Nijhum Dwip or 'Silent Island' in English is a serene and secluded land yet to get pop-star treatment. However, the beautiful space has greater potential for being discovered if only tourists arrive to sample its calming vibes. Situated in the Bay of Bengal, Nijhum Dwip is located in the Hatiya Upazila under Noakhali District; an ultimate getaway for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. This peaceful island is nothing less than a treasure trove with its plentiful supply of wildlife and natural beauty, like in their natural state.

Travel Guide to Nijhum Dwip

Traveling to Nijhum Dwip is also like having an unforgettable adventure experience. From Dhaka, you have to move to Noakhali first by bus or train which roughly takes 6 to 8 hours. From then on, you can get a boat to transport yourself there taking up to 3 hours. The boat trip is indeed enjoyable and provides an overall quite thrilling experience of local rivers and water bodies on the way thus leaving everyone feeling all the more special.

The Beauty of Nature

The true beauty of the Nijhum Dwip is the natural one. In the core of some 6,680 hectares, Nijhum Dwip sits eternally shrouded within dense green bushes of mangrove, with long sandy beaches and sparse ecosystems. The island is scarcely inhabited, which conserves the natural surroundings and makes it the most obvious center for ecological tourism.

  • Nijhum Dwip Wildlife Sanctuary: One major pull of the island is the Nijhum Dwip Wildlife Sanctuary. Bird watching is a popular activity during this time. The sanctuary is home to a great variety of migratory birds, and one may also find pelicans, herons, and eagles here, among many sightings like that of tiger pugmarks. Local attention is paid to the conservation of deer and plantations there. The sanctuary offers the delight of those who take an interest in nature and are bug watchers.
  • Mangrove Forests: The dense mangrove forests of the island are an integral part of the ecological balance of the region, holding back coastal erosion and retaining a rich population of marine life within it. A boat ride into these forests is an unforgettable experience.
  • Beaches: This island has a number of flawless beaches that will allow you to cool off and relax completely in the midst of nature. This tranquil is perfect for beach lovers to casually bask in.

The Culture

While small in size, Nijhum Dwip possesses a rich cultural tapestry heritage. Local residents are primarily from the Chakma, indigenous people, Hindu, and Muslim communities who comfortably co-exist in a simple rural way of life. It is home to an archaic traditional fishing river, clearly marked by the sight of villagers, day in and day out, collecting fresh catch from the tidelands and the sea.

What can one do in Nijhum Dwip?

  1. Bird watching and wildlife cruise: Birds spring to the island during the cold seasons, attracting enthusiasts of avifauna from further afield.
  2. Catching the beach: Like on the remote and serene beach by the seaside, you can relax, walk, and laze in the sun.
  3. Boat trip through mangrove forests: Take a boat ride through the forests of the various plants on this swath of domain and study the bounty of its wildlife and beauty around you.
  4. Fishing: Fishermen use age-old and traditional ways to catch endemic fish populations.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Nijhum Dwip is in the winter months, which lasts from November through February. During this time migratory birds grace the island while the air is more comfortable for outdoor activities, unlike in the summer where the heat becomes tiresome.

Travel Tips

  • Stay: Due to limited accommodations on the island, day trips or staying on the nearby mainland (at Noakhali or Hatiya) are advisable.
  • Food: Local food in Nijhum Dwip is delicious and fresh. Definitely do try a local fish dish or any seafood delicacies.
  • Safety: While the island is relatively safe, caution has to be reserved for the weather, since sometimes the sea does become tempestuous during the monsoon season.

Nijhum Dwip is a calm and serene hideaway for those drawing a line on city bustle and looking forward to immersing themselves in nature. Whether your interest lies more in wildlife or photography or just basking in the sun on a pristine beach, Nijhum Dwip offers an absolutely delightful experience. 

qualifies Nijhum Dwip as the perfect destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and any peace seeker wishing to escape to the natural landscape in Bangladesh. If one aspires to taste real eco-tourism, then visiting Nijhum Dwip should definitely be on the top of the travel list.