Mathin's Well (Mathin Kup)
The legendary historical well of an immortal romance on the Naf River
Quick Travel Facts & Visitor Guide (2026)
Mathin's Well (Mathin Kup) is a prominent travel destination in Teknaf, Cox's Bazar, Chattogram Division, Bangladesh. The optimal time to visit is November to March during the pleasant, dry winter season; perfect when travelling to Saint Martin's Island. for a recommended trip duration of 1 to 2 hours (Essential stop in Teknaf before or after a Saint Martin's trip). Entry ticket is Free Entry and weekly off day is Open Daily. A celebrated historical heritage landmark in Teknaf, Cox's Bazar, immortalised by the tragic romantic love story between Rakhine princess Mathin and Bengali police officer Dhiraj Bhattacharya in the 1920s.
Overview
Mathin's Well (Mathin Kup) is one of the most poignant, romantic, and historically celebrated cultural monuments in Bangladesh, situated within the peaceful Teknaf Police Station compound along the banks of the Naf River in Teknaf upazila of Cox's Bazar district. Dating back to the 1920s, the well is the real-life setting of one of Bengal's most legendary love stories.
In 1923, young Bengali police officer and later acclaimed actor-writer Dhiraj Bhattacharya was posted to the remote border outpost of Teknaf. Every morning and afternoon, Mathin, the beautiful daughter of the prominent local Rakhine landlord (Wanchhu), would come to this masonry freshwater well with her friends to draw water.
A deep, tender romance blossomed between Dhiraj and Mathin beside the well. However, when Dhiraj was abruptly summoned back to Kolkata due to his father's critical illness, social pressures and colonial boundaries prevented his return. Heartbroken and longing for her beloved, Mathin refused food and water, tragically passing away beside the well. Dhiraj later immortalised their immortal love in his celebrated autobiography 'When I Was a Police Officer' (Jokhon Police Chhilam).
Today, the historic well has been beautifully preserved and encased in an artistic wooden pagoda pavilion surrounded by manicured flower gardens, commemorative sculptures, and informational displays, standing as an enduring testament to love, cultural synthesis, and literary heritage on Bangladesh's southern frontier.
History & Culture
The romantic events occurred between 1923 and 1925 during British colonial administration at the Teknaf police station outpost.
Dhiraj Bhattacharya's 1930s published memoir gained enormous popularity across undivided Bengal, transforming the humble freshwater well into a pilgrimage site for lovers and literature enthusiasts.
In 1984, the Teknaf administration and local journalists restored the well, constructing the traditional Burmese-style Rakhine pavilion that protects the historic structure today.
Top things to do in Mathin's Well (Mathin Kup)
Visit the Romantic Historic Well
Stand beside the century-old masonry well and read the touching story of Mathin and Dhiraj inscribed on commemorative plaques.
Admire Rakhine Architecture & Gardens
Explore the traditional wooden pagoda pavilion and stroll through the blooming flowering gardens.
Explore Rakhine Weaving Villages
Visit nearby Rakhine neighbourhoods in Teknaf to see traditional wooden stilt houses and handloom weaving shops.
Drive the Marine Drive to Cox's Bazar
Travel the world-famous 80 km Marine Drive highway between hills and sea connecting Teknaf with Cox's Bazar.
Video Guide: Experience Mathin's Well (Mathin Kup)
Watch cinematic 4K footage and essential visual travel highlights before planning your trip to Mathin's Well (Mathin Kup).
Mathin's Well (Mathin Kup) in pictures
Curated photography via Wikimedia Commons under Creative Commons licensing.
