Explore accommodations in Cox's Bazar sorted by distance
Maheshkhali is the only hilly island in Bangladesh.
Located just 12 kilometers west of Cox's Bazar city, this 362 square kilometer island offers a unique mix of hills, mangrove forests, beaches, salt fields, and ancient temples.
Around 400,000 people call this island home.
The island is named after "Mahesh," which is one of the 108 names of Lord Shiva (also called Adinath).
According to historians, the island was formed in 1559 when a powerful cyclone separated it from the mainland.
A Portuguese traveler recorded this event in his journals.
The most famous attraction on the island is the Adinath Temple, sitting on top of Mainak Hill.
This ancient Hindu temple is believed to be over 1,000 years old and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
According to legend, a Nepalese king built five Shiva temples across the subcontinent after having a divine dream - Adinath Temple is one of them.
Thousands of Hindu pilgrims visit during the Shiva Chaturdashi festival.
From Mainak Hill, you can see the entire island spread below you - the mangrove forests, the sea, and the coastline.
The island is fringed with mangroves that are home to many bird species and wildlife.
The island is known for its betel nut leaves, salt production, and dried fish (called "Shutki").
Walking through local villages gives you a glimpse of traditional island life that has continued for generations.
From Maheshkhali, you can also visit nearby Sonadia Island, a quiet eco-tourism destination known for its pristine beaches and migratory birds.
There is no entry fee to visit Maheshkhali Island itself.
Entry to the temple compound is free.
Donations are welcome but not required.
You will need to pay for the ferry ride to reach the island - see "How to Reach" section for details.
Most attractions on the island do not charge entry fees.
The Golden Temple and other sites are free to visit.
Ferries to Maheshkhali run from early morning to late afternoon.
The island itself is accessible all day.
Plan to return before the last ferry.
Getting stuck on the island overnight without arrangements can be difficult.
Good for seeing the main highlights:
Recommended for a complete experience:
If you want to truly experience island life:
Allow 1-2 hours for the climb up and down.
There are over 200 steps, plus walking paths.
Take your time and enjoy the views.
The best time to visit Maheshkhali.
Weather is cool and dry, perfect for climbing Mainak Hill and exploring the island.
This is peak tourist season in Cox's Bazar, so ferries are frequent.
If you want to experience the island at its most vibrant, visit during this Hindu festival.
Thousands of pilgrims come to Adinath Temple for prayers and celebrations.
Expect crowds but a unique cultural experience.
Not recommended.
The sea can be rough, making ferry travel risky.
Heavy rains make hill climbing slippery and dangerous.
Some services on the island may be limited.
Good time to visit.
The island is green and lush after the rains.
Fewer tourists means a more peaceful experience.
Hot and humid.
If you visit, go early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat.
Climbing Mainak Hill in hot weather can be exhausting.
First, you need to reach the Kasturi Ghat (also called Maheshkhali Ghat) in Cox's Bazar:
From Kasturi Ghat, ferries run regularly to Maheshkhali:
Once you reach Maheshkhali Ghat:
From the main road, you climb steps to reach Adinath Temple.
The climb takes about 30-45 minutes depending on your pace.
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**The Heart of Cox's Bazar Beach** Laboni Point is the most famous and busiest spot on the world's longest natural sea beach. Located right in the center of Cox's Bazar town, this is where most tourists start their beach adventure. The name "Laboni" comes from a nearby cinema hall, and over the years, this stretch of sand has become the main gathering place for visitors from all over Bangladesh and beyond. **What Makes Laboni Point Special** This is the easiest part of Cox's Bazar beach to reach - just a short walk from most hotels and the main town area. The beach here is wide, with soft golden sand that stretches for miles in both directions. You'll find the water shallow and calm for the first 50-100 meters, making it safe for wading and playing in the waves. The view of the Bay of Bengal from here is stunning, especially during sunrise and sunset when the sky turns orange and pink. **A Beach for Everyone** Laboni Point is always alive with activity. You'll see families building sandcastles, groups of friends taking photos, and vendors selling everything from fresh coconut water to colorful beach toys. During evenings, the beach transforms into a social hub where locals and tourists mingle, enjoy snacks from nearby stalls, and watch the spectacular sunset together. **The Gateway to More Adventures** From Laboni Point, you can easily walk south to reach [Kolatoli Beach](/tourist-places/kolatoli-beach) and [Sugandha Beach](/tourist-places/sugandha-beach), or hire a beach bike or horse cart to explore further. Many visitors use this spot as their base to plan trips to [Inani Beach](/tourist-places/inani-beach), [Himchari](/tourist-places/himchari-national-park), or even [St. Martin's Island](/tourist-places/st-martins-island). The beach stretches 120 kilometers unbroken, and Laboni Point sits right at the beginning of this incredible coastline. **Day and Night at Laboni** During the day, the beach is perfect for swimming, playing volleyball, or simply relaxing under a beach umbrella. As evening approaches, the atmosphere changes - colorful lights illuminate the beachfront, restaurants come alive with the smell of fresh seafood, and the cool sea breeze makes for a perfect evening stroll. Laboni Point truly offers something for every hour of the day.
