Inani Beach Travel Guide: Getting There from Cox's Bazar, Low Tide and Costs
A rocky, clean and quiet beach 25 km from the Cox's Bazar crowds. How to reach Inani along Marine Drive, CNG and jeep fares, when to go to see the rocks, a half-day route with Himchari and Patuartek, and where to stay.
- Where
- Ukhia, Cox's Bazar; about 25 km from Kolatoli
- Travel time
- 40–50 minutes along Marine Drive
- CNG (reserved, return)
- ৳800–1,500
- How long
- Half a day
- Best time
- November–March, at low tide
Trip ticket
While thousands crowd Laboni and Sugandha points in Cox's Bazar, a different beach waits just 25 km south along Marine Drive. At Inani, dark brown rocks lie scattered across the sand, the water is clearer and there are far fewer people. At low tide the rocks emerge, and the pools between them hold small fish and crabs. When the sunset turns the rocks red, it's a sight you won't forget. Here is everything you need to get to Inani.
Where Inani Beach is and why it's different
Inani Beach is in Ukhia upazila of Cox's Bazar district, about 25 km south of Kolatoli in Cox's Bazar town. It is part of the world's longest natural sea beach, but it looks completely different.
The big difference is the rocks. Along one stretch, large rocks lie across the sand; locally many people call them "coral stones". At high tide they are almost covered; at low tide they emerge far out. The hills come very close here, so with green on one side and sea on the other, Inani is unique.
How to get from Cox's Bazar to Inani
Every route goes along Marine Drive. You can find transport at Kolatoli Mor.
| Transport | Approximate fare | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Reserved CNG (return, with waiting) | ৳800–1,500 | 2–4 people |
| Open jeep/chander gari (Himchari–Inani–Patuartek) | ৳2,500–4,500 | 8–12 people |
| Shared easy-bike/auto (one way, per person) | ৳100–150 | One or two people |
| Rented scooter or motorbike | ৳1,000–1,800 a day | Those who ride themselves |
When you reserve, agree where you'll stop and how long the driver will wait. People usually spend an hour to an hour and a half at Inani and half an hour to an hour at Himchari.
When to see the rocks: the tides
To see Inani's rocks you need to go at low tide. At high tide the water covers them and the beach looks like any other sandy beach.
- The day before, check the tide times for Cox's Bazar. Hotel receptionists and local drivers usually know them too.
- The best window runs from when the tide starts going out until low water; then you can walk among the rocks.
- If low tide falls in the afternoon, you're in luck: rocks and sunset together.
Tide times shift by about 50 minutes each day, so don't rely on last week's times.
Things to do at Inani
- Walk among the rocks: at low tide the pools between the rocks hold small fish, snails and crabs. The rocks are slippery with algae, so wear sandals rather than going barefoot.
- Watch the sunset: the beach faces west, so the sun sets straight into the sea and the light on the rocks makes great photos.
- Green coconuts and seafood: stalls beside the beach sell coconut water, tea and fried fish.
- Quiet time: far fewer people than at Kolatoli; Inani is the best place to sit and watch the waves.
On the way and nearby
- Himchari: about 12 km from Kolatoli. Climb the steps up the hill for a view over the sea and Marine Drive; a small waterfall in the monsoon.
- Patuartek: a little south of Inani, another rocky, quiet beach. Go here to avoid Inani's crowds.
- Shamlapur and Teknaf: further south to the end of Marine Drive you'll find fishing villages, tamarisk groves and the Naf river. That takes a full day.
A half-day route
- 12 noon: leave Kolatoli by CNG or jeep
- 12:30 pm: stop at Himchari and climb up for the sea view
- 2 pm: reach Inani, lunch
- 3–5 pm: walk among the rocks at low tide (adjust to the tide times)
- 5:30 pm: sunset at Inani or Patuartek
- 7 pm: back in Kolatoli
To plan a whole Cox's Bazar trip day by day, see our 3-day Cox's Bazar trip plan.
Where to stay
- Inani resorts: there are a few large resorts at and around Inani, such as Sea Pearl Beach Resort. Good if you want quiet and the beach on your doorstep, but more expensive.
- Kolatoli and Sugandha: most people stay in town and visit Inani for the day. Budget hotels ৳1,500–3,000, mid-range ৳3,000–7,000.
- Eco resorts on Marine Drive: a few small eco cottages and resorts sit by the sea along the way.
Costs
Half-day Inani trip from Cox's Bazar town, per person (group of 4):
| Item | Approximate cost |
|---|---|
| Reserved CNG (shared) | ৳200–400 |
| Himchari entry fee | ৳20–50 |
| Lunch | ৳300–600 |
| Coconuts, tea, snacks | ৳100–200 |
| Total | ৳620–1,250 |
Safety
- Swimming at Inani is risky because of the rocks; don't go into the waves near them
- Don't go in when a red flag is flying; follow the lifeguards
- When the tide starts coming in, come back from the far rocks
- Traffic on Marine Drive is fast; take care crossing and when stopping on the road for photos
- Don't leave plastic behind, and don't take rocks or shells home
For Cox's Bazar's other sights, transport and emergency numbers, see our Cox's Bazar district guide.
Questions and answers
How far is Inani Beach from Cox's Bazar?
About 25 km from Kolatoli, 40–50 minutes by car along Marine Drive.
When can you see the rocks at Inani?
At low tide. At high tide the rocks go under water, so check the tide times before you go.
Can you swim at Inani?
Inani isn't good for swimming because of the rocks. To swim, use the main Cox's Bazar beach where lifeguards are on duty.
How much is a CNG to Inani?
A reserved CNG from Kolatoli, return with waiting, usually costs ৳800–1,500, a little more with a stop at Himchari.
Can I see Inani and Himchari together?
Yes, Himchari is on the way to Inani. You can see both in half a day.
See it on the map, plan your trip
Look up the places, routes and costs, then put your own trip together.
