Chaufaldandi Union, located just 12 kilometres from Cox’s Bazar town, has long been known for its salt cultivation and marine fishing.
Recently, however, the coastal locality has gained a new identity as home to the country’s largest wind power project, with its 22 giant wind turbines attracting a growing number of visitors.
The towering turbines, lined up along the coast, have transformed the landscape and added a new dimension to the area’s tourism potential.
The journey to Chaufaldandi itself offers scenic views. Travellers heading from Khurushkul pass through narrow roads flanked by vast salt fields, which turn into fish farms during the monsoon. The lush greenery and waterlogged landscape create a picturesque setting before the turbines come into view.
The scenery changes dramatically upon reaching the Chaufaldandi Bridge. Beyond the mangrove forest along the Bakkhali River, the massive wind turbines dominate the skyline, creating a striking contrast between nature and modern technology.
Many visitors stop on the bridge to admire the view, take photographs and videos, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings where the river, wetlands, mangroves and rotating turbine blades blend into a unique panorama.
The surrounding area also offers other attractions. Fishing boats dot the Bakkhali River, with local fishermen casting nets or using fishing lines, while boats regularly ferry passengers between Chaufaldandi and Moheshkhali, adding to the area’s vibrant riverside atmosphere.
Beyond Chaufaldandi Bazar lies a large Rakhine village, where visitors can experience the indigenous community’s lifestyle, traditional cuisine and culture. Tourists can also observe the preparation of nappi, a traditional fermented shrimp delicacy that remains an important part of Rakhine culinary heritage.
Although Chaufaldandi has yet to establish itself as a mainstream tourist destination, interest in the area is gradually increasing. More visitors to Cox’s Bazar are now including the coastal union in their itineraries, particularly to see the impressive wind turbines.
How to get there
Chaufaldandi can be reached easily by local CNG-powered auto-rickshaw from the Badarmokam area of Cox’s Bazar town. Vehicles are also available from the Khurushkul road intersection, while the destination is accessible by road from Eidgaon as well.
With its salt fields, seasonal fish farms, the Bakkhali River, mangrove forests, traditional fishing activities, Rakhine culture and towering wind turbines, Chaufaldandi offers a distinctive travel experience. Improved tourism facilities and greater promotion could help the coastal locality emerge as one of Cox’s Bazar’s most attractive alternative tourist destinations.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdu Rashid Manik
