Manpura Island (Monpura Dwip) is an isolated land in Bangladesh’s Bhola district. The Dwip is 80 kilometres (southeast) from the Bhola district Sadar. The island is located in the Bay of Bengal and on the banks of the Meghna River. This eight-hundred-year-old island is naturally very appealing. This island covers 373 square kilometres and has a population of nearly 50,000 people.
The coastal islands near Monpura include Bhola (Bangladesh’s largest island) and Hatia Island. Manpura, located on the banks of the Meghna River, is a stunning location in Bangladesh. It is important to note that Manpura (2009), a heartfelt romantic film, was shot here. The island has become increasingly popular among travellers. Not to mention that you can experience the true beauty of sunrise and sunset from Manpura Island.
Attractive Places to See on Manpura Island
Manpura Island’s main attraction is its surroundings. If you have wanderlust and want to see the enchanting scenery of an island, this will fulfil your dreams. However, there are some other interesting places to enjoy the moment. Let’s take a look at some of Manpura Island’s best attractions.
- Mangrove Forest (4 No. South Sakucia Union): Mangrove trees can be found on Manpura Island, near Char Piyal and Char Patalia. It is 20 kilometres from Sadar Upazila. The attractive thing is that you will see innocent deer here. You must go to Koraliya Bazar, which is 5 kilometres south of the Sakucia Union Parishad. Then again, you can watch the deer and have a great time here.
- Monpura Landing Station: This is a landing station located on the Meghna River’s banks. It is also located 500 yards west of the main town. It is used to land a ship, launch, or boat. However, due to the excessive flow of the Meghna River, it is not active or in use. You can visit this landing station to enjoy the beauty of the Meghna River.
- Crossdem area (North Sakucia Union): The location is only 5 kilometers from Upazila Sadar. Specifically, you can enjoy the sunset here. At the same time, you’ll notice deer in the area. People come to the Crossdem area to spend their leisure time. Furthermore, locals enjoy spending their afternoons in this area.
- Chowdhury Project: The project is located 7 kilometers from the Manpura Upazila Sardar. You can easily get here on a rickshaw or motorcycle. It is a pleasant place to observe a green environment. To clarify, it is primarily fishery ponds and lakes. The lake is surrounded by coconut trees.
Best time to visit
It should be noted that the island is a haven for visiting birds during the winter months. In Bangladesh, approximately 650 species of migratory (guest) birds arrive during the winter season. Notably, the majority of the species can be found in the Bhola district or Manpura. Then the beauty of Monpura can’t be expressed. When you first come to Manpura, it will not seem like an island. The reason is, the island is full of various types of trees. However, nothing compares to the beauty of a dedicated artist’s drawings.
How to go to Monpura Island
Manpura is an isolated island, so you can visit at any time. You must launch from Sadarghat using MV Farhan and MV Tashrif. It applies to Hatia from Platun no. 10. It will leave Dhaka at 5:30 PM and 6 PM. It will take you to Manpura around 7 a.m. That means the journey will last 12/13 hours. Do not forget to watch the sunset from the launch. In general, the deck will cost between $300 and 350. You can also reserve a personal cabin. It will cost 1200 BDT for a single cabin and 2200 BDT for a double cabin.
Then, you can go to Hazir Bazar from Manpura Ghat. It will take BDT 50 per person. You can go with Rickshaw as well. Additionally, you will get the hotel here. Equally important, you have to come back Dhaka at 2 PM from the Ramnawaj Launch Ghat.
On the other hand, you can also go Manpura from Dhaka or Barishal via Bhola Sadar. You can go to Manpura from Tazumuddin Ghat by Sea Truck. It goes at 3 PM from Tazumuddin Ghat and comes back from Manpura at 10 AM. Similarly, from Char Fasson Betuya launch Ghat two launches come regularly to Janata Bazar of Manpura.
(From April to November this river is marked as a danger point, hence the launch movement on this route is closed.)
Where will you stay at night
There are three Dakbanglow on Manpura Island. For example, Govt. Dakbanglow, the Press Club Guest House, and Chowdhury Saheb’s Dakbanglow. You must obtain permission to stay in the Govt. Dakbanglow. It is the cheapest way to stay in Manpura. At the same time, the remaining two Dakbanglows or Rest Houses can be booked at any time after arrival. A one-night stay will cost approximately BDT 200 to 300.
There are also some private hotels on Hazir Bazar. A single or double room costs between $100 and $300. Such as Hotel Dwip, Hotel Island, Saima Hotel, and Hanif Hotel.
What will you eat
People prefer duck meat during the winter. It is extremely popular. Similarly, sea fish is a popular dish in all Manpura hotels. For example, coral, boal, and lobster. You can also eat Hilsa fish. I recommend trying Meghna’s Hilsa Fish, Buffalo’s fresh milk, and the regular duck. I’m happy to say that eating a full dish will only cost you $60-$70.
How to move to the Island
Another important point to consider is that winter is the best time to visit Manpura. In general, the road is clear, and you can move around freely. Anyway, using a motorcycle is the best way to get around the island. On the other hand, you can use a boat to explore the beauty of the Dwip. You can also ride the Rickshaw.
Do you want to arrange Camping
The first thing to remember is that Manpura Dwip is an ideal location for camping. There are no violent animals. Similarly, the locals are supportive. You can travel by bicycle. The solitary location will undoubtedly give you a different feeling.
Extra Tips
- Do not misbehave with any locals. They are extremely supportive of any situation.
- You can get everything you need for camping at the local bazaar.
- The island is completely safe for any reason.
- Attempt to keep the child or woman (adult) away from the journey.
- Only Grameenphone and ROBI networks are supported here. So take care in this matter.
Monpura is an island of affection. You can go whenever you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and find inner peace. In fact, this is one of Bangladesh’s best day tour destinations. So, if you want to go with a group or a family member, contact the Travel Mate team to make your day even more memorable. Please contact us if you require any additional assistance. Enjoy your travels.