Guliakhali Sea Beach, locally known as Muradpur Beach, is an unexpected marvel located about 5 km from Sitakunda town in Chattogram. Rather than stretching sandy shores, it presents a surreal tableau of grassy marshlands intersected by tide-fed canals, set against the vast backdrop of the Bay of Bengal and flanked by Keora (Sonneratia) mangrove forests. This little-known treasure is much more peaceful compared to Cox’s Bazar or Patenga, creating a calm atmosphere that attracts only a few visitors. Visitors often have the beach to themselves at dawn, greeted by the soft rustling of grass, distant birdcalls, and the gentle lap of water. It’s a photographer’s dream—mangrove roots arching like nature’s sculptures, ribbons of silvery water weaving through emerald spaces, and a sunrise that casts a golden glow over the marsh. Guliakhali’s natural beauty is enhanced by its ecological diversity. The merging of swamp and mangrove ecosystems creates a dynamic habitat for fish, birds, and crustaceans. During low tide, the receding water unveils shellfish-rich mudflats and shallow channels—a scene more akin to an inland wetland than a typical seaside. Named a protected tourism zone in 2022 under the Tourism Reserved Area and Special Tourism Zone Act, the beach spans around 259 acres, ensuring conservation of its unique landscape. The aim is to develop the area thoughtfully balancing accessibility with ecological preservation. Reaching Guliakhali involves traveling from Chattogram to Sitakunda, then continuing by CNG auto or motorbike along a muddy path, especially during monsoon. The effort pays off when, after a short walk across the clay plain, you emerge onto the grassy marine meadow where canal and sea gracefully converge. There’s not much available; only a single tea stall can be found close to the beginning of the trail. Visitors are urged to bring essentials, leave no trace, and avoid venturing too far into the water—tidal shifts can be unpredictable. Evenings at Guliakhali are magical. Watching the sun dip below the horizon behind mangrove silhouettes creates a serene spectacle. As daylight fades, the silence deepens, broken only by waves and bird calls—offering a sublime moment of solitude. Guliakhali Sea Beach epitomizes sustainable tourism potential. It invites nature lovers and photographers to experience quiet reflection, not commercial amusement. Though still emerging significantly on the tourism map, its reserved status ensures its future as a peaceful retreat and an exemplar of eco-sensitive development.
