Moheshkhali is Bangladesh's second-largest offshore island, lying in the bay 30km north of Cox's Bazar. Most visitors come for the Adinath Temple, a hilltop Hindu-Buddhist shrine that draws pilgrims year-round and huge crowds during the February Shivaratri festival. The temple sits atop Mainak Hill, reached by climbing 450 rough stone steps. The island's economy runs on fishing, salt production, and dried fish exports. Tourism is marginal. Ferries from Chakaria Ghat on the mainland to Moheshkhali Ghat run hourly 7am to 5pm, costing 30 taka and taking thirty minutes. The island has basic guesthouses charging 25-40 USD per night; none are worth recommending. Most visitors treat Moheshkhali as a day-trip from Cox's Bazar, arriving on the morning ferry, visiting the temple, and returning by late afternoon.
Moheshkhali town is a dusty, low-rise settlement with fish markets, cycle-rickshaws, and not much else. The salt pans stretch along the island's western shore — white evaporation pools dotted with workers raking salt into mounds. It is photogenic in harsh afternoon light but offers little visitor infrastructure. The Adinath Temple is the only real attraction. The climb is steep; elderly pilgrims struggle. At the summit, views stretch across the bay to the mainland and Myanmar's hills. The temple itself is a modest concrete structure rebuilt multiple times. Pilgrims leave offerings of flowers and incense. Moheshkhali works if you want to see rural Bangladesh, salt production, and a functioning pilgrimage site. It fails if you expect tourist comforts or scenic beaches.
Where to stay in Moheshkhali
Overnight stays on Moheshkhali are uncomfortable. Hotel Niribili and Moheshkhali Rest House are the only options above hostel-level, charging 30-45 USD for basic rooms with fans and erratic electricity. Food is limited to rice, dal, and dried fish curry. Most visitors day-trip from Cox's Bazar, which is the sensible plan. If you must stay — perhaps to catch sunrise at the temple — book ahead and bring snacks. Off-season, the few guesthouses may close entirely.
Things to do in Moheshkhali
Disembark the ferry at Moheshkhali Ghat. Walk inland along the main road past the dried fish market for about 500 metres. Turn right at the sign for Adinath Temple and follow the lane uphill. The paved path becomes stone steps after 1km. Climb the 450 steps to the temple at the summit. Spend twenty minutes at the temple, then descend the same way. At the base, walk back to the ghat. The full round trip takes two to two and a half hours including temple time. Bring water and start early to avoid midday heat.
All walking routesGetting there & around Moheshkhali
Moheshkhali is reached by ferry from Chakaria Ghat on the mainland, which is 30km north of Cox's Bazar town. From Cox's Bazar, take a bus to Chakaria (50-60 taka, one hour), then a cycle-rickshaw to the ghat (30 taka, 10 minutes). Ferries to Moheshkhali depart hourly 7am to 5pm, cost 30 taka, and take thirty minutes. Return ferries run the same hours. Miss the last ferry and you are stranded overnight. Within Moheshkhali, cycle-rickshaws are the only transport; expect 60-100 taka for trips around the island. Arrange return rickshaws in advance if visiting salt pans. Most visitors hire a CNG from Cox's Bazar for the full day (1500-2000 taka) to avoid the bus-ferry hassle.
Good to know
Hotels in Moheshkhali
See all stays Moheshkhali →Hand-picked stays with live prices — and the full search covers every bookable property at the same price or better.
Reads on Moheshkhali
All blog posts →Blog guides and articles dedicated to this area — what to do, where to stay and how to plan the day.