It was around 3pm in the afternoon and we were in the Mahalchhari bazaar of Khagrachhori district. We were hesitant about visiting the Mahalchhari lake or not. It was an approximately 1 hour bike ride from the bazaar. The only problem was that the last bus was waiting in the stand. Also there would be no buses to return back from Mahalchhari after this hour. So if we go there we won’t be able to come back on that day.
It was raining slightly, and would increase soon. If we take a bike it would be a risky one, cause the roads were very narrow, and slippery due to rain. But finally we’ve shown some courage and decided to visit Mahalchhari by riding a bike. We have hired a tribal guy, named Udina Marma. His phone number was 01825757665. He was an expert but crazy bike rider.
Mahalchhari lake is situated near the Mahalchhari dak Bunglow. Within one hour we reached Mahalchhari lake. If you wish, you could stay in that Bunglow at night (I think it might need some permission to stay there). The river Chengi falls into the Mahalchhari lake. This lake is actually connected to Kaptai lake through the river Chengi.
When we reached the bank of the Mahalchhari lake where the river Chengi and the lake joined together, it was my bad luck or good luck I don’t know, a heavy rain started after that, and continued for around an hour. Finding no other alternatives we had to stay under a tin shaded club house until the rain had disappeared. I know I could visit the lake again in future, but that time the rain might not come. So overall I was happy.
We had a plan to cross the lake with a boat to reach the Naniarchar to explore for more, and also to have some boat ride over the lake. The rain just stopped us to do so. If you visit the place, I’d suggest you to go there before 12pm, and the after enjoying the place, just return back before sunset.
While we were returning back from Mahalchhari, we found some tribal guys playing Kabadi beside the road. We didn’t notice what was happening. Our bike driver Udina found that. We had a pause there for a while and we enjoyed the game. Since it rained heavily, the playground was totally muddy. Every single player of the game was covered with mud. I found tons of enthusiasm in them. Wish I could join them for a moment!
The return was so adventurous and scary. That time the army used to barricade the road so nothing could travel after afternoon. They made it for some security reason. We had to push our bike under a few of those barricades, and had to answer questions from the Armies. Also our bike was running out of fuel. So the driver needed to drive at a faster speed. It was nail biting, cause we didn’t want to be stranded in a place like that during the night.
Mahalchhari lake,
Upazila: Mahalchhari,
District: Khagrachhari,
Country: Bangladesh,
GPS Coordinate (22°55’57.1″N, 92°02’16.8″E).
Written by Lonely Traveler,
For blog alonelytraveler.com
Sunday, 01 August 2010
