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Chittagong Division
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Explore Chittagong Division for Bangladesh's historic port, Buddhist ruins, long beaches, island coastlines and forested hill landscapes.

Chittagong Division occupies Bangladesh's south-eastern corner, extending from the busy port city of Chattogram and the lower Meghna estuary to the beaches of Cox's Bazar and the forested ranges of the Chittagong Hill Tracts. It is one of the country's most geographically varied travel regions: tidal waterways and offshore islands give way to long sandy shores, while farther east the landscape rises into wooded hills inhabited by several Indigenous communities. Distances are considerable, so a journey combining the coast, the city and the hill districts needs more planning than a short urban break.
Read more about Chittagong Division
Chattogram, Bangladesh's principal seaport, is the region's main transport and commercial centre. Its older quarters, religious buildings, markets and waterfront reflect centuries of trade across the Bay of Bengal, while the nearby Sitakunda hills provide access to Chandranath Temple and forested scenery. South of the city, Patenga offers a popular seafront outing, although the industrial character of the port is an important part of the landscape. In Cumilla, the Mainamati-Lalmai ridge preserves some of the country's most significant Buddhist archaeological remains, including Shalban Vihara.
The coast has a different rhythm. Cox's Bazar is known for its broad beach and serves as a base for exploring Himchari, Inani and the island and coastal communities around Maheshkhali. The shoreline is not uniformly quiet or undeveloped: fishing, tourism, aquaculture and dense settlement all shape it. Near the southern frontier, the area's humanitarian and security conditions mean that the Rohingya refugee camps are not ordinary visitor attractions and should not be approached without official authorisation.
Inland, Rangamati, Khagrachhari and Bandarban form the hill districts. Rangamati is associated with Kaptai Lake, boat journeys and the Chakma cultural landscape; Khagrachhari has ridges, caves and waterfalls; and Bandarban is the most rugged of the three, with viewpoints and trekking areas around Nilachal, Nilgiri and remote waterways. Access conditions can change, and some routes require local permission, a registered guide or security clearance. Visitors should seek current advice before setting out, particularly for remote border and hill areas.
Food provides another way to read the region. Chattogram is famous for mezban, a communal-style beef feast, while coastal towns serve fish, prawns and dried seafood. Hill-district cooking may include bamboo shoots, herbs and locally cultivated produce, though dishes and availability vary between communities. Handwoven textiles, bamboo and cane work, pottery, dry fish and Cumilla khadi offer more grounded souvenirs than generic beach merchandise. The division's appeal lies less in a single circuit than in the contrast between port-city history, Buddhist archaeology, working coastlines and culturally diverse uplands.

When is the best time to visit Chittagong Division?

Best: December–February · 24–27°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January (best)246
February (best)2714
March3132
April33139
May34331
June32610
July31661
August31581
September31373
October30181
November2952
December (best)269

Getting to and around Chittagong Division

How to get there

Shah Amanat International Airport is in Chattogram and handles the division's principal air access, with domestic links to Dhaka and selected international connections that vary over time. Chattogram is also reached by intercity train and long-distance road services from Dhaka and other Bangladeshi cities. Cox's Bazar has its own airport, though flight availability is subject to change, and it is also connected by road and rail services. Cumilla and other northern districts are accessible by road and rail. The hill districts are normally reached overland from Chattogram or nearby towns; international visitors should not assume that remote border areas have public access.

Transportation

Trains and buses are useful between the larger cities, while local buses, auto-rickshaws, cycle rickshaws and hired cars cover shorter journeys. A private car with an experienced driver is practical for linking dispersed sites, especially in the hill districts and around Cox's Bazar, although roads can be congested and conditions vary. Boats are important on Kaptai Lake and in coastal and riverine areas, but services, safety standards and departure points are not uniform. Urban Chattogram is busy and difficult to navigate on foot across long distances; in rural areas, allow extra time and confirm the return journey before travelling to a remote attraction.

