Decidedly untypical of Bangladesh in topography and culture, the Chittagong Hill Tracts have steep jungle hills, Buddhist tribal peoples and relatively low-density population.

The tracts are about 60km (37mi) east of Chittagong. The region comprises a mass of hills, ravines and cliffs covered with dense jungle, bamboo, creepers and shrubs, and have four main valleys formed by the Karnapuli, Feni, Shangu and Matamuhur rivers.

  :: Tribal life ::

The inhabitants of the Hill Tracts are mostly tribal. Life of the tribal people is extremely fascinating.

Majority of them are Buddhists and the rest are Hindus, Christians and Animists.

Despite the bondage of religion, elements of primitiveness are strongly displayed in their rites, rituals and everyday life.

The tribal families are matriarchal. The women-folk are more hardworking than the males and they are the main productive force. 

The tribal 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, which still speaks of their main occupation.

Some of them take pride in hunting with bows and arrows.

Tribal women are very skilful in making beautiful handicrafts.

Tribal people are generally peace loving, honest and hospitable.

They usually greet a tourist with a smile.