The sights, the tastes, the bargains
Chittagong offers branded clothes for cheap, and great views for free
Tamim Iqbal
03-Nov-2010
Shipbreaking near Chittagong • AFP
Visit Bhatiary Sunset Point and Boat Club
Chittagong is getting busier but if you get out of the city and reach Sunset Point at Bhatiary just before the sun goes down behind the ships in the shipbreaking yard, into the Bay of Bengal, you have a sight to behold. The Boat Club there has one of the most relaxing settings. Take a boat ride through the dark waters of the quiet, hilly lake and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Chittagong is getting busier but if you get out of the city and reach Sunset Point at Bhatiary just before the sun goes down behind the ships in the shipbreaking yard, into the Bay of Bengal, you have a sight to behold. The Boat Club there has one of the most relaxing settings. Take a boat ride through the dark waters of the quiet, hilly lake and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Shop at Johur Hawkers Market
A shopper's paradise if you are into street shopping. Be prepared to bargain hard and with perseverance you never know what gem you can come up with. Branded clothing at very low prices is there for the taking. You will be spoilt for choice - there's all kinds of clothes for kids and adults, and although these are supposed to be rejects, you'll struggle to find faults in them.
A shopper's paradise if you are into street shopping. Be prepared to bargain hard and with perseverance you never know what gem you can come up with. Branded clothing at very low prices is there for the taking. You will be spoilt for choice - there's all kinds of clothes for kids and adults, and although these are supposed to be rejects, you'll struggle to find faults in them.
Eat at GEC More
This is a "happening" place, with hotels, restaurants, bakeries, banks and shopping malls. Also, eateries to suit every taste. My favourite is Handi at Dampara. It has exquisite Indian dishes and is a hot spot. Be ready to wait for a table, though. For a nice Chinese/Thai experience, the Pavilion or the Meridian are good choices. The traffic jams can be annoying at times but this is where everyone wants to be after sunset, as eating out is a popular tradition in Chittagong. If you love sweets then a must-go spot is Well Food - the best cakes, pastries, doughnuts and sweet goodies in town.
This is a "happening" place, with hotels, restaurants, bakeries, banks and shopping malls. Also, eateries to suit every taste. My favourite is Handi at Dampara. It has exquisite Indian dishes and is a hot spot. Be ready to wait for a table, though. For a nice Chinese/Thai experience, the Pavilion or the Meridian are good choices. The traffic jams can be annoying at times but this is where everyone wants to be after sunset, as eating out is a popular tradition in Chittagong. If you love sweets then a must-go spot is Well Food - the best cakes, pastries, doughnuts and sweet goodies in town.
Visit the war cemetery, old Court House, and Master Da Surya Sen's raided armoury
Even if you are not into history, a trip to Chittagong will not be complete without a visit to the World War Two Cemetery at Badsha Miah Road. It is hard to imagine that such a serene spot can exist amid the hustle and bustle of the city. The Old Court House is another British-era relic which people from all over the world come to see. Chittagong's fighting spirit is epitomised by the preserved armoury near the old railway station junction, which the freedom fighter Master Da Surya Sen had raided during the anti-British movement.
Even if you are not into history, a trip to Chittagong will not be complete without a visit to the World War Two Cemetery at Badsha Miah Road. It is hard to imagine that such a serene spot can exist amid the hustle and bustle of the city. The Old Court House is another British-era relic which people from all over the world come to see. Chittagong's fighting spirit is epitomised by the preserved armoury near the old railway station junction, which the freedom fighter Master Da Surya Sen had raided during the anti-British movement.
Go to Batali Hill, Foy's Lake
When I was young I used to go up the rolling path of Batali Hill with friends to watch the city from the vantage point on top. Always a good idea to go in a group at dawn to watch the sunrise, and at dusk to see the glittering city lights. Foy's Lake Resort is also a cool spot for many water sports, and staying at one of their lakeside motels can be a treat.
When I was young I used to go up the rolling path of Batali Hill with friends to watch the city from the vantage point on top. Always a good idea to go in a group at dawn to watch the sunrise, and at dusk to see the glittering city lights. Foy's Lake Resort is also a cool spot for many water sports, and staying at one of their lakeside motels can be a treat.