Cox’s Bazar is a district in the Chittagong Division of Bangladesh.[1] It is named after Cox’s Bazar town. It is located 150 kilometers (93 mi) south of Chittagong. Cox’s Bazar is also known by the name Panowa (“yellow flower”). Another old name was Palongkee. The modern Cox’s Bazar derives its name from Captain Hiram Cox (died 1798), an army officer who served in British India. It is one of the fishing ports of Bangladesh. At Cox’s Bazar is one of the world’s longest natural sea beaches (120 kilometers (75 mi) long including mud flats).
Cox’s Bazar District has an area of 2,491.86 km2 (962.11 sq mi). It is bounded by Chittagong District on the north, Bay of Bengal in the south, Bandarban District on the east, and the Bay of Bengal on the west. Major rivers include Matamuhuri, Bakkhali, Reju Khal, Naf River, Maheshkhali channel and Kutubdia channel. The area of the city of Cox’s Bazar is 6.85 km2 (2.64 sq mi).
Often termed as the world’s longest beach, Cox’s Bazar has yet to become a major tourist destination in Asia. 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.
The major livelihood of Cox’s Bazar district is tourism. Millions of foreign and Bangladeshi natives visit this coastal city every year. A number of hotels, guest houses, and motels have been built in the city and coastal region and the hospitality industry is a major employer in the area.
A number of people are involved in the fishing and collection of sea foods and sea products. Oysters, snails, pearls and jewelry made from shells are popular with the tourists in the seaside and city stores. A number of people are also involved in the transportation business for tourists. Many people of the district are farmers.
In 2002, a surfing club was initiated at Cox’s Bazar by a local Bangladeshi. It has now extended to holding an annual competition including locals and foreign tourists. This is the first surfing initiative in Bangladesh’s history.
Travel Spot:
Cox’s Bazar, mostly famous for its beautiful sea beach and the sunset, has several other attractions, including:
- Aggmeda Khyang, a large Buddhist monastery, and a place revered by around 400,000 Buddhist people of Cox’s Bazar Hill Tracts.
- Himchari, located about 8 km (5 mi) south of Cox’s Bazar, is a picnic spot famous for its waterfalls and hill top from where a splendid view of the sea can be seen. Birds and animals roam near the road. You may feel heavenly ride while driving in the marine drive road.
- Inani Beachhas interesting rocks and coral boulders. It is 32 km (20 mi) from the main beach.
- Coxsbazar Circuit House, located 2 km (1.2 mi) from Laboni Point, has a good viewpoint. The ocean can be seen from a height, and one can also enjoy the view of Cox’s Bazar city.
- Martin’s Island, the only coralisland in Bangladesh, is situated at 9 km (5.6 mi) south of Teknaf. It is a popular tourist spot.
- Dulhazra Safari Park, a safari park in Bangladesh which is situated at Chakaria Upazila. It has a wide range of exotic animals such as birds, snakes, and water beasts. It is one of the most affluent safari parksof the world.