Location:

The Jummaland is located in the Southeast Asia and comprised of three hill districts—Rangamati, Bandarban, and Khagrachari of Bangladesh. The land lies between 21°-40′ degrees and 23°-47′ degrees north latitude and 91°-40′ degrees and 92°-42′ degrees east longitude. It shares borders with Myanmar on the south and southeast, India on the north and northeast and Chittagong and Cox's Bazar district of Bangladesh on the west.

Geographical Features:

The Jummaland, south-eastern part of Bangladesh, comprises a total area of 5,093 sq. miles (13,189 sq. km.) which is about one-tenth of the total area of Bangladesh. It is a unique territory with mountains and beautiful landscapes in stark contrast to the alluvial, monsoon-flooded plains and completely different in physical features, agricultural practices and soil conditions from the rest of the country and also socio-economically and culturally stretching along the present day Indo-Burma-Bangladesh border - is slightly smaller than East Timor (5,376 sq.miles) and bigger than Lebanan (4,036 sq.miles). It roughly runs from North to South for 300 km. The terrain in the Jummaland is part of the great hill mass—an offshoot of the Himalayan range—occupying parts of India, Myanmar, and Bangladesh. The hills inside Jummaland rise up to a maximum of 4,000 feet, with the ranges running generally northwest to southeast and dividing the area into a number of large valleys. The valleys are covered for the most part with dense virgin forest, interspersed with small waterways and swamps of all sizes and description. The Jummaland comprise seven valleys formed by the Feni, Karnapuli, Chengi, Mayoni, Hajolong, Sangu and Matammuri rivers and their tributaries. The ranges of hill Jummaland rise steeply thus looking far more impressive than what their height would imply and extend in long narrow ridges. There are numerous hills, ravines, and cliffs covered with dense vegetation. Geographically the Jummaland can be divided into two broad ecological zones: hilly valleys and agricultural plains. The highest peaks on the northern side are Thangnang, Langliang and Khantiang while those on the southern side are Ramu, Taung, Keokradang, Tahjindong, Mowdok Mual, Rang Tlang and Mowdok Tlang. Tahjindong is 4632 ft, highest peak in Jummaland as well as whole Bangladesh.

Jummaland is rich in natural flora (orchids etc) and fauna (Elephant, Tiger, Bear, Wild Boar, Various kinds of monkeys, barking deer, wild goat and various kinds of birds) and alpine flora is very common in the country. The highest mountain in Jummaland is known as “Jamasuk”. The name “Jam” is one of the ancient Spiritual Sage use to live and practice meditation on the top of the mountain. He was belong from Chakma indigenous community of Jummaland. In Chakma language “Suk” means mountain. For instance, the name of the mountain became famous as “Jamsuk”. Its also mentioned in the Chakma folklore about him and mountain. The biggest river in Jummaland is known as “Borgang” which is also known as “Karnapuli”. The biggest Lake is called “Kaptai Lake”.

Climate:

Jummaland has a mild hot wet climate. April and May are the hottest months of the year where average temperatures of the months range from 50º F to 80º F. Average temperature in the cold seasons is below 25º F . In the cold seasons, temperatures fall as low as freezing point of water in the higher parts of mountains. Average annual rainfall is 70 – 110 inches. The southern part of Jummaland gets more due to the storms come from Bay of Bengal.

Population:

In a population census of 1872 to until 1951, the Jumma population was found that 98% and only 2% of populations were non-Jummas of Jummaland. But due to demographic engineering by the British, Pakistani and Bangladeshi government, this overwhelming majority declined drastically and that reduced to 51.4% of Jumma population in 1991. The total population was 9,74,445 in 1991 census. The population of Jummas 501,144 and non-Jummas 473,301 in 1991. The population of the present Jummaland is circa approximately1.5 million in 2006.

