Travel to Bangladesh in Sitakunda
Sitakunda Travel: The meeting point of mountains, waterfalls and sea in Bangladesh
A wonderful playground of natural beauty
Writer: Bappy
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Sitakunda, located in the Chittagong district of Bangladesh, is a wonderful tourist destination, where the beauty of mountains, waterfalls and the sea can be enjoyed together. Located just 37 kilometers from Chittagong city, this upazila is full of natural beauty. It is also known as a holy pilgrimage site for Hindus. Sitakunda's diverse natural scenery, religious importance and cultural heritage have made it one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Bangladesh.
Main attractions of Sitakunda
Chandranath Hill and Temple
Located just 4 km from Sitakunda Bazar, Chandranath Hill is one of the main attractions of the region. The Chandranath Temple, located on the top of this hill, which is about 1020 feet high, is a holy pilgrimage site for Hindus. According to Hindu mythology, it is a Shaktipeeth where the right hand of Goddess Sati fell.
There are two paths to climb Chandranath Hill. The path on the right is almost entirely made of stairs, and the path on the left is a mountain path. It takes about 1-1.5 hours to climb to the top of the hill. After reaching the top, the Sri Sri Virupaksha Temple is first seen, about 150 feet away from it is the Chandranath Temple. From the top of the hill, one can enjoy a beautiful view of the sea on one side and the solitude of the mountains on the other.
Every year on the day of Shivaratri, a special puja is held at the Chandranath temple. A huge fair is held in Sitakunda, which is called the Shivaratridarshi Mela. Numerous devotees from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Bhutan and Thailand participate in this fair.
Sitakunda Ecopark
Located just 40 minutes from Chittagong city, Sitakunda Ecopark is an ideal place for nature lovers. Established in 2001, this ecopark covers an area of about 808 hectares. It has numerous hills ranging in height from 25 meters to 400 meters.
The biodiversity of the ecopark is very rich. There are about 412 exotic plant species, 156 tree species, 110 shrubs, 119 herbs, 27 vine and bamboo species, various orchids and cactus plants. There is also a nursery and a rose garden.
Waterfalls
Another major attraction of Sitakunda is its numerous waterfalls. Notable among them are:
Sahasradhara Waterfall: This waterfall located in Sitakunda Ecopark has low water level except during the monsoon season. The full beauty of the waterfall can be enjoyed here during the monsoon season.
Suptadhara Waterfall: This waterfall located near Sahasradhara Waterfall is quite popular among tourists.
Bara Kamaldaha Waterfall: This is a huge three-step waterfall, whose height is about 120-140 feet. The upper part of this waterfall becomes quite dangerous during the monsoon season, so it is better to visit here at the end of the monsoon.
Sagolkanda Waterfall: It is also called Chagalkanda Waterfall or Kamlak Waterfall. It is actually a cascade or staircase-shaped waterfall.
Guliahali Sea Beach
Located just 5 kilometers from Sitakunda Bazar, Guliahali Sea Beach is a place of unique natural beauty. It is known as 'Muradpur Beach' to the locals. This beach has sea water on one side and Keora forest on the other, which has given it a unique look.
The environment of Guliahali Beach is like a freshwater wetland and mangrove forest. There is a vast green grass field next to the beach, which distinguishes this beach from other beaches. The sea waves here are not very strong, so it is an ideal place to enjoy a quiet environment.
Banshbaria Sea Beach
Banshbaria Sea Beach is located in Banshbaria Union of Sitakunda Upazila, about 9 kilometers from Sitakunda city. It is a quiet and peaceful beach, which is quite popular with tourists. This beach is located next to the Dhaka-Chittagong Highway.
Mahamaya Lake
Mahamaya Lake located in Mirsarai is the second largest artificial lake in Bangladesh. Its area is about 11 square kilometers. This lake has been built at the foot of the hill, 2 kilometers east of Thakurdighi Bazar, Durgapur Union No. 6, Mirsarai Upazila.
How to get to Sitakunda
Dhaka to Sitakunda
By bus: You can take any bus from Dhaka to Chittagong. AC/non-AC buses of various companies including S. Alam, Shyamoli, Saudia, Unique, Hanif, Eagle and Ina operate from Sayedabad, Fakirapul, Mohakhali bus stands. The fare of non-AC buses is 420-480 taka and the fare of AC buses is 800-1,100 taka.
By train: You can take the mail train from Dhaka to Sitakunda, the fare is 120 taka per person. Or you can take the intercity train from Dhaka to Feni, the fare is 285-600 taka (depending on the class). From Feni, you can take a local bus to Sitakunda, the fare is 50-60 taka.
Chittagong to Sitakunda
Buses and mexi are available from Chittagong's Alankar More, AK Khan More or Kadamtali. You can reach Sitakunda market from your preferred location.
Sitakunda to Guliahali
You can go directly to Guliahali Beach Dam by CNG/auto from Sitakunda Bus Stand Bridge. Auto fare to Guliahali Beach Dam is 30 taka per person, and 150-200 taka if reserved. You have to bargain to determine the fare. It is better to get the number of the CNG driver in advance for the return journey.
Where to stay
There are a few hotels to stay in Sitakunda. There are some quality residential hotels near Sitakunda Kacha Bazar area and Sitakunda police station, including Hotel Comfort Zone, Jalsa, New Saudia, Saudia, Simon. Hotel Comfort Zone, Jalsa, New Saudia are relatively new and of good quality. AC double bed room rent – 1000 taka and non-AC 500-600 taka.
Apart from this, any quality hotel or restaurant can be found in Chittagong city. Chittagong city has residential hotels and motels of various quality and price.
When to go
Winter (October to March) is the best time to visit Sitakunda. The weather is favorable during this time and it is easy to enjoy the natural beauty. During the rainy season, there is more water in the springs, but the path up the hill becomes slippery and dangerous.
Travel tips
For a safe journey, seek help from the tourist police if necessary.
Do not throw garbage or waste in the tourist area.
Know the tide times. It is best not to be near the beach during high tide.
Since this is not a tourist-friendly beach, be careful when going out into the sea.
Never go out into the sea if you don't know how to swim.
Wear comfortable shoes and carry enough water when hiking.
Carry a camera, binoculars, and essential medicines.
Sitakunda is a place of extraordinary natural beauty, where one can enjoy the beauty of mountains, waterfalls and the sea together. Its religious and cultural importance is also undeniable. Whether for a day or a few days, a trip to Sitakunda will be an unforgettable experience for you.
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