Himchari National Park

Himchari National Park is a protected reserve near Cox's Bazar that combines evergreen forests with rolling hills overlooking the Bay of Bengal. The park covers close to 1,700 hectares and includes natural waterfalls as well as different ecosystem types within its boundaries.

The park was established in 1980 by the Bangladeshi government as a protected area for conservation, research, and education. This designation marked the beginning of organized efforts to safeguard the landscape from further damage.

Local residents practice fishing and farming within the park boundaries, maintaining ways of life that have been passed down through families. This human presence shapes how the landscape is used and cared for each day.

Visitors can reach the park most easily from Cox's Bazar by renting a private vehicle, auto-rickshaw, or jeep for the journey. The best time to visit is during drier months when trails and natural features are easiest to access.

The reserve is home to more than 280 bird species, many of which visitors can spot during migration periods. It also harbors several small wild cat species, including leopard cats and fishing cats, that are important predators despite their size.