Anwarul Haque Nizami Mirsarai (Chattogram)

During the Eid holidays, the country’s second-largest artificial lake, Mahamaya, has turned into a paradise for nature lovers, buzzing with the footsteps of tourists. The crystal-clear reservoir nestled amidst lush green hills offers a breathtaking view.From the afternoon of Eid day, travel enthusiasts began flocking to Mahamaya. People of all ages—from children to the elderly—are rushing to this park for recreation. The influx of tourists has significantly increased the activity of local businesses.Park vendors anticipate that the heavy crowd of tourists will continue throughout the week during the ongoing Eid holiday. They say the unmatched beauty of nature here draws tourists from afar. Every year during Eid, thousands of visitors from across the country come to admire its natural charm.On-site observations showed traffic congestion on the road to Mahamaya. People are heading toward the destination using rented and private vehicles. After purchasing tickets and entering the park, many are seen relaxing in groups. Some are taking pictures, while others are enjoying kayaking, dinghy rides, or cruising the lake on peacock-shaped boats.Tourist Nur Salam, visiting with his family, said, “I stay busy all year with work. This Eid, I got a few days off. So, I came here with my family. It feels great. The kids are also having a wonderful time.”On Eid day, the influx of tourists at the Mahamaya Botanical Garden and Ecopark was quite remarkable. The site offers high-quality hotels and a three-star standard resort for accommodation.A tourist named Jannatul Fariha said, “As always, Mahamaya is one of our favorite places. We visit here several times a year. This Eid, we came with the whole family. The mountain waterfalls and crystal-clear waters never fail to captivate us.”Mohammad Sharif Uddin, leaseholder of the Mahamaya Botanical Garden and Ecopark, said, “Mahamaya is a truly beautiful tourist spot. It features a lake, hills, waterfalls, and a rubber dam—all in one place. The lake nestled in the hills has a winding shape that is extraordinarily beautiful. Surrounded by numerous hills, the lake’s main attractions are its mountain waterfall and clear water. Many families come here to kayak in the blue waters of Mahamaya Lake.”He added, “All kinds of facilities are available here for tourists. There are high-standard restaurants and resorts for food and lodging. The entire park is under CCTV surveillance to ensure security.”