When Rakhine families arrived on this coast in the late 18th century after leaving Arakan, they dug large wells (kua in Bangla) to secure fresh drinking water amidst saline tidal flats. One of these original masonry wells stands preserved within a brick enclosure in Keranipara village, directly beside the Seema Buddhist Vihara. The neighbouring monastery houses an ornate brass Buddha image weighing over thirty maunds and features traditional timber carvings. Modest attire is required within the temple grounds.
- Best time
- October to March
- Give it
- About an hour
- Cost
- Entry free; small donations welcomed at the temple; rickshaw roughly ৳20–30
How to get to Kuakata Ancient Well and Buddhist Temple
In Keranipara, about 1 km north of Kuakata beach centre. Easily reached on foot in 10 minutes or by a short rickshaw ride.
Patuakhali town is about 295 km from Dhaka, around 6 hours by road. Every way to get there is in the Patuakhali guide.
Remove footwear before entering the temple sanctum; photography may be restricted inside the prayer hall.
More to see in Patuakhali
Photo: Fahimrb, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Kuakata Sea Beach কুয়াকাটা সমুদ্র সৈকত
An 18-kilometre sandy coastline facing south, known as Sagar Kannya, where both sunrise and sunset view over the water.
- Best time
- November to March
- Give it
- Half a day
- Cost
- Beach access free; motorbike beach ride about ৳300–500 for a multi-spot tour
Photo: Shariful Islam Masum, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Kuakata National Park কুয়াকাটা জাতীয় উদ্যান
A coastal forest reserve of tall casuarina groves and mangrove canals on the western edge of Kuakata beach.
- Best time
- November to February
- Give it
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Entry free; motorbike ride from central beach roughly ৳100–150 round trip
Photo: Zahid Asif, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Majidbaria Shahi Mosque মজিদবাড়িয়া শাহী মসজিদ
A single-domed brick sultanate mosque built in 1465, the oldest surviving architectural monument in Barishal division.
- Best time
- October to March
- Give it
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Entry free; auto-rickshaw from Patuakhali town roughly ৳150–200 each way