The time was 2010. South Asia's second largest crocodile breeding center was built commercially on 25 acres of land in Ghumdhum-Tumbru, adjacent to the Balukhali TV Tower on the highway road in Teknaf upazila of Cox's Bazar. The farm has now become an entertainment center for domestic and foreign tourists. People come from far and wide every day. The farm authorities said that these crocodiles are being prepared for export. For this, they have to wait until they reach a certain size. The arrival of foreigners to buy crocodiles has also increased. This crocodile farm is located in Tumbru village in the Ghumdhum hill area, about 45 kilometers away from Naikshongchhari upazila headquarters in Bandarban, near the Balukhali TV Tower on the Cox's Bazar-Teknaf highway road.
Recently, it was seen that the crocodile habitat has been created by blocking the water with high and low slopes and small and large dams surrounded by green walls in the hilly area, which is completely environmentally friendly. The crocodiles are swimming in the pond inside the guide wall. Apart from locals, domestic and foreign tourists come to see the farm whenever they get the chance. You have to buy a ticket to enter the farm. Abu Taher, who is in charge of the ticket counter at the crocodile breeding center, said that local visitors and foreign tourists come to see the Ghumdhum Tumbru crocodile farm every day. The ticket price for locals is Tk 50 and for foreign tourists is Tk 500.
He also said that the crowd of domestic and foreign tourists is high during winter and various holidays. However, the number of visitors is relatively low during normal times. Every year during the monsoon season, the farm is closed for three consecutive months because the mother crocodile lays eggs. The remaining 9 months are open to visitors. Abu Taher also said that no crocodile has been exported abroad since the crocodile breeding center was opened. He said the reason for this is, "Crocodiles have to grow to a certain size for export. Therefore, they are being raised and raised by feeding them regularly." Taher said, "Many crocodiles have already grown to a significant size. Foreign buyers are also coming to visit the farm. Crocodiles from the farm may be exported abroad in the future." Sharif Ahmed came to visit the farm with his family. He told Daily Industry, "The natural beauty of the Tumbru area is very charming. The huge crocodile farm built in a mountainous environment is an additional attraction for visitors. I come here with my family occasionally. I visited this afternoon as well."
He said that although the farm was originally built commercially, it has now become an important entertainment and tourism center for the locals.
We spoke with Saim Rahman, the in-charge of the Ghumdhum-Tumbru Crocodile Breeding Center. He said that at the beginning of the establishment of the farm, 50 Australian species of crocodiles were brought from Australia and Malaysia. Each crocodile cost more than three hundred thousand taka. Currently, there are approximately four thousand crocodiles in the farm. These crocodiles are kept in water in a water reservoir surrounded by guide walls and in various types of iron cages.
Employees are engaged to take care of the crocodiles. They are fed chicken and beef.
Saim Rahman said that the farm is the second largest crocodile breeding center in South Asia. He said, "Although it was originally built commercially, it has now become an attractive tourist destination for local and foreign tourists. The interest of visitors is increasing due to the green environment surrounded by mountains and adequate security measures on the farm."
Saim Rahman, in-charge of the farm, also said that the crocodiles have now become very suitable for export. I hope to be able to export them very soon.
