Barisal is the administrative center of the division of the same name. Situated in an area dissected by rivers, it is the most important river port in the south of the country. Just 10km (6 miles) outside Barisal, at Madubashah, is a lake and bird sanctuary. Kuakata is the most outstanding tourist attraction. It is a scenic beauty spot on the southernmost tip of Bangladesh in the district of Patuakhali and has a wide sandy beach which is an ideal vantage point to watch the sun rise and set.
Other attractions include two pre-Moghul mosques: one, which boasts nine domes, is situated at the village of Qasba Guarnadi, and the other, built in 1464, is near Patuakhali.