Top city travel guides in Chittagong Division

The cities of Chittagong Division, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Chittagong Division

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Chittagong Division

Chittagong Division's attractions range from archaeological remains and urban heritage to beaches, islands, lakes and forested hills. Around Cumilla, the Mainamati-Lalmai ridge offers Buddhist sites such as Shalban Vihara, Kotila Mura and the Mainamati Museum, while Chattogram combines the Ethnological Museum, historic religious buildings, markets and the seafront at Patenga. Sitakunda provides access to Chandranath Temple and hill scenery north of the city. Cox's Bazar is the main coastal base, with the long beach, Himchari, Inani, Maheshkhali and other coastal excursions offering different combinations of sand, forest, fishing and island life. In the Chittagong Hill Tracts, Rangamati centres on Kaptai Lake and boat travel, Khagrachhari on ridges, caves and waterfalls, and Bandarban on hill viewpoints and trekking landscapes. Conditions and permissions vary in remote areas, so the region's outdoor attractions require more preparation than a conventional beach visit.

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Best landmarks in Chittagong Division

The division's most recognisable landmarks express its maritime, archaeological and upland identities. Chattogram's port and waterfront remain defining features of the country's principal seaport, while the hilltop Chandranath Temple at Sitakunda is both a pilgrimage site and a visible marker in the coastal landscape. The Mainamati-Lalmai ridge near Cumilla contains the brick remains of Shalban Vihara and other early medieval Buddhist foundations, whose geometric layouts make the archaeological importance immediately legible. In Cox's Bazar, the long open shoreline is the region's best-known natural landmark, with Himchari's wooded slopes and the coast around Inani providing a more varied setting. Kaptai Lake gives Rangamati its characteristic geography of drowned valleys and wooded peninsulas. Bandarban is distinguished by ridges and viewpoints around Nilachal and Nilgiri, although access to some highland and border areas is controlled or changeable. Together these places show how the region's identity is shaped by water, pilgrimage, ancient monastic networks and mountain terrain.

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Best restaurants in Chittagong Division

Dining in Chittagong Division reflects the meeting of port, delta, coast and hills. Chattogram is associated with mezban, a communal beef feast traditionally served with rice and strongly seasoned accompaniments, as well as kala bhuna and other robust meat dishes. Fish, prawns, crab and dried seafood are prominent in coastal towns, although quality and preparation vary by season and locality. Cox's Bazar offers plentiful seafood alongside Bengali rice-and-curry restaurants, while urban Chattogram has the broadest choice of regional, South Asian and international food. In Cumilla, khadi is better known as a textile tradition than a dish, while local sweets and snacks form part of the district's food culture. Hill-district menus may include bamboo shoots, herbs, vegetables and indigenous preparations, but visitors should ask about ingredients and availability rather than assume that one cuisine represents every community. Markets, tea stalls, modest restaurants and hotel dining rooms provide the most consistent range.

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Best bars in Chittagong Division

Evening life in Chittagong Division is generally centred on food, tea, family gatherings and conversation rather than a large club circuit. Chattogram has the widest selection of cafés, restaurants, hotel lounges and occasional live entertainment, while Cox's Bazar adds hotel-based dining and a busier seafront atmosphere during holiday periods. Alcohol is regulated in Bangladesh and is not routinely available in ordinary restaurants; licensed hotel venues are the more likely places to find it, subject to current rules. Rangamati, Khagrachhari and Bandarban are quieter after dark, with evenings focused on guesthouses, local eateries and the landscape rather than nightlife districts. Visitors should avoid isolated beaches, lakeshores and hill roads at night, follow local guidance, and remember that seasonal demand can change the atmosphere considerably.

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Best nightclubs in Chittagong Division

Evening life in Chittagong Division is generally centred on food, tea, family gatherings and conversation rather than a large club circuit. Chattogram has the widest selection of cafés, restaurants, hotel lounges and occasional live entertainment, while Cox's Bazar adds hotel-based dining and a busier seafront atmosphere during holiday periods. Alcohol is regulated in Bangladesh and is not routinely available in ordinary restaurants; licensed hotel venues are the more likely places to find it, subject to current rules. Rangamati, Khagrachhari and Bandarban are quieter after dark, with evenings focused on guesthouses, local eateries and the landscape rather than nightlife districts. Visitors should avoid isolated beaches, lakeshores and hill roads at night, follow local guidance, and remember that seasonal demand can change the atmosphere considerably.

