Sadhu Bela is a Hindu temple complex on a small island in the Indus at Sukkur, reached only by boat, and it is one of the more distinctive sights in the city simply for where it sits. The complex is generally open to visitors of any faith, with a small gate fee and a boat crossing arranged on the bank, and it makes a natural stop alongside the barrage, the bridges and Lab-e-Mehran on a day in Sukkur.
This guide covers how to get there, what to expect on the island, and how to behave respectfully as a visitor who isn't there to worship.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Where | An island in the Indus, off the Sukkur riverbank |
| Access | By boat only, from the Sukkur bank near Bunder Road |
| Hours | Roughly 8 am to 6 pm; confirm locally, especially on public holidays |
| Dress | Modest clothing; shoulders and knees covered |
| Photography | Usually fine in the gardens; not inside the shrines |
| Best months | October to March |
Where is Sadhu Bela and how do you get there?
Sadhu Bela sits on a rocky island in the middle of the Indus, close to the Sukkur riverbank, with the city on one side and the hills of Rohri visible on the other. There is no bridge or causeway. Boats leave from the Sukkur bank near Bunder Road and land directly at the complex's gate, a crossing of only a few minutes.
Boats can usually be arranged on the spot at the riverbank rather than booked in advance. Agree the fare, including the return trip and any waiting time, before you set off, since prices aren't posted and are settled by discussion.
What is on the island?
The complex is a working temple and ashram, not a ruin, built up over the 20th century around a shrine associated with the Udasi sect. Inside the walls are gardens, several shrines and pavilions, a guesthouse used by pilgrims, and quiet corners looking out over the river. It is small enough to see in under an hour but calm enough that many visitors stay longer.
- The main shrine, at the heart of the complex.
- Riverside terraces and gardens, planted with shade trees, which are the best place to sit and take in the setting.
- Smaller shrines and pavilions added over the years by different patrons.
Visiting hours and getting in
Sadhu Bela is reported to be open through the day, broadly from around 8 am to 6 pm, though hours can vary and are sometimes shortened around public holidays. There is a modest entry fee, paid at the gate. Because opening times aren't published officially, ask at the boat landing or check locally in Sukkur on the day, rather than planning around a fixed schedule.
Late morning to mid-afternoon is the easiest window: the crossing is straightforward in daylight, and the temple is at its quietest outside of festival periods.
Etiquette for visitors
Sadhu Bela functions as an active place of worship, and visitors of any background are generally welcome as long as they behave accordingly.
- Dress modestly. Cover your shoulders and knees; avoid shorts, sleeveless tops or anything overly casual.
- Remove your shoes before entering the shrine buildings, as you would at any place of worship.
- Ask before photographing people, and expect photography inside the shrines themselves to be restricted even where it is allowed in the gardens.
- Keep your voice down near the shrines, particularly if worship is in progress.
- Follow directions from temple staff or the Panchayat managing the site; they will tell you where you can and can't go.
A little of the island's history
Sadhu Bela was established in 1823 by a Hindu ascetic, Baba Bankhandi Maharaj, who is said to have chosen the island for meditation, and it grew over the following century into the ashram and temple complex visitors see today, associated with the Udasi tradition founded by Guru Nanak's son Sri Chand. Much of what stands now dates from the early to mid-20th century, built up by successive heads of the ashram rather than as a single planned complex, which is part of why the island feels like a collection of shrines and pavilions rather than one unified building.
For Sindhi Hindus, both those still living in Sindh and the larger community who left after Partition, Sadhu Bela remains an important place of pilgrimage, and the island is maintained today by a trust drawn from the local Hindu community in Sukkur.
When to go
October to March is the most comfortable season, with mild daytime temperatures for the boat crossing and time spent walking the island. Summer in Sukkur is severely hot, and a midday crossing in May or June is uncomfortable rather than dangerous, so if you do visit then, go early or late in the day.
Sadhu Bela is also a focus for Hindu festivals through the year, particularly around Cheti Chand, the Sindhi Hindu new year in spring. Festival days bring far larger crowds and longer queues for the boat, which some visitors enjoy for the atmosphere and others prefer to avoid. If you want a quiet visit, check the local calendar and pick an ordinary day instead.
Combining it with the rest of Sukkur
Sadhu Bela sits naturally alongside the other sights on the riverbank. Our guide to places to visit in Sukkur and Rohri sets out a one-day route that takes in the barrage, the bridges, Masoom Shah Minar and Lab-e-Mehran alongside the crossing to the island. If you are arriving from Karachi, see our Karachi to Sukkur guide for how to make the journey. For help with the wider trip, start with our trip planning page.
Is it worth the trip?
For most visitors, yes, and mainly for the setting rather than the buildings themselves: a short boat ride to an island temple in the middle of the Indus isn't something most travellers in Pakistan get to do elsewhere. It suits anyone with an interest in Sindh's religious history or simply a quiet hour away from the road. It is less suited to a rushed visit, since the boat crossing and the etiquette involved reward a bit of time rather than a five-minute stop.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get to Sadhu Bela?
Only by boat, from the Sukkur riverbank near Bunder Road. Boats are arranged on the spot, and the crossing takes only a few minutes.
Is Sadhu Bela open to non-Hindu visitors?
Yes, visitors of any faith are generally welcome. Dress modestly, remove your shoes at the shrine buildings, and follow any directions given by temple staff.
What are the Sadhu Bela timings?
Roughly 8 am to 6 pm, though this isn't published officially and can vary, especially on public holidays. Confirm locally on the day, particularly if you're planning a late-afternoon visit.
Is there an entry fee for Sadhu Bela?
There is a modest gate fee, paid on the island, separate from the boat fare, which is agreed with the boatman before you cross.
What is the best time of year to visit Sadhu Bela?
October to March, when the weather is comfortable for the boat crossing and for walking around the complex. It is also busiest around Cheti Chand, the Sindhi Hindu spring festival.
