The naturally formed Ali Cave is located in Alikadam Upazila of Bandarban District. It is named after Ali's hill. Three kilometers away from Alikadam, there is no end to the mystery about this cave at the top of two hills near the Matamuhuri-Twain Canal.
There are basically three caves here, it will take about 2 hours to visit all the caves. You have to go to the caves along the jhiri path. The cave is situated above Jhiri. There is a ladder to the first cave. In the rest you have to climb a little hill. It is dark inside the cave. You need to carry torch light or torch to go inside.
Some parts of the cave are quite narrow and must be crawled through. Damp environment inside. As soon as you enter, you will be introduced to an unknown world. There are many bats inside these caves. There is nothing to be afraid of when bats fly here and there when people see them.
To visit Ali's cave, you first need to come to Alikadam in Bandarban district. Alikadam can be reached from Chakaria upazila of Cox's Bazar or via Thanchi-Alikdam road from Bandarban city. But getting dizzy is the most convenient.
Currently Shyamli and Hanif buses from Dhaka come directly to Alikadam. Dhaka to Alikadam bus fare is Tk 850. It is better to go directly to Alikadam from Dhaka. It saves a lot of time and will reduce the hassle of going. Besides, you can go to Alikadam via Chakria. Chakria can be reached by any bus bound for Cox's Bazar. Chakria bus fare from Dhaka is 750 to 1500 Tk.
When going, ask the bus supervisor to drop you at Chakaria Bazar and he will drop you. A local bus to Alikadam is available from the bus terminal at Chakaria. Bus leaves for Alikadam daily from 7.30 am to 6.30 pm. Or you can go to Alikadam by local car. Local car fare is 65 taka. By bus it will take less than two hours.
You can see Ali's cave in one day and come back. You can see Ali's cave in one day by bus from Dhaka and return to Dhaka by night bus. If you leave Chittagong in the morning, you can see it and return in one day. If you still need to stay or have more places on your itinerary, stay overnight at Alikadam.
If you have not been to Ali's cave before, it is better to take a guide with you. Ask the guide in advance to visit all the caves. There are several food hotels in Alikadam market, not very good but you will get good quality food. You will get rice, chicken, meat and fish curries. It will cost 100-150 rupees.
The road leading to the tunnel is rocky and slippery. Be careful. Wear good grip shoes for walking.During monsoons there is a lot of water on the road and everything is high stays slippery. Be careful. It is better to have a rope with you to climb the cave. Do not shout and scream inside and do not throw any garbage inside. Please do not do anything that harms the natural environment.