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Best shops in Chittagong Division

Shopping is most rewarding when it reflects the region's material cultures and food-producing landscapes. Chattogram's markets offer textiles, household goods, spices, dried seafood and everyday Bangladeshi products, while Cox's Bazar is known for beach-oriented retail, shell and craft items, woven goods and dried fish; quality and provenance should be checked carefully. Rangamati, Khagrachhari and Bandarban have outlets and markets selling handwoven fabrics, bamboo and cane work, baskets, jewellery and other crafts associated with local communities. Buy directly where possible, ask about the maker and avoid items made from protected wildlife or culturally sensitive objects. Cumilla is associated with khadi, a handwoven cotton textile sold in clothing and fabric shops. In larger towns, modern retail and branded goods are available, but the division's most distinctive purchases are generally textiles, practical handicrafts, tea and regional food products rather than luxury merchandise.

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Chittagong Division essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the Bangladeshi taka, written BDT or ৳. Banks, hotels and larger shops in Chattogram and Cox's Bazar commonly accept international cards, and mobile payments are widely used domestically, but foreign visitors may find cash more dependable for smaller transactions. Carry clean, smaller-denomination notes for rural transport, food stalls, boats, entry fees and markets. ATMs are more readily available in major towns than in the hill districts or on islands, so obtain sufficient cash before leaving an urban centre without carrying more than is sensible.
Safety
Use ordinary precautions in crowded markets, terminals and beaches, and take particular care with traffic, which can be unpredictable. Strong tides, sudden weather, slippery trails, steep drops and unmarked water hazards deserve attention on the coast and in the hills; swim only where local guidance indicates that conditions are suitable. The Chittagong Hill Tracts have a complex security situation, and access to some areas can be restricted or change at short notice. Avoid demonstrations, military or government installations, unfamiliar border routes and unofficial camp areas, and check current travel advice before departure.
Emergency Situations
Bangladesh's national emergency number is 999 for police, fire and ambulance assistance. Give a clear location and, where possible, ask hotel staff, a local guide or a trusted driver to help communicate with emergency services. In remote hill and coastal areas, response times can be longer and mobile coverage may be limited, so carry essential medicines, water and a charged phone. Sea and river conditions can change quickly; follow instructions from local authorities, transport crews and beach or waterfront personnel during storms, flooding or other warnings.