Debotakhum

Bandarban is commonly referred to as the "Khum Kingdom." Debotakhum is known as the "King of Khums." Debotakhum is situated in Rowangchari subdistrict of Bandarban. It is one of the most fascinating waterfalls of Bangladesh. Debotakhum is essentially a branch of the Taracha Canal. It is surrounded on both sides by mountains and a rocky area with deep water. In Marma language “Khum” refers to waterfall. Devtakhum is the most popular khum to visit in Bandarban. This is due to the fact that it is quite easy to go around from this location. Locals estimate that some areas of this khum are 50 feet deep and 600 feet long.

The inhabitants have various interesting myths about Debotakhum. According to folklore, an ancient Marma man allegedly spotted a massive turtle in this pond. The unusual size of that turtle led him to believe that it was a debota (a Bengali word for deity) living in the khum disguised as a turtle. The villagers continue to believe that their god can be found someplace in Debotakhum. Others ethnic locals who live here believe that this khum contains an unnamed animal weighing more than 80 kg. Many people used to be able to view this creature with their own eyes in the khum's water, but now they can't. They regard this creature as a God. Because the word 'debota' signifies 'God' in Bengali, the name of this place is Debotakhum. Locals also call it "Sonakhum" and "Thongchikhum".

Debotakhum's route is both lovely and terrifying. In the rainy season, the pathway will draw your attention, but there is also a risk of slipping on the slick, rocky path. There is no sound but the running water, and there is no mobile network.

Best time of visiting

Debotakhum can always be visited. Each time has a different form. Water flow is high during monsoon and it decreases during winter. It is difficult to go because the water is high in monsoon and the color of the water is not clear. Besides, there is a fear of flash flood in monsoon. For that, it is best to go during the post-monsoon season. November to April is the ideal time to visit any khum in Bandarban including Debotakhum.

Bandarban to Debotakhum

From Bandarban you can take a bus to Rowangchari, then take CNG to Kachchapatli. The distance from Bandarban city to Rowangchari is 18 km and the distance from Rowangchari to Kachchapatli is 7 km.

But if you want, you can directly go to Kachchapatali by reserving jeep or CNG from Bandarban city. 12/13 people can sit in one jeep.

Permission to go to Debotakhum has to be obtained from Rowangchari Police Station and Kachchapatli Army Camp. Photocopy of national identity card must be submitted for permission.

You need to take a guide to go to Debotakhum. You can take a guide from Kachhapati or Rowangchari. A guide guides a team of 10 people at a time.