Mahamaya Lake

মহামায়া লেক

A vast artificial lake ringed by Mirsharai's hills — the country's second largest after Kaptai, ~11 sq km. Calm blue water, green ridges on every side, little hill islands in the lake. The signature activity is kayaking; many call a dawn paddle the best of the trip.

৳10–30 · traveller-reported

History & significance

The Water Development Board's Mahamaya irrigation project dammed the Mohamaya stream with a rubber dam; built 2007-09, inaugurated 29 December 2010. Kayaking took off around 2016-17.

How to get there

From Dhaka, any Chattogram bus — alight at Thakur Dighi bazar (non-AC ৳500-700, AC ৳900-1000; fares vary by operator). From Chattogram, buses from Shah Amanat Bridge/Coast Guard Mor — ask for 'Mohamaya Lake two-number bridge', then a CNG ৳30 per head. From Thakur Dighi the gate is ~2 km: CNG ৳20 each or ৳70-80 reserved, or a 30-minute walk.

Entry fee

৳10–30 · traveller-reported

Ticket ৳30 (older accounts say ৳10-25). Kayak (2-person): ৳200/30 min, ৳300/hr; 3-person ৳300/৳450. Boat trips: small engine boat ৳1000 to the falls, ৳1500 full lake.

Opening hours & best time

Open daily, 9 am-6 pm.

Best time

May-August brings full water and active falls — most visitors' pick. Others prefer winter's clear skies (Oct-Mar), though the water drops. Start early in the morning.

Traveller tips

Boat rates are heavy solo — split with a group.
Camping is currently closed (2026) — check before you go.
The small inner falls run dry outside monsoon; the cave is closed and monkeys snatch gear.
The classic circuit pairs it with Sitakunda: falls → Mahamaya → beach.

Location

The exact coordinates of this destination have not been verified yet, so no map location is shown.