Highlights
- ✓Historic 1920s well immortalised by the legendary true romance of Mathin and Dhiraj
- ✓Ornate Burmese-style Rakhine wooden pavilion and commemorative monuments
- ✓Lush landscaped flower gardens overlooking the peaceful Naf River valley
- ✓Fascinating cultural insight into the heritage of the indigenous Rakhine community
- ✓Exhibits displaying excerpts and photographs from Dhiraj Bhattacharya's memoirs
- ✓Prime location in Teknaf town near the Marine Drive and Saint Martin's jetty
How to reach Mathin's Well (Mathin Kup) (Transport Routes)
Drive south along the breathtaking 80 km Marine Drive from Cox's Bazar to Teknaf town centre (approx. 2 to 2.5 hours by CNG or private car).
Take a direct public bus or Chander Gari from Cox's Bazar terminal along the inland highway to Teknaf (approx. 2.5 hours).
Best time to visit Mathin's Well (Mathin Kup)& Seasonal Advisory
November to February: Cool winter weather; ideal for traveling via the Marine Drive and visiting heritage sites.
July to October: Monsoon season; lush green hill surroundings, though rain showers occur.
March to May: Warm dry days with vibrant flowering bougainvillea and roses around the well.
Where to stay near Mathin's Well (Mathin Kup)
Stay at hotels and resorts in Teknaf (Central Resort, Parjatan Motel Netong) or in Cox's Bazar.
Local food & dining
- 🍽️Freshly caught Bay of Bengal and Naf River seafood in Teknaf
- 🍽️Traditional Rakhine-style fish noodle soup (Mondi)
- 🍽️Spicy dried fish (shutki) and fresh coconut water
Essential Travel Tips & Rules for Mathin's Well (Mathin Kup)
- 💡Mathin's Well is located inside the Teknaf Police Station compound; entry is free, welcoming, and open to all visitors.
- 💡Make sure to travel via the scenic Marine Drive for an unforgettable journey between rolling green hills and the Bay of Bengal.
- 💡Combine your visit with the departure or return ferry to Saint Martin's Island.
- 💡Visit nearby Rakhine Buddhist temples (Khyangs) in Teknaf town.
Nearby Places to Visit around Mathin's Well (Mathin Kup)
Combine your visit to Mathin's Well (Mathin Kup) with these closely located attractions and scenic destinations.
1.9 km (S)Teknaf is the southernmost upazila of mainland Bangladesh, a popular coastal tourist spot and the gateway to Saint Martin's Island.
26.8 km (S)A tiny tropical island ringed by turquoise water, coconut palms and coral reefs — the southernmost tip of the country.
30.9 km (S)An uninhabited coral island attached to St. Martin's Island, famous for its crystal-clear water, living corals, and absolute tranquility.
40.2 km (NW)Inani Beach is a long, quiet stretch of white sand about 32 km south of Cox's Bazar, famed for its coral and limestone rocks that appear at low tide.
Curated Destination Highlights
Frequently Asked Questions about Mathin's Well (Mathin Kup)
Is the love story of Mathin and Dhiraj a true historical event?+
Yes, it is a real historical event that took place in 1923–1925, documented in detail in Dhiraj Bhattacharya's published autobiography 'Jokhon Police Chhilam.'
Where is Mathin's Well located?+
It is located inside the Teknaf Police Station compound in Teknaf town, Cox's Bazar.
Is there an entry fee to visit Mathin's Well?+
No, visiting the well and memorial gardens is completely free.
Related Destinations & Travel Guides
Explore 5 interlinked destinations in Teknaf, Cox's Bazar, Chattogram Division& surrounding regions
A tiny tropical island ringed by turquoise water, coconut palms and coral reefs — the southernmost tip of the country.
Teknaf is the southernmost upazila of mainland Bangladesh, a popular coastal tourist spot and the gateway to Saint Martin's Island.
Inani Beach is a long, quiet stretch of white sand about 32 km south of Cox's Bazar, famed for its coral and limestone rocks that appear at low tide.
An uninhabited coral island attached to St. Martin's Island, famous for its crystal-clear water, living corals, and absolute tranquility.
A peaceful island retreat near Cox's Bazar, blending tranquil mangrove forests, ancient hilltop temples, and traditional island life.