Year        Jummas(Indigenous)          Bengali (Muslim)

1941        98.5%                              1.5%

1951       91%                                   9%

1961       88%                                   12%

1974       77%                                    33%

1981       58.6%                                 41.4%

1991       60.32%                               39.68%

2000        51.4%                                49%

2006        47.3%(approximately)      52.97%(approximately)

Jumma people:

The Jummas are of Sino-Tibetan descent belonging to the Mongoloid Race. From the time immemorial the Jummaland have been the home of 12 indigenous ethnic minority groups. They collectively identify themselves as the “Jumma people” or “Jumma Nationa”. They are Chakma, Marma, Tripura, Tanchangya, Mro, Lushai, Khumi, Chak, Khyang, Bawm, Pankho and Murung. The word “Jumma” derives from the word “Jum or Jhum”, local dialect the literally means slash and burn style of shifting cultivation on hill slope. Thus, Jumma meant indigenous people or Jumma Nation of the Jummaland (Chittagong Hill Tracts) who occupationally engage in such cultivation in general.The Jumma people are distinct and different from the majority Bengali population of Bangladesh in respect of race, language, culture, religion and ethnicity. There are diversities amongst the ethnic groups themselves, which have their own distinct languages, customs, religious beliefs, and systems of social organization. They even choose to live in different habitats. The Chakmas, Marmas, and Tripura live in valleys. The Khumi, Murung, Lushai, Bawm, Pankho, Khumi, Khyang, Tanchangya and Chak live on hill ridges. Among the hill people in the Jummaland, the Chakmas are the most dominant and largest group, comprising about 40 percent; they are Buddhists. The Marmas, the second largest, comprising about twenty percent of the population, are also Buddhists. The third largest—the Tripuras—are Hindus. The rest of the Jumma people—the Lushai, Pankho and Bawm—are Christians. There are minority groups who are animists or followers of variations of various religions. Religious statistic in Jummaland is found that Buddhist over 85% of the population; Christian 3%; Hindus 7% ; animist and others about 3%.

Culture and language:

As Jummaland is endowed by many dales and hills as well as enriched by various floras and faunas, the culture and literature of the Jummas are also diverse and rich though embedded in a single domain or ascended from a single domain. The national ideology of all 12 ethnic indigenous communities is one, which is “Jumma Nation” and “Free Jummaland”. However, the Jummas have minor differences in their language and culture to suit different environments accepting them as verities of tradition and as the richness of Jumma literature and culture. The Jummas are rich in folk tales, folk dances, folk music, as well as musical instruments. The Jumma cultural heritages are preserved, maintained, and transformed from one generation to another by oral history before the Jummas have writing system in early 1700s. Enhanced the culture and language of the Jummas into a more sophisticate ways.

The Jumma language descended from Tibeto-Burman language domain. However, each indigenous group speaks its own dialect, but Bengali is widely used in Jummaland due to Muslim regime for over six decades. The Jummas are known as honest, tolerant, brave, and religious people. This distinctness of language and culture indicate that the Jummas are one of the indigenous peoples in their own land.

1. Chakma : The Chakmas are the largest ethnic group of Jummaland. They call themselves “Chagma”. They are concentrated in the central and northern parts of the Jummaland where they live amidst several other ethnic groups. Exact population figures are lacking but the most reliable estimates put their number at 600,000 in 2006. More than 90% of them are concentrated in Rangamati and Khagrachari districts. They are Buddhist, have own dialect and scripts.

2. Marma : The Marma is the second largest indigenous ethnic group in the Jummaland. They have been Theravada Buddhists, like the Burmese, Thai and Sri Lankan, for many centuries. The Marma have their own script and speak a language which is almost identical to that of the Rakhine of Arakan state in Myanmar. The 1991 census puts the total number as 157, 301 and approximately 197,000 in 2006. They are living in Bandarban, Khagrachari and Rangamati district. The Marmas are great lovers of music and drama.

3. Tripura : Most Tripura call themselves “Tipra”. They have about 36 sub-groups called “Dafas”, such as Fatung, Jamatia, Nationg,Noatia, Riang and Usui. The Tripura language belongs to the Bodo branch of the Tibeto-Burman family of languages. They are Hindus by religion. In 1991, the total number of Tripuras in Jummaland was 79,772 and approximately almost 100,000 in 2006.

4. Tanchangya : Most of the Tanchangya live on the borders between the Rangamati and Chittagong districts. They are the sub-clans of Chakmas.In terms of population, they are ranks in fifth among the 12 indigenous communities of Jummaland, but in general reference they are mentioned as the fourth. According to the 1991 population census enumerated them at 21,057 and approximately 45,000 in 2006.They are traditionally Buddhist. Tanchangya are known to be very romantic and artistic. Love and romance are therefore never far away. They are very musical too.

