A vibrant bloom of red water lilies across Hajachhara Beel in Khagrachhari’s Dighinala upazila is drawing a growing number of visitors also creating new prospects for local tourism and employment.
Located in Merung union, the flowers cover nearly four acres of the 10-acre waterbody also forming a scenic landscape that attracts roughly 100 to 150 visitors daily. Many tourists discovered the spot through photos and videos shared on Facebook and say the view is even more captivating in person.
Visitors explore the waterbody on small boats to enjoy the scenery and take photographs. Local boatman Ismail Hossain noted that daily tourist arrivals allow him to earn between Tk.700 and Tk.800 per day by offering boat rides around the beel.
Local residents believe Hajachhara Beel could develop into a major tourist hub in Dighinala with proper administrative support such as arranging more boats for visitors. They also urged tourists not to pluck the flowers or harm the surrounding ecosystem.
Md Abul Khayer, a horticulturist at the Dighinala Upazila Horticulture Centre, confirmed that people from across the country are visiting the site. Highlighting its tourism potential also he advised visitors to arrive early in the morning to see the water lilies in full bloom.
