Top Places to Visit in Chattogram Division

Beaches, Hills, and Hidden Cultures in One Coastal Region

Chattogram (formerly Chittagong) is more than just Bangladesh’s second-largest city — it’s the gateway to the sea, the hills, and the tribes. Whether you’re a backpacker looking for scenic trails or a laid-back traveler wanting to sip coconut water on the beach, Chattogram Division is a region full of variety and surprises.

This guide focuses not only on the city of Chattogram but also on the incredible places scattered throughout the division — perfect for road trips, offbeat adventures, and immersive travel.

🌅 1. Patenga Beach – The Quick Escape

Just a 30-minute ride from Chattogram city center, Patenga Beach is where locals go for fresh sea air, street snacks, and a break from city buzz.

• 🏖 Sit on concrete embankments and watch ships come in

• 🍤 Eat fried crabs, prawn kebabs, and fresh fruit slices

• 🚢 Visit the Naval Academy Jetty or take a walk along the fenced promenade

📸 Come at sunset — the light on the water is beautiful.

🌉 2. Bashbaria Sea Bridge – Like Walking on Water

One of the most photographed spots in the region, this long wooden walkway stretches into the sea, surrounded by calm, shallow waters.

• 🌊 Popular for Instagrammers and couples

• 🚣 Local boats are available for short rides

• 🏖 Very peaceful early in the morning

Tip: Visit during high tide. During low tide, the sea pulls back, and it becomes muddy.

🏞 3. Sitakunda Eco Park & Waterfalls – The Nature Trail

Tired of beaches? Head toward the green hills of Sitakunda. The Eco Park is home to several walking trails, rare plants, and waterfalls.

• 🥾 Great for light hiking and photography

• 💦 Don’t miss Sohosrodhara Waterfall and Sita Kund Temple

• 🦋 Ideal for birdwatchers and insect lovers

Note: Wear good shoes — the rocks get slippery.

⛰ 4. Sajek Valley (Via Khagrachari) – The Cloud Kingdom

Though technically in Rangamati district, Sajek Valley is now accessed via Khagrachari, and it has become one of the most visited spots for good reason.

• ☁ Wake up above the clouds

• 🏡 Stay in wooden cottages with endless views

• 🛣 Take a thrilling jeep ride up the zigzag roads

It’s tourism-heavy now, but still magical. Book early, especially in winter.

🏝 5. Maheshkhali Island – Culture on the Coast

Take a short boat ride from Cox’s Bazar (still part of Chattogram Division) to reach Maheshkhali, an island of temples, hills, and salt fields.

• 🛕 Climb up to the Adinath Temple

• 🧂 Walk through salt farms and shrimp ponds

• 📷 Fantastic spot for sunrise and simple village life photography

It’s quiet, rarely crowded, and gives a strong sense of local rhythm.

🏛 6. Ethnological Museum – A Deep Cultural Dive

Back in Chattogram city, you’ll find the Ethnological Museum, one of the only museums in Bangladesh dedicated to indigenous cultures.

• 🎎 Exhibits from tribal groups across the country

• 📜 Insight into traditional housing, tools, dress, and rituals

• 🕰 Slightly outdated, but genuinely informative

It’s worth an hour or two if you like anthropology or cultural studies.

🍤 What to Eat in Chattogram Division

Chattogram’s food scene is rich and spicy, with strong coastal and tribal influences.

• Mezban Beef – A signature dish; fiery and slow-cooked

• Chingri Malai Curry – Prawns in creamy coconut sauce

• Kalabhuna – Black beef curry; spicy and full of depth

• Dry Fish Curry (Shutki) – An acquired taste but deeply local

• Fresh coconuts, green mango juice, and sugarcane drinks everywhere

🛌 Where to Stay

🚐 How to Get Around

• 🚗 Rent a private car or use shared jeeps for hill tracks

• 🛥 Use speedboats to access islands

• 🛺 Local rickshaws and CNGs are best for short trips

• 🛣 Roads in hill regions can be tough — pack accordingly

🧳 Final Thoughts

Chattogram Division is not just one destination — it’s a whole mix of landscapes, cultures, and experiences. From hilltop villages to modern ports, from sacred temples to laid-back beaches, this region has the power to surprise you at every turn.

Give it time. Talk to locals. Try the food. Let the slower pace of the region pull you in.