Alikodom, a region renowned for its rugged wilderness, Chimbuk mountain range, and captivating waterfalls, has captured the hearts of many adventure seekers. Two remarkable places near Alikodom, Marayntang Hill, and Damtua Hill, offer unique experiences for nature enthusiasts.
Marayntang holds a special place in the hearts of Buddhist pilgrims, featuring a sacred temple and offering a serene atmosphere for spiritual reflection. Its proximity to the town and easy hiking trails make it a popular camping spot during the winter season, attracting numerous tourists seeking tranquility amidst natural beauty.
Marayntang — A Sacred Oasis
Our journey began early in the morning upon reaching Alikodom. With time to spare before lunch, we explored nearby cascades, setting the stage for our Marayntang adventure. Despite the challenges of the rainy season, we embarked on a hike to Marayntang after a satisfying meal. The hiking track to Marayntang is very well constructed. Even for someone who cannot walk, a bike ride can take them to the top. In my opinion, it is one of the most relaxing, beautiful, and easiest camping places in Bangladesh. If I remember correctly, a few of us reached the top without any stops on the hike, even competing to arrive before everyone else. The peak was shrouded in mist, lending an air of mystique to the landscape. From atop Marayntang, we were treated to a mesmerizing view of the Towain River.
It was a cloudy day and had been raining since the early morning. As we set up camp for the night, only two of our tents were equipped to withstand the rain, which we offered to the female members of our group. Other tents, including mine, were not waterproof. That night, I decided to try something different—I shielded my ears with one hand and experienced a sound sleep under the soothing rhythm of the rain. It might seem funny, but I realized that even heavy rainfall could not ruin my sleep.
The Damtua Waterfall Expedition
The following morning marked the commencement of our Damtua waterfall adventure. We arranged a "chander gari," ideally suited for navigating the hilly terrain, which transported us to a place known as “21 kilo.” From there, we embarked on a 2-hour hike that led us to “Bang Jhiri,” a wide cascade. During a daring leap, I inadvertently lost my eyeglasses. The cascade was so relaxing that unfortunately, I slipped and lost my eyeglasses. I usually kept a spare set of glasses with me, but this was a short trek, so I didn't bother to bring it from my backpack. Every time I embrace the wild, it teaches me a lot of life lessons. This time, I realized that I am an independent person who can manage even without my eyewear in unexpected circumstances.Nevertheless, we pushed on to the mesmerizing Damtua waterfall, and this incident taught me the value of self-reliance, even without my eyeglasses.
Although this was a very easy and entertaining tour, these two events—sleeping under heavy rainfall over the mountain and hiking without eye-ware—helped me find two of my very dear friends. This was one of the very few life-time moments for me when my friend circle grew instead of shrinking.
Alikodom, with its stunning Marayntang and Damtua, offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of nature’s splendor. Our experiences in this pristine region, from camping atop Marayntang amidst the rain to finding inner strength after losing eyeglasses at Damtua, underscore the resilience and resilience of nature, as well as the lessons it imparts. This adventure in Alikodom has etched itself into our memories, reminding us of the beauty and wonder that await those willing to explore the untamed wilderness.