Karnaphuli River Cruise Area
riverscenic
Loading reviews...
Explore accommodations in Chittagong sorted by distance
The Karnaphuli River is the heart of Chittagong.
This 270-kilometer river starts its journey in India's Mizoram hills and flows through the Chittagong Hill Tracts before meeting the Bay of Bengal.
The river is about 667 meters wide and has been the lifeline of Chittagong for thousands of years.
The name "Karnaphuli" comes from a beautiful love story.
Long ago, an Arakanese princess was enjoying a moonlit boat ride with a prince.
She spotted a lovely flower and placed it on her ear.
When the flower fell into the water, the heartbroken princess jumped in to retrieve it.
The prince tried to save her but both were swept away by the current.
"Karnaphul" means "ear flower" in Bengali - a tribute to this tragic tale of love.
A cruise on the Karnaphuli offers you a unique view of Chittagong.
You'll see:
The main cruise hub is Chittagong Boat Club in Patenga.
Established in 1990 under Bangladesh Navy supervision, this 2.1-acre club sits right where the river meets the sea.
Their luxury cruise ship "Western Cruise" can carry 200 passengers and offers the best way to experience the Karnaphuli.
The Karnaphuli has always been central to Chittagong's trade and transport.
Before modern roads, people depended on boats to move goods and travel.
The first railway bridge over the river was built in 1931, later becoming a road bridge in 1962.
Today, the river still connects Chittagong to the sea and remains vital for the country's economy.
Combine your cruise with a visit to Patenga Beach nearby for sunset, or learn about maritime heritage at the Bangladesh Maritime Museum.
Regular Schedule:
Special Cruises:
Summer (April - September):
Winter (October - March):
For a full experience including:
Plan for: 4-5 hours total
The ideal time to visit is from October to March (dry season).
During these months:
Western Cruise only:
Traditional boat option:
The club is located in Patenga, near Marine Academy Jetty.
After your cruise, walk over to Patenga Beach for the famous sunset, or watch giant container ships at the Patenga Container Terminal View - all within minutes of each other.
No reviews yet. Be the first to review!
**A Unique Window into Bangladesh's Tribal Heritage** The Ethnological Museum in Chittagong is Bangladesh's only museum dedicated to the country's diverse tribal communities. It is also one of just two ethnological museums in all of Asia - the other being in Japan. This makes it a truly special place to learn about the rich cultures of indigenous peoples. **History and Background** The museum was established in 1965 on 1.25 acres of land in the Agrabad commercial area. It opened to the public on January 9, 1974, when Education Minister Yusuf Ali inaugurated it. The museum was created to preserve the history and traditions of Bangladesh's ethnic minorities and to promote understanding between different communities. **What You'll Find Inside** The museum has 11 galleries spread across a single-story building. These galleries showcase the daily lives, customs, and traditions of 29 different ethnic groups. You'll see displays about 25 Bangladeshi communities including the Chakma, Marma, Tripura, Garo, and Santals from the [Chittagong Hill Tracts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chittagong_Hill_Tracts). There are also exhibits about tribal groups from India, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, Australia, and Germany. **Unique Exhibits** One of the most surprising items in the museum is an actual piece of the Berlin Wall from Germany, which fell in 1989. The central hall features a large map showing where all the ethnic groups live across Bangladesh. Near it, you'll find a model of a typical Chakma homestead that gives you a sense of traditional tribal life. **How the Exhibits Are Arranged** Each gallery focuses on different communities and aspects of their lives. You'll see traditional clothing, jewelry, weapons, farming tools, musical instruments, boats, and household items. The displays use models, photographs, wall paintings, and recreated environments to bring tribal life to vivid detail. Small plaques explain each exhibit in simple terms. If you enjoy museums, also visit the [Bangladesh Maritime Museum](/tourist-places/bangladesh-maritime-museum) to learn about naval heritage and the [Zia Memorial Museum](/tourist-places/zia-memorial-museum) for Bangladesh's political history.
