Traveling to Chittagong - Bangladesh

Chittagong is the initial port of call for my first trip to Bangladesh. Thanks to the tales I had heard from my acquaintances, I was well prepared for the adventure. Chittagong is Bangladesh's second largest city after Dhaka, the country's capital. The name Chittagong refers to a small town 264 kilometers southeast of Dhaka, which serves as the country's most important industrial port and home to Bangladesh's only refinery. The country is flanked by the Karnaphuli River and the Bay of Bengal and borders with India to the north and west and Myanmar to the east.

One is greeted with curious stares from the big crowds that always take a special interest in foreigners. The streets are crammed with pedestrians and vehicles such as tricycles, baby-taxis (similar to our tuk-tuk's), buses, trucks, and other vehicles I not even start to describe what it would be... The deafening noise of car horns fills the air wherever you are. Reckless driving seems to be the norm for this city.

However, if you are a bit open-minded, you will see the beauty that lies below the surface. Chittagong may be densely populated with people who do not assume a friendly look; it may be chaotic, noisy and dustry, but there certainly is more than meets the eye. Approaching Chittagong with an open heart, you will find that Bangladeshis are no less friendly than other people around the world. While language could pose a communications barrier, it is possible to enjoy the city without much difficulty.

Bangladeshi society has something in common with that of Thailand; people of different faiths can live in harmony. Hence, Chittagong is home to Christian churches, Buddhist temples and Muslim mosques that spread across different communities. Chandanpura Mosque on Kaptai Road in the vicinity of Dewan Market is the most striking place of worship. It may lack historical significance, but its design is undoubtedly exquisite. It is followed by Shahi Jame, another fine mosque. Unfortunately, rules against non-Muslims' presence in mosques are rather strict. (so no entry for me)

Market can be found throughout Chittagong. They offer all sorts of provisions including fresh and dried food, fruit, garments and other merchandise. Walking down Central Bazr, a major market on Station Road, Chittagong's thoroughfare, gives visitors an opportunity to mingle with the Bangladeshi masses. Here, mouth-watering fruits are available at inexpensive prices, especially plump and juicy pomegranates. The textile shops offer both fabrics and apparel. Sari-lovers will find Mimi Supermarket on Nasirabad Road and Central Plaza on CDA Road, a short distance from the Harbor View Hotel, most welcoming as they boast a diverse range of beautiful fabrics at reasonable prices.

More tourists sights can be found in Chittagong. If you are not pressed for time, you may want to visit the Ethnological Museum where displays of utensils give visitors an insight into the livelihood of Bangladesh's tribal people. Foy's Lake is popular with the local people as a recreation spot. Visitors reaching the top of the mountain that is situated close to this lake are rewarded with a clear panoramic view of Chittagong and the Bay of Bengal. The landscape also includes a World War II cemetery and Patenga Beach, a beach located some 22 kilometers from Chittagong. The beach is a sand bar where Karnaphuli River meets the sea.

As the country's main industrial port, Chittagong is a natural commercial center that attracts the interest of foreign investors, especially those from Japan and Korea. Agrabad Road is Chittagong's business district as foreign firms, luxurious hotels, shops and banks, among others, are centered here.

Although it is an important port city and industrial zone, Cox's Bazar, the coastal town to the south of Chittagong, is a paradise no tourist wants to miss. Its expansive beach is regarded as the country's largest and finest. Its fine sand aside, the town is also know for its abundance of delicious and fresh seafood. Accommodation to meet different budgets is available....