When a wanderlust person shares the story of traveling Mohamaya Lake, s/he might stop for a moment and get lost in the memories. Whenever one visits there, this second largest artificial lake in Bangladesh will bind him/her in such strange magic. Mohamaya Lake is a piece of aquatic paradise in an area of about 11 sq-km in the hills just 2 km east of Thakurdighi Bazar in Durgapur Union of Mirsarai in Chattogram. Let’s take a tour of Mohamaya Lake through the story.
The natural beauty of Mohamaya Lake
Mohamaya lake is a blissful combination of hilly terrain and crystal clear waters. The surrounding environment presents enthralling fountains, mountain caves, and rubber dams. Taking a boat ride across the lake bestows a heavenly experience. The cool water springs splashing down from the mountains fill the traveler’s body and mind with unearthly serenity.
The tourists can participate in kayaking and enjoy the camping facilities in Mohamaya Lake. The outdoor enthusiasts who love thrilling experiences must spend an afternoon for kayaking across the lake. Spending a night camping beside the lake can give forever unforgettable memories.
Some portion of this lake is under the control of the Bangladesh Water Development Board. And, the lake-water of that area is being used for irrigation in the surrounding areas.
When to visit Mohamaya Lake
Mohamaya Lake is crowded with tourists at all times of the year. But winter is better for kayaking and hiking in the surrounding mountains. Because at this time there will be less problem of excess dehydration and getting tired with a little movement.
However, it is better to go just after the monsoon to enjoy the surrounding waterfalls along the lake. Because at this time the Chhoras of fountain become lively due to the rain.
Dhaka to Mohamaya Lake, Mirsarai travel route
The best way to reach Mohamaya Lake from Dhaka is to take any Chattogram-bound bus and get off at Thakurdighi Bazar in Mirsarai Upazila.
Different types of buses leave from Dhaka’s Kalabagan, Fakirapul, Sayedabad for Chattogram every day. Of these, the rent of non-ACs is BDT 260 to 480 and the rent of ACs is BDT 800 to 1100. In any of these, Thakurdighi Bazaar can be reached in 3 to 4 hours before Mirsarai.
From Thakurdighi Bazar, one can go to the main gate of Mohamaya Ecopark for BDT 15 to 20 per person. A group of 5 to 6 people usually go to Mohamaya Eco Park with CNG reserve where the rent is BDT 60 to 120.
Traveling by train from Dhaka is also a great way. Some Chattogram-bound intercity trains go to Feni station. Depending on the class, the rent for these is BDT 265 to 600 per person. Rickshaw/auto fare from Feni station to Feni Mahipal bus stand is BDT 10 to 15. From there, local buses take them to Thakurdighi Bazaar within BDT 30 to 40.
There is another way, where the mail train costs BDT 90-120 to land at the “Chinki Astana” station. From there, the fare of Thakurdighi by auto / Laguna / CNG is BDT 20 to 25. Then the tourists of Mohamaya Lake travel from Thakurdighi in the way mentioned earlier.
The entrance fee to Mahamaya Eco Park is BDT 10 per person.
Camping and Kayaking at Mohamaya Lake
MKP (Mohamaya Kayaking Point) organizes camping and kayaking facilities at Mahamaya Lake. Camping is available from 6 pm to 7 am the next day. The maximum capacity of a tent is 30 people and the minimum is 4 people. The package price of camping is BDT 600 per head.
n the case of camping, the tourists confirm by booking in advance where the booking money is around BDT 500. One thing to keep in mind is that kayaking is not included in this package. Packages generally include Tent Hamoc Camp Firing Barbecue and Parota Dinner, Rice, Cocktail and Chicken Breakfast, Parotta, Fried Eggs, Legumes, Fried Potatoes, and Tea.
Kayaking is available anytime from 9 am to 5:30 pm. It costs BDT 300 per hour and BDT 200 for an additional 30 minutes. A maximum of two people can sit in a Kayak. There are discounts for students. In that case, the fare is BDT 200 for one hour and BDT 150 for 30 minutes.
There are also engine boats for cruising around the lake. Such a boat, capable of cruising with 8 to 10 people, charges around BDT 800 to 1000. The boats that can take 15 to 20 people rent BDT 1200 to 1500 per hour.
Where to stay overnight
As an alternative to camping, there is no better residential hotel in Mirsarai, close to Mahamaya Lake. But there are some fairly good quality hotels in Sitakunda for overnight stays. These hotels offer different types of rooms for rent ranging from BDT 300 to 1600.
However, all the good quality hotels are in Chattogram city which is about a one and half hour journey from Mirsarai.
How to manage the meals
Mahamaya Eco Park has no facility for selling foods except for some street food. Visitors usually take food with them when entering.
There are a couple of small hotels in Thakurdighi Bazaar where local food is available. The tourists can visit the fairly quality food hotels located in Mirsarai, Sitakunda Bazar, and the municipality area. These hotels will be quite good for lunch.
Spots to visit in the vicinity
Sitakunda has a lot of attractive sights, all of which can take up to a week to get around well. Due to the proximity of Sitakunda to Mirsarai, travel enthusiasts should put Sitakunda on their bucket list. The most popular places in Sitakunda include Khayachara fountain, Napittachara fountain, Kamaldaha fountain, Sitakunda Ecopark, Chandranath Hill, Jharjhari fountain, Banshbaria Sea Beach, Guliyakhali Sea Beach, and Kumira Sandwip Ghat.
Wrap up
This wonderful eco-park surrounding Mohamaya Lake attracts thousands of nature lovers every year. It can be a wonderful travel destination for a great trip with both family and friends. In addition to kayaking, sports, feast, and camping will give the impression of a picnic.
Spending a day at Mahamaya Lake in Mirsarai can be a way to get rid of the ever-busy life. Reminiscing on this trip can rejuvenate the traveler’s soul through disconnect him/her from the tensions of the hectic life for some moments. Not only that, sharing travel experiences can make a friendly chat more interesting and sweeter amid extreme busyness.
Source: United News of Bangladesh