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Dulhazara Safari Park, also known as Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Safari Park, is Bangladesh's first and largest safari park.
Spread across 2,224 acres of lush green forest, this park lets you see wild animals roaming in open spaces rather than locked in small cages.
Located about 50 kilometers from Cox's Bazar town, it's the perfect break from the beach on your Cox's Bazar trip.
The main attraction here is the elephants.
The park is home to both Asian elephants and a few African elephants.
You can watch these gentle giants from a safe distance, and the highlight for many visitors is the elephant ride - sitting atop an elephant as it walks through the forest paths.
It's an experience you won't easily forget.
What makes Dulhazara different from a regular zoo is the safari concept.
Many animals here live in large open enclosures that mimic their natural habitat.
You can drive or take a park vehicle through sections where deer, bears, and other animals roam relatively freely.
It feels more like visiting animals in the wild than in a zoo.
The park houses a wide variety of animals:
Dulhazara is especially popular with families traveling with children.
Kids love seeing the big animals up close, feeding the deer, and taking the elephant ride.
The park also has picnic spots, making it a perfect full-day family outing.
Plan for 3-4 hours to see the park properly.
If you want to do everything including elephant rides and the full safari, 4-5 hours is better.
November to February is the ideal time.
The weather is cool and pleasant, perfect for walking around the large park.
Most visitors come to Dulhazara as a day trip from Cox's Bazar.
The best plan is:
Dulhazara Safari Park is located on the Chittagong-Cox's Bazar highway, about 50 km from Cox's Bazar town and 80 km from Chittagong.
The most common starting point:
If coming from the north:
If hiring a car from Cox's Bazar, negotiate a round-trip price with 3-4 hours waiting time at the park.
This is usually cheaper than two separate trips.
The most popular activity.
Sit on an elephant's back and take a short ride through a forest trail.
The experience lasts about 10-15 minutes and costs ৳200-300 per person.
Get in line early as this has the longest queues.
A small train takes you through the open animal zones.
You'll pass by deer grazing freely, see bears in their habitat, and get close to various animals in a setting that feels more natural than a zoo.
Runs on a schedule, costs ৳50-100.
Open-top buses drive through the larger animal enclosures.
Great for photography and getting close views of the animals.
Check departure times when you arrive.
A family favorite.
Buy a small pack of feed and let deer eat right from your hand.
Kids especially love this gentle interaction.
The deer are friendly and used to visitors.
The big cats are kept in large secured enclosures.
You can't get as close as with other animals, but watching these magnificent predators is a highlight for many visitors.
Best viewing during morning feeding times.
The park has a good collection of local and exotic birds.
Peacocks roam freely in some areas.
There's also a dedicated bird section with various species.
For those who enjoy walking, the park has several trails through forested areas.
Good for spotting monkeys, smaller animals, and enjoying the greenery.
Bring your own food and enjoy a picnic in designated areas.
Popular with local families, especially on weekends.
Even though the park feels safe, remember these are wild animals.
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**The Heart of Cox's Bazar Beach** Laboni Point is the most famous and busiest spot on the world's longest natural sea beach. Located right in the center of Cox's Bazar town, this is where most tourists start their beach adventure. The name "Laboni" comes from a nearby cinema hall, and over the years, this stretch of sand has become the main gathering place for visitors from all over Bangladesh and beyond. **What Makes Laboni Point Special** This is the easiest part of Cox's Bazar beach to reach - just a short walk from most hotels and the main town area. The beach here is wide, with soft golden sand that stretches for miles in both directions. You'll find the water shallow and calm for the first 50-100 meters, making it safe for wading and playing in the waves. The view of the Bay of Bengal from here is stunning, especially during sunrise and sunset when the sky turns orange and pink. **A Beach for Everyone** Laboni Point is always alive with activity. You'll see families building sandcastles, groups of friends taking photos, and vendors selling everything from fresh coconut water to colorful beach toys. During evenings, the beach transforms into a social hub where locals and tourists mingle, enjoy snacks from nearby stalls, and watch the spectacular sunset together. **The Gateway to More Adventures** From Laboni Point, you can easily walk south to reach [Kolatoli Beach](/tourist-places/kolatoli-beach) and [Sugandha Beach](/tourist-places/sugandha-beach), or hire a beach bike or horse cart to explore further. Many visitors use this spot as their base to plan trips to [Inani Beach](/tourist-places/inani-beach), [Himchari](/tourist-places/himchari-national-park), or even [St. Martin's Island](/tourist-places/st-martins-island). The beach stretches 120 kilometers unbroken, and Laboni Point sits right at the beginning of this incredible coastline. **Day and Night at Laboni** During the day, the beach is perfect for swimming, playing volleyball, or simply relaxing under a beach umbrella. As evening approaches, the atmosphere changes - colorful lights illuminate the beachfront, restaurants come alive with the smell of fresh seafood, and the cool sea breeze makes for a perfect evening stroll. Laboni Point truly offers something for every hour of the day.