5. Khumi : The Kukis claimed that Khumi is one of the sub-clan of them as like Lushai, Pankho, Mro, Khyang and Bonjoi. Khumis are Mongoloid. They are divided into two sub-clans. One is known as “Awa Khumi” and the other is “Aphya Khumi”. Both the clans once lived on the bank of the Koladain River. They are divided into “wife-giving” and “wife-taking” clans. They are mostly living Bandarban district of Jummaland. In 1869 their population was 2,000 and presently approximately 10,000 in 2006. The Khumis claim to be Buddhists, but their beliefs and religious rites are animist.

6. Mro : Mro is a a small indigenous minority group, who live scattered in the Jummaland. They mostly living in the Bandarban district. The Mors are animists. Their creator is “Turai”, they have two other gods: “Oreng and “Sungtiang”. They have an oral dialect which belongs to the Tibeto- Burmese linguistic family. The Mro population was 20,000 in 1981; and at present approximately 35,000 in 2006.

7. Lushai : Lushai or Lusei is a small indigenous community living in the Jummaland. They are the sub-clan of “Zo or Zomi ”. They belong to the Tibeto-Burman group of the Chino-Tibetan community. To the outsiders also known as “Zo” and “Kuki. They mostly living in the Khagrachari district. The total population was 1,041 in 1981 census. At present approximately 700 in 2006 that they left to Mizoram after their statehood in 1986. They are animists, “Pathian” is their chief god. The Lushais are divided into different sects. It is a patriarchal society. They have a language of their own known as “Lushai” or “Dolne” (Shafer 1955:107). During the British administration missionaries were active among them, as a result most of them took to Christianity. Their language too can be written in Latin script.

8. Khyang : Khyang is a small indigenous hill tribe in the Jummaland. Some of their clans are known after cats, monkeys and mice. They are the sub-clan of “Zo”. They call themselves “Hyou”. They are Buddhists but they also pay homage to “Nada Ga” (household deity) and “Bogley” (water deity). Their language belongs to the Kuki-Chin group. According to the 1991 census, the total population of Khyang was 2,343. At present the total population approximately 5,000 in 2006. They are mostly living in Rangamati district and Bandarban district of Jummaland.

9. Bawm : Bawm is one of the small indigenous hill tribe living in the Jummaland. Ethnically, they belong to the Mongolian stock. They look like the Chagmas and the Marmas. The word “Bawm” means “ties”. The concept of such ties has developed from their culture of doing collectively all things of life, including hunting, singing and dancing, eating and drinking or offering homage to gods. Bawms are living in 70 villages in the Bandarban district. According to 1991 census, the total population is 6,978 and at present, approximately 8,000 in 2006.

10. Chak : Chaks are considered to be a sub-group of the Chakma. They call themselves “Asak”. The Sak population in Arakan also calls itself “Asak”. Their language resembles Kadu which is spoken in Myitkhyina district of northern Myanmar, and also with Andro and Sengmai languages of Manipur district in India. The Chaks are divided into two sects: “Ando” and “Ngarek”. They are Buddhists. The population of Chaks are very little in scatter in the district of Bandarban of Jummaland. The total population approximately 10,000 in 2006. But the population figure is not available recorded in the Government statistics.

11. Pankho : Pankho is one of a small hill tribe of Jummaland and considered a sub-branch of the Mongoloid race. The Pankho people are divided into two clans are “Pankho and Bonjoi”. Their languages and social lifestyles t have a lot of similarities with one another. Pankhos and Banjoi are short in height, have brown complexion, flat nose and small eyes. They live in the Bandarban district of CHT. The Chagmas called them as “Pankho Hugi” and “Bonjoi Hugi”. However, many believe that Pankhos and Banjois are two branches of what was once one ethnic group. Their population in 1869 was about 3000. The total population of Pankhos is 6,000- 7,000 in 2006 approximately.

12. Murung : Murung is a indigenous hill tribe of Jummaland. They are divided into five major clans and ten sub-clans. The five major clans are Dengua, Premsang, Kongloi, Maizer and Ganaroo Gnar. And other ten different sub-clans are Yarua, Yaringcha, Tang, Deng, Kough, Tam-tu-chah, Kanbak, Prenju, Naichah and Yomore. The Yarua is said to be the most influential and powerful among the Murung clans. According to 1991 census, the Murung population was 22,178 and constituted the fourth largest tribe in Jummaland. At present, approximately 35,000 in 2006. They are mostly in the Bandarban district. Most Murungs are Buddhists and recently some are converted into Christianity.

