our way to a viewpoint close to our resort, we wrapped ourselves in blankets to protect ourselves from the coolness of the morning.

As soon as the first rays of dawn reached the horizon, the sky was turned into a colourful canvas. The clouds that were below us started to break up, exposing the verdant hills ahead of us. It was a moment of absolute happiness to be able to witness the sun rising over the hills and sending a warm glow over the area. The sensation was similar to that of being on the edge of the globe and being a witness to the beginning of a new day.

Exploring Ruilui Para

We made the decision to go to Ruilui Para, which is another gorgeous village in Sajek, after we had finished our meal. As we made our way to Ruilui Para, we had to navigate through winding trails that were surrounded by bamboo forests and wildflowers. In the course of our journey, we came across more hospitable people who were ready to share their tales and customs with us.

The colourful culture and traditional handicrafts of Ruilui Para have earned it a national reputation. During our trip, we went to a small market where local craftsmen offered handcrafted things such as jewellery, woven textiles, and bamboo crafts. The craftsmanship was so outstanding that we couldn’t help but purchase a few mementos to take with us as we made our way back home.

Investigating the Waterfalls

Exploring the breathtaking waterfalls that Sajek has to offer is obligatory on every vacation to the city. The Risha Jhorna waterfall, which is located a short distance away from the hamlet, is considered to be one of the most popular waterfalls. The journey to the waterfall was an adventure in and of itself, as it took us through thick forests and down roads that were lined with rocks.

As soon as we arrived at the waterfall, we were surprised with the sight of water tumbling down the rocks into a pool that was completely transparent. We were unable to resist having a nice swim in the cool water since the sound of the gushing water was so calming. After spending a few hours here, we were able to take in the breathtaking scenery and the peaceful atmosphere of the location.

Regional Dishes

The gastronomy of the area was surely one of the most memorable aspects of our vacation. Sajek is known for its uncomplicated yet delectable cuisine, which is prepared with fresh, regional ingredients. We received traditional fare at the little family-run restaurants, including bamboo shoot curry, fresh fish, and sticky rice. We enjoyed our meals at these establishments. The flavours were unique and genuine, and they reflected the region’s rich cultural background in a way that was memorable.

Looking Back on the Adventure

When we were nearing the conclusion of our stay in Sajek, we couldn’t help but think back on the great experiences that we had throughout our time there. Sajek is not only a location; rather, it is an adventure that takes you deep into the spirit of nature and culture. We were left with a deep and abiding impression by the tranquilly of the surroundings, the kindness of the people, and the beauty of the hills.

There were a range of feelings that were experienced on the trip back to Khagrachari and subsequently to Dhaka. While it was a bittersweet experience to leave the peace and quiet of Sajek behind, we were also thankful for the memories that we had made there. We were able to avoid the rush and bustle of city life and reestablish a connection with nature and with ourselves thanks to Sajek’s provision of this opportunity.

Useful Advice for People Planning Future Travels

For individuals who are considering a trip to Sajek, the following are some useful suggestions:

Plan Ahead: Because of its isolated location, it is very necessary to make travel arrangements in advance. Reserve your mode of transportation and lodging in advance, particularly during the busiest times of the year for tourists.

Travel Light: Pack little, but be sure to bring along the necessities, such as warm clothing, comfy shoes, and basic toiletries. Because of the unpredictability of the weather, you should always be ready for unexpected shifts.

Respect the Local Culture: In Sajek, the indigenous groups have a cultural legacy that is diverse and extensive. Maintain a respectful attitude towards their customs and way of life. Before shooting images of individuals or their houses, you should always be sure to get permission first.

Stay Hydrated: Both the mountainous terrain and the treks may be taxing on one’s physical abilities. Keep yourself hydrated throughout your vacation by carrying adequate water with you.

Enjoy the Journey: As breathtaking as the destination itself, the road to Sajek is just as breathtaking. You should take your time to take in the breathtaking scenery, engage in conversation with the inhabitants, and really submerge yourself in the natural splendour of the area.

Conclusion

The trip I took to Sajek was an experience I will never forget since it was packed with gorgeous scenery, exciting cultural contacts, and times of complete and utter tranquilly. The beauty of nature and the straightforward pleasures of life were brought to mind by it. In Sajek, time seems to stop still, allowing you to escape the bustle of everyday life and find tranquilly in the embrace of the hills. Sajek is a place where time seems to stand still.

Sajek ought to be at the very top of your list of potential vacation spots if you are seeking a place that provides the ideal combination of natural splendour, cultural sophistication, and exciting activities. This is the kind of location that will leave you with memories that you will hold dear for the rest of your life and a desire to go back.

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