**The Southernmost Beach of Mainland Bangladesh** Teknaf Beach marks the end of Bangladesh's mainland, sitting at the country's southernmost tip about 85 kilometers south of [Cox's Bazar Beach](/tourist-places/coxs-bazar-beach). This remote stretch of coastline offers a completely different experience from the busy tourist areas up north. Here, you'll find a quieter beach, stunning hill views, and a glimpse into life at the edge of the country. What makes Teknaf unique is its location. On one side is the Bay of Bengal, on the other are hills that form the border with Myanmar. The Naf River flows nearby, creating an interesting mix of sea and river landscapes. This is also where most travelers catch boats to [St. Martin's Island](/tourist-places/st-martins-island) and [Chera Dwip](/tourist-places/chera-dwip). **A Less Crowded Alternative** Unlike the packed beaches of Cox's Bazar, Teknaf Beach remains relatively peaceful. The sand here is coarser, the waves can be stronger, and the overall feel is more raw and natural. Local fishing boats dot the shoreline, and you'll often see fishermen bringing in their daily catch. It's a working beach as much as it is a tourist destination. The lack of major resort development means Teknaf has kept its authentic character. Small tea stalls, local restaurants serving fresh seafood, and simple guesthouses make up the hospitality scene here. **Gateway to the Islands** Most visitors to Teknaf are either on their way to St. Martin's Island or returning from it. The Teknaf Jetty is the main departure point for boats heading to Bangladesh's only coral island. But Teknaf itself deserves more than a quick pass-through. Spending a night here before or after your island trip lets you explore at a relaxed pace. **Teknaf Wildlife Sanctuary** Just outside town lies the Teknaf Wildlife Sanctuary, one of Bangladesh's oldest protected forest areas. Covering over 11,000 hectares, this hilly forest is home to Asian elephants, wild boars, various deer species, and numerous birds. The sanctuary connects to the beach area, making it possible to combine forest walks with beach time. **Border Town Atmosphere** Teknaf has the interesting vibe of a border town. You can see Myanmar's hills across the Naf River, and the local markets sometimes carry goods that have crossed the border. The town itself is busy with fishing activity, boat traffic, and travelers heading to the islands.
Maheshkhali is the only hilly island in Bangladesh. Located just 12 kilometers west of [Cox's Bazar](/tourist-places/coxs-bazar-beach) city, this 362 square kilometer island offers a unique mix of hills, mangrove forests, beaches, salt fields, and ancient temples. Around 400,000 people call this island home. **How It Got Its Name** The island is named after "Mahesh," which is one of the 108 names of [Lord Shiva](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shiva) (also called Adinath). According to historians, the island was formed in 1559 when a powerful cyclone separated it from the mainland. A Portuguese traveler recorded this event in his journals. **The Famous Adinath Temple** The most famous attraction on the island is the [Adinath Temple](/tourist-places/adinath-temple), sitting on top of Mainak Hill. This ancient Hindu temple is believed to be over 1,000 years old and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to legend, a Nepalese king built five Shiva temples across the subcontinent after having a divine dream - Adinath Temple is one of them. Thousands of Hindu pilgrims visit during the Shiva Chaturdashi festival. **Natural Beauty** From Mainak Hill, you can see the entire island spread below you - the mangrove forests, the sea, and the coastline. The island is fringed with mangroves that are home to many bird species and wildlife. **Local Life** The island is known for its betel nut leaves, salt production, and dried fish (called "Shutki"). Walking through local villages gives you a glimpse of traditional island life that has continued for generations. **Nearby Islands** From Maheshkhali, you can also visit nearby [Sonadia Island](/tourist-places/sonadia-island), a quiet eco-tourism destination known for its pristine beaches and migratory birds.
**Bangladesh's Only Coral Island** St. Martin's Island is a tiny piece of paradise sitting in the Bay of Bengal, just 9 kilometers south of [Teknaf Beach](/tourist-places/teknaf-beach). This is Bangladesh's only coral island and one of the country's most popular tourist destinations. Locals call it "Narikel Jinjira" (Coconut Island) because of the thousands of coconut trees that cover its landscape. The island is small - only about 8 square kilometers - but it packs an incredible amount of natural beauty. Crystal-clear turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, coral reefs, and stunning sunsets make this feel like a different world from mainland Bangladesh. About 6,000 people live here permanently, mostly fishermen and their families. **A Unique Ecosystem** What makes St. Martin's truly special is its coral reef ecosystem. The waters around the island are home to over 66 species of coral, 187 species of fish, and various sea creatures including sea turtles, starfish, and sea urchins. During low tide, you can walk on exposed coral rocks and explore tidal pools full of marine life. The island is divided into three main areas: Uttarpara (North), the main settlement area with the jetty; Golachipa in the middle; and Dakshinpara (South), which is quieter and more natural. The southern tip connects to [Chera Dwip](/tourist-places/chera-dwip) during very low tide. **Island Life** Life on St. Martin's moves slowly. There are no cars or motorcycles - just walking and occasional rickshaw vans. The main industries are fishing and dried fish production, which you'll smell everywhere. Tourism has grown rapidly in recent decades, bringing hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops to the main areas. The islanders are warm and welcoming. Many have opened small guesthouses or restaurants serving fresh seafood caught that same day. The simplicity of island life - no traffic noise, limited electricity (generator-powered), and minimal mobile coverage - is part of the charm. **Marine Paradise** The waters around St. Martin's are cleaner and clearer than anywhere else in Bangladesh. Snorkeling reveals a colorful underwater world, though the coral has suffered from increased tourism and climate change. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect this fragile ecosystem. Sea turtles nest on the beaches between October and February. If you're lucky, you might see baby turtles making their way to the sea. Dolphins are sometimes spotted in the surrounding waters. **Visiting St. Martin's** The island is only accessible during the tourist season from November to March. Boats from Teknaf take 2-3 hours to reach here. Most visitors stay 1-2 nights to properly explore, though day trips are possible. The best experiences come from slowing down, walking the beaches, watching the stars at night, and enjoying the freshest seafood you'll find anywhere.