Explore the untouched natural beauty of the Sitakunda-Mirsarai zone in Bangladesh. This comprehensive guide covers the best trails, tips on how to get there, and essential safety advice for an unforgettable adventure through waterfalls, hills, and lakes.
Khaiyachara Trail: The Jewel of Sitakunda
Why Visit:
Khaiyachara is the only 8-step waterfall in Bangladesh, providing a unique and captivating experience. The double fall at the top transforms into a single fall during winter, making each visit distinct. The final destination, Amtali Kum, offers a serene and picturesque environment.
How to Get There:
- From Dhaka: Take a Chittagong-bound bus and get off at Barotakia Market before Mirsarai Bazaar.
- Local Transport: Enter the road opposite Khaiyachara High School, head east, and walk a bit to start hiking.
- Hiking Path: Follow the village path and then the stream path to reach the waterfall.
Time Required:
Approximately three-quarters of a day to see all the steps and return.
Trail Highlights:
- Double Fall: A unique feature where two falls merge into one during winter.
- Shimultali Waterfall: A 3-step waterfall found by following a narrow rocky stream.
Napittachara Trail: A Trio of Waterfalls
Why Visit:
Discover three stunning waterfalls: Kupikatakum (also known as Choto Napittachara), Bandar Khum, and Baghbiyani. Each waterfall offers a unique landscape and tranquil atmosphere.
How to Get There:
- From Dhaka: Take a bus to Chittagong and get off at Noyduyari Hat in Mirsarai.
- Local Transport: Walk 20 minutes east to find Napittachara. If the bus driver doesn’t know the stop, get off at Mirsarai Bazaar and take a local CNG for 10 Taka per person.
Time Required:
Half a day to see all the waterfalls and return.
Trail Highlights:
- Kupikatakum Waterfall: The first major waterfall you’ll encounter.
- Bandar Khum and Baghbiyani Waterfalls: Located on different trails diverging from the main path.
Suptadhara-Sahasradhara-1 Trail: Inside Sitakunda Eco Park
Why Visit:
This trail, located within Sitakunda Eco Park, is relatively easy and well-marked. Suptadhara and Sahasradhara-1 waterfalls are the main attractions. The upstream area of Suptadhara features beautiful pools and smaller falls.
How to Get There:
- From Dhaka: Take a bus to Chittagong and get off at Sitakunda.
- Local Transport: Take a CNG to the Eco Park for 10 Taka per person.
Time Required:
Approximately three-quarters of a day to explore all the upstream waterfalls and return.
Trail Highlights:
- Suptadhara Waterfall: Reached by crossing streams and following a hillside path.
- Upstream Suptadhara: Features multiple small pools and falls.
- Sahasradhara-1 Waterfall: Easily accessible with clear signage in the park.
Komoldaha Trail: Hidden Beauty
Why Visit:
Komoldaha features the impressive Komoldaha Waterfall and several medium-sized falls upstream. The area is particularly hazardous during the monsoon, so it’s best visited at the end of the rainy season.
How to Get There:
- From Dhaka: Get off at Borodarogarhat Bazaar in Sitakunda.
- Local Transport: Walk 10 minutes along the Dhaka-Chittagong highway towards Dhaka, then head east for 40-45 minutes to reach the stream.
Time Required:
1.5 days to see all the upstream waterfalls and return.
Trail Highlights:
- Komoldaha Waterfall: A large and stunning waterfall.
- Upstream Waterfalls: Several medium-sized waterfalls with scenic views.
Jhorjhari Trail: The Longest Trail
Why Visit:
This trail features Jhorjhari Waterfall and numerous beautiful cascades and pools upstream. The upstream trail is quite challenging, making it ideal for experienced hikers.
How to Get There:
- From Dhaka: Get off at Panthichila in Sitakunda.
- Local Transport: Head east for 40-45 minutes to reach the stream.
Time Required:
1.5 days to see the entire trail and return.
Trail Highlights:
- Jhorjhari Waterfall: A long trail with beautiful cascades and pools.
- Challenging Upstream: Perfect for seasoned hikers seeking adventure.
Barabkunda Trail: Ancient and Serene
Why Visit:
This trail features the ancient Kalvabairavi Temple and Bangladesh’s only hot water springs. Several small to medium waterfalls are found along the stream near the temple.
How to Get There:
- From Dhaka: Get off at Barabkunda Bazaar in Sitakunda.
- Local Transport: Walk east for an hour to reach the Kalvabairavi Temple.
Time Required:
Half a day to see the entire trail and return.
