Chunati Wildlife Sanctuary: A Biodiversity Haven in Bangladesh’s Chattogram Hills

Why Visit Chunati Wildlife Sanctuary

Chunati Wildlife Sanctuary protects a vital stretch of tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forest in Chattogram Division. The reserve supports one of Bangladesh’s last viable populations of Asian elephants and offers visitors a rare chance to experience the country’s lowland hill ecosystem away from crowded coastal resorts.

What to See and Do

Early-morning and late-afternoon walks along the main trails often yield sightings of elephants, barking deer, and troops of capped langurs. More than 150 bird species have been recorded, including the rare green imperial pigeon and several woodpecker species. The sanctuary’s streams and small waterfalls provide cool resting spots during longer hikes. Local forest guards can point out medicinal plants and explain ongoing reforestation projects that have restored hundreds of hectares of degraded hillside.

Guided Experiences

Community-based tourism groups based in the buffer villages offer half-day and full-day walks. These outings combine wildlife observation with demonstrations of traditional bamboo weaving and forest honey collection. Night walks are occasionally arranged under strict supervision to listen for nocturnal mammals and owls.

Getting There

Most visitors start from Chattogram city and travel south along the Dhaka–Chattogram–Cox’s Bazar highway. At the Chunati junction, local transport or hired jeeps cover the final stretch of road into the sanctuary headquarters. The journey passes through tea gardens and small hill villages, giving a scenic introduction to the region. Travelers coming from Cox’s Bazar can reach the same junction in roughly two hours by road.

Best Time to Visit

The driest and most comfortable months are November through February. During this period, trails remain firm, leeches are scarce, and elephant sightings increase as animals move closer to perennial water sources. The monsoon months bring heavy rain that can make paths slippery and increase the risk of flash floods in stream beds.

Nearby Places Worth Exploring

• Himchari National Park lies to the south and offers additional coastal forest trails.
• The long sandy beaches of Cox’s Bazar provide a contrast after several days in the hills.
• Inani Beach and its adjacent protected mangrove patches can be combined with a sanctuary visit for a two-day itinerary.