Maheskhali Island and other Bangladesh Off The Beaten Path Tips

Maheskhali Island is off the coast, just north of Cox's Bazaar. Unusual for Bangladesh, the island has a rocky ridge and some higher points were it is possible to get a good view all around. Together with neighbouring Sonadia, Maheskhali is the first island in the path of cyclones when they hit the eastern Bay of Bengal, and there are many tales of death and destruction here. With early warning systems and cyclone shelters things have improved, but occasionally the fishing fleet out of Maheskhali is hard hit by sudden storms. To reach Maheskhali, the easiest way is to take the local boats or charter your own out of Cox's Bazaar. Should take about 30-40 minutes, and the cost of the local boat is not much. Landing on the island at low tide is a muddy affair - have appropriate footwear that can handle water and sucking mud. On the island there is hardly any tourist infrastructure, but small local restaurants and friendly locals. Interestingly, the island has some ancient Buddhist stupas and a prominent Hindu Shiva temple as well. All is reachable from the pier.
This island is an interesting day trip out of Cox's Bazaar.

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Other Contact: Tourist services in Cox'sBazaar.

By walking 30-40 minutes or 20 minutes by rickshaw out of the town of Ghoroghata where the boat landing is you will reach the foot of the ridge where the Maheskhali stupas are located. A short walk up and you have a commanding view of the whole island.
Despite distaste and general ignorance of ancient religious remains (8-9th century), the stupas are in a fairly good shape. They are very nicely and harmoniously built. Maheskali also has some good trails for walking if you wish to push on from the stupas.

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