|
|
Chittagong
From eTripTips Wiki
Chittagong is the capital of Chittagong Division in south-eastern Bangladesh.
[edit] Understand
Chittagong is a fairly big, spread out town, and the largest international seaport in the country. Like Dhaka the streets are filled with masses of rickshaws, though the city puts in a little more effort to keep its streets and sidewalks clean. Foreigners will notice a distinct increase in hassle from beggars and the people are slightly less friendly than in other parts of the country.
The busiest part of town is the area around the train station and Station Road, while things get a little more bearable as you move further north. GEC Circle is the intersection of Zakir Hossain Rd, Nizam Rd and CDA Ave, about 3km north of the train station, and is the center of middle to upper class life with a variety of good restaurants and shopping.
[edit] Get in
[edit] By air
Patenga International Airport (ICAO: CGP) is modern and clean and is served by both domestic carriers, Biman Air and GMG Airlines, and receives some international flights from cities such as Kolkata, Pukhet and Singapore in Asia, as well as the Middle East and Europe.
[edit] By train
Trains run to Dhaka and Sylhet. The train station is on Station Rd just west of Jubilee Rd.
[edit] By bus
There are 2 spots in the city where the major private companies operate from and have offices - just to the south of GEC Circle on CDA Ave, and on Station Rd near Hotel Golden Inn. Greenline, Silkline and Shohag are the nicest and have frequent services to Dhaka (6 hours) and Cox's Bazar (3 hours). Greenline also offers the only direct bus to Sylhet (Tk 550, 6 hours).
Local buses to Cox's Bazar (Tk 140, 3 hours) run frequently throughout the day from Cinema Palace Bus Station, about 1km north of the Station Rd area.
[edit] By boat
- BIWTC has an office and launches its ferries from Sadarghat, about 1km south of the train station down Sadarghat Rd. Barisal is the main destination, where you can then continue on to Dhaka.
[edit] Get around
- Cycle-rickshaws are the natural choice, and cost around Tk 5 per kilometer.
- Walking is also a possibility as the town isn't too confusing, but keep and eye out as the streets can be very busy, especially around Station Rd and Jubilee Rd.
- The shipbreaking yards near the Indian Ocean are Chittagong's international claim to fame, but for the wrong reasons; these are considered one of the most polluted places on Earth with highly dangerous practices and hazardous working conditions. Green Peace is actively campaigning against them and trying to bring this issue further into the light. Tourists are not usually welcome, but some travelers have been able to sweet talk the gate keeper and get amazing photos of massive ships being dismantled for parts and steel. There are many breaking yards stretching for miles, so start at one end and try your luck until you have success. Keep your wits about you, safety practices leave something to be desired. It's also wise to keep your camera hidden until you're out of view of the officials, lest you be mistaken for a journalist out to do them harm. Bus #6 runs from Station Road, or you could hire an auto-rickshaw. (See also Alang, India).
- Aarong Handicrafts has a large branch on CDA Ave just north of GEC Circle. It's well stocked with men's and women's clothing and housewares at medium to expensive prices.
- Zaman Hotel,
 : just north of GEC Circle, on west side of street,  : 0189 649 138. Head here for some truly fantastic Bangladeshi food. You'll be ordering the same things you've had elsewhere, but they'll likely taste better than before, and while you're savoring it you can ponder the wisdom in the quote on the menu: "For super disk with quality food to avoid cooking please step with whose family at Zaman Hotel." There are two restaurants of the same name on the same block - this one is the most southerly, with the huge neon sign on the roof. Mains Tk 40-100
- Shaad Snacks, : Station Road, across the street from New Market. A friendly place serving the usual fast food snacks - rolls and buns filled with chicken, beef or vegetables, microwaved to a spongy perfection as you order. They've got a good range of sweets as well. ~Tk 10
- Shangri-La Chinese Restaurant, : 39, Agrabad, : 810210. Smart air-conditioned Chinese restaurant. ~Tk 300-400 per person
- Baskin Robbins, just east of GEC Circle. One of the city's greatest redeeming qualities.
[edit] Budget
- Hotel Miskha, : 95 Station Road, : +880 (0) 31 610923. Check out:12PM. One of the better of the Station Road cheapies, rooms are large, fairly clean and more atmospheric than others in the area with faded old wooden furniture. Prices are a little high but don't even think of asking the stubborn manager for a discount or to throw in a tv. There's a decent restaurant behind the reception desk. Tk 200-300
[edit] Mid range
- Hotel Al-Faisal, : 1050 Nur Ahmed Road, : +880 (0) 31 710048. Check out:12PM. This is a good option, mostly because it's far enough away from Station Rd. Tk 350-1200
- Hotel Bandargaon, : 875 Nur Ahmed Road, : +880 (0) 31 637686. Check out:12PM. Near Hotel Al-Faisal, it's also a good choice. Rooms around Tk 600
- Hotel Sylhet Super, : 16 Station Road, : +880 (0) 31 632265. Check out:12PM. This is a very large hotel west of the train station, good if you need to be in this area. Tk 300-1000
- Hotel Golden Inn, : 36 Station Road, : +880 (0) 31 611004. Check out:12PM. Across the street from Sylhet Super, it's another decent choice. Tk 400-1000
[edit] Splurge
- Hotel Agrabad, Agrabad Commercial Area, +880-31-713311, reservations@agrabadhotels.com, [1]. A business hotel in the heart of the commercial area, easy airport access, restaurants and a swimming pool. $154-581.
- Peninsula Chittagong, 486/B, OR Nizam Road CDA Avenue, +88-031-285-0860-69 (10 lines), 616722, 619850, [2], [3]. Situated in the prestigious GEC circle of the Port City, The Peninsula Chittagong provides superior services combining western sophistication and Chittgonian hospitality in a scenic and convenient location. Discover this unique retreat for business or pleasure just minutes from the commercial center surrounded by famous retail shops, restaurants and corporate offices. Tarrif: $100-$150.
[edit] Contact
- Internet Cafes can be found around the intersection of Station Rd and Jubilee Rd and around GEC Circle.
[edit] Get out
- Bandarban - a hill district - two hours by bus
- Cox's Bazar - the country's premier beach resort, about 3 hours south by bus.
WikiPedia:Chittagong
|
