Chittagong A.K.A Chattogram offers the most unique blend both geographically and naturally within Bangladesh. Situated in between the hill tracts and the Bay of Bengal, the geographical positioning makes it distinct from the predominantly flat terrain found in other parts of Bangladesh. Home to the country’s largest and most important seaport, the Chittagong division holds the highest peak inside the country and the longest uninterrupted natural sea beach in the world. The Hill Tracts are characterized by their rugged terrain, lush forests, and diverse indigenous cultures, languages and traditions. This diverse geography fosters a rich ecological environment with mangrove forests, rivers and estuaries supporting a variety of plant and animal species.
This post derived from my personal experiences points out some incredible touring destinations in close vicinity of Chittagong city. First off the hilly terrain ranges from Chittagong to Mirsharai alongside the dhaka-chittagong highway. The terrain is characterized by steep slopes, deep valleys, caves and dense forests, making it challenging to traverse but offering stunning vistas. Primarily composed of sedimentary rocks these tracts offer many fast-flowing streams (Chara/Jhiri) and countless waterfalls (Jharna) in the steep mountain slopes creating picturesque landscapes. you can wander through any valley here and you will find many bewitching waterfalls along the way hiding around a corner or cascading one above the other. Some of the trails are inaccessible and although the rainy season brings out the original beauty of these trails, it also makes them very risky, trails become more slippery and susceptible to flash floods, rock slides and leeches. The streams and basins deepen. Some of the best trails here are namely, Khaiyachara Jharna, Napittachara Jharna, Ruposhi Jharna, Sahasradhara and Suptodhara Jharna inside of Sitakunda Ecopark and lastly the mystic, infamous and challenging Sonaichari Trail. These trails cover trekking distances ranging from half an hour to a few hours and are situated at a traveling distance of 30 minutes to 75 minutes from Chittagong city along the Dhaka-Chittagong highway.
On the other side of the Dhaka-Chittagong highway and rail line lies the shoreline of the Bay of Bengal. Along the shoreline there is Sitakunda ship breaking yard and some out-of-ordinary sea beaches that one can visit. Among those, I am going to suggest the Guliakhali Sea Beach in Muradpur, Sitakunda for its uniqueness and charm. The beach is 5 kilometers from Sitakunda Bazar. The most unique feature of Guliakhali is that the entire beach is covered with green carpet-like grass with small mangrove forests are growing on the sides of the beach, enhancing its beauty. The roots of the mangrove forest are spread around the beach. Through the middle of it, there are numerous big and small canals. During the high tide, these canals fill with water. The beach remains empty most of the time and you can enjoy the solitude with the refreshing breeze of the sea.
Chittagong also has some great spots for kayaking which are undoubtedly the best in Bangladesh, such as the Kaptai Lake, Karnaphuli River, Cox’s Bazar and Mahamaya Lake. Kaptai Lake is the largest man-made lake in Bangladesh, created by damming the Karnaphuli River. The lake stretches over a vast area, providing ample space for kayakers to explore. Its calm and pristine waters make it suitable for kayaking enthusiasts of all skill levels. The lake itself is characterized by its serene and picturesque landscape. Surrounded by lush green hills and dense forests, which provide a stunning backdrop for kayaking. Kayaking on the Karnaphuli River also offers a unique experience, with the great river winding its way through scenic landscapes, including hills, valleys, and forests. The river is characterized by its dynamic flow, with sections ranging from calm and gentle currents to more challenging rapids. Kayakers can enjoy a variety of paddling experiences
