Five resorts near Dhaka for a day out in Ashulia

For many people, getting away from the congestion and urban clutter of Dhaka is a way to spend their leisure time or take a short break. But deciding where to go, what the surroundings will be like and how much it will cost can require considerable thought. Finding a preferred location can also mean extra effort.

To make that task somewhat easier, five resorts in Ashulia, close to Dhaka, have been looked at. These resorts offer accommodation, food and various recreational facilities for families seeking to spend time in a clean, safe and natural environment. Some have swimming pools and water rides, while others offer children’s play zones, sports grounds or quiet spaces by lakes.

Resort Atlantis is located in the Jamgora area of Ashulia. Mamata Palli Resort is beside the Zirabo bus stand, while Barnachchhata Resort is in the same area. Ark Castle Resort is in the Uttar Dattapara area, and Sapphire Hotel and Resort Limited is in the South Gauripur area. Here is a look at the facilities and costs at these resorts.

Resort Atlantis

Resort Atlantis is located at Fantasy Kingdom Complex in Jamgora, Ashulia. Guests can enjoy the entertainment facilities of both the theme park and water park while staying at the resort. One of its main attractions is that guests staying there receive free access to eight rides at Fantasy Kingdom and all water rides at Water Kingdom. Complimentary breakfast is also provided for two people.

The resort has four types of rooms: Economy, Deluxe, Super Deluxe and Suite. At the current rates, the Economy room costs Tk6,500, Deluxe Tk8,000, Super Deluxe Tk9,000 and Suite Tk10,000. The Deluxe room accommodates two people and includes an air-conditioned room, attached bathroom, Wi-Fi, hot water, parking and room service. A 25 percent discount is currently being offered on the room rates of all categories.

An inside view of Resort Atlantis. Photo: Collected

The Super Deluxe room has separate sitting and sleeping areas and a private balcony overlooking Water Kingdom. Other facilities include a television, Wi-Fi, hot water and laundry service.

The resort’s website also mentions movie screenings, barbecues, cultural programmes, snooker and various indoor games for guests. Meeting spaces and a VIP lounge are available for corporate or social events. The resort also has a 24-hour reception and room service.

Address: Fantasy Kingdom Complex, Ashulia, Savar, Dhaka.

Contact: 01937-402949.

Mamata Palli Resort

Mamata Palli Resort can be an option for a short trip near Dhaka. Located on Dewan Idris Road, 500 metres from the Zirabo bus stand on the Dhaka-Ashulia-Baipayl Road, the resort offers a green environment along with various recreational and accommodation facilities.

According to information on the resort’s own website, facilities include a swimming pool, top-floor restaurant, fitness centre, indoor and outdoor games, a children’s play zone, poolside lounge, indoor lounge and spacious parking. Guests can also play cricket, football and volleyball, as well as table tennis, ludo and carrom. A separate spot is available for photoshoots. Those arriving by car can also use the vehicle-washing facility.

Accommodation options include Deluxe, Premium, Couples Suite and Family Suite. An online hotel listing shows rates of around Tk5,534 per night for a Deluxe room, Tk6,641 for a Premium room and Tk7,748 for a Couples Suite. However, rates may vary depending on the date, offers and packages.

Day-long packages are also available. According to previously published information, the Swimming Day Long package started at Tk999. It included lunch, use of the swimming pool and sports grounds.

Bookings are available for holidays, picnics, birthdays, corporate events, conferences and family gatherings.

Contact: 01877703157, 01877703158.

The image depicts a cottage of Barnachchhata Resort, surrounded by lush green trees and patterned brick walkways. Photo: Collected 

Barnachchhata Resort

Barnachchhata Resort is set amid greenery in the Zirabo area of Ashulia. It offers various arrangements for families, friends or couples looking to spend the day or stay overnight in a quiet environment close to the city. The resort is located at Iarpur, Zirabo, Savar, Dhaka, around two kilometres from the Zirabo bus stand on the Dhaka-Ashulia-Baipayl Road.

One of Barnachchhata’s main attractions is its swimming pool. There is a separate shallow pool for children alongside the pool for adults. The pool area has changing rooms, lockers, showers, seating arrangements and chairs with umbrellas.

