Debotakhum

Debotakhum (Bengali: দেবতাখুম) is a natural water-filled hollow located in Rowangchhari Upazila of Bandarban District, Bangladesh.[1] It is situated in a hilly forested area.[2][3][4]

The water hollows are approximately 50 to 70 feet deep, and as roughly 600 feet long.[5]

Etymology

In the local (Marma regional) usage, the word "khum" refers to a natural waterfall or deep pool.[6] According to myths, an elderly Marma man once spotted an enormous turtle in this reservoir. Its unusual size led him to believe that a debota (the Bengali word for “god”) was residing in the khum, disguised as a turtle. Even today, the villagers maintain the belief that their deity dwells somewhere in the area.[7][5][8]

The name "Debotakhum" although originates from the Bengali word "debota" (meaning "deity" or "god") combined with "khum". According to local traditions, the name reflects a belief or story about a creature in the khum, though no formal shrine or statue is present.[6]

It is also referred to as "Sonakhum" and "Thongchikhum" by the locals.[7]

Tourism

Debotakhum is known as one of Bandarban's popular adventure and natural‑beauty tourist spots.[8]

The site attracts around 400–500 visitors per day during peak season, dropping to 150–200 in the off-season. During holiday surges, nearly 600–700 visitors arrive to the site.[9][10]

The khum is surrounded by thick forest and hills. The water is often described as very clear and cold. A bamboo‑raft ride (vela/ traditional raft/boat) on the pool is also present.[11]

In June 2025, local authorities in Rowangchhari Upazila issued a temporary advisory/ban on travel to Debotakhum due heavy rainfall, increased water flow, and landslide risk.[12] After weather conditions improved, tourists were allowed again.[13][14]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Debotakhum which is the paradise of Bangladesh". Earth. Retrieved 26 November 2025.
  2. ^ "Debotakhum". About Bangladesh. Retrieved 26 November 2025.
  3. ^ Team, Lrb Travel (15 January 2022). "Debotakhum (দেবতাখুম): A Real Adventurer Place". Retrieved 26 November 2025.
  4. ^ Magazine, Smithsonian; Mehedi, Foysal. "Rafting in Debotakhum". Smithsonian Magazine. Retrieved 26 November 2025.
  5. ^ a b "The tale of Debotakhum". The Business Standard. 7 April 2021. Retrieved 26 November 2025.
  6. ^ a b "Debotakhum- The King of all Khums – Tourism in Bangladesh". touristbd.com. Archived from the original on 11 August 2025. Retrieved 26 November 2025.
  7. ^ a b Mitun, Habiba (19 November 2022). "Debotakhum where tranquillity reigns". The Daily Star. Retrieved 26 November 2025.
  8. ^ a b "Debotakhum – the wonderland of adventure". The Financial Express. Retrieved 26 November 2025.
  9. ^ "Community based Tourism study in Rowanhchari, Bandarban" (PDF). longdom.
  10. ^ Marma, Mong Sing Hai (4 April 2025). "Eid brings a surge of visitors to Bandarban's Debota Kum". The Daily Star. Retrieved 26 November 2025.
  11. ^ "দেবতাখুম ভ্রমণ – যাওয়ার উপায়, গাইড, খরচ ও টিপস". ভ্রমণ গাইড. Retrieved 26 November 2025.
  12. ^ "Tourists advised to avoid Bandarban's Debotakhum over landslide risk". The Daily Star. 19 June 2025. Retrieved 26 November 2025.
  13. ^ "Tourist entry banned in Debotakhum due to heavy downpour – Times Of Bangladesh". 22 August 2025. Retrieved 26 November 2025.
  14. ^ "Tourists allowed back to Debotakhum as weather improves in Bandarban". The Daily Star. 26 June 2025. Retrieved 26 November 2025.
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