Cox’s Bazar is famous for its exceptionally beautiful sea beach &
other significant tourist spots. The
Inani Beach, Himchary National Park &
Cox’s Bazar-Teknaf Marine Drive
are the popular tourist spots in Cox’s Bazar. But there are also
many historical places in Cox’s Bazar that tourists must visit.
These historical places reflect the rich culture & heritage of Cox’s
Bazar district.
In this blog, we will discuss the historical places in Cox’s Bazar &
how to visit these places.
Ramkot Banashram, often called Rangkut Monastery, is one of the
oldest & most respected Buddhist heritage sites in Bangladesh. It is
located in Ramu, just a short drive from Cox’s Bazar town. The name
“Rangkut” comes from a local belief that Emperor Ashoka, a great
patron of Buddhism in the 3rd century BCE, once sent monks here to
spread the teachings of Buddha. Because of this story, many
Buddhists in Bangladesh and Myanmar see it as a sacred place.
The temple is set on a quiet hill. Surrounded by green forests & a
peaceful atmosphere. When visitors walk up the steps, they find a
simple but spiritual monastery with prayer halls, shrines & statues
of Lord Buddha. Local monks live here & keep the traditions alive.
The site is also home to relics and manuscripts that connect today’s
visitors with centuries of history. People often describe the
environment as calm & healing. Making it a good escape from the busy
beachside areas.
Badar Mokam Mosque is a historic & spiritual landmark in Cox’s Bazar
town. It stands near the sea and is well known for its religious,
cultural & historical value. Local people believe the mosque was
built to honor the memory of Badr Auliya, a saintly figure who came
to this region centuries ago to spread the message of Islam. Over
time, the mosque became a respected place for prayer and a symbol of
faith for the community.
The structure of the mosque is simple but carries the charm of
traditional Bengali Islamic architecture. The walls are decorated
with modest designs & the prayer hall remains a quiet space where
worshippers gather five times a day. What makes this mosque special
is not just its design but also the stories and legends attached to
it. Many people believe that the mosque stands on sacred ground
where holy men once prayed & lived.
Adinath Temple stands on Mainak Hill, right on Maheshkhali Island.
It is a famous Hindu shrine, dedicated to Lord Shiva. People from
many districts of Bangladesh travel here every year. The hilltop
setting makes it special. When you reach the top, you feel peace
from the temple and at the same time see the wide blue sea and the
green island below.
The exact history is not clear. Locals say the temple is many
centuries old. They believe it was built to honor Lord Shiva, who is
worshiped here as Adinath. For a long time, pilgrims have been
climbing the steps, carrying flowers, lighting lamps, and offering
prayers. This continues even now, day after day.
On the quiet Kutubdia Island, in the Bay of Bengal, stands the old
Kutubdia Lighthouse. For people of the coast, it is more than just a
tower. Fishermen and sailors have looked at its light for
generations, guiding them back safely through rough waters.
The first lighthouse here was built long ago, during the British
period in 1846. At that time, it was tall, strong, and very
important for sea navigation. But the Bay is wild. Over the years,
storms, cyclones, and erosion have eaten away at the old structure.
Even though parts were damaged, the site still reminds visitors of
its past.
Today, a new lighthouse stands and still gives light to the ships
moving through the Bay. The old one, partly broken by storms,
remains nearby as a silent memory. Visitors who reach Kutubdia often
pause to see both. The bright beam of the new tower and the ruins of
the old. It feels like a meeting point of two times, where the sea
tells stories of the past while life at the coast goes on.
In Ukhiya, people talk about a place called Kana Raja’s Cave (Kana
Raja’r Guha). It is not a fancy site, but the name carries weight
because of the old stories. Locals say the cave is nearly three
hundred years old and linked to a ruler known as Kana Raja.
Nobody tells the tale the same way. One version says the cave was
built as a secret passage during troubled times. Some even believe
it was used to hide wealth. These stories sound different, but
together they give the cave a sense of mystery. The passage goes
underground. Parts of it have fallen in over the years, and some
areas are no longer safe to walk through. Still, visitors come here
out of curiosity.
High on a ridge, above the town of Cox’s Bazar, sits the Hill-Top
Circuit House. From there, the view stretches far. The beach below,
the Bay of Bengal rolling in, and the busy town in between.
The British built it long ago as a rest house for their officials.
It was a place to stay for a night & hold a small meeting, or simply
take a break while traveling. The design is plain, nothing too
fancy, but it carries the style of that period.
What makes it special is not only the building, but where it stands.
People go there for the history, yes, but also for the air and the
view. Over the years, it has become part of the town’s story. A
reminder of colonial days and, at the same time, of how Cox’s Bazar
slowly grew into a busy seaside town.
Plan your Cox’s Bazar historical place visit with Sampan Beach Resort & Cafe
Are you thinking about visiting historical places in Cox’s Bazar?
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resort sits in an excellent location in Cox’s Bazar, from where you
can visit your desired historical places with ease. If you want to
intensify your visit to Cox’s Bazar, our resort is the obvious
choice. Enjoy your Cox’s Bazar trip with us.
FAQs about historical places to visit in Cox’s Bazar
Cox’s Bazar was founded in 1854. After the Indian Rebellion of
1857, the rule of the East India Company ended. In 1869, it
was recognized as a municipality. Power shifted to the British
Crown. Under British rule, Cox’s Bazar became a district of
the Bengal Province.
The most popular are Ramu Buddhist monasteries, Adinath Temple
in Maheshkhali, Kutubdia Lighthouse, Kana Raja’s Cave,
Hill-Top Circuit House & Badar Mokam Mosque.
Yes. It is a short boat ride from Cox’s Bazar jetty. After
reaching the island, visitors can take local transport to
Adinath Temple.
November to February is the best time, as the weather is
cooler & more comfortable for travel.
Not always. But a local guide can make the trip easier &
explain the history and legends better.
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