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Chittagong, Bangladesh
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Chittagong Attractions and Things to See
Chittagong sits in
southeastern Bangladesh, on the banks of the Karnaphuli River,
with the nation's busiest seaport, and the second biggest city
in the nation. It is situated between the Bay of Bengal and the
Chittagong Hill Tracts, a significant industrial and commercial
center since a majority of the country's imports and exports
pass through its port. It is in the preparations to become the
transit country between North East India, Southwest China, parts
of Burma, Nepal and Bhutan; and considered one of the ten
fastest growing cities in the world. Although it is encompassed
by hilly areas, it is still experiencing quick urban development
that is increasing the congestion. In the early 17th century, it
would called Port Grande by the Portuguese, since it was part of
the Arakan Kingdom, until it would become part of the Mughal
rule in 1666 and later renamed Islamabad. It is an ancient
region with an excellent history and outstanding culture.
Since it has been a port city for many years, it has been
visited by many different people from around the world, that
would leave a lasting impact on the culture, language and
religion, creating a diverse and multi-ethnic people that is
seen around the city today. Its architecture reflects this
various influence, and is showcased in its mosques, buildings,
dargah, shrines and other masonry that bear witness to the
ancient travelers to those of today. The most revered site in
the city is the Dargah or Shrine of Bayazid Bostami, the
celebrated saint that was born in Bostam, Iran, along with the
dargah sharif, Hazrat Shah Sufi Amanat Khan that is one of the
most famous in the city and showcase unusual mosque
architecture.
Chittagong has become a major tourist destination in Bangladesh,
with its lush green hills, sandy beaches, thick forests and
outstanding cool climate that bring visitors from far and wide.
It was described by the Chinese poet, Huen Tsang in the 7th
century AD as "a sleeping beauty emerging from mists and water",
and then given the title of Porto Grande in the 16th century by
Portuguese seafarers. Since Tsang's impressive description, it
has become mentioned in numerous documents as a seaport of
incredible charm and mystical beauty. In fact, the bustle of the
harbor is quite a sharp contrast to the interior where the
rolling hills and beautiful beaches make it a destination of
great interest and intrigue.
Patenga Beach has been a favorite tourist destination, situated
just outside the city, near some outstanding landmarks like the
Shah Amanat International Airport and the BNS Isha Khan navy
base. Sitting at the mouth of the Karnaphuli River, and close to
the Bay of Bengal, it has attracted throngs of visitors from
around the country and world. Although it is a beach, its width
is narrow, and swimming is not recommended, since there are
areas with large concrete walls and huge stones that have been
placed here to stop erosion, although during the 1990s a number
of kiosks and restaurants would grow up here; as well as
drug-peddlers that arrive after the sun goes down. But their are
many vendors that do come here to offer cold drinks, ice creams
and much food to the people that do come here. The majority of
these visitors come here for the magnificent sunsets and
sunrises that occur regularly and amaze many to see them.
The Chittagong ethnological museum is the country's only one
that provides visitors with an outstanding understanding of the
heritage and lifestyles of the diverse ethnic groups that live
here and have lived here. Another is the Zia Memorial Museum
that is located in the old circuit house building. The city has
some sports here that include football or soccer, kabaddi and
tennis.
The city has quite a few eating establishments that even
includes a Pizza Hut restaurant, with many local eateries that
serve local fare, as well as a number of international
restaurants that serve Asian, BBQ, German, European, French,
Italian and Hawaiian cuisine.