**The Southernmost Beach of Mainland Bangladesh** Teknaf Beach marks the end of Bangladesh's mainland, sitting at the country's southernmost tip about 85 kilometers south of [Cox's Bazar Beach](/tourist-places/coxs-bazar-beach). This remote stretch of coastline offers a completely different experience from the busy tourist areas up north. Here, you'll find a quieter beach, stunning hill views, and a glimpse into life at the edge of the country. What makes Teknaf unique is its location. On one side is the Bay of Bengal, on the other are hills that form the border with Myanmar. The Naf River flows nearby, creating an interesting mix of sea and river landscapes. This is also where most travelers catch boats to [St. Martin's Island](/tourist-places/st-martins-island) and [Chera Dwip](/tourist-places/chera-dwip). **A Less Crowded Alternative** Unlike the packed beaches of Cox's Bazar, Teknaf Beach remains relatively peaceful. The sand here is coarser, the waves can be stronger, and the overall feel is more raw and natural. Local fishing boats dot the shoreline, and you'll often see fishermen bringing in their daily catch. It's a working beach as much as it is a tourist destination. The lack of major resort development means Teknaf has kept its authentic character. Small tea stalls, local restaurants serving fresh seafood, and simple guesthouses make up the hospitality scene here. **Gateway to the Islands** Most visitors to Teknaf are either on their way to St. Martin's Island or returning from it. The Teknaf Jetty is the main departure point for boats heading to Bangladesh's only coral island. But Teknaf itself deserves more than a quick pass-through. Spending a night here before or after your island trip lets you explore at a relaxed pace. **Teknaf Wildlife Sanctuary** Just outside town lies the Teknaf Wildlife Sanctuary, one of Bangladesh's oldest protected forest areas. Covering over 11,000 hectares, this hilly forest is home to Asian elephants, wild boars, various deer species, and numerous birds. The sanctuary connects to the beach area, making it possible to combine forest walks with beach time. **Border Town Atmosphere** Teknaf has the interesting vibe of a border town. You can see Myanmar's hills across the Naf River, and the local markets sometimes carry goods that have crossed the border. The town itself is busy with fishing activity, boat traffic, and travelers heading to the islands.
**Bangladesh's Only Coral Island** St. Martin's Island is a tiny piece of paradise sitting in the Bay of Bengal, just 9 kilometers south of [Teknaf Beach](/tourist-places/teknaf-beach). This is Bangladesh's only coral island and one of the country's most popular tourist destinations. Locals call it "Narikel Jinjira" (Coconut Island) because of the thousands of coconut trees that cover its landscape. The island is small - only about 8 square kilometers - but it packs an incredible amount of natural beauty. Crystal-clear turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, coral reefs, and stunning sunsets make this feel like a different world from mainland Bangladesh. About 6,000 people live here permanently, mostly fishermen and their families. **A Unique Ecosystem** What makes St. Martin's truly special is its coral reef ecosystem. The waters around the island are home to over 66 species of coral, 187 species of fish, and various sea creatures including sea turtles, starfish, and sea urchins. During low tide, you can walk on exposed coral rocks and explore tidal pools full of marine life. The island is divided into three main areas: Uttarpara (North), the main settlement area with the jetty; Golachipa in the middle; and Dakshinpara (South), which is quieter and more natural. The southern tip connects to [Chera Dwip](/tourist-places/chera-dwip) during very low tide. **Island Life** Life on St. Martin's moves slowly. There are no cars or motorcycles - just walking and occasional rickshaw vans. The main industries are fishing and dried fish production, which you'll smell everywhere. Tourism has grown rapidly in recent decades, bringing hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops to the main areas. The islanders are warm and welcoming. Many have opened small guesthouses or restaurants serving fresh seafood caught that same day. The simplicity of island life - no traffic noise, limited electricity (generator-powered), and minimal mobile coverage - is part of the charm. **Marine Paradise** The waters around St. Martin's are cleaner and clearer than anywhere else in Bangladesh. Snorkeling reveals a colorful underwater world, though the coral has suffered from increased tourism and climate change. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect this fragile ecosystem. Sea turtles nest on the beaches between October and February. If you're lucky, you might see baby turtles making their way to the sea. Dolphins are sometimes spotted in the surrounding waters. **Visiting St. Martin's** The island is only accessible during the tourist season from November to March. Boats from Teknaf take 2-3 hours to reach here. Most visitors stay 1-2 nights to properly explore, though day trips are possible. The best experiences come from slowing down, walking the beaches, watching the stars at night, and enjoying the freshest seafood you'll find anywhere.
**The Southernmost Point of Bangladesh** Chera Dwip, meaning "Torn Island," is a small rocky island located at the very southern tip of [St. Martin's Island](/tourist-places/st-martins-island). This is where Bangladesh ends and the endless Bay of Bengal begins. Standing here, you're at the southernmost point of the entire country - a fact that makes this tiny island incredibly special for visitors. **What Makes It Unique** The island got its name because it looks like it was "torn away" from St. Martin's Island. During low tide, you can actually walk across the rocky beach from St. Martin's to reach Chera Dwip. But when the tide comes in, water fills the gap and the island becomes completely separated. This natural phenomenon is one of the main attractions here. **The Landscape** Unlike the sandy beaches of [Cox's Bazar](/tourist-places/coxs-bazar-beach), Chera Dwip is made up of rocky terrain mixed with coral formations. The rocks are covered with colorful seaweed, and tide pools form between them during low tide. These pools are home to small fish, crabs, sea urchins, and other marine creatures. The crystal-clear water around the island shows off the rocky sea bed beautifully. **Why Travelers Love It** Chera Dwip offers something different from typical beach destinations. Here you can: - Stand at the last piece of land in Bangladesh - Watch the sunrise over the open ocean with nothing but water ahead - Explore tide pools and see marine life up close - Experience true isolation - very few people visit compared to St. Martin's - See the raw, untouched side of the Bay of Bengal **Best Experience** The most magical time at Chera Dwip is during sunrise. Many visitors wake up early to walk across from St. Martin's and watch the sun rise over the horizon. The rocks glow golden in the morning light, and the feeling of being at the edge of your country is unforgettable. The island is small - you can walk around it in about 30 minutes - but the experience stays with you forever.