Described by the famous Chinese traveler Hiuan Tsang in the 7th century as 'sleeping beauty emerging from mist and water,' Chittagong with its green hills, miles of forests and sea beaches is still attractive.

The second largest city in Bangladesh sits on the bank of the Karnapuli River and has an interesting old waterfront area known as Sadarghat, which reflects the importance of river trade to the city's growth. Nearby is the old Portuguese enclave of Paterghatta which remains mostly Christian. 

It's also worth visiting the Ethnological Museum in the Modern City, which has interesting displays on Bangladesh's tribal peoples. There are good views and cooling breezes from Fairy Hill in the British City in the north-western sector of the city.

Sitakunda is one of the most famous places for long forest area, 40 km. North-West off Chittagong. It draws Hindu devotees from all over the subcontinent particularly during the observance of Shiva Choturdoshhi. This place is named Sitakunda after the name of the Goddess Sita.

Flights between Dhaka and Chittagong leave three to four times a day, as do the trains, which can take up to seven hours to reach Chittagong. The Dhaka-Chittagong highway is one of the better roads in 

the country, and there are several bus lines that use it, but the trip can be hairy at times and takes almost as long as the train trip, which is more comfortable and less nerve wracking. Chittagong is 264km (164mi) southeast of Dhaka.