Jumma Identity Crisis :

It is easy to identify a Jumma National in the streets of Dhaka, Chittagong or elsewhere. Because, the Jummas are distinct and different from the majority Bengali population of Bangladesh in respect of race, language, culture, religion, ethnicity, complexion, body structure and colour of skin. There are diversities amongst the ethnic groups themselves too, which have their own distinct languages, customs, cultural heritage, religious beliefs, and systems of social organization. But national ideology is common as “Jumma Nation” and “Free Jummaland”. The Jumma People is the main responsible to “Free Jummaland” from the Islamic and Terrorist government in Bangladesh since last six decades. The Jumma Nation are the right persons to put the Jummaland issue on the table of the United Nations.

By the above distinct, therefore easily recognizable. But there are many other ways in which the Jumma people could be identified. For example, the method to find out the identity of a Jumma is by hearing someone speak Bengali or English with a Jumma accent. But one has to be familiar with the accent first. One sure way to know a Jumma is to understand that he has a Jumma name since no other racial group will adopt one. But one has to be familiar with Jumma names first.

An overwhelming majority of the Jumma people are Buddhist, knowledgeable person also identify a people by faith. Of course there are many more ways of identifying a Jumma or members of other ethnic groups - like the food he eats, the songs he sings, the customs he is required to follow. But these are not easily perceived unless one interacts or mixed with the people in question. All these means that a Jumma is very easy to recognize by the non-jummas in Jummaland as well as in Bangladesh.

If a certain ethnic group is well represented in the government, the military, the professions, business, in music or even in sports, their presence will still be felt and they will still be visible among other racial groups. Unfortunately, this is not the case for the Jumma people. Time was when there were Jumma ministers of government, Jumma Ambassadors, Jumma high ranking military officers, well-known Jumma boxers, footballers, tennis players. But this is history now. We can say wesay we are no longer as visible as before.

Globalization makes the countries of the world more and more like each other in every respect. Larger economies and more advanced civilizations are encroaching upon other smaller economies and less developed civilizations. States and cultures are unable or unwilling to stem the tide. Some languages like English and French, especially English, have mostly replaced native tongues of a large number of nations. It has become the lingua franca of many countries and the second language of many more others. It has become the language of diplomacy, commerce and science. English has become the international language of choice. This is a phenomenon in which internationalization threatens other cultures and identities.

Similarly and more easily, larger population and more advanced culture and language within a single country can absorb or edge out smaller ones. Bangladesh is no exception. Most of our brethren in Bangladesh have now the same mode of dress with the Bengali majority, the same culture and have now largely adopted Bengali language and names. So they are more or less like the Bengali and have mostly lost their identity.

Compared to Barua (Buddhis) and Bengali (Hindu) racial groups in Bangladesh, we the Jummas might say that the Jumma people still could retain much of their identity. We can say this because, unlike other states, Jummaland is the only state in Bangladesh where nearly all its inhabitants are the people that bears the name of the state. Unlike other districts or divisions, it is the only state where most of its inhabitants are Buddhists. Unlike other districts or divisions, it is the state where Bengali is not widely spoken. Unlike other states or divisions, it is the state where western (make this international) attire as opposed to Bengali dress is most widely worn.

Some facts in the Jummaland :

1. Islamisation Policy through Transmigration of Muslim Settlers : History shows that the Jummaland, once a predominant non-Muslim area is fast becoming a Muslim area by Islamisation policies of the governments of Bangladesh. The influx of outsider Muslim settlers into the Jummaland had been started since the creation of Pakistan in 1947. Later on Bangladesh in 1972, vigorous Islamisation policies had made the situation worse than ever before. State-sponsored migration of Muslim settlers into the Jummaland, providing land grant, cash and rations. Since 1979, the Government of Bangladesh, officially started to settle Muslim settlers from the plain districts in the Jummaland to outnumbering the Jumma people and for using the settlers as human shield.This program was continued in secret, the international communities were not aware of this program till mid-1980s. More than 400,000 Muslim settlers were transferred into Jummaland. The government declared that each settler family would be given 7.5 acres of lands and ration for unlimited period. Indeed, no cultivable land was vacant for settlement so the settlers started to forcibly occupy the land of indigenous Jumma people. The fabove mentioned statistics proves the real facts.

2. Non- Indigenous Hostile Bureaucracy : Almost all civil and military functionaries of the Jummaland are outsider Muslim people from the plains of Bangladesh. They are more sympathetic and bias towards the outsider Muslim settlers because of their ethnic and religious affinity with them. Moreover, they have a strong anti-Jumma mindset. So, they are always working against the political solution and the implementation of the Accord. Therefore, an indigenous bureaucracy in the Jummaland is a must without which self-rule for the Jumma people of the Jummaland tends to impossibility.

