Nijhum Dwip (নিঝুম দ্বীপ) – A Unique Eco-tourist Spot
Nijhum Dwip (Silent Island) is a small island in Noakhali District’s Hatiya Upazila. It is an island group that first appeared in the early 1950s. A herd of over 5000 spotted deer, monkeys, and a large number of mating birds that arrive in the winter months to enhance the beauty of this island are the major attractions. The government has designated this island as an eco-tourist destination.
Nijhum Dwip is home to a large population of migrating birds throughout the winter. The open, sunny terrain is perfect for the fisherman to utilize to dry their harvest from the sea. On occasion, lots of people build straw huts on the island to serve as temporary homes.
On the north side of the island, the Forest Department began an afforestation initiative in 1974 that would last twenty years. It has grown into a dense forest with a diversity of plant species over a nine-thousand-acre area. You can spot Keora frequently among the trees. Other species include Gewa, Kankra, Bain, Babul, Karamja, Pashur, and several others.
On April 8, 2001, the government designated 40,390 acres (16,345 hectares) of Jahajmara range forest, comprising 9,550 acres (3,865 ha) of forest area on Nijhum Dwip, as a National Park for the conservation and promotion of the forest’s biodiversity. However, in reality, such proclamation appears to be fairly permissive.
Observing the island isolation and mild nature, Former Minister Amirul Islam Kalam named the island ‘Nijhum Dwip’ in 1975.
Sights of Nijhum Dwip
A short walk along Chowdhury Canal near Kaviraj Char between afternoon and evening is likely to see deer. Besides, if you reserve a boat, the boatman will show you the deer. In the evening, a herd of thousands of buffaloes will catch your eye with the sunset at Kaviraj’s pasture.
On the island of Kamala, a lot of hilsa is found in the canal of Kamala. You can buy fresh hilsa from the locals. In Nijhum Island, local boys work as guides and take them with them in the morning to see deer in the mangrove forest. It takes 10 minutes to walk from Namar Bazaar to Namar Bazaar Sea Beach. Apart from watching the sunrise and sunset from Nama Bazar Sea Beach, you can also have a barbecue.
The new sea beach on the south side of Damar Char is known as Virgin Island. You can see many unknown birds on this island. You can see deer occasionally from the terrace of Nijhum Resort in Chowakhali. Besides, if you have time, you can spend a day at Bhola Dhalchar, Char Kukri – Mukri by boat.
Best time to go Nijhum Dwip
From October to mid-April is the best time to visit Nijhum Island. At other times of the year the Meghna River and the sea are quite rough so one should be careful when visiting Nijhum Dwip during that time.
How To Go
By using road/train/air from any places to Chattogram, then By local transport to Destination. From Noakhali district headquarters Maijdi, first, you have to go to the Sonapur bus stand. From there you have to get off at Chairman Ghat by any local bus service / CNG autorickshaw going to Chairman Ghat. After that, you can get off at Nalchira Ghat by Citrock / Launch Service, add CNG Autorickshaw to Jahajmara Ghat, cross the Jahajmara Channel by boat and reach Nijhum Island.
For Google Map Location of Nijhum Dwip, click here.
Read about the another island near Nijhum Dwip, Manpura Island, click here.
