Chittagong, the second largest city of Bangladesh and a busy international seaport, is an ideal vacation spot. Its green hills and forests, its broad sandy beaches and its fine cool climate always attract the holiday-markers makers who come to swim in the blue waters of the Bay of Bengal, to bask in the sun, to fish in the lakes and rivers and to hunt in the game-filled forests.

Described by the Chinese traveller poet, Huen Tsang (7th century A.D.) as "a sleeping beauty emerging from mists and water" and given the title of "Porto Grande" by the 16th century Portuguese seafarers. Chittagong remains true to both the descriptions even today. It combines remains true to both the descriptions even today. It combines the busy hum of an active seaport with the shooting quiet of a charming hill town.

The city has notable Hindu temples, Buddhist ruins, several fine examples of Mughal art, a university (founded 1966), and many colleges. The Shahi Jama-e-Masjid and Qadam Mubarak Mosque are two of the most impressive buildings in the city. It's also worth visiting the Ethnological Museum (one of the only two Ethnological museums in whole Asia ) 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 northwestern sector of the city. The markets and goldsmith lanes are worth a visit -- and a sampan river journey is a must. North of the city is the ship-breaking yards, a real experience in recycling.

The Batali Hill is the highest hill within the Chittagong metropolitan area. It is situated in the Tiger Pass area of  the City. From the peak of Batali Hill, one can have a clear bird's eye view of the city including the mouth of the river Karnafuli, where its runs into the Bay of Bengal. A large number of people ascends   at the top of the hill to fill there lungs with unpolluted air, and to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the sunset in the Bay of Bengal.