Bhola

A 40-hectare sanctuary declared in 1981 on a char island at the mouth of the Meghna in the Bay of Bengal, at the southern tip of Bhola. It mixes mangroves, tidal forest and a long sandy shoreline, with shorebirds and waterbirds peaking during the winter migration. There is no formal accommodation on the island, so most visitors come on a day trip; arrange a boat and local guide in advance.

An island upazila (about 373 sq km) in the Meghna estuary on Bhola's north-eastern side, made widely known by the 2009 film 'Monpura'. Main draws are the sunset from the island's southern sandy bank (Dakhin Hawa sea beach), spotted deer in the edge mangroves, and cycling along the coastal embankments. Lodging is very basic - a government dak bungalow and small guesthouses - and electricity can be inconsistent.