Kolatoli to Jhilongja on Foot: A Morning Route Guide

Starting Point: Kolatoli Point and the First Stretch

Begin at Kolatoli Point, the junction where Kolatoli Road meets the Marine Drive. From the main beach access, walk north along the sand for about 700 metres until you reach the mouth of a small canal. Cross the canal on the bridge, then continue on the paved path that parallels the shore. The route is flat and easy to follow; in the early morning, you'll share it with joggers, fishermen, and the occasional stray dog. Stick to the beach side and avoid the littered area behind the fish drying yards.

After the canal, the path veers slightly inland, passing a cluster of tea stalls and small shops selling beach toys and snacks. This is a good spot to buy a bottle of water if you forgot one; prices are marked and reasonable. Around 8am, the stalls start to open, but before that, the area is quiet. Continue straight for another 600 metres until you see the sign for Hotel Sea Palace. Turn left there onto the main road—this is still Kolatoli Road, but locals call it the Jhilongja link road.

Jhilongja Coast: Landmarks and Timing

The link road leads you through a residential area with a few budget guesthouses and local eateries. After about 400 metres, you'll reach the Jhilongja coast road, a narrow lane that runs parallel to the beach. Turn right and follow it south; the sea will be on your left. This stretch is less developed than Kolatoli, with fewer hotels and more vegetation. Keep an eye out for the large banyan tree at the bend—it's a natural landmark and a good place to pause for shade.

As you continue, the road passes a small fishing community where you can see boats pulled up on the sand. The walk from Kolatoli Point to this point takes roughly 30 minutes at a leisurely pace. If you start at 6am, you'll arrive before the sun gets too strong. The best months for this walk are November to February, when mornings are cool and dry. Avoid the monsoon months of June to September, as the path can be muddy and parts may flood.

Turning Back: Options and End Points

You can end your walk at the Jhilongja market area, where the coast road meets the main Cox's Bāzār–Teknaf highway. From there, you can catch a CNG auto-rickshaw back to Kolatoli for a short ride, or continue exploring the local shops. If you prefer a longer route, you can extend the walk north towards Himchari, but note that the road becomes hilly and less shaded after Jhilongja. For most travellers, the 3-kilometre one-way walk is enough to work up an appetite for breakfast.

Alternatively, loop back along the beach if the tide is low. The return leg on the sand is straightforward, but watch for soft patches near the canal. The entire round trip takes about an hour at a steady pace. I'd recommend this walk for anyone staying in Kolatoli or nearby, as it offers a glimpse of local life away from the main tourist strip. Wear comfortable shoes and carry water; there are few shops along the Jhilongja stretch.

What to Skip and Where to Stay

Skip the horse rides and ATV rentals on Kolatoli Beach in the morning—they churn up the sand and detract from the peaceful atmosphere. Also, avoid walking on the beach after heavy rain, as the sand becomes uneven and littered with debris. If you're looking for a quieter beach experience, consider walking further north towards Sugandha Point, but note that the route is less defined and requires more time.

For accommodation, Kolatoli has the widest range of hotels, from budget guesthouses to mid-range options with sea views. Jhilongja itself has fewer places to stay, mostly small local guesthouses. I'd suggest booking a hotel in Kolatoli for convenience, as it's the starting point and has more amenities. Use our site to compare hotels in Cox's Bāzār and find one that fits your budget—look for properties along Kolatoli Road for easy access to this walk.