Monpura Island (Mangrove & Chars)
The tranquil oceanic dream island of sunrise-sunset vistas and deer mangroves
Quick Travel Facts & Visitor Guide (2026)
Monpura Island (Mangrove & Chars) is a prominent travel destination in Bhola, Barishal Division, Bangladesh. The optimal time to visit is November to March during the dry, calm winter season for safe river navigation and pleasant island breezes. for a recommended trip duration of 2 to 3 days (A relaxed weekend island getaway). Entry ticket is Free Entry and weekly off day is Open Daily. An isolated 373-square-kilometre oceanic island in the northern Bay of Bengal, Bhola, famous for having both sunrise and sunset over the water, wild deer mangrove forests, and traditional buffalo curd.
Part of the curated Bangladesh tourism network. Explore interconnected attractions in this region.
Overview
Monpura Island (Monpura Dweep) is an enchanting, tranquil, and remote oceanic island situated in the northern Bay of Bengal in Monpura upazila of Bhola district, surrounded by the colossal Meghna River estuary. Spanning 373 square kilometres of lush green countryside, tidal canals, and coastal mangrove forests, Monpura is often called the 'Dream Island of the South.'
Because of its unique geographical orientation in the middle of the wide sea-like estuary, Monpura is one of the rare places in Bangladesh where visitors can witness both spectacular sunrises and breathtaking sunsets emerging from and sinking into boundless open waters from the exact same shoreline.
The island is celebrated for its expansive coastal mangrove forests (locally known as Monpura Mangrove Forest or Mini-Sundarbans), inhabited by wild spotted deer, monkeys, fishing cats, and migratory birds. Serene brick-paved roads wind through idyllic rural villages shaded by millions of towering betel nut (Supari) and coconut palms.
At the southern tip of the island lies the scenic Dhol Chhor (Dhal Char) and pristine sandy beaches where gentle tidal waves roll in from the Bay of Bengal. Monpura is also legendary for its culinary heritage, producing the richest, most authentic buffalo milk curd (Moish-er Doi) and fresh Hilsa feasts in the country.
For travelers seeking peaceful off-the-grid serenity, untouched pastoral beauty, and oceanic horizons, Monpura Island is an extraordinary destination.
History & Culture
Monpura is an ancient oceanic delta island that historically served as a strategic maritime anchorage and shelter for Portuguese and Arab merchant fleets navigating the Bay of Bengal in the 16th and 17th centuries.
The island survived the devastating Great Bhola Cyclone of 1970, after which extensive coastal embankments and dense mangrove green belts were planted by the Forest Department.
The timeless beauty and romantic isolation of the island inspired the celebrated Bangladeshi cinema classic 'Monpura' (2009), which introduced its poetic landscapes to millions of viewers.
Top things to do in Monpura Island (Mangrove & Chars)
Watch Sunrise and Sunset Over the Water
Stand on the eastern and western embankments to witness glorious sunrises and fiery sunsets over the vast open water horizon.
Explore the Deer Mangrove Forest
Walk along the shaded trails of the coastal mangrove forest to spot wild spotted deer and coastal birds.
Take a Motorcycle Tour of the Island
Hire a local motorcycle to ride along the scenic paved roads passing traditional wooden stilt houses and betel nut orchards.
Feast on Fresh Hilsa & Buffalo Curd
Enjoy freshly caught Meghna river Hilsa fry followed by authentic thick buffalo milk curd sweetened with pure date molasses.
Video Guide: Experience Monpura Island (Mangrove & Chars)
Watch cinematic 4K footage and essential visual travel highlights before planning your trip to Monpura Island (Mangrove & Chars).
Monpura Island (Mangrove & Chars) in pictures




