Guliakhali Beach
Where the Sangu River whispers into the Bay of Bengal
Overview
Guliakhali, sometimes called Muradpur beach, is a relatively quiet stretch of sand in Sitakunda upazila of Chattogram district, where the Sangu River meets the Bay of Bengal. The setting feels wonderfully unspoilt compared with Bangladesh's busier coastal resorts, offering a gentle blend of sea, river and greenery within easy reach of the city.
The beach itself is known for its soft sand, green meadow areas and mangrove-fringed river estuary. A broad sandbank stretches out to the water, while at low tide shallow pools form along the shore. Local boats offer rides across the river mouth, giving visitors a chance to experience the meeting point of fresh and salt water from the water itself.
Guliakhali is popular with day-trippers from Chattogram city, and it sits conveniently close to the Chandranath Hill temple climb, making it easy to combine a beach visit with a hill trek. The river banks are dotted with small shacks serving tea and snacks, lending the place a relaxed, unhurried atmosphere, particularly in the calm dry season.
The beach is also near Bashbaria beach, another quiet alternative further along the coast. In the late afternoon the sky often lights up over the Bay of Bengal, and the area is best treated as a one- to two-hour stop, or a leisurely half-day when paired with Sitakunda Eco Park or a Chandranath excursion.
History & Culture
Guliakhali sits within Sitakunda upazila, an area long associated with Hindu pilgrimage sites and coastal trade routes in Chattogram district. Its position where the Sangu River empties into the Bay of Bengal has made the estuary a natural landmark for generations of local fishermen and boatmen.
Although the beach remains largely undeveloped compared with Bangladesh's headline resorts, it has grown in recent years as a popular stop for visitors travelling between Chattogram city, Sitakunda town and the Chandranath Hill trekking route. The name Muradpur is still used interchangeably with Guliakhali by many returning travellers.
Top things to do in Guliakhali Beach
Watch the sunset over the Bay of Bengal
Arrive in the late afternoon to catch the sun sinking into the Bay of Bengal. The wide, open shore makes Guliakhali one of the most photogenic sunset spots in the Sitakunda area.
Take a boat ride across the river mouth
Local boats offer short trips across the Sangu River mouth, giving a different perspective on the estuary and the mangrove-lined banks. It is a relaxed way to spend an hour or so.
Wade in the shallow tidal pools
At low tide, shallow pools form along the broad sandbank, perfect for paddling and exploring with children. The soft sand and gentle gradient make it safer than many open-sea beaches.
Combine with the Chandranath Hill climb
Pair a beach visit with the Chandranath Hill temple climb, which lies just north of the coast near Sitakunda town. Together they make a rewarding full day out from Chattogram city.
Enjoy tea and snacks by the river
Small shacks along the river banks serve tea, light snacks and simple meals. It is a wonderfully informal setting to sit back and watch local life drift past.
Guliakhali Beach in pictures
Photos via Wikimedia Commons under their respective Creative Commons licences. Click a photo credit for the source and full licence terms.
Highlights
- ✓The Sangu River meeting point with the Bay of Bengal
- ✓Soft sand and open shoreline with shallow tidal pools
- ✓Mangrove-fringed river estuary
- ✓Local boat rides across the river mouth
- ✓Nearby Chandranath Hill temple climb
- ✓Quiet alternative to Cox's Bazar, close to Bashbaria beach
How to get to Guliakhali Beach
Guliakhali lies roughly 8-10 km south of Sitakunda town. The easiest way to reach it is by CNG auto-rickshaw or motorbike, usually taking well under an hour.
From Chattogram city, the journey is around 1.5 to 2 hours by car or bus via the Dhaka-Chattogram highway, heading towards Sitakunda and then south to the coast.
Many visitors start with the Chandranath Hill temple climb and continue south to Guliakhali. This makes a natural full-day itinerary, with both sites reached from Sitakunda town.
Best time to visit Guliakhali Beach
The dry season from October to March offers the calmest seas, the most comfortable temperatures and the clearest skies. This is when the beach is most rewarding for sunset, photography and relaxed riverside wandering.
Late afternoon is widely considered the prime time of day at Guliakhali, when the sun sets over the Bay of Bengal and the tide begins to recede, exposing broad sandbanks and shallow tidal pools along the shore.
The monsoon season brings rough seas and stronger currents at the river mouth, making swimming unwise and the boat rides less appealing. Travellers are advised to plan around the drier months for a safer, more comfortable visit.
Where to stay
Accommodation at Guliakhali itself is limited to simple tea stalls and shacks serving snacks. Most visitors stay in Chattogram city, where a full range of hotels is available, and travel to the beach as a day trip.
What to eat
- 🍽️Freshly brewed cha (tea) from a riverside shack
- 🍽️Local snacks and biscuits with tea by the sandbank
- 🍽️Simple Bengali meals at the small food stalls
- 🍽️Fresh seafood offerings from nearby coastal villages
Travel tips
- 💡Time your visit for the late afternoon to catch the sunset over the Bay of Bengal.
- 💡Bring a towel and plenty of water, as facilities on site are minimal.
- 💡Combine the beach with the Chandranath Hill climb for a rewarding full day.
- 💡Wear sandals or shoes you can wade in, as shallow tidal pools form at low tide.
- 💡Avoid the monsoon months, when rough seas make the river mouth hazardous.
Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Guliakhali beach located?+
Guliakhali beach is in Sitakunda upazila, Chattogram district, at the point where the Sangu River meets the Bay of Bengal. It sits roughly 8-10 km south of Sitakunda town and is also known locally as Muradpur beach.
How far is Guliakhali from Chattogram city?+
The journey from Chattogram city to Guliakhali takes around 1.5 to 2 hours by car or bus via the Dhaka-Chattogram highway, with a final approach south from Sitakunda town.
Is Guliakhali suitable for swimming?+
The beach is calm in the dry season with shallow pools at low tide, making it more suitable for paddling than serious swimming. The monsoon brings rough seas and stronger currents, so visitors should be cautious.
Can I visit Guliakhali and Chandranath Hill in one day?+
Yes, the two are often combined. Guliakhali lies close to the Chandranath Hill trek, and together they make a popular full-day itinerary from Chattogram city or Sitakunda town.
Are there places to stay near Guliakhali beach?+
Accommodation at the beach itself is limited to simple tea stalls and shacks. Most travellers stay in Chattogram city, where a full range of hotels is available, and visit Guliakhali as a day trip.
