The journey in Cox’s Bazar is truly unparalleled, and its Marine Drive has become a focal point for tourists and has elevated travel to an extraordinary level.
Let us explore the details of the journey from Cox’s Bazar to Teknaf along Marine Drive.
Location
Marine Drive is an 80-kilometer road that runs from Kolatoli, a prominent area of Cox’s Bazar, to Teknaf, the southernmost point of Bangladesh. It offers one of the best road trips in the world and is an essential attraction for anyone visiting Cox’s Bazar.
The route passes through dense forests, green hills, and vast stretches of pristine beaches.
The view of the Bay of Bengal, the rolling hills and the lush greenery is simply mesmerizing.
Construction, significance
This road is considered an engineering marvel as it connects various picturesque beaches and natural landmarks, all while offering breathtaking views of the sea.
Under the Bangladesh Road and Highways Department, the construction of this scenic road was completed by the Bangladesh Army.
It was officially inaugurated on May 6, 2017. On June 26, 2018, the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism declared the road a protected tourist zone.
The construction of this road has not only boosted tourism but also contributed to job creation, improvements in the transportation sector and overall economic development.
How to travel from Dhaka to Marine Drive
To visit Marine Drive, one must first travel to Cox’s Bazar. Buses run from Fakirapul, Kalabagan, Kalyanpur, Gabtoli, and Jatrabari in Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar. The ticket prices range from Tk900 to Tk2,500 per person depending on the class. The bus journey takes around 10 to 12 hours.
For train travel, direct trains to Cox’s Bazar are available from Kamalapur or airport railway station. Depending on the type of seat, the fare ranges from Tk695 to Tk2,380 per passenger.
The train ride takes about 9 hours. For the quickest route, direct flights to Cox’s Bazar are also available, reaching the destination in about 1 hour.
After arriving in Cox’s Bazar, you can find transport to Marine Drive, such as “Chander Gari," tourist jeeps, open-roof jeeps, or microbuses, available from Sugandha Point.
The fare for these transports varies depending on the tourist season. Specifically, during the off-season, the rent for a "Chander Gari" is around Tk6,000, while during peak times, it may increase to about Tk7,000. These vehicles can accommodate 10 to 12 passengers at a time.
A special service is now open, the Aquaholic Tourist Caravan, an open-roof, double-decker bus designed specifically for the Marine Drive experience. It allows tourists to enjoy panoramic views while travelling between the key attractions.
But travelling by the Aquaholic Tourist Caravan can be expensive for a group or team, even if the cost is split among multiple people. The fare for the open-top deck is Tk2,299 per person. The lower deck fare is Tk2,099 per person. Children aged 3-7 years pay Tk1,599.
The regular itinerary also includes places like Patua Tek, Shamlapur Hillview Beach, Teknaf Beach, AquaZone-1 and 2, Sabrang, and the zero point of Teknaf.
It takes around 5 hours to explore the entire Marine Drive.
What to see
Patuatek
Patuatek is a notable destination along the Marine Drive route in Cox's Bazar, while it may not be as popular as some of the other spots like Inani Beach or Himchari, it offers a quieter, less crowded experience, ideal for those looking to escape the bustling tourist hotspots. The area is also known for its scenic views of the Bay of Bengal, making it a great spot for photography and relaxation.
Darianagar
After crossing the broken turn at Kalatali or Member Ghat, one reaches Darianagar. This area is known for its picturesque bridge, from where one can enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the sea. On the opposite side, there are towering hills and a park. The entrance to this park is marked by a sculpture of a white shark. This part of the beach is especially famous for parasailing, with the cost ranging from Tk2,000 to Tk2,500 per person.
Himchari
Himchari is a great spot with both small and large cool-water waterfalls, surrounded by hills—a perfect place for photography. However, the best time to witness the true beauty of the waterfalls is during the rainy season. In winter, the waterfalls barely have water. At the entrance to the Eco Park beneath the hills, you'll find a Burmese market.
Inani Beach
One of the most beautiful and popular destinations on Marine Drive is Inani Beach. Located 15 kilometres past Himchari, this coral beach is truly enchanting. During low tide, coral reefs, similar to those in St Martin's, emerge from beneath the water. Unlike the more turbulent waters of Cox’s Bazar, the calm sea at Inani Beach captivates visitors.
Jhinuk Bazaar
This market is right on the roadside along Marine Drive. Tourists can buy a variety of colourful shells and other marine items as souvenirs here. The shell market near Himchari Waterfall is very big and popular among all as they have a huge variety of collections.
Lal Kakra Beach
A bit further from Himchari, one encounters this beach point. To reach the beach, there is a crab bridge made of bamboo. On both sides of the entrance to the beach, you’ll see dense casuarina forests. Parasailing is also available here.
Sonarpura Beach
After crossing the Rejokhal Bridge, one comes across this beautiful beach. To see how beautiful a beach can be when covered in casuarina trees, you must visit Sonarpura Beach.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Marine Drive is during the winter season, particularly in December and January. The weather is pleasant, with cooler temperatures, making it ideal for coastal sightseeing and outdoor activities There is no other place in the country where you can enjoy such a beautiful sunset over the sea. During this time, the weather is favourable, but it also attracts a large number of tourists. Along with the increased crowds, hotel accommodations and services tend to be more expensive. For a more budget-friendly trip, November-end or March would be ideal, as the weather remains favourable but the crowds are smaller.
Accommodation and dining on Marine Drive
As a highly popular tourist destination, there are over 500 hotels, motels and cottages in the area. During the off-season, bookings are not necessary, but between December and January, it is essential to make reservations in advance. Typically, as you move farther from the beach and main road, hotel prices tend to decrease. There are 3-star, 4-star and 5-star hotels with different budgets and services. Some hotels offer free buffet breakfast.
Each tourist spot has various restaurants of different standards. There are several restaurants along the Marine Drive route where you can enjoy meals. Stopping at different spots to explore, take pictures and try local foods adds extra joy to the journey.
Precautions
- Avoid late-night visits to the beach, especially when alone. People often complain about getting robbed by snatchers when visiting the beach very late at night.
- You will encounter several Bangladesh Army checkpoints between Kalatali and Teknaf. It is important to carry both national and professional identification cards to show during these checks.
- Regardless of the season, it is advisable not to take recommendations from local transport drivers when selecting hotels.
- When boarding jeeps, microbuses, or "Chander Gari", always check the driver's licence. Additionally, make sure the driver maintains control over the vehicle’s speed, especially when driving long distances on empty roads.
- While touring, be sure not to pollute the environment in parks, beaches or mountainous areas.
