With a picturesque hinterland of large hill-forests and lakes, Chittagong is a good vacation spot. It is the second largest city of Bangladesh and the biggest International seaport. Its green hills and forests, broad sandy beaches and fine cool climate always attract holidaymakers. It combines the hum of a restless seaport with the pleasure of a charming hill-town with its undulating topography. Chittagong is the main site for the establishment of heavy, medium and light industries. Bangladesh's only steel mill and oil refinery are also located here. Chittagong is connected with Dhaka by rail, road, air and water. It is also connected with Cox's Bazar, Calcutta and Dubai by air.
PLACES OF INTEREST:
Shrine of Bayazid Bostami :This holy shrine attracts a large number of visitors and pilgrims. At its base there is a large pond with several hundred tortoises floating in the water.
World war II Cemetery: In this well-preserved cemetery at quiet and picturesque place lie buried over 700 soldiers from commonwealth countries and Japan.
Foy's Lake: Set amidst panoramic surroundings, this ideal spot for outings and picnics is thronged by thousands of visitors.
Ethnological Museum : A unique treasure house of variety of tribal culture and heritage of Bangladesh and the world.
Court Building: Situated on the Fairy Hill, this building commands a magnificent bird's eye view of Chittagong city, particularly at night.
Patenga Beach : Sandy beach at the meeting place of the roaring sea and the river Karnaphuli.
Sitakunda : About 40 km. from Chittagong. This is famous for the Chandranath Hindu Temple -one of the oldest temple in the subcontinent and the Buddhist Temple having a footprint of lord Buddha. The Hindus and Buddhists regard these places particularly the hilltops as very sacred. Shiva Chaturdashi festival is held every years in February when thousands pilgrims assemble for the celebration which lasts about ten days. There is a hot water spring 5/km. to the north of Sitakunda.
Other important places of interest include shrine of Shah Amanat, Shahi Jame Mosque, Chandanpura Mosque, Portuguese Arsenal, Port Area, Marine Academy and Biponi Bitan.
The Hill Tracts is divided into three districts, namely Rangamati, Khagrachari and Bandarban.The Hill Tracts is divided into four valleys surrounded by the Feni, Kamaphuli, Sangu (Sankhu) and Matamuhuri rivers and their tributaries. The ranges or hills of the Hill Tracts rise steeply thus looking far more impressive than what their height would imply and extend in long narrow ridges. The highest peaks on the northern side are Thangnang, Langliang and Khantiang while those on the southern side are Ramu, Taung, Keekradang (arround 4000 ft, highest in Bangladesh), Mowdok Mual, Rang Tlang and Mowdok Tlang. Most of the tourists are indigenous. Some foreigners also come for recreation. They are mostly from South Korea, U.K., France, New Zealand, Switzerland, U.S.A., Canada, Netherlands, Norway, Sri Lanka, Italy, Myanmar, Philippines, India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Russia, Australia, Belgium, Denmark, Germany and many others.
PLACES OF INTERESTThe valleys of the Hill Tracts are covered with thick-planted forests. The vegetation in semi-evergreen to tropical evergreen dominated by tall teak trees. The natural vegetation can be seen best in the Rain- khyong valleys of the Bandarban district. This district provides the country with valuable wood used for various purposes, besides supplying wood and bamboo for the Karnaphuli Paper Mills and the Rayon Mills situated at Chandraghona. Here a tourist may be lucky to see how huge logs of wood are being carried to the plain by the tamed elephants.
TRIBAL LIFE: The inhabitants of the Hill Tracts are mostly tribal. Life of the tribal people is extremely fascinating. Majority of them are Buddhists and the rest are Hindus, Christians and Animists. Despite the bondage of religion, elements of primitiveness are strongly displayed in their rites, rituals and everyday life. The tribal families are matriarchal. The women-folk are more hardworking than the males and they are the main productive force. The tribal people are extremely self-reliant, they grow their own food, their girls weave their own clothes and generally speaking, they live a simple life. Each tribe has its own dialect, distinctive dress and rites and rituals. The common feature is their way of life, which still speak of their main occupation. Some of them take pride in hunting with bows and arrows. Tribal women are very skilful in making beautiful handicrafts. Tribal people are generally peace (loving, honest and hospitable. They usually greet a tourist with a smile.
RANGAMATI HILL DISTRICT: Rangamati, the focal point of Chittagong Hill District, is connected with Chittagong by a 77 km. metalled road. The: township is located on the western bank of the Kaptai Lake. Rangamati is a favorite holiday resort because of its beautiful landscape, scenic beauty, its flora and fauna, homespun textiles, bamboo handbags, flower vases and silver jewelry and the tribal men and women who fashion them, are other attractions. The tribal handicraft factory and sales center run by BSCIC produces many varieties of souvenirs made of bamboo, cane, straw, textile and leather. For the tourists the attractions of Rangamati are numerous-tribal life, fishing, speedboat cruising, water-skiing, hiking or merely enjoying nature as it is. Other places worth visiting include, Tribal Museum, Bein Textile Factory and Sales Center, Kalpataru, Ivory product shop, Hanging Bridge, Tribal village, Chakma Raj Bari (King's palace), Weekly Hat (market). Above all tribal dance and music captivate visitors that can be organized by us if prior notice is given.
BANDARBAN HILL DISTRICT: Ninety-two kilometer from Chittagong by metalled road, Bandarban is the district headquarters of the Bandarban Hill District. Bandarban is the hometown of the Bohmong Chief, who is the head of the Mogh tribe (The Moghs King). The Moghs are of Myanmar origin and Buddhists by religion. Jovial and carefree by nature, the Moghs are simple and hospitable people. Bandarban is also the home of the Murangs who are famous for their music and dance. Far into the interior there are several other tribes of great interest for anyone who cares to make the-journey.
KHAGRACHARI HILL DISTRICT: Khagrachari is the district headquarters of Khagachari Hill District. A drive of 112 km. from Chittagong, by an all-weather metalled road through the green forest brings you to Khagrachari, abode of fascinating clam. For the tourists seeking nature in here restful mood, Khagrachari is an ideal spot.
Chittagong Division is located at southern part of the country has an area of 33771 sq. km and a population of 23.99. It has 11 districts and 38 municipalities.