Escape to Tranquility: Karam Mura Eco Resort, Satkhira

Location: Situated on the outskirts of Sundarbans-Satkhira Range, Karam Mura Eco Resort in Satkhira offers a picturesque view of the forest and river, providing a serene getaway.

Having initially visited this incredible place for research purposes, I couldn’t help but fall head over heels in love with it during my 1.5-month stay. The sheer beauty, warm hospitality of the hosts, and tranquility of this location captured my soul.

For those seeking a brief respite from the bustling city life and a touch of adventure, this place is the perfect escape.

Kalinchi, a small village in the Munshigonj union of Satkhira, acts as the gateway to the Sundarbans in the Satkhira range, connecting it to India.

During my stay, I resided in the eco resort owned by the Munda tribe. While they refer to it as a resort, it primarily comprises traditional Munda living areas with some modern amenities. The bamboo house, built in the traditional style, provides a comfortable stay, with modern toilet and bathroom facilities situated a short distance away from the living area.

Getting to the base:

Option 1: Fly from Dhaka to Jessore, with a flight duration of approximately 25 minutes. From Jessore, you can hire a four-wheeler vehicle to reach the base, which takes around 3.5 hours. Cost: Airfare starts from 2700 BDT per person, depending on demand. Car rentals range from 4000-5000 BDT for a four-seater.

Option 2: Take a bus from Dhaka to Shyamnagar. Once in Shyamnagar, you can hire a tomtom or bike to reach the base. AC buses are available only during nighttime, with a travel time of approximately 9 hours or more. Non-AC buses operate during the daytime, also taking around 9 hours. (Note: Non-AC bus tickets cost around 500 BDT, while details about AC bus fares are not provided.) From Shyamnagar, it takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour by bike to reach Kalinchi (approximately 200 BDT per person).

Option 3: Take a bus from Dhaka to Shyamnagar. From Shyamnagar, board another bus to Vetkhali. From Vetkhali, it takes 15 to 20 minutes by bike (approximately 60 BDT per person) to reach Kalinchi. Alternatively, if you can communicate with the resort owner, you may travel by boat from Ramjanagar to the base.

Facilities: The resort offers rooms with double and single beds, priced at 1000 BDT per night. Guests have the option to cook their own meals, or the owners can arrange locally cooked food on a coal stove. Fresh fish, crab, duck, chicken, and various local pithas (rice cakes) are commonly available. Additionally, the resort can organize boat tours to the Sundarbans, with prices capped at 2000 BDT for a boat trip. For those interested in experiencing local culture, the owners can arrange a cultural program on a floating extension over the river of Sundarbans, priced at 2000 BDT.

I recommend visiting during the dry period to avoid muddy and slippery paths, and if possible, plan your visit during the full moon. I guarantee that you will fall in love with this place.