Daria Nagar (দরিয়া নগর)

Daria Nagar sits at Boro Chhera on the Cox's Bazar to Teknaf Marine Drive, a few kilometres south of Kolatoli. It is the first point south of town where the hills come right down to the road, and the beach lies directly across the tarmac. The name means city of the sea.

Steps and paths have been laid up the slope for visitors, and the spot has become one of the regular stops on any Marine Drive day, partly because it is so close to town.

A staircase climbs to a hilltop park with benches and lookouts over the Bay of Bengal. From the top the full curve of the beach toward Himchari is visible, along with fishing boats working offshore. The slope faces west, so the evening light falls straight onto it.

Inside one of the larger hills runs a narrow passage that curves under the hill, known as the Shahenshah cave and also as Kana Raja's cave. It is dark, rocky and slippery, and small springs trickle through it. Below the hills, the beach is where Cox's Bazar's parasailing boats launch, alongside jet skis and beach bikes. Several parasailing accidents, including a fatal fall, have been reported here.

The hilltop park charges a small entry fee at the gate, and water sports are priced by each operator, so ask before committing and check that harnesses and life jackets are in order. Late afternoon is the best time to go for the light. An hour or two covers the hill and the cave; add more if you plan to fly.