Founded in the 1970s as the monastic retreat of the revered forest monk Sadhanananda Mahathera, known affectionately as Bana Bhante, this expansive sanctuary covers 33 acres of forested hill land. The complex features multiple ornate multi-tiered prayer halls, gilded pagodas, and a glass shrine holding the preserved mortal remains of the master. Every autumn, thousands of pilgrims assemble for the Kathina Chibar Dan robe-offering ceremony, weaving monastic garments over a continuous 24-hour period. Walk quietly and remember to remove shoes before ascending temple pavilions.
- Best time
- October to February
- Give it
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free entry; auto-rickshaw from town centre about ৳40–60 each way
How to get to Rajban Vihara
About 4 km north-west of Rangamati town centre. Take a local auto-rickshaw or CNG from anywhere in town; takes roughly 15 minutes.
Rangamati town is about 305 km from Dhaka, around 8 hours by road. Every way to get there is in the Rangamati guide.
Dress respectfully covering shoulders and knees; footwear must be removed before entering temple compounds.
More to see in Rangamati
Photo: Moheen Reeyad, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Kaptai Lake কাপ্তাই হ্রদ
Bangladesh's largest artificial lake, created in 1962, wrapping around green forested hills and dotted with fishing boats.
- Best time
- October to March
- Give it
- Half a day
- Cost
- Engine boat hire roughly ৳1,500–2,500 for a half-day private cruise for up to six people
Photo: Shakhawat Hossen Shafat, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Rangamati Hanging Bridge রাঙামাটি ঝুলন্ত সেতু
A landmark 335-foot pedestrian suspension bridge linking two hillocks over Kaptai Lake at the Parjatan complex.
- Best time
- November to February
- Give it
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Parjatan complex entry ৳20; town auto-rickshaw about ৳60–80 each way
Photo: Shadman Samee from Dhaka, Bangladesh, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons Sajek Valley সাজেক ভ্যালি
A high mountain ridge village at 1,800 feet known for panoramic sunsets, sea-of-clouds dawns, and Lushai tribal hamlets.
- Best time
- September to February
- Give it
- A full day
- Cost
- Hired jeep roughly ৳8,000–10,000 round trip for up to 12 people; individual resort stay roughly ৳2,000–6,000 per room
Photo: Mohammad tushar, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Shuvolong Waterfall শুভলং ঝর্ণা
A sheer rock waterfall plunging hundreds of feet directly into Kaptai Lake, reached only by boat through a winding gorge.
- Best time
- July to November
- Give it
- Half a day
- Cost
- Engine boat hire roughly ৳2,000–3,000 round trip for a private boat; entry at waterfall jetty ৳20