Chittagong is the main port and second-largest city of Bangladesh with a population of about 7 millions. The city is surrounded by a wonderful geographical combination of Sea shore, river, hill and green plain, which makes it the most naturally beautiful city of Bangladesh. As a natural port, it has long been a meeting place of world's many major trading nations like Arabs from 9th centuries, Portuguese in the 16th centuries. Before Mughals captured it in 1666, it was ruled by different Burmese and Arakanese monarchies, and for few times under the Portuguese control. Many old Portuguese structures are seen in different parts of the city which reminds it's multi-cultural and multi-ethnic heritage. Under British rule, The eastern railway Headquarters was set up in Chittagong. Many Victorian style structures in the city still reminds of the British presence in this city. It is becoming as the nations second mega city with all sorts of international standard amenities. The city is located on Karnaphuli River on the Bay of Bengal.

Among the city’s sights are several tombs and religious shrines including the Tomb of Sultan Bayazid Bostami (note the hundreds of tortoises in the tank representing evil souls). The Shah-E-Jame Mosque built on a hillside offers excellent views. The 14th-century Qadam (Kadam) Mubarak Mosque contains what’s said to be a footprint of the Prophet.

Other attractions include the ethnological museum in Agrabad the World War II Military Cemetery (graves of British Australian and other soldiers) the 300-year-old Portuguese Arsenal (interesting architecture) and the harbor area (called the “Sadarghat ” it’s the city’s oldest area).

It has several eye catching sea beaches as well as Worlds longest sea beaches to attract tourist. The most beautiful city Chittagong is known as the gateway to Asia.

Temperatures in Chittagong range from 13.8 to 32.05 (Celcius).

Chittagong is the capital of Chittagong Division in south-eastern Bangladesh.

 Understand

Chittagong is a fairly big, spread out town. Foreigners will notice the people are mostly friendly than in other parts of the country.

The busiest part of town is the area around the train station and Station Road, while things get a little more bearable as you move further north. GEC Circle is the intersection of Zakir Hossain Rd, O. R. Nizam Rd and CDA Avenue, about 3 km north of the train station, and is the center of middle to upper class life with a variety of good restaurants and shopping.

Chittagong is a conservative place. Local women tend to dress in modest clothing and don't like to shake hands with men. This does not apply to the upper class who are very westernized. Local people aren't offended when foreigners don't comply with the expectations of local people. Foreigners drinking alcohol or foreign women wearing skirts which show their bare legs aren't going to upset people. This is true in other parts of Bangladesh and reflects the tolerant and gentle nature of the Bangladeshi people.

In the more affluent neighborhoods like Khulshi and Nasirabad local women are more westernized. The parties that let women have fun are mostly indoors, and Chittagong Club or Hotel Agrabad are fairly happening places at that.

The Chittagonian enthusiasm for inviting people to massive feasts is a bit of legend both locally and elsewhere in Bangladesh. Known as mezbani these feasts feature a tremendously hot curry, usually of beef. If you're not used to it, approach with caution.

 

Get in

 By air

Shah Amanat International Airport (ICAO: CGP) is modern and clean and serves as Chittagong's international airport besides domestic services to and from Dhaka and Sylhet. It is the 2nd busiest in Bangladesh. Situated in Patenga, it has international services to destinations such as Dubai, Kolkata, Yangon, Muscat and Bangkok. Formerly known as MA Hannan International Airport, but was renamed on April 2, 2005 by the Government of Bangladesh. Major airlines that serve the airport include Biman Bangladesh Airlines, GMG Airlines, Thai Airways International, Oman Air, United Airways, Best Air and Royal Bengal Airlines.

 By train

Trains run to Dhaka, Sylhet and other cities. The main route out of Chittagong runs north to Comilla and Akhaura, from where the routes to Dhaka and Sylhet diverge. The train station is on Station Road just west of Jubilee Rd. Chittagong is a terminal station on the metre gauge eastern section of the Bangladesh Railway. The headquarters of this railway are located here. Train journeys are, in general, cheaper than bus journeys.

 By bus

There are 2 spots in the city where the major private companies operate from and have offices - just to the south of GEC Circle on CDA Ave, and on Station Rd near Hotel Golden Inn. Greenline, Silkline and Shohag are the nicest and have frequent services to Dhaka (6 hours) and Cox's Bazar (3 hours). Greenline also offers the only direct bus to Sylhet (Tk 550, 6 hours).

Local buses to Cox's Bazar (Tk 140, 3 hours) run frequently throughout the day from Cinema Palace Bus Station, about 1km north of the Station Rd area.

 By boat

  • BIWTC has an office and launches its ferries from Sadarghat, about 1km south of the train station down Sadarghat Rd. Barisal is the main destination, from where you can continue to Dhaka.

 

Get around

Transport in Chittagong is similar to that of the country's capital Dhaka. There are various bus systems, taxis, and as well as smaller 'Baby' or 'CNG' taxis which are basically tricycle-structured motor vehicles. Also, there are the traditional manual rickshaws which are very common.

  • Cycle-rickshaws are the natural choice, and cost around Tk 5 per kilometer.

