As one of Bangladesh’s rapidly growing tourist destinations, Kuakata offers a calm respite from Dhaka’s suffocating intensity, without the commercialization of Cox’s Bazar. Located 320km south of Dhaka and 70km south of Patuakhali, Kuakata is connected to the rest of the mainland by a series of river crossings. Kuakata has road communication with Dhaka, but the journey may be long and a bit stressful because of the long delay on the ferry. Between Dhaka and Kuakata there are six ferry's along the route: Paturia, Dapdapia (a bridge is under construction and should be open by Sep 2009), Labukhali, Khepupara, hazipur and Mohipur. Last three are really small. These ferry-crossings increases the total time of the journey and adds to the fatigue of the travelers. The dusty, laborious bus journey meanders through an increasingly rural landscape.
A much easier way is to go to Barisal by river boat and from there travel by road or water to Patuakhali or Kuakata. BRTC and Sakura run a direct bus service from Dhaka to Kuakata via Barisal. Besides, Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation may organize guided package tours from Dhaka to Kuakata on demand.
Suggestion #1
Direct bus route from Dhaka to Kuakata. “Sakura” costs around 450 Taka (US $8.00). It leaves every night at 10:30 from the Gabtoli Bus terminal near Technical Mor. A direct BRTC bus service is also available from Dhaka to Kuakata that leaves from Sayedabad Bus terminal at night takes 12 hours to reach Kuakata. These buses are clean and comfortable.
Direct bus route from Dhaka to Kuakata. “Sakura” costs around 450 Taka (US $8.00). It leaves every night at 10:30 from the Gabtoli Bus terminal near Technical Mor. A direct BRTC bus service is also available from Dhaka to Kuakata that leaves from Sayedabad Bus terminal at night takes 12 hours to reach Kuakata. These buses are clean and comfortable.
Suggestion #2
Dhaka to Barisal by large river boat locally known as “Launch”. They leave from Dhaka Sadarghat launch terminal between 6 to 9 PM. This comfortable overnight journey to Barisal will cost around 500 to 700 per person in a comfortable cabin (double is around 900 to 1400 taka). You will enjoy the unique beauty of Bangladesh Rivers at nighttime during this journey. If you prefer to camp out on the deck it’s cost about 120 taka. You will arrive Barisal around 5 to 7 AM but you can get off the boat when ever you are comfortable to leave. From Barisal you have to take a local bus to Kuakata. It’s just 90 km but it takes about four to five hours because of the five river ferry on the road. Buses stop in almost every major villages but they aren’t particularly clean or punctual, but are cheap. The fare costs hardly 50-80 taka.
Dhaka to Barisal by large river boat locally known as “Launch”. They leave from Dhaka Sadarghat launch terminal between 6 to 9 PM. This comfortable overnight journey to Barisal will cost around 500 to 700 per person in a comfortable cabin (double is around 900 to 1400 taka). You will enjoy the unique beauty of Bangladesh Rivers at nighttime during this journey. If you prefer to camp out on the deck it’s cost about 120 taka. You will arrive Barisal around 5 to 7 AM but you can get off the boat when ever you are comfortable to leave. From Barisal you have to take a local bus to Kuakata. It’s just 90 km but it takes about four to five hours because of the five river ferry on the road. Buses stop in almost every major villages but they aren’t particularly clean or punctual, but are cheap. The fare costs hardly 50-80 taka.
Suggestion #3
You can also take a direct river boat from Dhaka sadarghat terminal to Patuakhali. This journey will cost you about the same as Barisal and these boats leaves little early around 4 to 7 PM. River boats are much nicer in Barisal route. Another issue is the time regarding taking this route. You will reach Pautakhali around 7 to 8 AM. From here you board a local rickety bus to Kuakata, about three hours. Distance between Pautakhali and Kuakata is about 70 km.
You can also take a direct river boat from Dhaka sadarghat terminal to Patuakhali. This journey will cost you about the same as Barisal and these boats leaves little early around 4 to 7 PM. River boats are much nicer in Barisal route. Another issue is the time regarding taking this route. You will reach Pautakhali around 7 to 8 AM. From here you board a local rickety bus to Kuakata, about three hours. Distance between Pautakhali and Kuakata is about 70 km.
Sundarban Five – Mr. Mamun 01714 017 272 – Departs every other day at 18:15
Sundarban Six – Mr. Raja 01712 151 747 – Departs every other day at 18:15
(VIP Cabin is 1,500 Tk; regular cabins 600Tk).
Shaikat Two – Mr. Anwar 01920 206 813 – Departs every other day at 17:45
Shaikat One – Mr. Samsu 01710 620 742 – Departs every other day at 17:45
(Regular double cabin 600 Tk, singles 350Tk).
Other untried contacts:
955 5031, 955 1548, 955 6151 – BIWTC office numbers
711 3372 – Apparently the Barisal launch booking number. Busy every time we called.
The Sundarbans boats are slightly newer, but also more expensive.
