Chandranath Hill, Sitakunda

Chandranath is one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage sites in Bangladesh, and the temple on its summit draws huge crowds during the Shiva Chaturdashi festival. For travellers it is also a rewarding hike: a long staircase and dirt trail climb through the Sitakunda hills, passing smaller shrines on the way. From the top you can see the coastal plain stretching to the sea on one side and forested ridges on the other.

How to get there

Take a bus on the Dhaka–Chattogram highway to Sitakunda bazar (about 1 hr from the city), then a short rickshaw or CNG ride to the trailhead.

Good to know

Start early and carry water. The steps get slippery in the rain. Dress modestly and remove shoes at the temple.

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