  • Walking is also a possibility as the town isn't too confusing, but keep and eye out as the streets can be very busy, especially around Station Rd and Jubilee Rd.

 Nearby

  • The shipbreaking yards near the Indian Ocean are Chittagong's international claim to fame, but for the wrong reasons; these are considered one of the most polluted places on Earth with highly dangerous practices and hazardous working conditions. Green Peace is actively campaigning against them and trying to bring this issue further into the light. Tourists are not usually welcome, but some travelers have been able to sweet talk the gate-keeper and get amazing photos of massive ships being dismantled for parts and steel. There are many breaking yards stretching for miles, so start at one end and try your luck until you have success. Keep your wits about you, safety practices leave something to be desired. It's also wise to keep your camera hidden until you're out of view of the officials, lest you be mistaken for a journalist out to do them harm. Bus #6 runs from Station Road, or you could hire an auto-rickshaw.

 Buy

  • Aarong Handicrafts has a large branch on CDA Ave just north of GEC Circle. It is well stocked with men's and women's clothing and housewares at medium to expensive prices. There is new branch of Aarong opend in port connecting road.

  • Newmarket is famous for shopping since the early ages of structured mall's in the city.

  • Reazuddiin Bazar is the largest bazar contains more then 7,000 shops. Including groceries, deli, electronics, clothing, house ware everything found here wholesale & retail.

  • There are lots of shopping malls in Chittagong. These are Mimi Super Market,  Sanmar Ocean City, Amin's Shopping centre. Central Plaza, Chittagong shopping complex, Lucky Plaza, Bay Shopping mall. More shopping mall's are going to open.

  • Some more medium/small boutique shops around the city. These are Romonia, Nine to Nine, Miya-Bibi, Matra, Anjon's, Nongor, Manz club, Moonsoon, Handibazar, Cats Eye, Dressy Dale and etc.

 

 Eat

The people of Bangladesh love oily food. This can be a problem for foreigners and lead to upset stomachs. If you are a foreigner you should consider sticking with better restaurants and eating in large hotels.

  • Ambrosia, Jiban Bima Bhaban (Ground Floor), 1053, Sk. Mujib Road (Next to Radio Station & Opposite to Standard Chartered Chittagong Main Branch), +880 31 2513576 (fax: +880 31 2513460). Buffet Lunch: 12-4PM; Dinner: 6-11PM. The largest and the latest international standard restaurant in town with a Karaoke corner, seats up to 500 people across 2 floors. Has a huge menu of Continental, Indian, Thai, Chinese, Indonesian and Bangladeshi dishes.

  • Bonanza, Above Aarong and opposite to the Meridian (GEC circle). The best restaurant in town which is of international standard. Bonanza has a huge menu. Recommended for foreigners who need a break from an upset stomach. Mains Tk 300.

  • The Meridian, Opposite to Bonanza (GEC circle), Don't know. The Meridian has an excellent lunch buffet for around 350 taka. The rest of the menu used to be pretty good but as of late it is better to stick to the buffet. Mains Tk 300.

  • Shaad Snacks, Station Road, across the street from New Market. A friendly place serving the usual fast food snacks - rolls and buns filled with chicken, beef or vegetables, microwave to a spongy perfection as you order. They've got a good range of sweets as well.

  • Shangri-La Chinese Restaurant, 39, Agrabad, 810210. Smart air-conditioned Chinese restaurant. But the place has nose dived recently and other restaurants have opened. ~Tk 300-400 per person.

  • Baskin Robbins, just east of GEC Circle. One of the city's greatest redeeming qualities.

  • Sugarbun (Well food), GEC circle. Fast food place from the international chain of the same name. Selling pizza, burgers, fries plus a variety of dishes to Asian tastes in a fast food format. Sugarbun also sells coffee, cakes, bread and other snacks. ~Tk 175-250 per person.

  • Pizza Hut, GEC circle up the hill towards Welmart. Pizza hut only arrived in Chittagong in 2006. Before that people had to go all the way to Dhaka for pizza. ~Tk 230-500 per medium pizza.

  • Zaman Hotel (there are 13 Zaman hotels in Chittagong), just north of GEC Circle, on west side of street, +00880189 649 138. The menu contains no foreign dishes and this is not a place where foreigners typically eat, though it falls at the top end of middle class Bangladeshi restaurants. The place is clean, the food is OK, the service is good. You can ponder the wisdom in the quote on the menu: "For super disk with quality food to avoid cooking please step with whose family at Zaman Hotel." There are two restaurants of the same name on the same block - this one is the most southerly, with the huge neon sign on the roof. Mains Tk 40-100.

  • Zaman Hotel (Agrabad), On the Agrabad circle, The Zaman hotel at the Agrabad circle has the best food of the Zaman hotels. The Chicken Biriyani is particularly good coming with a large piece of chicken, an egg, rice, and a delicious sauce. The environment is more worn than hotel Zaman at the GEC circle. But the food is better. Since there are virtually no good places to eat on a budget in Agrabad it is worth checking this place out. Tk 50-100 for a meal.

