Khalil Uddin Farid, Bhola

As the first light of dawn breaks over the mighty Meghna River, silver hilsa glisten in fishermen’s nets while vast green islands stretch toward the horizon. Welcome to Bhola—the largest island district in Bangladesh, fondly known as the “Queen Island of Bangladesh.” Beyond its reputation as the nation's hilsa capital, Bhola offers an ideal holiday retreat, combining pristine nature, coastal biodiversity, modern marvels, and centuries of history.

Standing 225 feet high in Char Fasson, the 16-storey Jacob Tower is one of the tallest observation towers in South Asia. Designed in the likeness of the Eiffel Tower, its observation deck offers sweeping panoramic views of the Meghna River, the Bay of Bengal, and the surrounding green canopy.

Further south lies Char Kukri-Mukri, a critical mangrove ecosystem often referred to as the "Second Sundarbans." This sanctuary is home to spotted deer, monkeys, otters, and thousands of winter migratory birds. Nearby, Tarua Char features a broad sandy shoreline framed by keora trees, where thousands of red crabs dart across the sand against magnificent sunrise and sunset backdrops.

For history enthusiasts, Bhola preserves fascinating remnants of the past. The British-era Haider Ali Zamindar House showcases a blend of South Asian and European architecture, while a recently uncovered lime-and-surki mosque hidden in a betel-nut garden at Majhi Bari is believed to date back to the late 17th century.

A visit to Bhola is incomplete without sampling fresh Meghna hilsa and Moisha Doi—the region's signature buffalo-milk curd served in earthen pots.

The best period to explore the island is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and river conditions are calm. Direct overnight launches run daily from Dhaka’s Sadarghat terminal, making Bhola an accessible escape into riverine Bangladesh.