Debotar pukur is a lake (or pond) that is located amid hills in Khagrachhari district. Debotar pukur means the lake of god, and it is a sacred lake to the local people. In the local language this is known as Matai pukhiri. There is a river created from the outflow of the river, named as Nunchhori river. This lake is located approximately 7-8 kilometers from the nearby bus stoppage named Maischhori.
It was the second day of our tour. We could have left our hotel before 7:00am in the morning. But after having a dilly-dally, we finally came outside after 9:00am. To visit Debotar pukur it was already late. Because we had to reach there before 9:00am in the morning.
We needed to come at the Maischhori first. There was only one bus providing the service on that route, Khagrachhori-Rangamati bus service. But this one was available only once per hour. So we had to take the service from Chander Gari, a local fancy vehicle. This would drop us at the Maischhori bazar, and it costed 15 Taka for each person. We had a small chat with the local people during the ride. They were suggesting us it would be around 7-8 kilometer from the Maischhori bazar (4 kilometer on road and other 3 kilometer is upwards walk). So they suggested us to hire a motor bike for the 4 kilometer (instead of walking). it would recover the time we’ve already wasted.
From the Maischhori bazar, We hired a guy, Sanwar for 350 Taka (as a guide plus bike). He would take us for that 4 kilometers, and then would guide us up to the Debotar pukur (round trip). That guy was a bit of a rookie. Twice his bike slipped on the risky path. Also he was having a problem while the bike was riding upwards. The road was slippery, because the water from the hills was passing over the roads, and it made it slippery as the road was made of brick.
We had to garage the bike in a village, and after that the walking for another 3 kilometers just started. The lake is approximately 700 feet above sea level. And it would take your full strength to reach the peak. You’d find a stream that was created from the water of the lake during your walking path. The last part of the path is really hard. It’s a direct upward climb, and at one time you’d feel like this path would never end.
After a hard hike, finally we reached the top of the hill where the lake Debotar pukur is situated. We rested there for around 15/20 minutes before exploring it. The lake is not that big. But you could spend some time exploring the hills around the lake. The place is really beautiful. During the Summer lots of people visit this place. This is kind of a pilgrimage area for the tribal people. For example this lake is a holy place for the Tripura people.
Debotar Pukur (Matai Pukhiri),
District: Khagrachhari,
Country: Bangladesh,
GPS Coordinate (23°00’56.1″N, 91°58’20.9″E).
Written by Lonely Traveler,
For blog alonelytraveler.com
Sunday, 01st August 2010
