Comilla, Bangladesh Travel Guide

Explore Comilla, Bangladesh: A city rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, offering ancient ruins, serene lakes, and delicious local cuisine.

Nestled in the eastern part of Bangladesh, Comilla is a city steeped in history and culture. Known for its rich archaeological heritage, this city is a treasure trove for history enthusiasts. The ancient ruins of Mainamati, a Buddhist archaeological site, offer a glimpse into the region's glorious past. The Shalban Vihara, a large Buddhist monastery, is a must-visit, showcasing the architectural brilliance of the ancient period. Beyond its historical allure, Comilla is also known for its picturesque landscapes and serene lakes. The Dharmasagar Lake, one of the largest man-made lakes in the country, is a perfect spot for a peaceful retreat. Visitors can enjoy a boat ride or simply take a leisurely walk along its banks, soaking in the natural beauty. The local cuisine is another highlight of Comilla. The city is famous for its delicious sweets, particularly the 'Roshmalai' and 'Chomchom'. A visit to Comilla is incomplete without indulging in these mouth-watering treats. The city's bustling bazaars offer a variety of local crafts and textiles, providing a perfect opportunity for souvenir shopping. Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover, or a foodie, Comilla has something to offer for everyone. Its warm hospitality and vibrant culture make it a destination worth exploring.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Comilla.

Visit the Mainamati Archaeological Museum early in the morning to avoid crowds and get the best experience.
Try the local sweets from 'Matri Bhandar', a famous sweet shop in Comilla.
Take a leisurely boat ride on Dharmasagar Lake during sunset for a serene experience.
Wear comfortable shoes as many of the historical sites require a fair bit of walking.
Hire a local guide to get in-depth knowledge about the historical sites and their significance.

Explore Comilla: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Comilla

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Dharmasagar

Discover Dharmasagar, Cumilla: A historic lake offering serene beauty, cultural insights, and a tranquil escape in the heart of Bangladesh.

4.4

Dino Park

Roam with dinosaurs at Dino Park in Cumilla: An exciting family adventure featuring life-sized replicas, thrilling rides, and educational exhibits.

4.2

Cumilla City Park

Escape to Cumilla City Park: A serene urban oasis with lush greenery, family-friendly amenities, and a tranquil atmosphere for all.

4.3

Bird's nest Cumilla

Discover the architectural wonder of Bird's Nest Cumilla, a serene escape blending culture and nature in the heart of Bangladesh.

3.5

Best landmarks in Comilla

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Dharmasagar

Discover Dharmasagar: A historic lake in Cumilla offering serene beauty, cultural insights, and a tranquil escape in the heart of Bangladesh.

4.4

Jagannath Temple

Explore the historic Jagannath Temple in Cumilla, a unique octagonal architectural marvel and a center of Hindu devotion since the 16th century.

4.5

Magic paradise park

Experience thrilling rides, a splashing water park, and captivating dinosaur exhibits at Cumilla's ultimate family-friendly destination.

4.1

Mainamati Museum

Discover ancient Buddhist heritage at Mainamati Museum, showcasing relics from the 7th-12th centuries in Cumilla, Bangladesh. A treasure trove of history awaits!

4.2

Best restaurants in Comilla

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Hotel Noorjahan

Discover authentic Bangladeshi cuisine at Hotel Noorjahan in Cumilla—where tradition meets flavor in every bite.

3.5

Biroti Restaurant Community Centre and Conference Hall

Discover authentic Bangladeshi cuisine at Biroti Restaurant in Cumilla - where tradition meets taste in every dish.

3.7

Sandu Hotel and Restaurant

Experience authentic Bangladeshi cuisine at Sandu Hotel and Restaurant – where tradition meets flavor along the Dhaka-Chittagong Highway.

4.1

Mainamati Highway Restaurant

Discover exquisite dining at Mainamati Highway Restaurant – where every meal is a celebration of flavors on your travel journey.

