Kutubdia Island

The Island of Lighthouses and Wind

Kutubdia is a small island in the Bay of Bengal, located off the coast of Cox's Bazar.

This island has a unique story - it's named after a Sufi saint called Kutub Uddin Aulia who came here centuries ago.

Today, the island is famous for two things: its historic lighthouse and Bangladesh's first wind power project.

A Disappearing History

What makes Kutubdia special is also what makes it sad.

The island has been slowly swallowed by the sea over the past hundred years.

The original Kutubdia Lighthouse, built by the British in 1846, now stands in the middle of the ocean - a haunting reminder of how much land the sea has taken.

A new lighthouse was built further inland, but even that one is now threatened by erosion.

Wind Energy Pioneer

Look across the island and you'll see rows of wind turbines spinning in the constant sea breeze.

Kutubdia is home to Bangladesh's first wind power plant, set up to capture the strong coastal winds.

These white turbines against the blue sky have become a symbol of the island.

Island Life

Unlike the tourist-packed beaches of Cox's Bazar, Kutubdia offers a glimpse into simple island life.

The people here are mostly fishermen and salt farmers.

You'll see traditional fishing boats, salt fields that sparkle in the sun, and a community that has learned to live with the ever-changing coastline.

Why Visit

Kutubdia is for travelers who want something different.

There are no fancy resorts or crowded beaches here.

Instead, you get authentic village life, dramatic coastlines, historic ruins, and the unique experience of standing where land meets a hungry sea.

It's a place that reminds you how powerful nature can be.

Step 1: Get to Cox's Bazar

From Dhaka:

Step 2: Cox's Bazar to Magnamghat

Magnamghat is the ferry terminal for Kutubdia, located north of Cox's Bazar town.

Step 3: Ferry to Kutubdia

From Magnamghat jetty:

Getting Around Kutubdia

On the island:

Alternative Route

Some travelers combine Kutubdia with a trip to Maheshkhali Island - both can be visited in 2 days.

Basic Facilities

Kutubdia is not a developed tourist destination.

Facilities are basic and limited.

Accommodation

Food and Drinks

Other Facilities

What to Bring

See the Old Lighthouse

The most unique experience in Kutubdia.

The original 1846 British lighthouse now stands in the middle of the sea, about 1-2 kilometers offshore.

Hire a fishing boat (৳500-1,000) to get close to this haunting structure - a powerful symbol of erosion and climate change.

Visit the New Lighthouse

The replacement lighthouse built on higher ground.

You can see it from various points on the island.

It's still an active lighthouse guiding ships in the Bay of Bengal.

Explore the Wind Farm

Bangladesh's first wind power project is here.

Walk among the tall wind turbines spinning in the sea breeze.

It's a fascinating sight and makes for great photos against the sky.

See Salt Production

During the dry season (December-April), watch traditional salt farming:

Experience Fishing Village Life

Beach and Coastal Walk

The beaches here aren't like Cox's Bazar - they're more natural and less crowded.

Walk along the eroding coastline and see firsthand how the sea is claiming the land.

Visit the Shrine

The shrine of Kutub Uddin Aulia, the Sufi saint after whom the island is named.

It's a peaceful spot with local significance.