Explore Chittagong

🌆 Chittagong (Chattogram) Travel Guide

Known for: Sea port, hill-forest-sea combo, Buddhist & tribal culture, ship-breaking yards, and vibrant food scene
Location: Southeastern Bangladesh, on the banks of the Karnaphuli River

🕒 Best Time to Visit:

• November to March (Winter):
  ✅ Ideal time – cool, dry, and sunny weather

• April to June (Summer):
  🌤️ Warm but good for mangoes and greenery

• July to September (Monsoon):
  🌧️ Lush and green, but rain may limit outdoor activity

🚆 How to Get There:

• From Dhaka:

  • ✈️ By Air:
    Fastest — ~45 minutes (US-Bangla, NovoAir, Biman)

  • 🚂 By Train:
    Subarna Express, Sonar Bangla Express (~6–7 hours)

  • 🚌 By Bus:
    Green Line, Hanif, Ena, Shyamoli (~7–8 hours, day or night buses)

🌟 Top Attractions:

🏞️ Nature & Scenery:

• Patenga Beach:
  Popular sunset beach near the port area — boat rides available

• Foy’s Lake:
  Scenic lake with rides, walking paths, and a small amusement park

• Naval Beach & Shaheed Zia Park:
  Less crowded than Patenga, with a calmer vibe

• Sitakunda Eco Park & Waterfalls:
  Day trip destination with trails, hills, and seasonal waterfalls

• Bashkhali or Banshkhali Hills:
  Ideal for hikers or day trekkers 

  🛕 Historical & Religious Sites:

• Chandanpura Mosque:
  Iconic multicolored mosque with domes and vibrant design

• Buddha Dhatu Jadi (Golden Temple, Bandarban Road):
  Large hilltop Buddhist temple — beautiful views and peaceful atmosphere

• Ethnological Museum (Agrabad):
  Displays life and culture of 29 ethnic groups from Bangladesh and Asia

• ---

  ⚓ Unique Experiences:

• Ship-Breaking Yard (Sitakunda):
  Industrial and surreal — best viewed from a distance or with permission

• Karnaphuli River Cruise:
  Evening boat ride for views of the harbor, city skyline, and river life

•  

• Court Building Hill:
  Offers city views, colonial-era buildings, and gardens

🚶 Activities to Do:

• Stroll along Patenga Beach or GEC Circle

• Try a local ferry ride on Karnaphuli River

• Explore tribal handicraft shops

• Visit Cox’s Bazar or Bandarban from Chittagong as a base

• Watch the hustle of the Chittagong Port from afar

🏨 Accommodation:

Top Hotels:

• Radisson Blu Chattogram Bay View – Luxury stay with harbor views

• Well Park Residence Boutique Hotel

• The Peninsula Chittagong – Popular business hotel

• Hotel Agrabad – Comfortable and central

Budget Options:

• Hotel Lord's Inn

• Asian SR Hotel

• Hotel Star Park

🍽️ Food & Restaurants:

Must-Try Local Dishes:

• Mezban beef curry (traditional Chittagonian dish served at large feasts)

• Dry fish (shutki) curry

• Chingri (prawn) and hilsa preparations

• Kalabhuna (rich dark beef curry)

• Burmese Khauswey (influenced by the nearby Rakhine and Burmese culture)

Top Places to Eat:

• Handi Restaurant (Deshi fine dining)

• Regalo Restaurant (International cuisine)

• Ambrosia (GEC Circle) – Buffet and à la carte

• Kutumbari – Popular for Mezban food

• Mezbani or Mezbaan Ghar – Specialized traditional cuisine

🧑‍🌾 Local Culture:

• Ethnic diversity: Home to Bengalis, Rakhine, Chakma, Marma, Tripura, and more

• Crafts: Tribal jewelry, rattan products, woodwork

• Religion: Muslim majority, Buddhist and Hindu minorities

• Festivals:

  • Mezban feasts

  • Buddha Purnima (in Buddhist temples)

  • Chittagong Trade Fair (held annually)

⚠️ Travel Tips:

• Traffic can be heavy – plan city travel during non-peak hours

• Local ferries operate between areas like South Kattali and Sadarghat – ask locals for schedules

• Respect religious sites – remove shoes and dress modestly

• Carry cash – cards accepted in big restaurants/hotels only

• Monsoon storms may delay beach or port-side visits

📌 Suggested 2-Day Itinerary:

Day 1:
Arrive → Visit Patenga Beach + Naval Base area → Dinner at Handi → Night at GEC Circle

Day 2:
Morning at Foy’s Lake or Ethnological Museum → Lunch at Kutumbari → Visit Court Hill & Chandanpura Mosque → Karnaphuli River cruise → Depart

Booking information