Maheshkhali is an island upazila of 362 square kilometers located in Cox's Bazar district. It is the only hill island in Bangladesh. Kutubdia Island and Bay of Bengal to its west, Chakoria and Cox's Bazar Sadar Upazila to the east, Cox's Bazar Sadar and Bay of Bengal to the south and Chakoria Upazila to the north. 

According to historians, the place is named after 'Mahesh', another name of Shiva. Legend has it that once upon a time a farmer found a rock idol deep in the forest. In a dream, he came to know that it was an idol of a Hindu god named 'Mahesh'. Later he built a temple and installed the idol there. According to the Portuguese traveler Cesar Frederick, Maheshkhali Island was separated from the mainland in 1559 as a result of a catastrophic storm and tidal wave. Maheshkhali Channel and Bankkhali are important rivers here. 

Maheshkhali Bazaar:

Maheshkhali upazila town is straight ahead across the Maheshkhali channel along the jetty. This small town with an area of only three square kilometers is like ten other upazila towns in the country. You can explore the city even if there is no sightseeing. 

Buddhist Kiang:

Before entering the market from Maheshkhali Jetty, on the left side of the road is Maheshkhali Big Buddhist Keang or Temple. There are several Buddhist temples inside. Several brass Buddhist statues can be found in this cave. However, the most notable among them are meditating Buddha statues, reclining Buddha with hands on head and standing Buddha statues etc. 

Adinath Temple:

Adinath temple on top of Mainak hill in Thakurtala village of Gorakhghata union in Maheshkhali. The temple is located at a height of 85 meters above sea level. The length of the temple is 10.50 meters, width is 9.75 meters and height is about 6 meters. The interior of the temple is divided into three parts. The northern part is the oldest. Next to Adinath temple there is another idol called Ashtabhuja. In the first part of the northern part, the two square pujakashas contain Adinath Banlinga Shiva and Ashtabhuja Durga. The front entrance is arched. 

Adinath's fair:

Adinath fair has been going on around the Adinath temple for a long time. It is believed that this fair has been in practice since the inception of the temple. Every year this fair is organized on the Chaturdashi of the Krishna Paksha of Phalgun month i.e. on the occasion of Shiva Chaturdashi. Apart from different parts of the country, Hindu pilgrims and tourists from many other countries including India, Nepal, Myanmar gather on the occasion of this fair. Although it is a fair for Hindu devotees, this week-long event has become a universal fair for people of all religions. 

It takes twenty minutes to go to Maheshkhali by speed boat from Kasturighat in Cox's Bazar. Fare per person 80-150 taka. Apart from this, it takes about an hour to go to the engine boat. Rent 30-50 Tk. Those who want to go directly to Adinath temple from Kasturighat have to go to Gorakhghata. 

Sonadia:

Sonadia is a small island under Maheshkhali upazila. This island with an area of about nine square kilometers is located in Hoanak Union of the upazila. From Maheshkhali, Sonadia is located in the south-west direction. Sonadia is about seven kilometers west of the tourist town of Cox's Bazar. The immense natural beauty of this island easily captivates people. A group of struggling fishermen live on this island. And that's why you can see the scenes of dry production all over the island. Breathtaking or mangrove forests can also be found in Sonadia. Apart from this, the beach is deserted, and its shores are covered with forests. The blue water of the sea blending into the far horizon, what is not here? Sonadia's sea beach is a haven for shy red tuk-tuk crabs because it is a little secluded. Sometimes red crabs roam the beach. Hearing the footsteps of the tourists, Hutoputi again hides in the hole. 

How to go:

If you want to go to Maheshkhali, you have to reach Cox's Bazar first. Cox's Bazar can be reached directly from Dhaka by road and air. Green Line, Saudia, Sohag, Hanif, TR etc. transport companies operate temperature controlled luxury buses on this route. Rent 1150 taka 1550 taka. Apart from this, non AC buses of S Alam, Saudia, Shyamoli, Unique, Eagle, Hanif, etc. also ply on this route. Rent 600-750 Tk. Apart from this, Bangladesh Biman, United Air, GMG Air and Regent Air can go directly to Cox's Bazar from Dhaka. The way to reach Maheshkhali from Kasturighat in Cox's Bazar has already been mentioned. But this route can only be used in winter season. At present it is possible to visit Maheshkhali, Sonadia and Dhalghata by road in other seasons as well. For this, you have to go directly to Maheshkhali via Chakoria, crossing the Badarkhali bridge. There is no good bus service on this route. So have to take reserve car. 

Where to stay:

Now there are plenty of hotels to stay in Cox's Bazar. According to the type, the daily room rent of these hotels is Tk 300-20000.