Photo : Collected
Char Kukri Mukri, nestled in the southern region of Bangladesh, stands at the confluence of the Meghna and Tetulia rivers, gracefully embracing the Bay of Bengal. This char, a part of the Kukri Mukri Union within Charfashion Upazila of Bhola, boasts an expansive landscape adorned with awe-inspiring forests and natural wonders, including a picturesque beach.
The area is a treasure trove of biodiversity, characterised by lush mangroves dominated by keora, gewa, poshur, bet, and sundari trees, along with an array of wildlife. The landscape is further adorned with the elegance of various plant species and other forms of captivating flora.
Wandering through the terrain, one can't help but be enchanted by the beauty that surrounds them. The wet soil, saturated with life-giving moisture, facilitates upward transpiration, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of the world-renowned Sundarbans.
The Meghna estuary transforms into tumultuous waters during the monsoon, revealing its beauty and challenges. Scattered across its expanse are numerous pastures. Life for the char communities here is a perpetual struggle. Battling the unpredictable Meghna, they experience victories and defeats, at times surrendering like the helpless under the whims of nature.
Char Kukri Mukri has seen the development of various facilities, both governmental and private, designed to allure tourists to its breathtaking landscapes. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has established a Coastal Forest Development Centre cum Rest House, providing a tranquil retreat. Additionally, several homestays, empowering local women through projects by the Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF), offer a unique and authentic experience.
Embracing modernity, the char now features private walkways, jeep tracking, spider tracking, and hanging bridges, enhancing the entertainment options for visitors. To facilitate exploration, the government has constructed a scenic road through the forest, connecting the entire char to the mainland.
Arif, Shakil, and Istiaq, after visiting Tarua Island, enthusiastically shared that Tarua stands out as a beautiful tourist destination, akin to a mini–Cox’s Bazar. They highlighted the affordability and adventurous allure of Tarua, making it particularly appealing to those seeking an alternative experience. The immense beauty of nature on Tarua Beach captivates visitors, providing a wonderful retreat for nature enthusiasts, with the added delight of observing red crabs.
Tourists, drawing comparisons to popular destinations like Cox's Bazar and Kuakata, said that Tarua Beach holds its own unique charm. There is a consensus that with government sponsorship, Tarua has the potential to become one of Bangladesh's prominent tourist spots.
This winter, all eyes are on Tarua's Virgin Beach, drawing travellers with its expansive shoreline that stretches as far as the eye can see. The rhythmic crashing of the Bay of Bengal waves against Tarua's shores adds to the allure. Amidst this coastal beauty, a lively group of red crabs scurries about, creating a charming spectacle.
For those seeking a more immersive experience, tourists have the option to pitch a tent on the beach. Locals affirm that security is not a concern, providing a sense of safety for visitors to fully enjoy the untouched beauty of Virgin Beach Tarua.
Erfan Ali, the Value Chain Project Manager at Karma Sahayak Foundation (PKSF), shared exciting news about the development of a beautiful bamboo jetty under PKSF's value chain development sub-project titled 'Community-Based Eco-Tourism Development in Char Kukri-Mukri.' This initiative aims to enhance accessibility for visitors from other islands to Tarua, offering a unique and picturesque experience.
In addition to Tarua, another popular destination for tourists in Char Kukri-Mukri is Narikel Bagan. Small boats, speed boats, and trawlers provide a scenic journey through the mangrove forest to the coconut plantation. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of the Sundarbans mangrove forest and may spot a group of deer at the forest's edge during the afternoon or evening. This initiative not only enriches the tourism experience but also promotes sustainable eco-tourism development in the region.
Suman Chandra Das, the Upazila Forest Department officer, highlighted that, much like Tarua, several infrastructures have been established for the amusement of tourists in coconut plantations, both public and private. A noteworthy feature is the opportunity to cherish the river's ebb and flow while sitting on swings within the coconut plantation—an experience that lingers in memory.
Adding to the recreational offerings, there's a specially designed recreation centre. The Forest Department has taken the initiative to construct a paved ghat in this pasture. Noteworthy amenities include a watchtower and a seating area. During low tide, the coconut plantation becomes a haven for various bird species, including herons and seagulls, as they flock to feed on fish and insects, creating a captivating natural spectacle.
Abul Hashem Mahajan, the Chairman of Char Kukri Mukri Union Parishad, expressed the community's desire to showcase the unique charm of traveling to isolated islands in Char Kukri-Mukri to tourists. Despite being an upazila situated along the sea in the southernmost part of the country, Member of Parliament Abdullah Al Islam Jacob MP is dedicated to ensuring that the area receives facilities comparable to those in the capital.
The commitment to providing top-notch amenities is gradually attracting the attention of tourists to Char Kukri Mukri. The efforts of local leaders and representatives reflect a concerted push to make this region an enticing destination, offering a distinctive experience for those seeking to explore the charm of isolated islands in Bangladesh.
Messenger/Fameema
