Cox's Bazar

Miles of golden sands, towering cliffs, surfing waves, rare conch shells, colorful Pagodas, Buddhist Temples and delightful sea-food - all this makes what Cox's Bazar is today , the tourist capital of Bangladesh, The World's longest unbroken (120 km.) beach slopes here down to the blue waters of the Bay of Bengal against the picturesque background of a chain of hills covered with deep forests.

Cox's Bazar is one of the most attractive  tourist spots in the world. The warm shark free waters are good for bathing and swimming & while the sandy beaches offer opportunities for sun-bathing.

The beauty of the setting-sun behind the waves of the sea is simply captivating. Locally made cigars and handloom products of the tribal Rakhyne families are good buys.Located at a distance of 152 km south of Chittagong, Cox's Bazar is connected both by air and road from Dhaka and Chittagong. Visits to the fascinating picnic spots at Himchari and Teknaf, the Buddhist Temple at Ramu and nearly island of Sonadia and St. Martin Island, Inani Beach and Moheshkhali are certain to become unforgettable experiences for every visitor.

St. Martin Island

Forty-eight kilometers from Teknaf, St. Martin is the country's only coral island and an unspoilt paradise. Named Narikel Jinjira (Coconut Island) by the locals, the dumbbell shaped St.Martin's has an area of only eight sq. km. from one to four meters above sea level during high tide.  The Cox's Bazar Holiday Complex of Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation on the island is an ideal tourist resort  having comfortable accommodation, catering, sightseeing and other facilities.

Patenga Beach

The Patenga beach at Chittagong is one of the most popular beaches of Bangladesh, stretching for miles near at the meeting place of the Bay of Bengal and the river Karnaphuli. Nature lovers come around here to enjoy the scenic sunrise and sunset.

Parki Beach

Parki beach is situated in Gahira, Anwara thana under southern Chittagong region. The beach lies 16-17 km away from Chittagong city. As the beach is situated at the Karnafuli river channel, visitors can view both the Karnafuli river and the sea together. Tourists enjoy the views of big ships anchored at the outer dock, fishermen catching fish in sea, sunset, various colored crabs at the beach, and quiet environment. In picnic season, many visitors come to the beach.

Location and transportation
Parki beach lies at Karnafuli river channel, which is about 8 km from Anwara thana and 28 km away in the southern part of Chittagong city. This sandy beach is about 15 km. long and 300ft - 350ft wide with 20km tamarisk forest created by the forest division. Anwara thana is 20km from Chittagong. Anwara thana is connected by road with Chittagong-Cox's Bazar highway and is accessible from all over Bangladesh including Dhaka city. The beach is located 8 km away from the Chatri Choumuhoni point in this highway

Kuakata Beach

A rare scenic spot on the southernmost tip of Patuakhali district Kuakata has a wide sandy beach from where one can see both the sunrise and sunset. Kuakata is located at a distance of 70 km. from the district headquarters of Patuakhali. Parjatan Holiday Homes at Kuakata offers a number of facilities for  the tourists.

This sandy beach slopes gently to the Bay of Bengal and bathing here is as pleasant as is diving or simply lazing on the beach. The virgin beaches of Kuakata, lined by coconut trees, are a sanctuary for migratory winter birds. Kuakata has a picture perfect setting where life is laid back and time seems unhurried. The Bay is alive with colorful sail boats, surfing, fishing or walking on the beach - Kuakata offers something for everyone.

Kuakata is a place of pilgrimage for the Hindu and Buddhist communities. Devotees arrive here during the festival of ' Raash Purnima' and 'Maghi Purnima'- two sacred full moon festivals. A bath in the Bay is a part of the ritual. Fairs are also held where one can buy handloom and other handicraft items. A visit to a Rakhyne family and the hundred year old Buddist temple should be on each visitor's itinerary.

Kuakata has road communication with Dhaka, but the journey may be long and a bit stressful. A much easier way is to go to Barisal by air and from there travel by road or water to Patuakhali or Kuakata. BRTC runs a direct bus service from Dhaka to Kuakata via Barisal. Besides, Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation may organize guided package tours from Dhaka to Kuakata on demand.

Source: http://www.bangladeshtourism.org