 

Drink

Alcoholic beverages are available at five-star hotels in Bangladesh as well as a number of private clubs. Three hotels in Chittagong have a drinks license; the Agrabad hotel, the Silmoon hotel and the Peninsula hotel. While all the hotels are expensive for drinks the Peninsula is the most expensive by far.

There are three private clubs in Chittagong. The premiere club is the Chittagong Club which is located at number one Empress Road. The Chittagong club has a drinks license and serves foreign alcohol in addition to local gin, vodka and whisky. Chittagong Club membership is closed but foreigners can apply for "temporary membership" for up to two years.

The Chittagong Institute is a far smaller club but it does maintain a bar. It is located in Jamal Khan road.

The Catholic club opens membership to all persons for a small fee but membership applications are only accepted once a year (I think during December). It maintains a small bar serving local drinks.

It is possible to buy alcoholic beverages, ranging from local brews to smuggled beer and counterfeit brand alcohol. Local booze is available legally at government licensed shops. There is one in Agrabad on Sheik Mujib Rahman road. It is tucked into an alley way a short distance from the first floor "Siemens" showroom. Counterfeit branded alcohol is available from illegal traders in Kulshie and other area. Deaths have been reported from consumption of adulterated liquor. Headaches and illness are more common. Smuggled booze is sometimes available from the sea beach.

Readers should note that the 'Expats Inn' has closed it's doors. So no more pub nights!

Sleep

Budget

  • Hotel Miskha, 95 Station Road,  +880 (0) 31 610923  +880 (0) 31 610923 . checkout: 12PM. One of the better of the Station Road cheapies, rooms are large, fairly clean and more atmospheric than others in the area with faded old wooden furniture. Prices are a little high but don't even think of asking the stubborn manager for a discount or to throw in a TV. There's a decent restaurant behind the reception desk. Tk 200-300.

  • Asian SR Hotel: The Asian SR Hotel is a 3 star international hotel situated on 291 Station Road, Chittagong, Bangladesh. Phone : +880-31-636383, Mobile: 01711889555, Website: www.asiansrhotel.com, Email: info@asiansrhotel.com

  • Hotel Al-Faisal, 1050 Nur Ahmed Road,  +880 (0) 31 710048  +880 (0) 31 710048 . checkout: 12PM. This is a good option, mostly because it's far enough away from Station Rd. Tk 350-1200.

  • Hotel Bandargaon, 875 Nur Ahmed Road,  +880 (0) 31 637686  +880 (0) 31 637686 . checkout: 12PM. Near Hotel Al-Faisal, it's also a good choice. Rooms around Tk 600.

  • Hotel Eastern View, 225/A, Sk. Mujib Road, (Chowmuhony) Agrabad, Phone: 00880-031-2510567,2514935, Hot Line: 00880 01727-739 839,01710-914 448, 01811-227 888, E-mail: easternview@ctgtel.net. The newest hotel in Chittagong. It is well equipped, 24 hours service, lift, standby generator, all kinds of food in room, Internet, hot & cold water, secretarial service. It's run by ex-managers of renowned hotels & staff are really good, whole atmosphere is quiet & clean.

  • Hotel Sylhet Super, 16 Station Road,  +880 (0) 31 632265  +880 (0) 31 632265 . checkout: 12PM. This is a very large hotel west of the train station, good if you need to be in this area. Tk 300-1000.

  • Hotel Golden Inn, 36 Station Road,  +880 (0) 31 611004  +880 (0) 31 611004 . checkout: 12PM. Across the street from Sylhet Super, it's another decent choice. Tk 400-1000.  

  • Hotel Golden Inn, Station Road. A 2-star hotel situated on.

  • Hotel Saint Martin: Hotel Saint Martin is a 3-star hotel situated in the commercial district of Chittagong on Sheik Mujib road.

  • Hotel Agrabad, Agrabad Commercial Area, +880-31-713311, info@agrabadhotels.com]. Online Booking Accepted. A business hotel in the heart of the commercial area, easy airport access, restaurants and a swimming pool. $154-581. Hotel Agrabad is 4-star hotel situated in the commercial district of Chittagong.

  • The Peninsula Chittagong, Best Business Hotel in Town, 486/B, OR Nizam Road, CDA Avenue,Chittagong, BANGLADESH, PABX: +88-031-285-0860-69 (10 lines), Tel: +88-031-616722 or 619850, Fax: +88-031-624385 or 632506 reservation@peninsulactg.com, www.peninsulactg.com. Situated in the prestigious GEC circle of the Port City, The Peninsula Chittagong provides superior services combining western sophistication and Chittagonian hospitality in a scenic and convenient location. Discover this unique retreat for business or pleasure just minutes from the commercial center surrounded by famous retail shops, restaurants and corporate offices. Tariff: $100-$150. The Peninsula Chittagong is a 4-Star Hotel situated in the center of the city near the G.E.C Circle. The roof of the building contains a swimming pool and offers a view of the entire city.

  • Hotel International, is situated in Anderkilla near Chittagong City Corporation. This is an ancient & cheap hotel. +88031619813; +8801711760991.

 

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