Trail Highlights:
- Kalvabairavi Temple: An ancient temple with historical significance.
- Hot Water Springs: Unique natural hot springs beside the temple.
Horinmara-Hatubhanga-Sorpropropat Trail: Hidden Waterfalls
Why Visit:
This trail includes Nilambar Lake, Horinmara Waterfall, Hatubhanga Waterfall, Bawachara’s mouth, and Sorpropropat. The trail offers a blend of serene lakes and majestic waterfalls.
How to Get There:
- From Dhaka: Get off at Choto Komoldaha Bazaar before Sitakunda.
- Local Transport: Walk eastward to reach the trail.
Time Required:
One day to see the entire trail and return.
Trail Highlights:
- Nilambar Lake: A serene lake surrounded by nature.
- Horinmara and Hatubhanga Waterfalls: Beautiful and secluded waterfalls.
- Sorpropropat: A majestic waterfall found along the trail.
Boalia-Bausha-Uthan-Amormanikkya Trail: Untouched Nature
Why Visit:
This lesser-known trail offers a peaceful retreat into nature with Boalia Waterfall, Bausha Chora Waterfall, Uthan Dhal, Amormanikkya Waterfall, and Nahaitakum.
How to Get There:
- From Dhaka: Get off at Mirsarai main market.
- Local Transport: Head east on Mirsarai College Road, take a local CNG for 10 Taka per person to the Brac Poultry Feed Complex, and start hiking northward.
Time Required:
One day to see the entire trail and return.
Trail Highlights:
- Boalia Waterfall: A hidden gem in the trail.
- Bausha Chora and Amormanikkya Waterfalls: Beautiful and less-visited waterfalls.
- Nahaitakum: A serene pool found along the trail.
Sonaichari Trail: The Most Challenging
Why Visit:
This difficult trail features huge rocks, a large gorge with a deep pool named Badujja Kum, and the rocky Sonaichari Waterfall. It is ideal for experienced hikers seeking a challenging adventure.
How to Get There:
- From Dhaka: Get off at Hadi Fakirhat Bazaar before Sitakunda/Mirsarai.
- Local Transport: Walk east to reach the destination. If unsure, get off at Sitakunda Bazaar and take a CNG to Hadi Fakirhat for 15 Taka per person.
Time Required:
One day to see the entire trail and return.
Trail Highlights:
- Badujja Kum: A deep pool located in a large gorge.
- Sonaichari Waterfall: A rocky and challenging waterfall.
Chandranath Hill: Highest Peak in Sitakunda
Why Visit:
Chandranath Hill, the highest peak in Sitakunda (1,156 feet), features the Chandranath Temple. The summit can be reached via stairs or a more adventurous route through Birupaksha Temple.
How to Get There:
- From Dhaka: Take a bus to Chittagong and get off at Sitakunda Bazaar.
- **Local Transport
- Local Transport: Take a CNG to the base of the hill for 15 Taka per person.
- Time Required: Half a day to explore and return.
- Trail Highlights:
- Chandranath Temple: A significant pilgrimage site located at the summit.
- Scenic Views: Offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
- Birupaksha Temple Route: A more adventurous path with a mix of stairs and hillside trails.
Accommodation
While Mirsarai lacks hotels, Sitakunda offers a few low-quality options such as Hotel Saimun. For better accommodations, it is recommended to stay in Chittagong, which is located 37 km from Sitakunda and takes about 1.5 hours by bus. Chittagong offers a range of hotels to suit different budgets and preferences.
Safety Tips
- Local Guides: Apart from the popular trails (Khaiyachara, Napittachara, Suptadhara-Sahasradhara 1), the rest are quite secluded. Always hire a local guide for these trails.
- Travel in Groups: It is safer to travel in groups of at least 7-8 people, especially on the less frequented trails.
- Weather Conditions: Some trails can be hazardous during the monsoon season. Plan your visit during safer weather conditions, particularly at the end of the rainy season.
- Essential Gear: Carry essential hiking gear, including proper footwear, first-aid kits, and sufficient water and food supplies.
- Stay Connected: Ensure that you have a reliable means of communication. Mobile network coverage might be limited in some areas.
Conclusion
The Sitakunda-Mirsarai zone is a treasure trove of natural beauty, offering an array of waterfalls, hills, and lakes. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual nature enthusiast, this comprehensive guide will help you make the most of your adventure. Plan your trip, follow the trails, and immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of Bangladesh.
For the best experience, remember to prioritize safety, respect the natural environment, and embrace the local culture. Happy hiking!