Ramu is a traditional upazila (sub-district) in the Cox’s Bazar district. Ramu, rich in ancient relics, is home to many ancient Buddhist artifacts. There are a total of 35 Buddhist temples and stupas in Ramu. Atop the hill in North Mithachhari of Ramu lies a 100-foot-long reclining statue of Gautam Buddha. Just two kilometers away, the newly constructed Central Seema Vihara (monastery) is located. A bit further south, you’ll find the eye-catching Lalching and Sadaching Buddhist Monasteries. Additionally, there are numerous other small and large Buddhist monasteries scattered around the area.
Travel to Ramu Buddhist Monastery from Cox’s Bazar
Starting from Cox’s Bazar
By Road:
You can go directly to Cox’s Bazar by bus or train from Dhaka.
- Bus fare: 900 to 2000 Taka (depending on the class).
- Train fare: 300 to 1500 Taka (depending on the class).
From Chittagong:
- Bus fare: 420 to 1000 Taka (depending on AC/non-AC).
By Air:
- You can fly directly to Cox’s Bazar from Dhaka.
- Airfare: 3000 to 5000 Taka (depending on the airline).
From Cox’s Bazar to Ramu:
- Distance: 35 kilometers
- Travel time: 1 hour
- CNG: Fare 400-500 Taka (round trip and sightseeing)
- Auto rickshaw: Fare 40 Taka per person (round trip)
- Reserved car: Fare is negotiable (depends on your preference)
Where to Stay
The hotels near Cox’s Bazar Beach have a current capacity of about 150,000 people. Therefore, Cox’s Bazar will be convenient for your stay. There are various categories of hotels and resorts in Cox’s Bazar with rents ranging from 300 to 50,000 Taka. Where you stay and how much you pay entirely depends on you.
Generally, based on price, hotels/motels/resorts in Cox’s Bazar can be divided into three categories:
- 6000 to 10,000 Taka: Best Western Heritage, Hotel The Cox Today, Sayeman Beach Resort, Long Beach Hotel Cox’s Bazar, Ocean Paradise Hotel & Resort, Seagull Hotel etc.
- 3000 to 6000 Taka: Sea Palace, ,Coral Reef, Nitol Bay Resort, Islandia, Beach View, Sea Crown, Uni Resort, etc.
- 800 to 3000 Taka: Urmi Guest House, Coral Reef, Ikra Beach Resort, Abhissar, Media Inn, Kallol, Honeymoon Resort, Neelima Resort, etc.
However, you can find hotels at even lower prices, but you need to look for them in advance. Hotel rates are usually less than half during the off-season. If you have time, it’s better to look for a hotel and bargain right after arriving in Cox’s Bazar. You should avoid relying on advice from rickshaw or CNG drivers for hotel searches.If needed, you can gather information from the hotel’s Facebook page or website.
If you want a more comfortable trip with your family, you can rent a flat. Daily rent for a 2/3/4-bedroom flat with a kitchen, AC/non-AC, can be between 2000 to 15,000 Taka. Additionally, you may need to do a bit of searching to find a place that suits your budget and preference.
If you want to stay at a lower cost, you can try to stay in hotels and resorts located inside alleys rather than on the main road. Usually, the rent is lower in hotels and resorts located in alleys on the right side of the main road at Laboni Point. Whenever you go, whether during the season or off-season, make sure to visit one or two hotels, look around, and bargain well before settling on a place.
Where to Eat
In Cox’s Bazar, various types of food are available according to everyone’s budget and preference.
Restaurants for Medium Budget:
- Rodella: Famous for delicious Bengali food.
- Jhauban: Located by the beach, it serves delicious seafood.
- Dhanshiri: Popular for traditional Bengali food.
- Paushi: Suitable for family dining, it offers a variety of Bengali and Mughlai dishes.
- Niribili: A good option for enjoying tasty food in a calm environment.
Approximate Food Prices:
- Rice: 20-40 Taka
- Mixed Bharta (mash): 75/150/300 Taka (8-10 items)
- Loittya Fry (Fish): 100-120 Taka (6-10 pieces per plate)
- Koral/Bhetki Fish: 150 Taka (per piece)
- Beef: 150-200 Taka (enough for 2 people)
- Rupchanda Fry/Curry: 300-400 Taka (large, enough for 2 people)
- Lentils (Dal): 30-60 Taka
Some Popular Buddhist Monasteries in Ramu
- Rakhine Buddhist Temple: A historical temple from the 18th century.
- Boro Mandir (Big Temple): One of the largest Buddhist temples in Ramu, built in the 17th century.
- Kakyang Temple: An ancient temple built in the 16th century.
- Mithachhari Buddhist Temple: Famous for the 100-foot-long reclining Buddha statue.
- Lalching and Sadaching Buddhist Monasteries: Known for their architectural style.
- Central Seema Vihara: A newly constructed Buddhist temple.
- Rakhine Museum: Displays historical artifacts from Ramu and surrounding areas.
Some Tips
- The best time to visit Ramu is during winter (November-February).
- Ramu has various types of hotels and resorts suitable for all budgets.
- The famous foods of Ramu are Ramu sweets, dried fish, and Hilsa fish.
- On your way back to Cox’s Bazar from Ramu, you can visit Inani Beach, Marine Drive, and Dhankhali Market.
- Ramu is a popular tourist destination known for its historical Buddhist temples, beautiful natural scenery, and rich culture. If you are interested in learning about the history and heritage of Bangladesh, don’t forget to include Ramu on your travel list.
