Kuakata Beach (Sagar Kanya) is a beautiful paradise

 Kuakata Beach (Sagar Kanya) is a beautiful paradise

Kuakata Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the country, about 18 kilometers long in the Kalapara Upazila of Patuakhali district in the southwestern part of Bangladesh. This is the only beach in Bangladesh where you can see both sunrise and sunset, the best sunrise is from the Gangamati bend of the beach and the sunset is from the west beach. Kuakata Beach is known to tourists as the "Daughter of the Sea". On one side there are about 150 rows of coconut trees which are known as “Narikel Kunj”. On the other side, the vast sea, endlessly beautiful beaches, clean beaches, and blue skies across the horizon give Kuakata Beach a different dimension. Kuakata Beach is bustling with the arrival of various guest birds in winter. There are numerous hotels-motels and tourist centers for staying here. All picnic facilities are provided, and there is good transportation from one place to another.

Kuakata Beach

It is said that in 1784, the Arkanis, who were expelled from their motherland Burma by the Mughal rulers, came to this country and settled on the island of Rangabali on the shores of the Bay of Bengal. As the salt water of the sea is unfit for consumption, they dig many wells or pits to meet the shortage of fresh water. It is believed that the region was named Kuakata from the word 'Kua'.

One of the ancient cups near the Seema Buddhist temple in Keranipara Rakhine village near Kuyakata beach still exists today as a witness of history but due to repeated renovations, its ancient form is no longer traceable. Inside the ancient Seema, Buddhist temple is a meditating Buddha image made of ashta dhatu weighing about 37 manas. About eight kilometers east of the beach is Misripara, another Rakhine Buddhist temple. Rumor has it that this temple has the largest Buddhist statue in the subcontinent. The Rakhine women here are skilled weavers and their winter cloaks are well-known.

Kuakata Lemon Forest Beach

Patara forest is one of the tourist attractions of Kuakata Beach. The protected forest land on the western side of the sea coast, Fatra Forest, has already become known as the second Sundarban. There are mangrove species such as Keora, Gewa, Sundari, Fatra, Garan, Bain, Golpata etc., and numerous animals and birds including monkeys and pigs. From the beach there are speed boards and motorized boats to go to Fatra forest.

Other places to visit include Shutki Village, Scrub Island, Gangamati Jungle, and several chars. Each of these attractions has its characteristics. Due to the nearby Bay of Bengal and the easy availability of endless sea fish, Kuakata has developed 32 dry villages around Kuakata. The fishing village at the western end of the beach. Tourists visiting the beach spend most of their time watching their busy lives in fishing villages and buying cheap fish. About four kilometers north of Kuakata, Alipore is one of the largest fish trading centers in the South-West region. Every day hundreds of trawlers go to the Bay of Bengal from this port to catch fish in the deep sea. The beach ends at the Gangamati Canal on the east side. And from there the jungle of Gangamati started. In addition to different types of plants, forest roosters, monkeys and various kinds of animals and birds can be seen in this forest. It is also well known as Jungle of Gajmati among travelers. The protected Gangamati Forest was once part of the larger Sundarbans which now protects the banks of Kuakata from the damage of sea waves as a shield. On the east side of the beach, there is a 15-hectare land adjacent to the sea beach, Zhou Bagan. Scrub Island can be seen a little further to the east of the beach. Thousands of red crabs roaming in groups on this secluded island in the sea are quite attractive to tourists. It is well known as Crab Island to tourists.

As Kuakata is a pilgrimage site for Hindu and Buddhist communities, countless devotees flock here during 'Ras Purnima' and 'Maghi Purnima' festivals, take holy baths in the bay and participate in traditional fairs.