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress modestly, particularly near mosques, temples, monasteries and Indigenous religious sites, and remove footwear where requested. Ask permission before taking photographs of people, ceremonies, homes or security facilities, and never photograph refugee camps or residents without explicit authorisation. Do not enter restricted hill areas, military zones or border locations without the required permission. At beaches and lakes, respect local instructions and avoid littering. Tipping is not universally obligatory, but a modest amount for attentive service is appreciated; agree fares for informal transport before departure.
Local Tips
Use Chattogram as a practical base for city heritage, Sitakunda and transport connections, but do not underestimate the time needed for Cox's Bazar or the hill districts. For the Mainamati sites, an early start helps avoid heat and allows time for the museum and several archaeological mounds. In Rangamati, boat trips on Kaptai Lake are best arranged through dependable local contacts and checked against weather conditions. Coastal produce and hill handicrafts vary seasonally, while the busiest beach periods can make accommodation and transport more difficult to arrange.
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From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
Helloনমস্কার[Nomoskar]
Goodbyeবিদায়[Biday]
Yesহ্যাঁ[Hyaan]
Noনা[Na]
Please/You're welcomeদয়া করে[Doya kore]
Thank youধন্যবাদ[Dhonnobad]
Excuse me/Sorryমাফ করবেন[Maf korben]
How are you?আপনি কেমন আছেন?[Apni kemon achen?]
Fine. And you?ভালো। আর আপনি?[Bhalo. Ar apni?]
Do you speak English?আপনি কি ইংরেজি বলছেন?[Apni ki Ingreji bolchen?]
I don't understandআমি বুঝি না[Ami bujhi na]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseমেনু দেখাবেন, দয়া করে[Menu dekhaben, doya kore]
I don't eat meatআমি মাংস খাই না[Ami mangsho khai na]
Cheers!সৌভাগ্য![Shoubhaggo!]
I would like to pay, pleaseআমি পেমেন্ট করতে চাই, দয়া করে[Ami payment korte chai, doya kore]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!সাহায্য করুন![Sahajjo korun!]
Go away!চলে যান![Chole jan!]
Call the Police!পুলিশ ডাকুন![Polish dakun!]
Call a doctor!ডাক্তার ডাকুন![Daktar dakun!]
I'm lostআমি হারিয়ে গেছি[Ami hariye gechi]
I'm illআমি অসুস্থ[Ami oshustho]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...আমি কিনতে চাই...[Ami kinte chai...]
I'm just lookingআমি শুধু দেখছি[Ami shudhu dekhchi]
How much is it?এটার দাম কত?[Etar dam koto?]
That's too expensiveএটা খুব দামি[Eta khub dami]
Can you lower the price?আপনি কি দাম কমাতে পারেন?[Apni ki dam komate paren?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?এখন সময় কত?[Ekhon shomoy koto?]
It's one o'clockএখন একটা বাজে[Ekhon ekta baje]
Half past (10)সাড়ে (১০)[Sare (10)]
Morningসকাল[Shokal]
Afternoonদুপুর[Dupur]
Eveningসন্ধ্যা[Shondhya]
Yesterdayগতকাল[Gotokal]
Todayআজ[Aj]
Tomorrowকাল[Kal]
1১[1]
2২[2]
3৩[3]
4৪[4]
5৫[5]
6৬[6]
7৭[7]
8৮[8]
9৯[9]
10১০[10]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?একটা/দেয়াল কোথায়?[Ekta/deyal kothay?]
What's the address?ঠিকানা কি?[Thikana ki?]
Can you show me (on the map)?আপনি কি আমাকে দেখাতে পারেন (নকশায়)?[Apni ki amake dekhate paren (nokshay)?]
When's the next (bus)?পরবর্তী (বাস) কখন?[Poroborti (bas) kokhon?]
A ticket (to ....)একটি টিকিট (যাতে ....)[Ekta ticket (jagate ....)]

