Photo of Char Kukri Mukri — Sabuj Howlader · CC BY-SA 4.0
Destination guide
Char Kukri Mukri
চর কুকরি মুকরি
An 86-sq-km wildlife sanctuary at the Meghna–Tetulia estuary, on the shoulder of the Bay of Bengal — a realm of monkeys, jackals, spotted deer, wild boar and birds. The hub is Narikel Bagan (Coconut Garden): pitch a tent over a campfire, climb the 100-ft watchtower, see the lighthouse, the hanging bridge, Chairman Gher and Baganbari. A winter night camping here is, for many, the best memory of the whole Bhola trip.
History & significance
Since 1989 the Forest Department has been planting mangroves here — a rare case of a new char being turned into forest. The name carries a joking folk tale: locals say it's because 'there were too many dogs and cats' (kukri–mukri).
How to get there
From Kachchhapiya Ghat: trawler Tk 80 (about 1 hr 10–15 min) or speedboat Tk 200–250 (15–30 min). From the island ghat, an auto to the rest house is Tk 15/person or Tk 100 reserved; a bike to Narikel Bagan is Tk 50/person; small canal crossings cost Tk 10 a boat. It's 120 km from Bhola sadar, 35 km from Char Fasson.
Entry fee
No verified entry fee yet
No one mentions a separate sanctuary ticket — costs are boat, tent and food.
Opening hours & best time
Walk the forest in daylight; for an overnight tent, arrange with a local host in advance.
Best time
Winter (October–February) — guest birds, camping, clear skies. Cyclone seasons damage the area, say those who have seen the aftermath.
Traveller tips
Contact a tent host in advance — everything including food packages can be arranged.
It's a 10–15 minute muddy walk to the watchtower — a bamboo stick helps.
Grameenphone is the only network; device charging costs Tk 30 — bring a power bank.
Winter stalls sell chitpiṭha, bhapa piṭha, duck eggs and date juice — breakfast Tk 50–60.