Cox’s Bazar is synonymous with its vast sea beach, waves and sandy shore. Known for having the world’s longest natural sea beach, the district has long been a favourite destination for tourists.
But there is much more to Cox’s Bazar than the blue waters of the Bay of Bengal. Hills, forests, islands, wildlife, and centuries-old cultural traditions give the district a diverse range of attractions beyond its famous beach.
On World Tourism Day, tourists can move beyond the familiar beach and explore five distinctive destinations that offer a different side of Cox’s Bazar.
Himchhari: Where hills, forests and the sea meet
Himchhari offers the chance to experience two contrasting landscapes at once—the sound of the sea and the quiet of the hills and forests.
Travelling along Marine Drive from Cox’s Bazar town, tourists can see hills on one side and the blue waters of the Bay of Bengal on the other.
Declared a national park in 1980, Himchhari National Park covers around 1,729 hectares. The park is home to evergreen and mixed forests, along with various species of plants, birds, reptiles and wildlife.
The hilltop view is a major draw, with green forests on one side and the sea on the other. During the monsoon, the waterfall at Himchhari also becomes more vibrant.
Sonadia: An island of birds, red crabs and dried fish
For those looking to escape the crowds and get closer to nature, Sonadia Island offers a different experience.
Located near Moheshkhali, the small island is surrounded by the sea on three sides and features mangrove vegetation, canals, mudflats and a wide coastal landscape.
The island becomes particularly lively during winter when migratory birds arrive. You can spot various waterbirds alongside its diverse coastal and marine ecosystem.
Sonadia is also known as one of the country’s major dried-fish production centres. Tourists can observe the traditional process of producing dried fish and glimpse the lives of coastal fishing communities.
Away from the bustle of Cox’s Bazar town, Sonadia offers an opportunity to experience nature, fishing life and coastal culture in one place.
Ramu: A journey into Buddhist heritage
A short journey inland from the sea brings a different side of Cox’s Bazar into view. Surrounded by hills and the Bakkhali River, Ramu is known for its Buddhist heritage and cultural diversity.
The area is home to numerous Buddhist monasteries, temples and Buddha statues. A 100-foot-long reclining Buddha statue, historic wooden structures, intricate craftsmanship and Buddhist religious traditions attract visitors.
Ramu also has the historic Rangkut Buddhist Vihara, Captain Cox’s bungalow, rubber gardens and tea gardens. You can still find traditional handicrafts and signs of Burmese cultural influence throughout the area.
A trip to Ramu is therefore not simply about visiting tourist attractions; it also offers an opportunity to explore the history, culture and tradition of communal harmony in Cox’s Bazar.
Dulahazara Safari Park: A day among wildlife
For a change from sea waves and beaches, Dulahazara Safari Park in Chakaria offers visitors an opportunity to experience wildlife.
Spread across a large area, the safari park allows visitors to see various species of animals and birds in a natural setting. Tigers, lions, elephants, deer, and bears are among the attractions.
The park can be especially enjoyable for children, offering both recreation and a chance to learn about wildlife and conservation.
A visit here can add a different dimension to a Cox’s Bazar trip, combining tourism with an introduction to the region’s wildlife.
Darianagar: Hills overlooking the sea
Located beside Marine Drive and not far from Cox’s Bazar town, Darianagar offers another way to experience the district’s natural landscape.
From the hilly surroundings of the Darianagar Nature and Tourism Centre, visitors can enjoy expansive sea views. Green hill trails, blue waters and the winding Marine Drive come together to create an attractive setting for photography and nature trips.
The area also offers opportunities to watch the sunset from the hills overlooking the sea.
For tourists who want to combine a beach trip with a walk through a hilly landscape, Darianagar can be a short but distinctive stop.
A different Cox’s Bazar beyond the beach
Seeing Cox’s Bazar only as a sea-beach destination means missing a significant part of what the district has to offer.
The hills and forests of Himchhari, island life in Sonadia, Buddhist heritage in Ramu, wildlife at Dulahazara and the hills and sea views of Darianagar each tell a different story about Cox’s Bazar.
World Tourism Day can therefore be an opportunity to explore the destination beyond its familiar attractions and discover the many landscapes, cultures, and experiences beyond the beach.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdu Rashid Manik