On the other-hand, in order to suppress the Jumma people, the Jummaland has been very heavily militerised. The military has been linked at the highest levels with the civil administration. The Bangladesh military juntas want to solve the political problem of Jummaland, militarily by imposing its military and para-military forces. It is estimated that near about 150,000 army, BDR, APB, BRP, Police, Ansar and VDP forces have been deployed in different strategic places of Jummaland.

3. Non-recognition of the Entity of the Indigenous Jumma People in the Constitution : The Indigenous Jumma peoples are not recognised to the Constitution of Bangladesh. All ruling government of Bangladesh have lacked sympathy towards the social and economic systems of the indigenous peoples, and this has been exacerbated by the disruptive policies of internal colonization. The state itself is liable for the destruction of indigenous communities within the country. The Bangladesh Government has yet no policy for the development of indigenous peoples. Neither does it recognise "Indigenous Peoples" as indigenous peoples. The main demand of indigenous peoples in the country is for constitutional recognition and the right to “Self-Determination”.

4.Genocide and Ethnocide:

It was a program of ruthless Islamisation and political marginalization of the Jumma people in the name of counter-insurgency measure. With an aim to uproot the Jumma people from their ancestral land, a long series of massacres and genocide were perpetrated by the Muslim settlers with the direct help of government forces. As such, it left a horrible legacy of violence, rape, loot, murder, arson, abduction and forcible conversion, sacrilege of religion and forcible occupation of Jummas land and property as well as gross violation of human rights for more than three decades. Thousand of Jumma people were ousted from their own hearth and home. Hundreds of Jumma women lost their lives, prestige and chastity. Of them, thousands of Jumma took shelter in India as refugee and hundred thousands in deep forest of remote areas within the country since 1984. Thousands of Jumma children were deprived of education, health care and basic needs.

5. Established Cluster Village to detach the Jumma People from the Movement : In order to detach the Jumma people from the movement for “Self-Determination”, the successive governments established cluster villages, in diffferent areas for the Jumma people. The Jumma villagers were forcibly settled down in the cluster villages. The military kept vigilance over the Jumma people setting up camp and sentry post around cluster villages. The Jumma people were compelled to maintain daily register where, when and why they went out and come back. Even they had to compel to deposit their big knives, axes, spades etc daily to the camps. The military forces used them as workers without wages and committed sexual harassment upon the women. It is estimated that there were 205 cluster villages under this programme.

By the above reasons, the Jumma people, like our brethren we have and will be adopting the cultures, languages, and mode of dress of the Muslim majority. The Jumma young men and women have already and are going to marry outside of their race since they will be mixing with people of other groups. Chances are that their children will have non-Jummas names and will speak no Jumma languages. They will have nothing to do with the Jummas. They will be assimilated with others, and we will be assimilated. This is a natural process. We can't stem the tide.

In this way we as a people will lose much of our identity in the not-too-distant future if the present trend continues. And the trend is likely to continue. It is beyond our control. Or is it ?

Some important Tourist Places in Jummaland :

Jhum Cultivation : The system of cultivation which is traditionally practiced by the Jumma People of the Jummaland is locally known as “Jum”. It is the typical one of swiddening or shifting cultivation which is declining gradually, though the majority of the Jumma people is still trammelled in the practice of Jhum cultivation. They slash and burn the slopes between January and April, then sow the seeds with the first rains. While they staple is rice from which their favorite intoxicant beverage is prepared. Except for intensive crop farming in the alluvial plains, shifting cultivation is the most prevalent form of land utilization practiced by them and allowed on all land outside the areas declared as forest reserves. This system of shifting cultivation has been practiced for centuries with little effect on soil fertility but due to heavy population pressure in recent years, the cycling of cultivation is shortened effecting imbalance in the system.

Rangamati : Rangamati is the capital city of Jummaland and most favorite tourist place. It is about 77 Km away from Chittagng city, which is second biggest city in Bangladesh. It is also called “Lake City” as it is situated at beside of Kaptai Lake. It is well connected by road communication system with Chittagang city, Khagrachari Town and Bandarban Town. Also well connected water-systems of transportation with a dozen of towns and hundred of Jumma villages. On the east of Rangamati connected waterway with International border of Mizoram state of India.

