Karnaphuli River

The Karnaphuli River is the most significant waterway in southeastern Bangladesh, originating in the Lushai Hills of Mizoram, India. It flows through the Chittagong Hill Tracts before emptying into the Bay of Bengal near the city of Chittagong. The river is of paramount strategic and economic importance as it hosts the Port of Chittagong at its mouth, which handles over 90 percent of Bangladesh's international maritime trade. In the 1960s, the country's only hydroelectric dam was constructed at Kaptai, creating the massive Kaptai Lake and providing a substantial portion of the national electricity supply. Ecologically, however, the river is under severe stress due to industrial discharge and heavy shipping traffic, leading to significant pollution levels. Recent years have seen major dredging initiatives to maintain navigability for large container vessels. The completion of the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Tunnel beneath the Karnaphuli marks another significant infrastructural milestone aimed at enhancing regional economic connectivity.

History & landmarks

Central Railway Building

An iconic colonial-era administrative building in Chittagong, reflecting British architectural style and railway history.

Shrine of Bayazid Bostami

A historic shrine in Chittagong, famous for its pond inhabited by rare, sacred turtles.

Nature

Sangu River

A river in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, known for its scenic route through the mountains.

Kaptai Lake

The largest artificial lake in Bangladesh, created by the construction of the Kaptai Dam.

Boga Lake

A high-altitude, natural lake in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, surrounded by dense forests.

More places

Foy's Lake

An artificial lake in Chittagong surrounded by picturesque hills, featuring an amusement park.

Foy's Lake Amusement World

A family-friendly theme park on an artificial lake in Chittagong, surrounded by green hills.

Himchari National Park

A scenic park near Cox's Bazar that combines forested hills and breathtaking ocean views.

Chunati Wildlife Sanctuary

An important refuge in the Chittagong district that serves as a crucial corridor for the migration of wild elephants.

Dulahazara Safari Park

A wildlife park near Cox's Bazar originally established as a sanctuary for Asian elephants.

Kaptai National Park

A hilly protected area that offers stunning views of Kaptai Lake and is home to many wild animals.

Teknaf Game Reserve

An elongated forest area in the far south where wild Asian elephants wander through the dense greenery.

Keokradong

One of the most famous and frequently visited mountain peaks in Bangladesh.