Bihanga Island (Dhanseer Char)

This island in the Baleshwar river, between Patharghata and the Sundarbans shore, was known to locals for years as Dhanseer Char, after the plants that once grew on it. It was later renamed Bihanga Dwip, 'bird island'. Sandbanks and grass draw waders and other birds, and from its edge you look straight across the river to the Sundarbans. There are no facilities, and it is reached only by hired trawler, so a visit feels like a small expedition. Local tourism listings for Patharghata now name it alongside Haringhata and Laldia.

How to get there

From Barguna go by bus to Patharghata, then hire a trawler from a riverside village ghat to the island; ask locally for the current boarding point.

Good to know

Go with local boatmen, wear a life jacket and return well before dark. Avoid the river in rough weather or during storm signals. Bring binoculars in winter.

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