A Hindu temple complex built in the early 20th century on a small island in the Indus River at Sukkur, reached only by boat and administered today by the Evacuee Trust Property Board.
Sadhu Bela Temple occupies a small island in the Indus River off Sukkur, reachable only by a short boat crossing from Bunder Road ghat on the Sukkur bank. The temple complex was built in the early 20th century by Hindu ascetics and today functions as a place of worship administered by Pakistan's Evacuee Trust Property Board. Visitors cross by motorboat, then explore a cluster of shrine buildings, a small library and garden spread across the island, with views back across the Indus toward Sukkur and Rohri on the opposite bank. The riverine setting is the main draw as much as the temple architecture itself — the crossing and the quiet island atmosphere offer a change of pace from the busier streets of Sukkur. A full visit, including the boat crossing both ways, takes about an hour to 90 minutes. Mornings bring the calmest water for the crossing and the fewest visitors on the island itself.
| Admission | Adult Free entry; the boat crossing from Bunder Road costs approx PKR 50-100 round trip (approx $0.18-$0.36) · Child Free entry; reduced boat fare for children |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily, approx 7:00AM-7:00PM; boat crossing available during daylight hours only |
| Typical visit | 1-1.5 hours including the boat crossing |
| Best time | Morning, when the boat crossing and temple grounds are quietest |
| Getting there | Reached by a short boat ride from Bunder Road ghat on the Sukkur bank of the Indus River |
| Address | Sadhu Bela Island, Indus River, Sukkur, Sindh, Pakistan |
Location
Sadhu Bela Island, Indus River, Sukkur, Sindh, Pakistan
27.6975, 68.8548 View on map
Highlights
- Riverine island temple reached only by boat
- Early 20th-century Hindu shrine buildings
- Small library and garden on the island grounds
- Views across the Indus to Sukkur and Rohri
- Quiet, less-visited alternative to mainland sites
Tips for visiting
- Confirm boat departure times at Bunder Road ghat before heading out
- Morning crossings tend to have calmer water and fewer visitors
- Dress modestly, as the site remains an active place of worship
- Agree on the round-trip boat fare before departure
- Combine with a view of Sukkur Barrage and Lansdowne Bridge nearby for a fuller riverside outing
When to visit
Morning, when the boat crossing and temple grounds are quietest.
Accessibility
The boat crossing and island's uneven paths make the site difficult for wheelchair users to access.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Sadhu Bela Temple take?
Including the boat crossing both ways, a visit typically takes 1-1.5 hours.
Is it worth visiting with children?
The boat crossing and island setting can be an enjoyable novelty for children, with supervision recommended near the riverbank.
Is photography allowed at Sadhu Bela Temple?
Photography of the island grounds and river views is generally allowed; visitors should ask before photographing inside active shrine buildings.