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Chattogram

Mohamaya Lake

A lake between forested hills, popular for kayaking.

Local food to try

  • Rice and curry

    Mohamaya Lake

    Simple lunches at the highway restaurants around Mirsharai.

  • Green coconut and tea

    Mohamaya Lake

    At the stalls near the lake entrance after a paddle.

Where to eat

  • Highway restaurants in Mirsharai

    Mirsharai

    Local restaurants along the Dhaka–Chattogram highway, used by bus travellers.

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  • Stalls at the lake

    Mohamaya

    Snacks and drinks near the gate and the kayak point.

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Where to stay

  • Chattogram city

    GEC, Nasirabad, Oxygen

    Most visitors make Mohamaya a day trip from the city.

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  • Camping at the lake

    Mohamaya

    Tent camping has been offered by the lake at times; ask locally whether it is currently allowed.

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History

Mohamaya Lake lies in Mirsharai, north of Chattogram, hidden among forested hills a short way off the Dhaka–Chattogram highway. It is a man-made lake, formed by a dam built across a hill stream for irrigation, and the water spreads in long arms between the green slopes.

The lake and the forest around it are protected as an eco-park, and it has become one of the most popular weekend escapes from Chattogram. The main draw is kayaking: you can paddle out across the calm, clear water and into the narrow arms of the lake, where the hills close in and the only sounds are birds and your paddle.

Deeper in, there is a small waterfall and a rock cave that you can reach by boat or kayak. Combined with Khoiyachora waterfall nearby, it makes a full day of hills, water and forest within easy reach of the city.

Tour plans

Mohamaya and Khoiyachora in a day

1 day

  1. Step 1: Early bus up the highway

    Leave Chattogram early on a Dhaka-bound bus and get off for Khoiyachora first.

  2. Step 2: Morning trek to Khoiyachora

    Walk the forest trail to the waterfall while it is cool, and be back by midday.

  3. Step 3: Lunch on the highway

    Eat at a local restaurant in Mirsharai before heading to the lake.

  4. Step 4: Kayak on Mohamaya

    Paddle out across the lake in the afternoon light, to the waterfall and cave at the far end if time allows.

  5. Step 5: Back to the city

    Catch a bus back to Chattogram from the highway before dark.

Plan your visit

Best time to visit

October to March for calm water and pleasant weather. The waterfall inside is fuller just after the monsoon.

How to get there

On the highway at Mirsharai, about 1.5 hours from Chattogram. Get off a Dhaka-bound bus at Thakurdighi and take a CNG to the lake.

Getting around

  • Kayaks are rented at the lake; you can paddle alone or with a partner, and a short lesson is usually given.
  • Engine boats are available for those who would rather not paddle, and go to the far end of the lake.
  • The waterfall and the cave are at the far end; allow enough time to paddle there and back.
  • Agree the rental time and price before you set off.

Travel tips

  • Always wear the life jacket when kayaking or on a boat, even if you can swim; the lake is deep.
  • Do not swim in the lake.
  • The eco-park charges entry; check the current arrangements at the gate.
  • Bring sunscreen, a hat and water — there is little shade on the open water.
  • Keep phones in a waterproof pouch while paddling.
  • Weekends are busy; arrive in the morning for a quieter lake.

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