Thousand of illegal Muslim settlers also found recently and the Chakmas is the largesr group in the city and with other minorities ethnic Jummas living together. This city is totally different then from other towns for its lake and landscape in the Jummaland as well as in Bangladesh. Before Peace Agreement in 1997, it was full of unrest and inaccessible especially for foreign national. But now for foreign nationals it is needed to take permission and security guard to move around. Here have some mentioning why Rangamati is one of the first choice for foreign and domestic tourists and travellers.

Kaptai Lake : It is the biggest men-made lake of Asia, whose area is more then 900 square kilometer for hydroelectric plan in 1962, crystal-clean water flanked by hills and evergreen forests lies in the capital city of Rangamati. The lake was formed when the Karnapuli River Dam (153 feet high, 1800 feet long crest) was built for the purpose of Hydroelectric power project at Kaptai. The old Rangamati town was submerged under lake water and a new town had to be built later. The lake is full of fish and provides facilities for cruising, swimming and skiing. There are also facilities for angling and short trip by Sampan, local name for country boats.Cruising and swimming in blue water can be something an unforgettable experience for rest of your life.You can visit some Jumma village or market in remote islands or hills and its wildlife by mechanized country boat. Hundred of traders, travellers, sporters, fishermen, etc outcoming and going everday from different direction for their own purposes.

Jumma Museum : This museum is the only the museum has displays on the Jumma Indigenous hill people at the capotal city of Rangamati, including costumes, bamboo flutes, coins and silver and ivory necklaces. There is also a map showing where in the region the different Jummas live . It is open Sunday to Thursday from 10 am to 4 pm.

Chakma Royal Forest Monastery : There are more than hundreds Buddhist Monasteries, Temples and Meditation Center in the Jummaland. The Royal Forest Monastery is the biggest and its located on a headland at the northern end of the capital city of Rangamati. There are many building structure designated by the Thai arthitecture. We found that Main Shrine Hall, Dhamma Hall, Resident Monks building, Katina Ceremony Hall, Dinning Hall and many others small kutis surroundig areas where hundreds of monks and novices practice meditation.

Peda Ting Ting : It is a very beautiful Chakma Traditional Restaurent and island resort located in the middle of the magnificent Kaptai Lake boasting beach frontage all around . It covers the land of 7 acres and 5 kilometers from Rangamati city on the mouth of Shuvolong Channel full of trees surrounded by hills and forests. The Restaurant is clean and quite with leisure park where at least a lunch viewing the blue water of Lake and lush green of hills can be highlight while staying in Rangamati. They have some special and Jumma style dishes to offer the tourist and traveller. It is connected by waterways only. Its take about 20 minutes from the city.

Chakma Royal Palace : The Chakma King has his own Royal Palace is called “Raja-Ghar” in a close island of Royal Forest Monastery. It is not open for visitor but they are allowed to enter in complex to see the pictures of the chronological Chakma Kings, who was in the past and get experience in brief history of the Chakma Dynasty . On the same island has a large bronze statue of Shakyamuni Buddha along with Royal Buddhist Temples. It also a Canon, which the Chakma King captured from Mughal in 1774.

Chakma Typical village : There are many Chakma villages scattered around the Jummaland. Master Para is one of them which decorated and designated by the Chakma architecture. The tourist visit often as it is in suitable location and on the way to Suvolong channel by waterway. It is the oldest village almost on 2000 ft. high from the water level of Kaptai Lake surrounded by water and evergreen forest. More than 50 Chakma typical houses made of natural materials on hilltop. Tourists are interest to get experience from the old generation of the Chakma man that able to provide sufficient evident about the history of Royal Palace, Rangamait and Jummaland . And also an brief experience of Jumma people and its culture.

Shuvolong market-cum-Village : It is an 500 ft. high island and a camp of security force 12 Km away from Rangamati city surrounded by water in an amazing location with hill view. Water transport is the only means to get there and it takes almost 3 hours . The way to go is very interesting as you will proceed through the narrow cannels beside of high Rocky hills and mountains sometimes. There is a Guest House for Tourist made by Military personnel, where one night sleeping can be a highlight. Only fire fly, silence, hills and water will be accompany in night. The light of moon or stars will be reflected directly if it is moonlight night. Counting stars can be one of your significant memory. There is also a market where Jumma people come by water transport from many far places to sale their products and to buy the daily necessary commodities.

