Inani National Park where hills, forest and sea meet

Cox's Bazar is not only about its sea beach. The hills, forests and natural beauty along the Marine Drive also attract tourists. Beyond the bustle of the city, travelling along Marine Drive leads to Inani National Park. Surrounded by greenery, the forest area can be an appealing destination for nature lovers. Inani Beach is also located nearby, allowing visitors to experience hills, forests and the sea in a single trip.

Where greenery meets the sea

The Inani reserved area covers approximately 7,700 hectares. According to government records, 443 plant species have been documented in the area. Different parts of the forest feature trees, shrubs and natural greenery.

Hills and forests stand on one side of the park, while the vast waters of the Bay of Bengal stretch along the other. Photo: ATT

The Marine Drive route itself is one of the attractions of a trip to Inani. Hills and forests stand on one side, while the vast waters of the Bay of Bengal stretch along the other, offering numerous scenic spots for photography. If time permits, visitors can also explore Himchari along with Inani.

How to get there from Dhaka

Travellers from Dhaka must first go to Cox's Bazar. By bus, the journey generally takes about nine to 12 hours. Cox's Bazar can also be reached directly by train, with the journey from Dhaka taking about eight hours. By air, the flight takes around one hour.

Bus fares may range from approximately Tk900 to Tk2,500, depending on the operator and seat type. Airfares can range from about Tk4,600 to Tk12,000, depending on the airline and class.

After reaching Cox's Bazar, visitors can travel towards Inani from the Kolatoli or Marine Drive side by CNG, autorickshaw, easybike or jeep. The journey from Cox's Bazar to Inani takes about 45 minutes to one hour, depending on the vehicle. A reserved CNG for a round trip costs approximately Tk800 to Tk1,200. Groups of 10 to 15 people can reserve a jeep or Chander Gari and tour the area for around Tk2,000 to Tk3,000.

How much could it cost?

The per-person transport cost for a trip from Cox's Bazar to Inani largely depends on whether visitors travel alone or in a group. A round trip by local autorickshaw or easybike may cost approximately Tk500 to Tk800. For groups travelling by jeep or Chander Gari, the cost can be reduced by sharing the total fare.

There is generally no separate entrance fee for Inani Beach. However, parking, food and other personal expenses are separate.

When to go

The weather in Cox's Bazar is relatively comfortable for travel during the dry season, particularly from November to March. Morning or afternoon is a good time to enjoy the natural beauty of Inani. Visitors returning along Marine Drive in the afternoon can also enjoy the sunset.

Possible to visit in a day

Visitors staying in Cox's Bazar can explore Inani National Park and the surrounding areas within a single day. They can set out in the morning, travel towards Inani via Himchari, explore the forest and Inani Beach, and return to Cox's Bazar town by the afternoon.

For those who want to experience the beauty of nature, sea and hills together, Inani can offer a different kind of Cox's Bazar experience. The destination can be included in the itinerary for travellers seeking some time in a peaceful setting away from the crowds of the sea beach.