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Bhola, Barishal

Char Kukri-Mukri

A mangrove island at the southern tip of Bhola, a wildlife sanctuary with spotted deer, monkeys and, in winter, flocks of migratory birds on its mudflats.

Local food to try

  • Fresh fish

    Char Kukri-Mukri

    The day’s catch, cooked simply, if you arrange a meal with local people or your boatman.

  • Buffalo curd

    Char Kukri-Mukri

    Buy it in Charfasson on the way back.

Where to eat

  • Charfasson town

    Charfasson

    Eat a proper meal here before and after the trip; carry food to the island.

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Where to stay

  • Charfasson town

    Charfasson

    The usual base: stay the night before and leave early for the ghat.

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  • Basic stays on the island

    Char Kukri-Mukri

    Very limited and basic; arrange in advance and check locally.

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History

Char Kukri-Mukri is an island in the Meghna estuary at the far south of Bhola, in Charfasson upazila, where the river meets the Bay of Bengal. Much of it is covered by mangrove forest, planted and protected over the past decades, and it is a declared wildlife sanctuary.

The forest shelters spotted deer, monkeys, wild boar and many birds, and its creeks and mudflats draw large numbers of migratory waterbirds in winter. Small fishing and farming communities live on the island alongside the forest.

Because it is so remote, Kukri-Mukri feels far from the rest of the country: narrow tidal creeks winding through mangroves, open beaches of mud and sand, and very few visitors.

Tour plans

A day in the mangroves

1 day from Charfasson

  1. Step 1: Early start to the ghat

    Leave Charfasson at dawn for the ghat, with food and water for the day.

  2. Step 2: Cross to the island

    Cross by trawler in calm weather, life jacket at hand.

  3. Step 3: Into the creeks

    Take a boat along the tidal creeks through the mangroves, watching for deer, monkeys and birds.

  4. Step 4: Walk the forest edge

    With a guide, walk the paths by the forest and out to the open shore.

  5. Step 5: Back before dark

    Cross back in the afternoon and return to Charfasson before nightfall.

Plan your visit

Best time to visit

November to February, for calm water and migratory birds; avoid the monsoon and cyclone season

How to get there

From Bhola town, take a bus or CNG south to Charfasson (a couple of hours), then on to a ghat such as Kachchopia, from where trawlers cross to the island. Boat times depend on tide and weather — check locally, and go only in calm weather.

Getting around

  • On the island you walk, on village paths and along the edge of the forest.
  • Hired boats take you along the tidal creeks into the mangroves and out to the mudflats; agree on the route and return time first.

Travel tips

  • Go only in calm weather; check the forecast and storm signals, and do not board a trawler if a signal is up or the water looks rough.
  • Keep a life jacket on or within reach, and avoid overloaded boats.
  • Plan around the tide — some creeks and landings are only usable at certain states of the tide; ask the boatmen.
  • Visit the forest with a local guide or forest staff, keep to paths, and keep away from wildlife.
  • Carry water, food, a torch, mosquito repellent and cash; there are almost no shops.
  • Do not leave plastic or litter in the sanctuary.

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