3.3

Best bars in Comilla

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PC Restora

Experience the rich flavors of Bangladesh at PC Restora, a must-visit culinary destination in Comilla.

4.1

Cafe Marine

Experience the best of Bangladeshi and international cuisine at Cafe Marine in Cumilla, where every meal is a delightful journey.

3.8

Pizza Dot

Savor the delicious pizzas and cozy atmosphere at Pizza Dot, Cumilla's favorite fast food and cafe destination.

4.0

City Point Restaurant

Experience the vibrant flavors of Cumilla at City Point Restaurant, where every meal is a culinary adventure.

3.9

Best nightclubs in Comilla

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Cumilla Club

Discover the pulse of Cumilla at Cumilla Club, where vibrant nightlife meets delicious dining and unforgettable entertainment.

4.2

Cumilla City Club

Discover the energetic nightlife at Cumilla City Club, where vibrant music and a lively atmosphere await every visitor.

3.6

ASP Party

Experience the electrifying nightlife at ASP Party, Bangladesh's premier night club, where vibrant beats and stunning visuals await.

5.0

Adib

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Cumilla at Adib, where music, dance, and celebration come alive in a spectacular disco atmosphere.

Best shops in Comilla

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Sattar Khan Complex

Experience the lively shopping and dining at Sattar Khan Complex in Cumilla, where local culture meets modern retail in a vibrant atmosphere.

4.1

Easy Fashion

Shop trendy men's clothing at Easy Fashion in Cumilla, where quality meets modern style in a welcoming atmosphere.

4.1

INFINITY

Discover unique local fashion at INFINITY in Cumilla, where trendy styles and exceptional service await every shopper.

4.1

Daily Shopping - Comilla

Discover the vibrant shopping experience at Daily Shopping in Comilla, where local flavors and fresh produce await every visitor.

4.1

Explore Comilla on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Comilla, mapped for you.

Comilla Essentials

Comilla is well-connected by road and rail. The nearest international airport is Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, approximately 100 kilometers away. From Dhaka, you can take a bus, train, or hire a private car to reach Comilla. The journey typically takes around 2 to 3 hours by road, depending on traffic. Train services from Dhaka to Comilla are also frequent and offer a comfortable alternative.
Comilla has a variety of transportation options. Rickshaws and auto-rickshaws are common for short distances within the city. For longer trips, local buses and minibuses are available. Renting a car is another option, though driving can be challenging due to traffic conditions. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available but less common than in larger cities.
The official currency in Bangladesh is the Bangladeshi Taka (BDT). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller establishments. ATMs are available throughout Comilla, and most accept international cards. Currency exchange services are also available at banks and authorized exchange booths.
Comilla is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is advisable to stay vigilant. Areas around the bus and train stations can be particularly crowded and require extra attention to personal belongings.
In case of emergency, dial 999 for immediate assistance. Comilla has local police stations and medical facilities, including Comilla Medical College Hospital. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are numerous pharmacies where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.
Fashion: Do dress modestly; avoid wearing revealing clothing. Men should avoid wearing shorts in public. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, especially in religious sites. Always remove your shoes before entering mosques. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a slight bow. A handshake is common among men but less so with women. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.
To experience Comilla like a local, visit the local bazaars such as Kandirpar and Tomchom Bridge Market for fresh produce and traditional goods. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about their culture and history. Don't miss the ancient archaeological site of Mainamati and the beautiful Lalmai hills. For a unique experience, take a boat ride on the Gomti River.

