Bogakain Lake, or Boga Lake, is a naturally formed lake that originated approximately 2,000 years ago. It is located at an altitude of about 1,246 feet (380 meters) above sea level, nestled at the foot of Keokradong Hill, which is 17 kilometers from Ruma Upazila in the Bandarban district. According to geologists, this lake was formed either from the crater of an extinct volcano or as a result of a meteorite impact. Over time, rainwater collected in this crater, eventually creating a large, rectangular-shaped lake.
This freshwater lake is surrounded on three sides by towering mountain peaks, which are lush with thick bamboo bushes. Being a closed lake, it has no outlet for water to drain away, nor does it receive water from any external sources. The only water source for the lake is rain, although there is a small spring or waterfall called Boga Chhara located 153 meters below the lake. The average depth of Boga Lake is 38 meters.
The water in the lake is so clear that you can see fish swimming underwater. There is a mystery hidden beneath the surface. The surface of Boga Lake is covered with rocks and boulders of various shapes. Chemical experts have stated that the high acidity levels make the lake unsuitable for growing any kind of plant life or supporting animals. However, the intriguing part is that both flora and fauna can still be found there.
There are mythological stories and legends from the Bawm, Marma, Mro, Khumi, and Tripura communities about the creation of Boga Lake. One such myth states that there was a Bawm village and a Murung village located near the lake. The local indigenous communities include the Bawm, Murung or Mro, Tanchangya, Tripura, and others. According to their folklore, a dragon used to live in a cave in the mountain long ago. In the Bawm language, the dragon is called “Boga.” To appease the dragon deity, local people would sacrifice livestock. However, one day, some people killed the dragon deity. Immediately after its death, a deafening roar erupted from the cave, followed by a burst of fire that turned everything to ash. After that, the hilltop turned into a submerged lake, destroying the surrounding villages. Though there is no factual evidence for this myth, the fire-breathing dragon in the story and the lake’s crater-like structure align with the idea of a dead volcano.
In another mythological story, it is said that Boga Lake was once a wealthy Mro village. A large snake used to live in a tunnel near the village. One day, some villagers caught the snake and ate it. Due to the villagers eating the snake, the serpent king (Nagraj) took revenge, causing the entire village along with its inhabitants to sink, leading to the creation of Boga Lake. Still, many Bawm and Mro people believe that when the serpent king, who lives in the depth of the lake, shakes its tail, the lake’s water becomes murky.
According to some senior citizens, the origin of the lake was connected to a deity that the inhabitants of Khumi Village killed and ate. This divine being later reappeared to them in the form of a dragon. Suddenly, an earthquake struck, causing the hillside to collapse and the village to vanish, leaving behind a deep lake in its place.
It is quite difficult to travel to Boga Lake during monsoon, but it is convenient to go there in winter season. Still, many adventure-loving tourists accept the hardship to be captivated by the beauty of Boga Lake. The entire route from Bandarban to Boga Lake is a zigzag mountain path. The beauty of this path will attract you and the fatigue of the journey will fade away.
How to go to Boga Lake?
No matter which part of the country you live in, you will first have to come to Bandarban to go to Boga Lake. From Arambagh, Fakirapool, Abdullahpur, and Sayedabad in Dhaka, buses of different transports like S. Alam, Saudia, Saintmartin Paribahan, Unique, Hanif, Shyamoli, Dolphin, etc. depart for Bandarban. The fare per person of these busies is approximately BDT 800-900 for non-AC and BDT 1200-1800 for AC respectively. It takes about 8-10 hours to go to Bandarban from Dhaka by bus.
If you want to go there by train, you can go to Chattogram by taking Parjatak Express, Cox’s Bazar Express, Sonar Bangla, Subarna Express, Turna Nishitha, or Mahanagar Godhuli from Dhaka. The ticket price ranges from BDT 405 to BDT 1398, depending on the class. Moreover, you can travel directly from Dhaka to Chattogram by air.
Two buses named Pubali and Purbani depart for Bandarban from Bahaddarhat in Chattogram. On these two buses, the fare for each person is BDT 220. You can travel to Bandarban from the Dampara Bus Stand in Chattogram by bus for a fare of BDT 200–300.
