Tentulia becomes a tourist hotspot in winter to see the beauty of Kanchenjunga: It lacks services, facilities
13 November 2022
Country's northern upazila Tentulia has become a tourist attraction as the tourists can see the majestic Kanchenjunga, the world's third highest mountain, about 150km from Panchagarh district. Every winter, this place becomes a tourist hotspot. People of all ages from across the country flock to the northernmost district to get a glimpse of its "unworldly" beauty. For many it's heaven on earth on display among the vast tracts of tea gardens.
Considering the rush of visitors from all over the country, the tourist services and facilities in Panchagarh are inadequate compared to the demand. Government agencies have been trying to encourage tourism in the district's Tentulia upazila. However, local investors have not done much in this regard, since most visitors come only for a short period in the winter.
Since tourists come only for a short time, investors haven't shown much interest in the sector here. As a result, a lack of housing and accommodation for visitors has been a problem. The administration has already started "community tourism" to arrange short-term stays at the homes of locals. Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation has initiated a Tk 39.34 crore project -- Construction of Tourism Centre - under which a motel would be built in Panchagarh town. The project work is yet to begin as around one acre of land beside the Banglabandha Port Road in Panchagarh town is currently being acquired. Under the project two four-storey buildings, each with 32 rooms, can accommodate around 100 tourists. The building with modern facilities will be constructed.
The government has planned to boost tourism in Panchagarh, centring the mountain peak, stretching tea fields, and archaeological sites. Besides, the civil administration and tourist police are alert regarding the visitors' security. With better and adequate accommodation, quality food and proper safety measures, tourists could certainly enjoy more. Also, there is a dearth of vehicles and sanitation facilities that discourage tourists to plan longer stays. The district and upazila administration has taken some steps to create facilities for tourists, now the private organisations should come up in a planned manner.
