Patuakhali (পটুয়াখালী): travel guide

Coastal district and gateway to Kuakata Beach.

Patuakhali is in Patuakhali district, Barishal division, Bangladesh. Compare bus, train and air fares to Patuakhali and see the route on a map.

Things to do in Patuakhali

  • Sonar Char (Galachipa): Char on the Bay of Bengal in Rangabali upazila with a forest and a 7 km sea beach; the forest was declared a wildlife sanctuary on 16 December 2011. Nature, free entry
  • Shahi Mosque, Majidbaria (মজিদবাড়িয়া শাহী মসজিদ): Old mosque in Majidbaria, Mirzaganj upazila; the district portal says Khan Ajial Khan built it in 1465 under Sultan Ruknuddin Barbak Shah. Much of its decoration is deteriorating for lack of restoration. Historical, free entry
  • Miabari Mosque (Choudhury Bari Mosque), Ranipur (মিয়াবাড়ী মসজিদ): Mosque in Ranipur, Deuli Subidkhali union, Mirzaganj, also called Choudhury Bari Mosque; believed to date from the mid-19th century, with one large dome, four minarets and three doors. Historical, free entry
  • Mazar of Yar Uddin Khalifa (ইয়ার উদ্দীন খলিফার মাজার): Shrine in Mirzaganj upazila with a mosque, school and library beside it; a large gathering (mahfil) is held there every year on 24-25 Falgun. Religious, free entry, best time: Mahfil on 24-25 Falgun
  • Bauphal Pottery (বাউফলের মৃৎশিল্প): Bauphal upazila potters make clay household and decorative items such as pots, jars and plates, some of which are exported according to the district portal. Local Life, free entry

Where to stay in Patuakhali

  • Hotel Kuakata Inn (Budget), about Check with hotel for current rates. Private hotel at Kuakata beach listed on the Patuakhali district portal.
  • Parjatan Holiday Complex & Youth Inn, Kuakata (Budget), about Check with hotel for current rates. Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation property at Kuakata beach (Patuakhali district); bookable via the official Parjatan hotel site.
  • Hotel Banani Palace (Budget), about Check with hotel for current rates. Private hotel at Kuakata beach listed on the Patuakhali district portal.
  • Hotel Nilanjana (Budget), about Check with hotel for current rates. Private hotel at Kuakata near the Rakhine market, listed on the district portal.

Travel advice for Patuakhali

  • Sonar Char is in Galachipa, not Kuakata: The Patuakhali district portal places Sonar Char in Rangabali upazila (its name here still says Galachipa), so plan it separately from the Kuakata beach trip and ask locally about boats.
  • Dried fish of Alipur and Kuakata coast: Alipur is described as the biggest fishing trade centre of the Patuakhali coast; dried fish (shutki) is processed along the coast mainly from November to March. A local product to buy rather than a restaurant dish.

More places to explore in Bangladesh

JatraSathi is a free Bangladesh trip planner in English and Bangla. Prices are estimates; check before you travel.