Moheshkhali is an island upazila in Cox’s Bazar District. It lies just 12 kilometers from Cox’s Bazar. According to local tradition, the island formed when a powerful cyclone and tidal surge in 1559 separated it from the mainland. The area was named Moheshkhali after the Buddhist commander Maheshwar about 200 years ago. The upazila includes three small islands called Sonadia, Matarbari, and Dhalghata. The area is famous across Bangladesh for production of betel leaf (pan), fish, dried fish (shutki), shrimp, salt, and pearls. You can visit Moheshkhali and return in 4–5 hours from Cox’s Bazar.
What to see
Moheshkhali is Bangladesh’s only hilly island. On the Mainak hill stands the Adinath Temple. The island’s craftsmanship attracts many visitors, and the Adinath fair is held here in the month of Falgun (February–March). There are several Buddhist viharas, mangrove forests, and many species of birds and wildlife. Key places include the Adinath Temple, the Rakhine neighborhood, and the Golden Temple. You can also visit the casuarina (jhau) plantations and Charpara Beach. Along the way you’ll see betel gardens and salt fields. Moheshkhali’s betel leaf is famous nationwide — don’t miss trying it while you’re here.
How to get there
There are two main routes to Moheshkhali.
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Via Cox’s Bazar (most convenient for tourists):
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- From Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar you can travel by road, rail, or air. Notable bus operators include Saudia, S.Alam Mercedes Benz, Green Line, Hanif Enterprise, Shyamoli Paribahan, Sohag Paribahan, S. Alam Paribahan, Saint Martin Hyundai, etc. Bus fares vary by class from Tk 900 to Tk 2,500 per seat.
- By train from Kamalapur or Airport Railway Station you can take the Cox’s Bazar Express or Parjotok Express. If going via Chittagong, you can travel on trains such as Sonar Bangla, Subarna Express, Turna-Nishitha, or other suitable services. Train fares range from Tk 405 to Tk 1,398 depending on class.
- From Chittagong you can also take buses (S. Alam, Hanif, or Unique) from areas such as New Bridge area, Olinkar Mor, Cinema Palace, or Dampara Bus Stand; bus fares are usually Tk 420–1,000.
- Airlines operating direct flights from Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar include Biman Bangladesh, Novoair, US-Bangla and Air Astra. Airfare typically ranges from Tk 4,599 to Tk 12,000.
- From anywhere in Cox’s Bazar city, go to Moheshkhali Jetty (Ghât No. 6). Local trawlers or speedboats charge about Tk 70–80 per person. Speedboat reservations are available. Once on the island, hire a rickshaw for one or two people (Tk 150–170) or an auto/easy bike for groups of 5–7 (Tk 300–350). Bargain well to avoid being overcharged.
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Via Chittagong–Chakaria:
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Travel by road from Chittagong to Chakaria, then go via Badrkhali to Moheshkhali. This route takes about 1.5 hours. You’ll see the Moheshkhali Jetty along the way.
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Where to stay
Because Moheshkhali is close to Cox’s Bazar and has limited accommodation, most visitors return to Cox’s Bazar to spend the night. In the off-season you can often find rooms without advance booking, but from December 15 to January 15 advance booking is strongly recommended. Hotels and resorts in Cox’s Bazar are typically grouped by price:
- Tk 6,000 – 10,000: Mermaid Beach Resort, Simon Beach Resort, Ocean Paradise, Long Beach, Cox Today, Heritage, etc.
- Tk 3,000 – 6,000: Sea Palace, Sea Gall, Coral Reef, Nitol Resort, Islandia, Beach View, Sea Crown, Uni Resort, etc.
- Tk 800 – 3,000: Coral Reef (budget options), Ikra Beach Resort, Abhisar, Media Inn, Kollol, Honeymoon Resort, Nilima Resort, etc.
You can find cheaper options than these listed prices, especially off-season, but you may need to search in advance. Avoid relying solely on rickshaw or CNG drivers for hotel recommendations; check hotel Facebook pages or websites for information.
If you prefer more comfort for family travel, you can rent a flat. Daily rents for 2/3/4-bed flats with kitchen (AC or non-AC) range from about Tk 2,000 to Tk 15,000 depending on the size and facilities.
What to eat
Because Moheshkhali is close to Cox’s Bazar, many visitors return to Cox’s Bazar for full meals. You can, however, take light meals on the island. Cox’s Bazar offers restaurants for all tastes and budgets. Mid-range restaurants include Rodela, Jhaubon, Dhansiri, Poushi, Niribili and others. Prices vary by season. Typical food prices (approximate):
- Rice: Tk 20–40
- Mixed vegetable side (bhorta): Tk 75 / 150 / 300 (depending on size; 8–10 items)
- Fried loitta (small fish): Tk 100–120 per plate (6–10 pieces)
- Coral/vetki fish: Tk 150 per piece
- Beef: Tk 150–200 (enough for two to share)
- Large fish (ropchanda) fry/curry: Tk 300–400 (serves two)
- Lentils (dal): Tk 30–60
- You can also try Hyderabadi biryani for Tk 200–250 at some restaurants near Laboni Point and international chains like KFC are present too.