Beyond the familiar image of Cox’s Bazar’s sandy beach and blue waters, the district offers several lesser-known natural attractions. Among them is Jahajpura Garjan Garden in Teknaf, where centuries-old garjan trees stand tall between the hills and the sea.
Located along the coastal area of Baharchhara in Teknaf, the forest attracts nature-loving tourists seeking its greenery and towering trees.
The garjan forest stretches across about 72 hectares, around 55 kilometres from Cox’s Bazar town along the Marine Drive. The trees are reportedly 70 to 80 feet tall, with trunks measuring around 10 to 12 feet in circumference.
Habib Hossain, a forest guard responsible for looking after the area, said more than 5,772 garjan trees grow in the forest.
The garden was declared a nature tourism centre on April 16, 2015, with facilities planned for visitors’ safety and recreation. It falls under the Jahajpura Range and is also known locally as Jahajpura Eco Park.
Mohammad Rezaul Karim, a tourist from Gazipur, said he had been looking for something different from the usual beach experience.
“I was becoming a little tired of visiting the sea. Coming to the Garjan Garden gave me a different sense of peace. I had never seen such tall, straight trees and such an impressive natural setting before,” he said.
Shamshun Afrin, who came from Cumilla, said she usually visits Cox’s Bazar town but wanted a different experience this time.
“I had heard about this place from people I know. After coming here, I found the surroundings even more beautiful than I had expected,” she said.
Mansur Kazi from Raozan said he stopped after noticing the large trees along the Marine Drive.
“We stopped the car after seeing the huge trees from the road. I was surprised when I went inside. If the area is developed further as a tourist attraction, thousands of people from the region could come here,” he said.
Locals view the garden as a potential hub for tourism, forest conservation, and employment.
Local residents said people involved in protecting the garjan trees had faced risks, with some reportedly suffering injuries and others losing their lives while trying to prevent illegal tree cutting.
They said developing the area as a tourism destination could strengthen forest protection while creating new employment opportunities for local people.
Forest guard Habib Hossain said they remain vigilant to protect the trees.
“We guard the area day and night to prevent anyone from cutting or taking away the trees. The Forest Department is providing us with full support,” he said.
Abdullah Al Mamun, divisional forest officer of the Southern Forest Division, said the garden was a heritage site with centuries-old trees and that plans were being considered to improve tourism facilities.
“This is a traditional garden of centuries-old trees. We have plans to develop more modern tourism facilities here. The Shilkhali CMT and the CPs are already working to provide services to tourists. We have also taken initiatives to inform visitors about the history and importance of the garjan forest,” he said.
With its old garjan trees, hills and proximity to the sea, Jahajpura Garjan Garden offers a different experience from Cox’s Bazar’s traditional beach tourism.
By Tarekur Rahman
Photo: Tarekur Rahman
