Moheshkhali

Maheshkhali is an island in upazila Cox's Bazar district. It is located just 12 km from Cox's Bazar. According to legend, a devastating cyclone and tidal wave in 1559 caused this island to break away from the mainland. Roughly two centuries ago, it was named in honor of the Buddhist sage Maheshwar. Which is also known as Maheshkhali Island. Maheshkhali Upazila encompasses three smaller islands, which are known as Sonadia, Matarbari, and Dhalghata. This upazila has a reputation in the whole of Bangladesh for the production of betel, fish, dry fruits, shrimps, salt and pearls. You can travel from Maheshkhali Island by spending 4-5 hours from Cox's Bazar.

Maheshkhali is the only hilly island in Bangladesh. Perched atop Mainak Hill, the Adinath Temple graces this island with its presence. The handicrafts of this island attract visitors and also the Adinath fair is held here in the month of Falgun of the year. There are several Buddhist temples, wetlands and various species of animals. Maheshkhali boasts several attractions, including the Adinath Temple, Rakhine Para, and the Swarna Temple. Additionally, you can explore Jhaubagan and Charpara Beach if you wish. On the way you will see betel nut plantation and salt field. Maheshkhali's drink is famous all over Bangladesh, so if you come here, you must think of drinking it.

There are two ways to reach Maheshkhali. To reach Cox's Bazar, you first need to arrive in Dhaka. This route is particularly convenient for tourists heading to Cox's Bazar. From Dhaka, you have multiple options to get to Cox's Bazar: you can travel by road, take a train, or fly.Among the buses going to Cox's Bazar from Dhaka are Syudiya, Certainly! Here's a rewritten version of the content: S. Alam's Mercedes Benz, Green Line, Hanif Enterprise, Shyamoli Paribahan, and Sohag Paribahan. Is there anything else you need help with? S. Alam Paribahan, St. Martin Hyundai etc. Bus fares range from Tk 900 to Tk 2500 per seat depending on the class. Also, if you want to travel directly from Dhaka by train to Cox's Bazar , you can take the Cox's Bazar Express  or Tourist Express train from Kamalapur or Airport Railway Station.  Also, if you want to come from Dhaka by train via Chittagong to Cox's Bazar, you can take Sonar Bangla, Suborn Express, Turna-Nishitha, Mahanagar Prabhati/Godhuli trains from Kamalapur or Airport Railway Station as per your convenience. Train fare will be Tk 405-1398 per seat. Then you can come to Cox's Bazar by S Alam, Hanif or Unique Paribahan bus from Chittagong New Bridge area, Alankar Mor, Cinema Palace or Dampara Bus Stand. The cost of the bus fare varies, ranging from Tk 420 to Tk 1000, depending on the specific bus you choose.

Bangladesh Biman, NovoAir, US Bangla Airlines and Air Astra operate direct flights from Dhaka to Cox's Bazar. Air fare from Dhaka to Cox's Bazar ranges from Tk 4,599 to Tk 12,000.

Go to Maheshkhali Jetty (Ghat No. 6) from any part of Cox's Bazar city. Then local trawler or speed boat will come to Maheshkhali for 70-80 taka. You have the option to book the speedboat if you wish. If you come to Maheshkhali and explore everything, if you are one or two people, take a rickshaw (rent 150-170 taka) or rent an auto/easy bike (300-350 taka) if you are 5-7 people. But bargain well, or you may suffer.

And to go the other way, you have to come from Chittagong by road to Chakaria via Badarkhali and come to Maheshkhali. It takes an hour and a half to reach Maheshkhali on this way. As you travel towards Chakria, you'll come across the Maheshkhali Jetty.

Since Maheshkhali is quite close, it's easy to make a quick return trip from there. Besides, there is no accommodation in Maheshkhali so come back to Cox's Bazar for overnight stay. Even if you don't make a reservation during the off-season, you'll still find a room at the hotel. However, it's wise to book ahead between December 15 and January 15. Traveling to Cox's Bazar without a prior booking is unwise. Typically, hotels, motels, and resorts in Cox's Bazar are categorized into three price ranges.

6000 to 10,000 Tk: Mermaid Beach Resort, Simon Beach Resort, Ocean Paradise, Long Beach, Cox Today, Heritage etc. 3,000 to 6,000 Tk: Sea Palace, Sea Gull, Coral Reef, Nitol Resort, Islandia, Beach View, Sea Crown, Uni Resort etc. Here's a rewritten version of the provided content: From 800 to 3,000 Tk: Options include Coral Reef, Ikra Beach Resort, Abhisar, Media Inn, Kallol, Honeymoon Resort, Neelima Resort, and more. Does this meet your needs? If you need any further adjustments, feel free to let me know!

Read our Cox's Bazar Hotel Resort Guide to know about all the hotel resorts in Cox's Bazar .

However, hotels are available for less than the price mentioned above, in that case, you have to inquire in advance. Hotel rates are usually less than half off in the offseason. If you have some free time, it's a good idea to head over to Cox's Bazar and look for a hotel. The advice of rickshaw pullers or CNG walkers should not be taken in finding a hotel. Should you need additional details, you can always check the hotel's Facebook page or visit their website.

If you want to travel with your family a little more comfortably, you can rent a flat. AC/Non AC 2/3/4 bed room and kitchen flats can be rented from Tk 2,000 to Tk 15,000 per day. Also, you may have to do a bit of searching to get an address that you can afford and like.

Since Maheshkhali is quite close, it's easy to make a quick return trip from there. And so you can eat light food on the island for temporary hunger relief. Or you can come back and eat at Cox's Bazar. Cox's Bazar has all types and quality of restaurants. Mid-range budget restaurants include Rodela, Jhowban, Dhansindi, Paushi, Niribili etc. You can also try Hyderabadi Birani at Handi Restaurant near Labani Point for Tk 200-250. And KOFC is there.