Sitakunda — Chandranath
A steep pilgrim climb to a temple above the Bay of Bengal
Overview
Sitakunda is a town about 37 km north of Chattogram (Chittagong) on the Dhaka-Chattogram highway, and the gateway to one of the most rewarding climbs in the south-east. Rising behind the town is Chandranath Hill, a peak of roughly 280 to 350 metres crowned by the Chandranath Temple — at once a serious pilgrimage and a satisfying half-day trek.
The temple is revered as one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, the sacred sites where, in Hindu legend, parts of the goddess Sati's body fell to earth. Dedicated to Shiva and the goddess, it draws enormous crowds during the annual Shiva Chaturdashi mela in spring, when pilgrims stream up the hill day and night.
Reaching the top means climbing a steep stairway of stone steps and rough trails, a haul of roughly one to two hours that rewards the effort with panoramic views over the coastal plain and out to the Bay of Bengal. The Birupaksha Temple stands lower on the same hill, passed on the way up, and small shrines dot the route.
There is more to the area than the climb. The Sitakunda Eco Park and Botanical Garden, on the same range, has forest trails and the Sahasradhara and Suptadhara waterfalls, while the nearby Guliakhali (Muradpur) Beach is famous for its green meadow and mangrove-fringed shore — an unusual contrast to the sands of Cox's Bazar.
History & Culture
Chandranath has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries, revered in Hindu tradition as one of the Shakti Peethas where part of the goddess Sati's body is said to have fallen.
The hill and its temples have drawn pilgrims to the annual Shiva Chaturdashi gathering for generations, and the surrounding range was later developed with the Sitakunda Eco Park and Botanical Garden to protect its forest and waterfalls.
Top things to do in Sitakunda — Chandranath
Trek to Chandranath Temple
Climb the steep stone stairway to the summit temple — about one to two hours up — for one of the best viewpoints in the region, looking out over the plains and the sea.
Visit the Birupaksha Temple
Pause at the Birupaksha Temple lower on the hill, one of several shrines passed on the climb.
Explore Sitakunda Eco Park
Walk the forest trails of the eco park and botanical garden to the Sahasradhara and Suptadhara waterfalls, best after the rains.
Relax at Guliakhali Beach
Visit the nearby Guliakhali (Muradpur) Beach, known for its green meadow and mangroves meeting the sea — quite unlike a typical sandy beach.
Catch the pilgrimage atmosphere
If you visit during the spring Shiva Chaturdashi mela, the hill comes alive with pilgrims, though it is far busier then.
Sitakunda — Chandranath in pictures
Photos via Wikimedia Commons under their respective Creative Commons licences. Click a photo credit for the source and full licence terms.
Highlights
- ✓Chandranath Temple on the summit — a revered Shakti Peeth
- ✓A steep stone-stair trek with panoramic Bay of Bengal views
- ✓Birupaksha Temple lower on the hill
- ✓The Shiva Chaturdashi pilgrimage mela in spring
- ✓Sitakunda Eco Park with Sahasradhara and Suptadhara waterfalls
- ✓Guliakhali green-meadow sea beach nearby
How to get to Sitakunda — Chandranath
Sitakunda is about 37 km north of Chattogram on the Dhaka-Chattogram highway — roughly an hour by bus, CNG auto-rickshaw or car.
Trains on the Dhaka-Chattogram line stop at or near Sitakunda; from the station it is a short ride to the trailhead.
From Sitakunda town, take a CNG auto-rickshaw to the base of the hill near the Shankar Math, where the climb begins.
Best time to visit Sitakunda — Chandranath
October to March offers cool, dry weather — the safest and most comfortable time for the steep climb.
The spring Shiva Chaturdashi mela brings huge pilgrim crowds and a charged atmosphere, but far less solitude.
The monsoon (June to September) makes the stone steps slippery and risky, though the eco-park waterfalls are at their fullest then.
Where to stay
There are simple hotels in Sitakunda town, but most travellers base themselves in Chattogram city, an easy hour away, which has the full range of accommodation.
What to eat
- 🍽️Local Bangladeshi meals at eateries in Sitakunda town
- 🍽️Mezban beef, a Chattogram speciality, back in the city
- 🍽️Fresh coconut water for the climb
- 🍽️Seasonal fruit from roadside stalls
Travel tips
- 💡Wear sturdy shoes and carry water — the climb is steep and can be hot.
- 💡Start early in the morning to avoid the midday heat.
- 💡Remove your shoes at the temple and dress respectfully; it is an active pilgrimage site.
- 💡The trek needs reasonable fitness; take your time on the stone steps.
- 💡Combine the climb with the eco-park waterfalls or Guliakhali Beach for a fuller day.
Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chandranath Temple?+
Chandranath Temple sits atop Chandranath Hill at Sitakunda and is a major Hindu pilgrimage site, revered as one of the 51 Shakti Peethas where, in legend, part of the goddess Sati's body fell. It is dedicated to Shiva and the goddess.
How long is the climb to Chandranath?+
The climb up the stone stairway and trails takes roughly one to two hours each way, depending on fitness. It is steep, so wear good shoes, carry water and start early.
When is the Chandranath pilgrimage held?+
The main gathering is the Shiva Chaturdashi mela in spring, when huge numbers of pilgrims climb the hill. It is a remarkable time to visit but far more crowded.
How do I get to Sitakunda from Chattogram?+
Sitakunda is about 37 km north of Chattogram on the Dhaka-Chattogram highway — around an hour by bus, CNG auto-rickshaw or car, or by train on the Dhaka-Chattogram line.
What else is there to see around Sitakunda?+
The Sitakunda Eco Park has the Sahasradhara and Suptadhara waterfalls, and the nearby Guliakhali (Muradpur) Beach is known for its green meadow and mangroves meeting the sea.
