Kutubdia is an island upazila (sub-district) in Cox's Bazar district. This small island with an area of ​​about 216 square kilometers has many varieties. Kutubdia Island lacks regular electricity connection but meets its electrical demands through generators and solar power. There are many things to see including secluded lagoons, Bangladesh's largest wind farm, salt farms, lighthouses, Qutub Auliya's shrine.

Qutubdia channel:

The Kutubdia Channel is quite large. While it can be quite turbulent throughout the year, it remains relatively calm during the winter. To reach the island, you need to cross this channel from Magnama Ghat.

Sea Beach: 

Kutubdia Sea Beach stretches for about 16 kilometers from north to south. Most of the area is quite secluded, with minimal tourist activity. Occasionally, you will find local fishermen busy with their work. There are rows of casuarina trees in some places near the beach. Another notable feature of Kutubdia Sea Beach is the abundance of red crabs that roam freely in this serene environment. It's an ideal place to witness the sunset. 

Air Power Plant:

Kutubdia boasts the largest air power plant in the country. With a capacity of approximately one thousand kilowatts, this power plant is located in the southern part of the island, in the area known as Ali Akbar's Dell. Don't miss the opportunity to see this significant air power plant in the country. 

Lighthouse:

Once upon a time, there was a lighthouse built in Kutubdia to guide the sailors on their sea routes. This lighthouse has long disappeared into the sea, but sometimes, during low tide, remnants of the lighthouse can still be seen. The current lighthouse is located in the area where the old lighthouse once stood. To reach it, you can head north from Boro Ghop Bazar towards the sea beach. 

Kutub Aulia Darbar

In the Dhurung area of the island, you can find the Kutub Aulia Darbar Sharif. The founder of this shrine is Shah Abdul Malek Kutubi. He was born here in 1911 and passed away on February 11, 2000. Every year, on his death anniversary (7th Falgun according to the Bengali calendar), thousands of devotees gather here to pay their respects. Kutubdia is named after the forefathers of Kutub Aulia. Currently, his son Sheikh Farid is responsible for managing the Kutub Sharif Darbar.

Salt Cultivation:

During the winter season, salt is cultivated in the lands of Kutubdia. If you visit during this time, you will witness farmers busy with salt cultivation in various fields across the island. Salt cultivation takes place to some extent all over the island, but the largest salt fields are located in Tabel Char, Kayer Bill, and Ali Akbar's Dell. You can observe various natural methods of salt production in these areas. 

How to Get There:

To reach Kutubdia, you can take a bus from Cox's Bazar. Several bus companies offer direct services from Dhaka to Cox's Bazar, including Sohag Paribahan, T.R. Travels, Green Line Paribahan, Hanif Enterprise, Saint Martin Paribahan, and Saudiya Paribahan, with fares ranging from 1,750 to 2,500 Bangladeshi Taka. Additionally, non-AC buses like S. Alam, Saudiya, Shyamoli, Unique, Eagle, and others operate from Dhaka to Cox's Bazar, with fares ranging from 600 to 800 Taka. 

From Cox's Bazar, you will need to change your mode of transportation to reach Kutubdia. After arriving at Inani Resort's stopping point on the Cox's Bazar-Kutubdia route, you can take a CNG-powered Baby Taxi to reach Maghnama Ghat. The fare per person is 35 Taka, and it costs 20 Taka if you reserve a CNG. From Maghnama Ghat, you will need to cross the Kutubdia Channel by either an engine boat or a speedboat. 

The engine boat ride takes approximately 20-25 minutes, with a fare of 15-20 Taka, while the speedboat ride takes only 10 minutes, with a fare of 60 Taka. Once you cross the channel, you will reach Kutubdia. 

If you're coming from Boro Ghop Bazar in Kutubdia, you can take a rickshaw to reach Vadoli Market for a fare of 25-30 Taka. Alternatively, you can directly take a bus from Chittagong's Third Karnaphuli Bridge area or Cox's Bazar Bus Stand to reach Maghnama Ghat using S. Alam's non-AC bus service. The fare is around 160 Taka from Chittagong and 90 Taka from Cox's Bazar. 

Where to Stay:

The only suitable accommodation option for tourists on Kutubdia Island is Hotel Samudra Bilas. This hotel provides an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the sea as it is located right on the seafront. The non-AC double rooms in the hotel are available for 800 Taka, while the four-bed rooms can be rented for 1,200 Taka. Contact: Hotel Samudra Bilas, Boro Ghop Bazar, Kutubdia. Mobile: 01819647355, 01720868447. 

Important Information:

There is no lifeguard on the beach, so swimming is not recommended. It's advisable to visit Kutubdia Island during the winter season when salt cultivation takes place. The weather is pleasant, and you can also find an adequate supply of fish during this time. Moreover, the cooler temperature makes the journey on the sea route more comfortable. Make sure to have your morning meal before boarding the engine boat. The safety of the sea route without life jackets is not guaranteed, so it's better to be cautious.