Tabalchari Market : There are a few dozens of Jumma market in the Jummaland. But, among them, Tabalchari Market is one of famous in the city of Rangmati, the market held twice in a week. Every Wednesday and Saturday. Boys, girls, men and woman come from remote places to make shopping. They display their fruit, creeper, vegetable, handicrafts and other things. Most of them are Chakma woman and girls with attractive and colourful traditional dresses. It is a good opportunity for tourist to mix and to talk with them and friendship with them.

Duleya Rega : In Chagma language, Hanging Bridge is called “Duleya Rega” and it is a very popular spot for walking to enjoy the view of Kaptai Lake. This bridge connect to another hill over the cannel close to Rangamati Tourist Motel. It is about half an hour to cross the bridge by walking.

Kaptai Town: Kaptai is a small flat town 3 hours boat drive from Rangamati city southern end of Kaptai Lake .Today it's the site for a 50m High Dam Wall and a Hydroelectric Project constructed in 1964 by the Pakistani Government, and the atmosphere is rather oppressive. The Kaptai shore looks picturesque at night. There is crane at the dam wall that lifts stacks of bamboo ferried in rafts across the lake over and into the Karnapuli River, from where it floats down to Chittagang.

Bandarban : The Bandarban is third biggest city lies in the southern part of Jummaland and 80 Km. away from Chittagang city and 45 kms from capital city of Rangamati linked by good transportation system. It was inaccessible for tourists and traveller before. After signing Peace Agreement in 1997, it was open to all this hidden beauty for adventurous people, aid workers, journalist. And makes opportunity to access in a large part of this hill region. The attraction of soft slopping hills and the anthropological appeal of the Juumas have been the dream of all tourist and traveller. Still now this place is completely untouched and very refreshing nature. The Jumma people are mostly belong to Marma community living in this area. Tourist are interested to visit to resource on Marmas community and other ethnic Jummas in this region. People are extremely self-reliant, they grow their own food, their girls weave their own clothes and generally speaking, they live a simple life. Each tribe has its own dialect, distinctive dress and rites and rituals. The common feature is their way of life.

Hillside Resort : This is a perfect Holyday Resort for the tourist from local, national and international. It is just 4 kilometers away from Bandarban city through the zig-zag hilly road. It meets the demand of all kinds of tourist and travelers wishing to explore the secret beauty of this hilly region. These days it is a very popular tourist spot for its suitable location and offers. It will take quite a while to finish a cup of tea or copy sitting on the hilltop balcony of the “Marma Traditional Restaurant” from where you will observe the moving blue skies overhead and the infinite beauty of soft sloping hills around. The Resort is beautifully decorated with terracotta and Jumma handicrafts and is well equipped with various facilities. All types of food are available which is prepared in quick time. Accommodation is very comfortable which are provided in either bamboo huts or in wooden cottages designed with Jumma architecture. The surrounding landscape is amazing. Most of the activities are operated from this Resort while staying in Bandarban city. When in Bandarban city, there are many activities you can do as a side trip depending on your time, physical fitness and financial abilities.

Sangu River : From the Resort, the river Sangu is visible and one can easily walk there in about an hour's time. The entire walk is a soft downhill descent and will pose no particular problem. If you are interested, you can surely go for a refreshing swim in the river, however you must remember that during the monsoons there will be strong currents in the river due to the rain. Coming back to the resort will obviously involve an uphill climb of one and a half-hours and may be come too physically exerting. However, you may take a boat- trip and go down to Bandarban downstream, coming back to the resort from there by road.

Tripura Typical Village : This village is also very close to the Resort and will take about an hour time to reach by foot. There will be some steep ascents on this short trip. A good part of the journey will be along a stream. The ethnic village you will visit on this trip is named “Hatibanda” and only the Tripura people live in this village. It is a beautiful village situated in the valley. About 30 houses in the village, but mostly typical house. Like majority of the Jumma ethnic people, the Tripura people living in this village are quite impoverished, but they are very hospitable and their village is very clean. The whole return trip including the time you spend there will take about 2-3 hours depending upon your stay at the village. We strongly recommended you to take this walking trip when your physical condition is good.