History of Chittagong Division

Early Bengal, Samatata and Harikela

The eastern delta and coastal hills were shaped by ancient polities and trading networks rather than by one continuous kingdom. The wider Cumilla-Noakhali coast formed part of the historical Samatata region, while the Chattogram area was associated with Harikela in early records. River channels, shifting coastlines and access to the Bay of Bengal connected these territories with Arakan, eastern India and wider maritime Asia. Archaeological evidence, inscriptions and coin finds show the importance of both Buddhist and Hindu traditions before the consolidation of Muslim rule. The survival of early Buddhist remains in the Mainamati-Lalmai area is one of the region's clearest links with this period.

The Buddhist Monasteries of Mainamati

From roughly the seventh to the twelfth centuries, the Lalmai-Mainamati ridge near present-day Cumilla supported a major Buddhist monastic and educational landscape. Shalban Vihara, Kotila Mura and other mounds reveal planned monasteries, shrines, sculptures, inscriptions and terracotta decoration connected with the wider Buddhist world of eastern Bengal. These institutions were supported by regional rulers and benefited from the area's position between inland settlements and routes towards the coast. Their decline followed changing political and religious conditions, but the excavated remains provide an unusually tangible account of early medieval urban, monastic and artistic life in the region.

A Maritime Port between Bengal and Arakan

Chattogram developed as a strategically placed port on the Bay of Bengal, drawing merchants, sailors and political powers from Bengal, Arakan and the Indian Ocean. Its hinterland included river routes leading into the interior, while coastal connections reached towards present-day Myanmar and the wider Bay. The port's history was marked by shifting control and competition, including periods of Arakanese influence and activity by Portuguese and other seafarers. This maritime past helps explain the region's mixed cultural vocabulary, commercial importance and long-standing connections beyond the boundaries of present-day Bangladesh.

Mughal Consolidation in 1666

The Mughal conquest of Chattogram in 1666, led by Shaista Khan's forces, ended the Arakanese hold over the port and brought the area more firmly into the Mughal Bengal system. The Mughal victory improved imperial control over the south-eastern frontier and reduced the threat posed by raiding fleets and privateers operating from the coast. Mughal administration and settlement left an enduring mark on the city's political and religious landscape, although local maritime networks and relations with Arakan continued to influence life along the coast and in the hill margins.

Colonial Port and Railway Development

Under British rule, Chattogram became increasingly important as a commercial port and as an outlet for the products of eastern Bengal and Assam. Railways and improved river and road links connected the port with inland markets, while warehouses, offices and new civic infrastructure altered the urban landscape. The port later gained strategic importance during the Second World War. Colonial expansion also brought new administrative pressures to the hill frontier and reshaped land, labour and trade relationships. Several of the region's modern transport corridors and industrial functions have roots in this period.

Partition, War and the Birth of Bangladesh

The 1947 Partition placed Chattogram and the surrounding districts within East Pakistan, separating the region from many earlier commercial and administrative links. The port remained economically important, but political and economic tensions between East and West Pakistan deepened. During the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971, Chattogram was a significant centre of resistance and communication, and the region's waterways, ports and towns were affected by the conflict. Bangladesh's independence brought new national priorities, including expanded infrastructure, industrial development and tourism along the south-eastern coast.

The Chittagong Hill Tracts and the 1997 Accord

The Chittagong Hill Tracts are home to several Indigenous peoples, including the Chakma, Marma, Tripura, Mro and others, with distinct languages, religious practices and social histories. Post-independence disputes over land, representation, migration and state policy led to a prolonged insurgency and militarisation. The 1997 Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord established a framework for regional councils, land issues and the return of combatants, although implementation remains contested and many underlying disputes continue. Visitors encounter this history through local institutions and landscapes, but should avoid treating communities or sensitive areas as tourist spectacles.

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Chittagong Division

Discover Chittagong Division with Evendo: a 100% free, app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, hotels, tours, and more.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich set of information including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
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Explore Chittagong Division like never before with Evendo, your free, comprehensive travel guide app. Discover attractions, book tours, and navigate the city with ease.

  • History of Chittagong Division and travel essentials
  • Tons of local advice to enhance your visit
  • Easy navigation through the app and the city
  • 'Near Me' feature to discover nearby attractions
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases or hidden costs

Welcome to Chittagong Division, a region rich with natural beauty, vibrant culture, and historical landmarks. With Evendo, the ultimate app-based travel guide, your trip to Chittagong Division becomes an immersive and effortless experience. Whether you're planning to visit the iconic Patenga Beach, explore the historical treasures of the Ethnological Museum, or savor delectable local cuisine at Mezetto Restaurant, Evendo has got you covered.

Evendo offers detailed information on all the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities in Chittagong Division. Each location comes with a rich set of information including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details, making it easy for you to plan and organize your trip.

No more need to search endlessly for what to see, what to do, and how to get there. With Evendo, you can easily book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences all in one place. Features like the 'Near Me' function allow you to discover what's around you, no matter where you are in the city. Plus, curated local tips ensure you experience Chittagong Division like a local.

From the bustling streets of Chittagong City to the serene landscapes of Bandarban, Evendo helps you navigate and enjoy every corner of Chittagong Division. And the best part? The app is 100% free to use, with no in-app purchases or hidden costs. Download Evendo today and make the most of your journey!

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