Modern Cox’s Bazar: The modern Cox’s Bazar gained its name from British-Indian Captain Hiram Cox in the 18th century. He was an officer of British East India Company. He did several social works here as the Superintendent of Palongkee outpost before he died in 1799. The works he had done made him a place in the hearts of the locals. As a result, to commemorate Cox’s role in social work a market was established here and named after him as “Cox’s Bazaar” (”Cox’s Market”) with time it turn as Cox’s Bazar.
Cox’s Bazar city is not so big. It has only 6.85 km² of area. But its weather condition is always good for healthy life. Bangladesh is situated in the monsoon area. So in the Cox’s Bazar there is very seasonal change. In this region most of the time there stay high temperature, heavy rainfall excessive humidity because of the Bay of Bengal. The weather is controlled by the beautiful sea Bay of Bengal. The Bay of Bengal in Cox’s Bazar is a small port and health resort.
Near the Cox’s Bazar city there are several places to visit which places are really attractive for the tourists. Himchari, Laboni Beach, Sonadia Island, Maheshkhali, Teknaf, ST Martin Island etc places are really exciting and enjoyable spot for the viewers.
The best remarkable scenery of Cox’s Bazar is the sunrise and sunset scenery. You can enjoy there with water-related activities. A lot of small shopping mall are located here you can get very nice handmade clothes, Barmiz shoes, dress and various types of showpieces. You will also get various kinds of food. The traditional Achar (pickle) and Shutki (dry fish0 of Cox’s Bazar are really famous around the world.
Cox’s Bazar is really a great place to visit for a tourist. Every year a huge number of tourists come here from across the world. Many high class hotels are driving their business in the Cox’s Bazar. So, don’t think for accommodation. It is a matter of sorrow for the country that a few number of foreign tourists come here for visiting. However, for the lack of publication the spot cannot attack more visitors which should be. But recently, the administrations take some step to increase its facilities and publicities.
Environment & Mineral Contents in Cox’s Bazar Beach
The main attraction of Cox’s Bazar is the world longest but least-crowded sandy beach which stretches from the mouth of the Bakkhali River and going all the way to Teknaf. Though normally known as Cox’s Bazar beach, but the beach stretches far beyond the region designated as Cox’s Bazar town. The setting for the beach with its silvery gold sand is tropical-forested hills.
“Miles of golden sands, surfing waves, rare conch shells, towering cliffs, delightful seafood, tribes, colorful pagodas and Buddhist temples” – this is not a literary description for Cox’s Bazar beach, it’s an illustration for the eager person who want to imagine the beach. The beauty of the beach cannot be described by writing as no suitable word you can get to describe it.
Mineral content in beach sand:
* Hornblende
* Garnet
* Epidote
* Ilmenites
* Magnetite
* Rutile
* Pyrite
* Hydroxides
Bathing: The rise & fall of the tide is not great here; so, it is a better place for sea-bathing. However, the shark free warm waters are good for swimming & bathing. On the other hand, the sandy beaches offer sun-bathing opportunity.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit here is at sunrise and sunset while the sand changes colors.
Activities: Watching the sun set; it is fabulous and everybody watches it. Best place for capturing photos.
Hazard: If you are a foreigner, everybody would want to talk to you. They also have their photo taken with you. It is a lit-bit annoying. However, it is a great way to get opportunity to talk to local people and know their culture and tradition. If you are in bikini or western dress, locals’ eye may embarrass you.
Cox’s Bazar Beaches
Laboni Beach
Laboni beach is considered as the main beach area of Cox’s Bazar as is at the central location and close to town. The beach is always crowded by tourists. Visitors can sunbathe, surf, jog, cycle, and swim. It is best for swimming and relaxation. Numerous souvenir shops around the area can attract tourist to purchase the souvenirs, beach accessories and some other stuffs.
Inani Beach
Inani beach is famous for its golden sand. The beautiful beach attracts most of the tourist who appreciate warmly the wonders of nature. With flights frequently available at http://www.fly.com/ to the nearby Cox’s Bazar airport, it’s no wonder that this has become a popular holiday destination. Tourists like to come here for relaxing as it is free from the crowd of visitors who are typically seen at the Laboni beach. The beach is generally considered to be the world’s longest beach.
