Maheshkhali is an island sub-district situated 12 kilometers away from Cox’s Bazar district, with an area of 362 square kilometers. It is the only hilly island in Bangladesh, bordered by Kutubdia Island and the Bay of Bengal to the west, Chakaria and Cox’s Bazar Sadar sub-districts to the east, Cox’s Bazar Sadar and the Bay of Bengal to the south, and Chakaria sub-district to the north.
This place, filled with an abundance of natural beauty, has beautiful temples for Hindu and Buddhist devotees. From the top of the hill, one can see the vast blue sea stretching out to the horizon, which can only be witnessed from Maheshkhali. The island is a meeting place of hills, islands, and the sea, surrounded by greenery on all sides. The sight is filled with only the gathering of green. According to historians, the place was named after Shiva’s other name ‘Mahesh’. According to the Portuguese traveler Cesar Frederick, the island was formed as a result of a severe cyclone and tidal surge in 1559, which separated it from the mainland.
Some places in Maheshkhali can be visited within a very small area. Below are its attractions:
Maheshkhali Bazar:
Crossing the Maheshkhali channel, straight ahead to the west is Maheshkhali sub-district town. This small town, with an area of just three square kilometers, is like any other sub-district town in the country. Although there are no significant sights to see, you can still explore the town.
Buddha Kyong:
Before entering the market from the Maheshkhali jetty, on the left side of the road is the Maheshkhali Great Buddha Kyong or temple. Inside, there are several Buddhist temples. You will find several brass Buddha statues in this Kyong. However, the most notable ones are the meditating Buddha statue, the reclining Buddha, and the standing Buddha statue.
Adinath Temple:
The Adinath Temple is located at the peak of Mainak Hill in Thakur Tala village of Gorakh Ghata Union in Maheshkhali. The temple is situated at a height of about 85 meters above sea level. The temple is 10.50 meters long, 9.75 meters wide, and about 6 meters high. The interior of the temple is divided into three parts. The northern part is the oldest. Next to the Adinath Temple is another idol named Ashtabhuja. In the first part of the northern section, there are two square-shaped prayer rooms where the Adinath Banalinga Shiva idol and the Ashtabhuja Durga idol are placed. The entrance at the front is bow-shaped.
Adinath Fair:
For a long time, the Adinath Fair has been held centered around the Adinath Temple. It is believed that the fair has been held since the establishment of the temple. Every year, on the fourteenth day of the dark fortnight in the month of Phalgun, on the occasion of Shiva Chaturdashi, this fair is organized. Devotees and tourists from different parts of the country, as well as from India, Nepal, Myanmar, and other countries, gather for this fair. Although it is a fair for Hindu devotees, this week-long event becomes a universal fair for people of all religions.
It takes about twenty minutes to reach Maheshkhali from Cox’s Bazar’s Kasturighat by speed boat. The fare per person is 80-150 Taka. Alternatively, if you take an engine boat, it takes about an hour. The fare is around 30-50 Taka. Those who want to go directly to the Adinath Temple must go to Gorakh Ghata from Kasturighat.
Sonadia:
Sonadia is a small island under Maheshkhali sub-district. This island, with an area of about nine square kilometers, is located in the Hoanak Union of the sub-district. Sonadia is situated southwest of Maheshkhali. The island is about seven kilometers directly west of the tourist city of Cox’s Bazar, submerged in the sea. The natural beauty of this island easily captivates people. A group of struggling fishermen lives on this island. And because of this, scenes of dried fish production can be seen all over the island. You will also find mangrove forests in Sonadia. Additionally, there is a secluded beach with a Casuarina forest on the shore. The blue water of the sea stretching out to the distant horizon—what isn’t here? Perhaps because it is a bit secluded, Sonadia’s beach is a sanctuary for shy, bright red crabs. Sometimes, the red crabs come out to color the beach, but upon hearing the footsteps of tourists, they quickly retreat into their holes.
How to Go:
From any place in Cox’s Bazar city, come to the Maheshkhali jetty (Jetty No. 6). Then, take a local trawler or speed boat to Maheshkhali for a fare of 70-80 Taka. You can also reserve a speed boat if you prefer. Once you arrive in Maheshkhali, if you are one or two people, you can hire a rickshaw (fare 150-170 Taka), or if you are 5-7 people, you can rent an auto/electric bike (fare 300-350 Taka). However, make sure to bargain well, or you might face trouble.
Alternatively, you can come to Maheshkhali via the road through Chittagong to Chakaria, then to Baderkhal. It takes about one and a half hours to reach Maheshkhali this way. On the way through Chakaria, you will see the “Maheshkhali Jetty”.
Where to Eat:
Since the distance is short, you can easily return from Maheshkhali. Therefore, you can have a light meal on the island to satisfy temporary hunger or eat in Cox’s Bazar after returning. Cox’s Bazar has restaurants of all types and standards. Among medium-budget restaurants, Rodela, Jhaubon, Dhanshiri, Paushi, and Niribili are worth mentioning. Like many other things, the prices of food here may vary depending on the season. Rice: 20-40 Taka, Mixed Bhorta: 75/150/300 Taka (8-10 items), Loitta Fry: 100-120 Taka (6-10 pieces per plate), Coral/Bhetki: 150 Taka (per piece), Beef: 150-200 Taka (can be shared by two people), Rupchanda Fry/Curry: 300-400 Taka (big, enough for two people), Dal: 30-60 Taka.
