Bandarban, a southeastern district of Bangladesh, is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural diversity. The region’s towering hills, mist-covered peaks, and vibrant ethnic communities create a living canvas of nature and tradition. Eleven indigenous groups, including the Marma, Mro, and Tanchangya, inhabit the area, practicing traditional jhum cultivation and preserving their distinct crafts and cuisines that attract visitors seeking authentic experiences.

The district’s name, Bandarban, originates from a local legend involving monkeys forming a chain to cross a stream, giving rise to its meaning, “dam of monkeys.” Historically, the area was under the Bomang Circle, established under the 1900 Chittagong Hill Tracts Regulation, and became a full-fledged district in 1984. The century-old Bomang royal palace and the annual Raj Punnyah festival remain symbols of its enduring heritage.

Home to Bangladesh’s highest peaks, Tajindong and Keokradong, and scenic waterfalls like Nafakhum and Amiakhum, Bandarban is also rich in forest resources and agricultural produce. Its serene landscapes, spiritual sites, and communal harmony make it a distinctive meeting point of nature and culture.