Location: Located about 32 km to the south of the famous tourist destination of Cox’s Bazar.
Attraction:
• Backdrop of lush green hills rising up on the east.
• The sea stretching out endlessly to the west.
• Unusual shaped rock and coral boulders scattered lavishly in the beach and trough the sea.
• Fringed with tall palm trees swaying gently in the breeze.
• Seashells of different colors, shapes, and sizes are found along here.
• Calm lagoon which is wonderful for the little ones to paddle in.
• Getting on the rock & coral boulders with the waves washing up on the shore around you, will be an extremely therapeutic experience.
• Beachcombing.
• Shark free water is suitable for sea bathing.
Note: Every year numerous foreign and local tourists come here to spend their leisure in Inani Beach. However, it lacks several amenities that visitors can expect. It is wise to take a packed lunch and water with you when you visit the beach. But those people who have taken the time to explore the beach can testify that its beauty and cool breeze far outweighs anything it might be lacking in amenities. When visiting Inani Beach, ensure you have camera along to capture the amazing sight of the sun setting over the sea.
Himchari:
Himchari is one of the most attractive places for the visitors. Journey to Himchari is also exciting because the road to Himchari runs by the lovely green hills on one side and open blue sea on the other side. The scenery of the two side of the road pleased all.
Location: Located 12 km south of Cox’s Bazar Town and 6 km from the Kalatali beach by the hill.
Area: 1,729 hectares
Getting there: From Kalatali stand, it is only 15-minute ride to entry; if you take a taxi or chander gari (local transport). You can also rent a car from Cox’s Bazar.
Outstanding Features:
1. Beautiful Waterfall
2. Himchari National Park
3. Broken Hill
4. Christmas Tree
1. Beautiful Waterfall: The amazing waterfall of Himchari is a very rare scene to enjoy. The waterfall from the green hill is relatively extraordinary to look at. However, in the winter it dwindles whereas in the rainy season it is really wonderful and full waterfall could be enjoyed.
The spot is ideal for picnic, shooting, relaxing and sunbathing. But whenever you have sunbathing locals can rush around you as Bangladeshis’ are not used to see women in swim costume. Here you get beautiful hilltop resort centre where you can stay for relaxing and can hear the shore of the Bay of Bengal.
2. Himchari National Park: The Park is a beautiful tropical rain forest (evergreen & semi-ever-green) around the South Asia. The park was established in 1980. This place is maintained, protected and secured by the government for the foreign tourists and the local visitors. The Park is not only attractive for the tourists it is also attractive for the biologist.
The park gets high forest, low forest & grasslands with a few trees. Around 58 species of trees, 4 species grasses, 15 species of shrubs, 19 climbers and 21 species of herbs altogether 117 plant species are available here. In the forest area there are at least twenty kinds of important herbs like Curculigo recurvata, Swintonia floribunda and Alpinia nigra are available which most valuable plant are for the biologist.
The park is also considered as a paradise of birdwatcher. A lot of bird watchers are gathered here for the seeing the different kinds of birds, as more than 286 species of birds found there. Additionally, 55 species of mammals, 56 species of reptiles and 13 species of amphibians are found in the evergreen forest. A small number of elephants and leopard also found here. The US administration already made an agreement with Bangladesh government to induct tigers in to the forest areas.
• Wild life: Elephant, Tigers, Capped Langur, Gibbon, Rhesus Macaque, Dhole, Sloth Bear, Hirundo Rustica, Indian Muntjac, Wild Boar, Cypsiurrus Parvus Leopard Cat, Jungle Cat, Fishing Cat, and Acridotheres.
• Adventure: Picnic, Shooting and Bird safari
• Entry Fee: Tk. 5.00/ Person
• Present Visitors: 2,00,000 / Year
3. Broken Hills: It is also an attraction for most of the visitors. Come and see what wonder waiting for you.
4. Christmas Tree: The Christmas tree of here is another famous attraction for the tourist.
Accommodation: After visiting Himchari if you want to stay at night, should stay in Cox’s Bazar. You will get a number of hotels and restaurants there with different budget.
Note: You can reach Himchari only by the beach. So, ensure you are back to town before high tide rise in the evening. It is not wise to stay here after sunset.