**A Historic Building with a Powerful Story** The Zia Memorial Museum is housed in the old Chittagong Circuit House, a beautiful colonial building constructed in 1913 on a small hill. This building has witnessed some of the most important events in Bangladesh's history. Today, it serves as a museum dedicated to the memory of President [Ziaur Rahman](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ziaur_Rahman), who was tragically killed here in 1981. **The Building's Journey Through History** The British built this circuit house in 1913 as a residence for visiting government officials. In 1954, Radio Pakistan started broadcasting from this building. During the 1971 [Liberation War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bangladesh_Liberation_War), the Pakistani army used it as their military base and sadly turned some rooms into torture cells. After liberation on December 17, 1971, the Bangladesh flag was raised here for the first time in Chittagong. **The Tragic Event of 1981** On May 30, 1981, President Ziaur Rahman was staying in Room No. 4 of this circuit house during his visit to Chittagong. That night, he was killed in a military coup. Shortly after, the government decided to convert this historic building into a memorial museum. It was officially opened to the public on September 6, 1993. **What Makes This Museum Special** The museum is a branch of Bangladesh National Museum and houses over 1,000 artifacts across 17 galleries. It tells the complete story of Ziaur Rahman's life - from his time before the Liberation War, his role in the war itself, his presidency, and his tragic death. The museum preserves the actual room where he was killed, along with the bullet marks on the wall. **A Key Piece of Liberation War History** One of the most important items here is the original microphone and transmitter from Kalurghat Radio Center. This is the very equipment that Ziaur Rahman used to broadcast the Declaration of Independence on behalf of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on March 27, 1971. History enthusiasts can also explore the nearby [Bangladesh Maritime Museum](/tourist-places/bangladesh-maritime-museum) for naval history or the [Ethnological Museum](/tourist-places/ethnological-museum) for cultural heritage.
Patenga Beach is one of the most popular sea beaches in Bangladesh, located about 14 kilometers south of Chittagong city. Sitting at the point where the Karnaphuli River meets the [Bay of Bengal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bay_of_Bengal), this beach offers a unique experience that combines river and sea views in one spot. **What Makes Patenga Special** Unlike the long sandy stretches of Cox's Bazar, Patenga has its own charm. The beach is famous for its stunning sunset views. As the sun goes down, you can watch cargo ships anchored at Chittagong Port light up like a sparkling city on the water. Ships from different countries, each flying their own flag, create a beautiful sight against the orange sky. The beach has a stone embankment with walking paths and seating areas where you can relax and enjoy the view. Recent improvements by the Chittagong Development Authority have added colorful lamp posts that light up at night, making evening visits magical. **A Gateway to Chittagong** Patenga is more than just a beach. It sits near Shah Amanat International Airport, so you can often watch planes taking off and landing. The Bangladesh Naval Academy and Navy Base are nearby, adding to the area's importance. The famous Karnaphuli Tunnel, Bangladesh's first underwater tunnel, connects both sides of the river near here. You can also enjoy a scenic [Karnaphuli River Cruise](/tourist-places/karnaphuli-river-cruise-area) that departs from the nearby jetty. **Local Flavor** The Burmese Market at Patenga is a must-visit. Here you'll find dried fish, seafood, and unique marine handicrafts. Street food vendors sell delicious fried crabs, local snacks, and fresh seafood at affordable prices. The smell of roasted fish and spices fills the air, giving you a true taste of coastal Chittagong. For Chittagong residents, Patenga is a beloved escape from city life. Families gather here for evening walks, friends meet to watch sunsets, and couples enjoy romantic moments by the water. On holidays and weekends, the beach comes alive with picnickers, horse riders, and speedboat enthusiasts. For those interested in maritime history, the [Bangladesh Maritime Museum](/tourist-places/bangladesh-maritime-museum) is located nearby and showcases the country's rich naval heritage.
**Bangladesh's First Eco Park** Sitakunda Eco Park is a special place - it was the first eco park ever built in Bangladesh. Opened on January 17, 2001, this massive 808-hectare park sits at the foot of Chandranath Hill, just 35 kilometers from Chittagong city. It combines a botanical garden with an eco park, giving you the best of both worlds. **A Poetic History** This beautiful area inspired one of Bangladesh's most famous poems. When the legendary poet [Kazi Nazrul Islam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazi_Nazrul_Islam) visited Sitakunda and saw its hills meeting the sea and waterfalls, he wrote the immortal song "Akashe Helan Diye Pahar Ghumay Oi" (The hills lean against the sky and sleep). A sculpture of Nazrul now stands in the park to honor this memory. **Two Stunning Waterfalls** The park is home to two beautiful waterfalls: - **Suptadhara** (The Sleeping Waterfall): A peaceful cascade hidden in the hills, reached by climbing about 500 stairs - **Sahasradhara** (The Thousand Streams): A taller waterfall with a scenic lake at its base where you can take boat rides Both waterfalls come alive during monsoon season when water flows at full force. **A Botanical Treasure** The 1,000-acre botanical garden section features: - An Orchid House with 50 different species of local and foreign orchids - Rare medicinal plants like Arjun, Chapalish, and Jarul - Thousands of colorful flowering plants - A man-made lake created by damming the waterfall streams **Gateway to Adventure** Sitakunda Eco Park is the starting point for treks to [Chandranath Temple](/tourist-places/chandranath-temple) at the hilltop - one of the most significant Hindu pilgrimage sites in Bangladesh. The area combines hills, sea, and waterfalls - a rare natural combination that draws over 300,000 visitors every year. After your adventure here, you can unwind at [Foy's Lake](/tourist-places/foys-lake) or enjoy a round of golf at the nearby [Bhatiary Golf & Country Club](/tourist-places/bhatiary-golf-country-club).