The hill district could not yet attract optimum number of tourists due to lack of proper development of tourist spots and accommodation facilities, sources said.

The development of tourism is possible in Khagrachhari with its natural wild beauty of contrasting topography of high hills, vast lakes and scenic valleys. Its ethnic and cultural diversity is also different from other parts of Bangladesh.

Away from the monotonous life, to take a break and stay with real nature anybody can spend holidays in Khagrachhari.

They can stay at both private and government hotels, motels and boarding at cheaper cost.

Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation (BPC) has a motel with capacity of 48 people and an amusement centre on seven acres of land adjacent to the Chenghi river. The motel is decorated with modern amentias for the tourists.

Many private hotels have also been constructed here to encourage the tourists. The hotels are Hotel Ziran, Hotel Labiyat, Hotel 3Star, Hotel 4 Star, Hotel 5 Star, Chowdhury Boarding, Bhai Bhai Boarding, Gazi Boarding, Need Mohal Boarding, Raju Boarding, Sabuz Boarding and Shili Boarding.

The main attractions for the tourists here are Alutilla, Matai Pukhuri Lake,

Rajbari of Mong (Marma) chief and Ramgarh tea estate.

Alutilla, an attraction for the tourists, is about 10 miles from Khagrachhari district headquarters. Its main attractions are panic spot, towers and a 100- meter long dark cave with a mountain stream flow. It is surrounded by deep forest with panoramic views along with a tower from where one can see the whole Chenghi valley, Khagrachhari town.

Matai Pukhuri Lake is above 1500 feet from the ground at Nunchhari. According to Tripura myth, its water never dries and turns dirty. That is why it is called 'Mathai Pukhur' or the lake of God.

Arranya Kuthir, a research centre for Buddists and the highest Buddist statue of South Asia, is situated Panchhari upazila here.

Rajbari of Mong (Marma) chief, is also here. His traditional house is at Manikchhari upazila where tourists can see a royal bed made of ivory.

The 100-year old Ramgarh tea estate is situated at the bank of the Feni river.

Besides, if tourists visit Khagrachhari in April they can enjoy the Biju Festival, the main function of indigenous people. The indigenous people perform dance, songs and hold many cultural functions of their own during the festival. The hill people go to the temple, river or canal to seek for peace and prosperity from the lord Buddha. The tourists also can enjoy amazing indigenous life and culture.

The tourists can go to Khagrachhari from Dhaka by air and train via Chittagong and from Chittagong by road.

There are also direct bus services between Dhaka and Khagrachhari.

A section of indigenous people think that if tourism booms here it might disrupt their social harmony while the government officials say it will bring economic freedom of the people of the area as well as the country.

Leaders of the indigenous community said it would destroy their culture and tradition.

District Jana Sanghati Samity General Secretary Sudakor Tripura said the development of tourism will not only damage our culture but also make us landless. He said it will not bring any good for us except deprivations.

Nagorik Committee Secretary Santushita Chakma alias Bakul Chakma said though it has some economic prospects, no indigenous people support tourism here because we will lose our tradition, culture and heritage. If the government continues its tourism project here we would start agitation against it, he added.

NGO worker Relly Chakma said in the name of tourism development the government oppress us as we are more backward and minority. But today or tomorrow the indigenous people will be united and fight for their interest, she hoped.

Forkanur Rashid, a tourist from Kustia, said it's like Nepal and it has great prospect for tourism. He said authorities should ensure more security for the tourists.

Khagrachhari Parjatan Corporation Manager Zakir Hossain Sikder said the number of local tourists is increasing every year but the number of foreign tourists is not increasing due to security reasons. The US government advised its citizens not to travel to the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), he said.

Police Super Nawsher Ali said they have all sorts of preparation to provide security to tourists. Khagrachhari is now a safer place than any other district of the country as the security agencies are on alert here, he added.