Bawm Typical Village-cum-Watefalls : The popular waterfal is called “Sailapropat” in Bawm dialect is closed to Bawm village. This spot is very famous for the local tourists, which is about 4 km. from the Hillside Resort . You can visit this place on foot, otherwise you can use a transport too. It takes almost one hour time to reach there on foot. Walking is very interesting as it will involve several ascents and descents along hillsides. For physically fit individuals, this trip is not likely to be challenging. while you are there, you may spend your time enjoying the Shailapropat which is located in a scenic setting. If it is not too dry you may take a swim but take care to save some energy for the walk back if you plan to back on foot. Instead, you may also choose to visit the Bawm village close by, named “Faruk Para”. The houses in the villages mostly typical Bawm house. Generally this road is safe and you will meet some local passers-by.

Murung and Mro Village-cum-Chimbuk hill : Chimbuk hill is the third highest peak and 22 Km. from the Resort in the Jummaland. Though the road is good condition now but you can make this trip only by a four-wheel drive Jeep or by a local transport named “Chander Ghari” as the whole drive through some big ups and downs. First you may visit the Chimbuk Hill, where you can stay sometime on the top to see the view. You will find only hill till to the end of eyesight in one side and Bay of Bengal to another side.Whole Bandarban city is visible from there. On the way back you can visit a Murung and Mro village. Most of these villages are a bit away from the main road and therefore you will need to walk to reach them. While you will be in the village the accompanying guide will assist you in explaining their lifestyle and their history. It is better to visit on foot will take about 2 hours time including your stay at the village. Here at this villages you will meet members of the Murung and Mro peoples. The accompanying guide will help you to communicate with them. Murung is known as a most peculiar Jummas in Jummaland as they are almost disconnected from outside world. This trip takes almost 6/7 hours totally.

Keokradang : Keokradang the highest peak in Jummaland from where you will observe the infinite hill, Bandarban city, the blue water of the Bay of Bengal and blue sky over the head. Wild flowers, orchids, birds, wild life in lush evergreen forest. It is a memory and moment that you will never forget.

Darjiling Para : This is the second highest populated Jumma village in Jummaland. In this village, Bawm, Marma and Khumi Jumma people are live together. It was completely disconnected with the Bandarban city even five years before. Whole village in hill top in deep forest. The Bawm and Khumi people are mostly Christians and Marma are Buddhists. They grow some vegetable and spice in far places from their houses. There is a spring where the Jumma boys and girls take bathing. It takes a full day trip from Ruma River to reach this village.

Saikat Para : This is the highest populated Jumma village in Jummaland comprising with few houses on hilltop. Only physically fit people can reach there. The way to go there is very dangerous but interesting. You have to cross some big ups and downs, cannels and small river. Facilities are very limited. Jumma people live on fruit and vegetable mostly. One can be fallen two thousand feet ditch for a little mistake. It will take full two days to go and back there from the Resort where you will stay in Bandarban city.

Boga Lake : It is a beautiful and highest lake situated in Bandarban district of Jummaland, which is in the middle of hill surrounded by high mountain. Rocks are scattered everywhere in cold water. Many hilly spring are connected with it.

Ruma Bazar : Ruma Bazar is about 60 Km away from Bandarban city. It is on the south-east from the Resort. One can go there by a Jeep. The times take about 2 hours to reache. The scenery on both sides of the road is excellent, and definitely like to stop at places. It is more interesting that while you are in a group, you may charter a boat for this purpose. Otherwise you will take a regular service boat for the journey back. You must remember that this boat journey to back will only be possible between May and November when there will be enough water in the river. The boat journey will be something for you to treasure for the rest of your life. It will take full day to make this trip.

Bandarban Jumma Market : There is a Jumma market on every Sunday and Wednesday, where trading is conducted in Marma rather Bengali. They come from remote villages by boat to sale fruits, leaves, vegetable and some other necessary staff. Most of the Jumma people are women with their traditional and colourful dresses. It can be a good opportunity to see their lifestyle and culture.

Forest : The valleys of the Jummaland are covered with thick-planted forests. The vegetation in semi-evergreen to tropical evergreen dominated by tall teak trees. The natural vegetation can be seen best in the Rain-khyong valleys of the Bandarban district. This district provides valuable wood which is used for various purposes, besides supplying wood and bamboo for the Biggest Paper Mills situated at Chandorgona. Tourist are interested and lucky to see how huge logs of wood are being carried to the plain by the tamed elephants.

Khagrachair : Khagrachari is the second biggest city in Jummaland and the district headquater. It is situated in the northern part of Jummaland. The population mostly Chakmas. One of the oldest and famous Orphangage institutes named “Parbatya Bouddha Mission” situated at Pilotpara, 4 kms away from the city of Khagrachari.