Waterfalls in Bangladesh: The Best Falls, When to Go and How to Stay Safe

Most waterfalls in Bangladesh are in the hills of the east: the tea country of Moulvibazar, the Sitakunda–Mirsharai range north of Chattogram, and the Chittagong Hill Tracts. They are at their best in and just after the monsoon, which is also when the trails are muddiest and the rocks most dangerous. This guide to waterfalls in Bangladesh covers six of the best, how to reach each one, and how to come home safely.

When to visit waterfalls in Bangladesh

• June to October is waterfall season: the falls are full and the hills are green.
• September to November is a good compromise for the harder trips, with water still flowing but rivers calmer.
• In the dry months many falls shrink to a thin stream, though the walks are easier.
• Avoid days of heavy rain: streams can rise suddenly and flash floods come down without warning.

1. Madhabkunda Waterfall, Moulvibazar

Madhabkunda Waterfall, in Barlekha upazila, is one of the best-known waterfalls in the country and the easiest to reach. A stream drops over a sheer rock face into a deep pool, and an eco-park surrounds it; from the gate a paved path and steps lead to the foot of the fall in a few minutes. It is about two hours by road from Sylhet city, or by CNG from Kulaura or Barlekha. Nearby is a temple of Madhabeshwar, where the Baruni snan bathing festival draws pilgrims in Chaitra.

Safety: do not swim in the pool or climb the rocks around it. The water is deep, the rocks slippery, and people have drowned here.

2. Hamham Waterfall, Moulvibazar

Hamham Waterfall is the adventure option. It lies deep in the Rajkandi forest near the Tripura border, and the only way in is a trek of roughly 2–3 hours each way along stony streams and muddy ridges. The trek starts from a village at the forest’s edge, 1.5–2 hours from Sreemangal or Moulvibazar town through Kamalganj. There are no facilities on the way. Take a local guide, start early, and be out before dark. Both of these falls are covered in the Moulvibazar district guide.

3. Khoiyachora Waterfall, Chattogram

Khoiyachora Waterfall in Mirsharai falls down the hillside in a series of steps, each with its own pool. Get off a highway bus at Boro Takia, then walk or take a CNG to the trail; the walk through fields and along the stream takes about an hour each way. The lower falls need no real climbing, but the upper steps are only for the sure-footed.

Safety: the rocks are very slippery — wear shoes with grip and straps, not flip-flops, and do not climb to the upper steps in heavy rain.

4. Nafakhum Waterfall, Bandarban

Nafakhum Waterfall on the Remakri stream is a broad curtain of water deep in the Thanchi hills of Bandarban. Getting there is half the adventure: jeep or bus to Thanchi, a boat up the Sangu to Remakri, then a walk of a few hours along the stream. Plan at least two days. A registered local guide is required, and Thanchi has at times been closed to tourists — check the current rules before planning.

Safety: wear a life jacket on the boat, and do not swim in the pool below the falls; the current is strong.

5. Shuvolong Waterfall, Rangamati

Shuvolong Waterfall pours down a forested cliff almost straight into Kaptai Lake, so boats pull up right at its foot. From Rangamati town, an engine boat takes about 1.5–2 hours each way between steep green hills; most people hire a boat for the day. It is a monsoon waterfall — in winter it can shrink to a trickle, though the lake trip is still lovely.

Safety: wear life jackets on the lake, do not climb the rocks at the falls, and carry your ID for checkpoints.

6. Risang Waterfall, Khagrachhari

Near Khagrachhari town, Risang Waterfall is famous for its long, smooth rock slope that people slide down on the rushing water. It is about 20–30 minutes by CNG or jeep from town, then a steep path and steps down. It pairs well with Alutila Cave on the same road.

Safety: think twice before sliding — the rock is hard and people have been hurt. Never slide in heavy flow after rain.

A gentler option near Cox’s Bazar

Himchari, on the Marine Drive just south of Cox’s Bazar, has a waterfall that runs strongly in the rainy season, plus hill steps with a view along the beach. It is an easy half day if you are already at the coast.

Waterfall safety rules

Every year people are hurt or drown at waterfalls in Bangladesh. These rules apply everywhere:

• Do not swim in plunge pools unless locals confirm it is safe; they are deep and the current is strong.
• Do not climb wet rocks, and keep children close.
• Wear shoes with grip and straps; flip-flops cause falls.
• Go with a local guide on forest trails, start early and leave well before dark.
• Watch the weather: leave the stream bed at once if the water rises or turns muddy.
• Wear a life jacket on every boat.
• Carry water, a small first-aid kit, a dry bag for your phone and salt or leech socks in the rainy season.
• Take your rubbish back with you.

Getting there by bus

Sreemangal, Moulvibazar, Chattogram, Rangamati, Bandarban and Khagrachhari are all served by buses from Dhaka and other cities, and Khoiyachora is right on the Dhaka–Chattogram highway. Search buses for your route and book your seat before the waterfall season fills the roads.