The monsoon has revitalised the natural beauty of Cox’s Bazar, making the scenic Cox’s Bazar-Teknaf Marine Drive an even more captivating destination for travellers.
With lush green hills, drifting clouds and the roar of the Bay of Bengal providing a dramatic backdrop, the rainy season also brings a unique attraction—countless seasonal waterfalls flowing down the hillsides along the iconic coastal road.
Marine Drive, regarded as one of the country’s most picturesque roads, is already a major draw for tourists. Stretching between the sea on one side and verdant hills on the other, the route offers spectacular scenery throughout the year. During the monsoon, however, it takes on an entirely different character.
Following continuous or moderate rainfall, streams of water descend from the hills, creating the appearance of numerous waterfalls hanging from the slopes. Although most of these cascades are temporary and disappear once the rainwater subsides, they have become a major attraction for visitors during the rainy season.
Many tourists travelling along Marine Drive stop their vehicles to take photographs, record videos, and enjoy the breathtaking surroundings. Images and videos shared on social media have further increased interest in the seasonal phenomenon.
Beyond the waterfalls, several hilly sections of Marine Drive feature small streams and natural watercourses. In some places, the landscape resembles cave-like formations. The sound of flowing water, combined with the greenery and cool weather, offers visitors a refreshing experience.
Riaz Uddin, a tourist from Dhaka, said that the monsoon scenery along Marine Drive was difficult to appreciate fully without seeing it in person.
“The small waterfalls flowing down the hills are truly beautiful. We stopped our vehicle and spent quite some time enjoying the view,” he said.
Another visitor, Sabrina Akter from Rajshahi, said the setting felt like standing in front of a large waterfall in a mountainous region.
“The streams may be small, but the surrounding environment is so beautiful that it is difficult to look away,” she said.
Residents said the beauty of Marine Drive becomes several times more striking during the monsoon. Rainwater accumulated in the hills creates temporary waterfall-like scenes at various points along the road. In contrast, rough seas, cloud-covered hills, and dense greenery combine to form a spectacular natural landscape.
Tourism stakeholders argue that Cox’s Bazar deserves recognition beyond its status as a beach destination. The seasonal beauty surrounding Marine Drive during the monsoon offers additional tourism potential, particularly for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
With monsoon clouds overhead, waterfalls cascading down green hills and waves crashing along the coastline, Marine Drive has become a living canvas of nature, attracting a growing number of visitors eager to experience its seasonal charm.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Hussain Shetu