From Bandarban to Boga Lake:
If you want to go to Boga Lake from Bandarban city, you must first go to Ruma Bazar. The distance from Bandarban to Ruma Bazar is approximately 43 kilometers. You can go to Ruma Bazar by local bus or Chander Gari (classic blue jeep). If you want to travel by bus, you must go to the Ruma bus stand in Bandarban. From there, buses depart for Ruma every hour. The fare for each person is BDT 120, and the journey takes about three hours. If you travel in a group, you can go to Ruma Bazar by Chander Gari. This vehicle can accommodate 10-15 people. You will have to rent this type of vehicle for BDT 3000-4000 from the jeep station in Bandarban city. Traveling by jeep will take around two hours.
Upon reaching Ruma Bazar, the first thing you need to do is hire a guide to go to Boga Lake. It is mandatory to take a guide. There are registered guides available, and you need to arrange for one of them. Before departing, you need to get permission from the Ruma Bazar Army Camp to travel to Boga Lake. For this, the identities of all traveling members must be submitted in writing. The guide will help you with these procedures. Also, you must keep in mind that permission to travel from Ruma Bazar to Boga Lake is not granted after 4 PM.
The distance from Ruma Bazar to Boga Lake is approximately 17 kilometers. After obtaining permission, you will need to hire a Land Cruiser Jeep or a Chander Gari. One vehicle can accommodate 8-15 people. You can take the help of a guide for these tasks. If you explain what you need to the guide, they will generally arrange everything for you. From Ruma Bazar to Boga Lake, the reserve fare for a Land Cruiser is BDT 1800, while the fare for a Chander Gari is BDT 2000. If you have a small group, you can talk to another group and arrange to hire a vehicle together. Alternatively, you can buy a ticket and travel by local transport. From 8 AM to 4 PM, local transport, Chander Gari, operates every hour. The fare for local transport to Boga Lake is BDT 100 per person.
Currently, you can travel directly by vehicle from Ruma Bazar to Boga Lake. However, during the rainy season, if the road is in poor condition, vehicles may not be able to reach Boga Lake directly.
Accommodation and food arrangements at
Boga Lake:
There are no high-quality hotels or resorts at Boga Lake. However, there are around 20 small cottages owned by the indigenous people. You will have to stay in one of these cottages. Among them, Siam Didi’s cottage, Laram’s cottage, and Robert’s cottage are the most popular. Some cottages are built on elevated bamboo platforms right next to the lake. Staying in these indigenous cottages, surrounded by a completely natural environment, will cost BDT 100-200 per person. A one-room cottage can accommodate 5-6 people. Besides, separate cottages can be arranged for couples or female travelers if desired. If you have a preference in advance, inform the guide when going there, and he will arrange the cottage for you. Alternatively, you can arrange it upon arrival.
If you plan to go there during the off-season, you do not need to reserve a cottage in advance. However, if you plan to visit during the peak season, you must make a reservation before your journey. The best time to visit Boga Lake is winter. The weather during that period is pleasantly dry and comfortable, allowing you to avoid any weather-related difficulties. If you are an adventurer who enjoys challenges and wants to experience the real beauty of the mountain, then you must visit during the monsoon or just after the end of the rainy season.
You will have to make food arrangements in the indigenous houses. Usually, food packages are available for BDT 100-200. The food arrangement typically includes rice, eggs, mashed potatoes, and mountain chicken. For this, you must inform in advance what you would like to eat and how many people will be eating. If you want to have food upon arrival, you can inform the guide before traveling. The cottages have barbecue facilities. You can buy mountain chicken and enjoy this unique experience while sitting by the lake.
Boga Lake travel tips:
Ø There is no electricity at Boga Lake, but there is an arrangement for a solar power system. You can carry a power bank with you to charge your mobile.
Ø Not all mobile networks are available at Boga Lake. The networks of Robi and Teletalk are available here. So, you can carry a SIM card from either of these network providers.
Ø Recently, some accidents have occurred at Boga Lake. So, be careful while bathing in the lake.
Ø The lifestyle of indigenous people is not like that of people living in plain areas. Always try to avoid doing anything that may disrespect them.
Ø Take permission before taking photos of indigenous people. They may not like having their photos taken without permission.
Ø The entire road from Bandarban to Boga Lake is a zigzag hilly road. Be careful while traveling.
Ø You can keep a copy of your national identity card with you for safety.
Ø You must get permission from the army camp to go to Boga Lake. You must also report when coming back.
Attention: Any tourist spot is a valuable asset of our country. Refrain from doing anything that is harmful to nature and its beauty. Encourage others to do the same. This country is ours, and it is our responsibility to take care of everything in it.
Caution: Hotel, resort, transportation rental, and other costs change over time. Therefore, the information published here may not be up to date. Please plan your trip based on the latest information before traveling anywhere.
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