Kuakata: the beach where you can watch the sun rise and set

Most beaches give you either the sunrise or the sunset. Kuakata, on the southern tip of Patuakhali, gives you both. That is why Bangladeshis call it Sagar Kanya, the daughter of the sea.

Where it is

Kuakata is in Kalapara upazila of Patuakhali district, in Barishal division, about 320 km south of Dhaka and about 70 km from Patuakhali town. The beach runs for about 18 km along the Bay of Bengal.

Getting there

By road. Since the Padma Bridge opened in June 2022, buses from Dhaka reach Kuakata without ferry crossings. The journey that once took 10 to 12 hours, and often longer, now takes roughly six to seven hours depending on traffic. Several operators run AC and non-AC coaches, including overnight services.

By river and road. Overnight launches from Sadarghat in Dhaka go to Patuakhali and Barishal. From either town, buses continue to Kuakata. It is slower, but the launch journey is an experience of its own.

When to go

October to March is the main season. The sea is calmer, skies are clearer for the sunrise and sunset, and the weather is pleasant. In summer and the monsoon, the sea is rough and swimming can be dangerous.

What to see

• Sunrise from Gangamati. The eastern end of the beach, near the Gangamati forest, is the classic sunrise spot. Go early.
• Sunset from the western beach. The western stretch, towards Fatrar Char, faces the evening sun.
• Fatrar Char. A protected mangrove forest on the western side of the beach, reached by boat. Locals sometimes call it the "second Sundarban".
• Red crabs. East of Gangamati, quiet stretches of beach are known for red crabs. Walk softly and keep your distance.
• Rakhine villages and Buddhist temples. Keranipara, near the beach, has a Rakhine village, an old well and the Seema Buddhist Vihara with its eight-metal Buddha statue. The Mishripara Buddhist temple, about 8 km east, has one of the largest Buddha statues in the region.
• Alipur fish landing centre. About 4 km north of the beach, one of the largest fishing hubs in the south. Mornings are the busiest.

Travel well

• Swim only where others are swimming, and stay out of the water when the sea is rough or flags warn against it.
• Hire boats and motorbike guides from the official stands near the beach, and agree the price before you start.
• Do not drive vehicles over crab nesting areas, and take your rubbish back with you.

FAQ

Where is Kuakata?

In Kalapara upazila of Patuakhali district, in southern Bangladesh, about 320 km south of Dhaka.

Can you see both sunrise and sunset at Kuakata?

Yes. Kuakata is one of the few beaches where both the sunrise and the sunset can be watched over the sea.

How long does it take to get from Dhaka to Kuakata?

By road via the Padma Bridge, roughly six to seven hours depending on traffic. By overnight launch to Patuakhali or Barishal and then by bus, it takes longer.

When is the best time to visit Kuakata?

October to March, when the sea is calmer and the weather is pleasant.

Sources

• Kuakata, Wikipedia
• Kuakata Sea Beach: magnificent sunrise and sunset views, UNB, updated 31 August 2023
• Padma Bridge changes Kuakata tourism sector: travel takes only six hours now, Bangladesh Post, 3 July 2022
• Kuakata trip becomes easy, Prothom Alo, 25 October 2021