Curated photography via Wikimedia Commons under Creative Commons licensing.
Highlights
- ✓Enchanting 373 sq km isolated oceanic island in the northern Bay of Bengal
- ✓Rare destination where both sunrise and sunset can be viewed over open water
- ✓Dense coastal mangrove forests inhabited by wild spotted deer and monkeys
- ✓Idyllic rural scenery with millions of towering betel nut and coconut palms
- ✓Home to Bangladesh's finest traditional buffalo milk curd (Moish-er Doi)
- ✓Unbroken coastal riverfront promenades and fresh ocean breeze atmosphere
How to reach Monpura Island (Mangrove & Chars) (Transport Routes)
Take a direct luxury passenger launch (MV Farhan, MV Tasrif) from Dhaka Sadarghat directly to Monpura Ramnewaz / Hazirhat Ghat (approx. 11 to 13 hours overnight).
Take a sea-truck or motorized trawler from Tajumuddin Ghat in Bhola across the estuary to Monpura (approx. 2 hours).
Best time to visit Monpura Island (Mangrove & Chars)& Seasonal Advisory
November to February: Cool winter weather; waters are calm, skies are clear blue, and island exploring is delightful.
March to April: Warm spring; breezy coastal afternoons and vibrant green foliage.
May to October: Monsoon season; rough estuary waters; travel only on large certified passenger launches.
Where to stay near Monpura Island (Mangrove & Chars)
Stay at hotels and guesthouses in Hazirhat (Hotel Monpura, Zila Parishad Dak Bungalow, Forest Rest House).
Local food & dining
- 🍽️Authentic Monpura buffalo milk sweet curd (Moish-er Doi)
- 🍽️Freshly caught Meghna river Hilsa (Ilish) fish fry and curry
- 🍽️Spicy giant estuary river prawns and fresh coconut water
Essential Travel Tips & Rules for Monpura Island (Mangrove & Chars)
- 💡Direct overnight launches from Dhaka Sadarghat provide the most comfortable and scenic way to reach Monpura.
- 💡Hire a local motorcycle driver in Hazirhat for affordable, convenient full-day island sightseeing.
- 💡Carry sufficient cash as ATM services on the island are limited.
- 💡Purchase genuine clay pots of buffalo curd directly from local dairy farms to take home.
Nearby Places to Visit around Monpura Island (Mangrove & Chars)
Combine your visit to Monpura Island (Mangrove & Chars) with these closely located attractions and scenic destinations.
An isolated island district in Bhola surrounded by the Meghna River estuary, famous for green coconut groves, buffalo milk curd, and tranquil sunrises.
An off-the-beaten-path island in the Meghna estuary, beloved for its cycling paths, spotted deer, and mesmerizing sunrise and sunset views.
A large, remote island in the Bay of Bengal known for its quiet, rustic lifestyle, massive river journeys, and the pristine Nijhum Dwip located at its southern tip.
Nijhum Dwip is a small, car-free island off the southern coast of Hatiya in Noakhali, offering mangrove channels, sandy beaches, spotted deer and rich winter birdlife within a protected national park.
Curated Destination Highlights
Frequently Asked Questions about Monpura Island (Mangrove & Chars)
How do you get to Monpura Island from Dhaka?+
Direct passenger launches depart daily from Sadarghat terminal in Dhaka in the evening, arriving at Monpura the following morning (11–13 hours).
Can you see both sunrise and sunset in Monpura?+
Yes, because Monpura is an isolated island in the middle of a vast estuary, you can see both sunrise and sunset over open water.
What is Monpura's most famous culinary specialty?+
Monpura is famous for thick, rich buffalo milk curd (Moish-er Doi) and fresh river Hilsa fish.
Related Destinations & Travel Guides
Explore 5 interlinked destinations in Bhola, Barishal Division& surrounding regions
A beautiful coastal mangrove forest in Barguna offering wooden trails, wild beaches, and a Sundarbans-like experience accessible via Kuakata.

A spectacular coastal riverfront and beach promenade in Ramgati, Lakshmipur, where the mighty Meghna River widens to over 15 kilometres before merging with the Bay of Bengal, famous for tidal waves, fresh Hilsa, and boat cruises.
A remote char island at the mouth of the Meghna in Bhola district, Char Kukri Mukri offers pristine mangroves, abundant birdlife and an unbroken sandy shoreline for adventurous eco-travellers.
An 18 km sandy beach facing the open Bay of Bengal, known as one of the best places to watch sunset and sunrise over the sea from the same shore.

A pristine river-mouth island at the western edge of Kuakata beach, famous for red crab colonies, mangrove creeks, and fresh seafood shacks.