There is also a separate playground for children. Two large fields offer facilities for basketball, volleyball and badminton. Guests can also take part in cycling and fishing arrangements for an additional cost.

Another distinctive feature of the resort is its library. Located in a separate building, the library offers a quiet environment and internet access for reading or working. There is also a boutique and a tea area.

An open space has been created around a several-hundred-year-old banyan tree, where different events can be organised. A conference centre is available for corporate events and large gatherings.

For overnight stays, there are various types of cottages and rooms. The current rate for a Mitali Room is Tk10,500; Shyamoli and Dipali Pool Cottages cost Tk12,000; Banlata Shin and Sandhya Mototi Cottages cost Tk12,500; and Akshmani or Shornali Private Cottage costs Tk20,000. Food packages are included in these rates, while a 5 percent service charge is separate.

There are also day-long packages. The day package runs from 9am to 6pm and includes a welcome drink, fruit, breakfast, lunch, afternoon snacks, 90 minutes of swimming pool use and access to the children’s playground. Package prices range from Tk7,500 to Tk15,000 depending on the room. Group packages start at Tk3,000 per person.

Contact: 01925-303177.

Sapphire Hotel and Resort

Sapphire Hotel and Resort has been developed in South Gauripur, Ashulia, opposite Kumkumari Bazar. Located around 22.6 kilometres from central Dhaka, the resort describes itself as a leisure destination combining nature and modernity.

Accommodation includes cottages, premium rooms and bungalow-style arrangements. Alongside a swimming pool, the resort has a children’s play area and various recreational facilities.

Full-board packages are available for overnight stays. A cottage for two people costs Tk9,950. At Pearl Tower, the rate is Tk8,750 for two people and Tk17,750 for four people. These packages include lunch, afternoon snacks, dinner and breakfast the following morning.

Children under four years of age do not have to pay an additional charge. For children aged five to eight, 50 percent of the food price is charged.

A day-long group package is available for one-day trips. It costs Tk2,250 per person. A room can be used free of charge for a group of 15 people. The package also includes breakfast, lunch, afternoon snacks, swimming pool access and facilities for cricket and football on the sports ground.

For children aged five to eight, the package costs Tk1,350, while children under four can enter free of charge.

There are also separate day-long packages for couples. The price for two people is Tk7,500 at the Aesthetic Cottage and Tk6,500 at Pearl Tower. The package includes breakfast, lunch, afternoon snacks and swimming pool access. Cycling and other recreational activities are also available.

For the day-long package, check-in is at 9:30am and check-out is at 6pm. Lunch includes soup, fried rice, fried chicken, Chinese vegetables, soft drinks, zarda or firni and mineral water. Afternoon snacks include chow mein, French fries and tea or coffee. An additional 10 percent charge is added to the total bill if food is taken to the room. Other terms apply to the packages.

Address: South Gauripur, Ashulia, Savar, Dhaka-1341.

Contact: 01983-721665, 01973-393266.

Ark Castle Resort

Ark Castle Resort is located in the Uttar Dattapara area on Lake Road in Ashulia Model Town. Its proximity to Uttara and surrounding areas of Dhaka makes it an option for families or friends looking for a day trip. Its location beside the lake and green surroundings are among its main attractions.

Ark Castle has a swimming pool. Visitors can swim, play games and spend leisure time with family members, as well as spend the day together. Facilities for table tennis, badminton, football and cricket are also available.

Food is available for day-long stays. Arrangements include breakfast, lunch, tea and afternoon snacks. This allows visitors to spend a day away without the need to arrange food from outside.

Address: North Dattapara, Plot 14–17, Lake Road, Block-F, Ashulia Model Town.

For room bookings, day-out packages and details of other facilities, it is advisable to contact the resort authorities in advance.

Contact: 01829-375280.

Which one for a day off?

Among these resorts in Ashulia, the main attraction for some may be the water park and rides, while others may prefer greenery and a quiet environment. Some visitors may be looking for children’s entertainment, sports facilities or arrangements for family gatherings.

It is therefore advisable to check with the resort authorities before visiting about room types, packages, food, entrance fees, facilities for children and additional charges. Rates and packages may change, particularly on holidays and depending on the season.