When is the best time to visit Comilla?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Comilla

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Comilla. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- Helloনমস্কার
  [Nomoshkar]
- Goodbyeবিদায়
  [Biday]
- Yesহ্যাঁ
  [Hyāṁ]
- Noনা
  [Na]
- Please/You're welcomeঅনুগ্রহ করে
  [Onugroh kore]
- Thank youধন্যবাদ
  [Dhonnobad]
- Excuse me/Sorryদুঃখিত
  [Dukhito]
- How are you?আপনি কেমন আছেন?
  [Aponi kemon achhen?]
- Fine. And you?ভালো। আর আপনি?
  [Bhalo. Ar aponi?]
- Do you speak English?আপনি ইংরেজি কথা বলতে পারেন?
  [Aponi ingreji kotha bolte paren?]
- I don't understandআমি বুঝিনি
  [Ami bujhini]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseদয়া করে মেনু দেখাতে চাই
  [Doya kore menu dekhate chai]
- I don't eat meatআমি মাংস খাই না
  [Ami mangsh khai na]
- Cheers!চিয়ার্স!
  [Cheers!]
- I would like to pay, pleaseদয়া করে টাকা দিতে চাই
  [Doya kore taka dite chai]
- Help!সাহায্য!
  [Sahayyo!]
- Go away!চলে যাও!
  [Chole jao!]
- Call the Police!পুলিশকে ডাকুন!
  [Polishke dakun!]
- Call a doctor!ডাক্তারকে ডাকুন!
  [Daktarke dakun!]
- I'm lostআমি হারাইয়া গেছি
  [Ami haraiya geshi]
- I'm illআমি অসুস্থ
  [Ami osustho]
- I'd like to buy...আমি কিনতে চাই...
  [Ami kinte chai...]
- I'm just lookingআমি মাত্র দেখছি
  [Ami matro dekhchi]
- How much is it?এটা কত?
  [Eta koto?]
- That's too expensiveএটা অনেক মহঙ্গ
  [Eta onek mohonggo]
- Can you lower the price?দাম কমাতে পারবেন?
  [Dam kamate parben?]
- What time is it?এখন কতটা বাজে?
  [Ekhn kotta baje?]
- It's one o'clockএকটা বাজে
  [Ekta baje]
- Half past (10)দশের অর্ধেক
  [Dasher ordhek]
- Morningসকাল
  [Shokal]
- Afternoonদোপুর
  [Dopur]
- Eveningসন্ধ্যা
  [Shondhya]
- Yesterdayগতকাল
  [Gotkal]
- Todayআজ
  [Aj]
- Tomorrowআগামীকাল
  [Agamikal]
- 1এক
  [Ek]
- 2দুই
  [Dui]
- 3তিন
  [Tin]
- 4চার
  [Char]
- 5পাঁচ
  [Panch]
- 6ছয়
  [Chhoy]
- 7সাত
  [Sat]
- 8আট
  [At]
- 9নয়
  [Noy]
- 10দশ
  [Dosh]
- Where's a/the...?একটা/একটি... কোথায়?
  [Ekta/ekti... kothay?]
- What's the address?ঠিকানা কি?
  [Thikana ki?]
- Can you show me (on the map)?আপনি আমাকে দেখাতে পারবেন (ম্যাপে)?
  [Aponi amake dekhate parben (map-e)?]
- When's the next (bus)?পরের (বাস) কখন?
  [Porer (bus) kokhon?]
- A ticket (to ....)একটা টিকেট (থেকে ....)
  [Ekta ticket (theke ....)]

History of Comilla

Comilla, one of the oldest cities in Bangladesh, boasts a rich history that dates back over two thousand years. The region was once part of the ancient Samatata kingdom, and its historical significance is underscored by numerous archaeological sites such as the Mainamati-Lalmai hills. These hills are home to the ruins of ancient Buddhist stupas and monasteries, reflecting the area's historical importance as a center of Buddhist culture and learning. The Mainamati Museum, situated near these hills, houses a wealth of artifacts that provide insight into the life and culture of the ancient inhabitants of the region.
During the British colonial period, Comilla emerged as a crucial administrative and economic center. The establishment of the Comilla Victoria Government College in 1899 marks a significant chapter in the city's educational development. Named after Queen Victoria, this institution became a beacon of higher learning in the region. The British also developed infrastructure, including roads and railway connections, which facilitated trade and communication. The remnants of colonial architecture, such as the Rajbari and other administrative buildings, still stand as a testament to this era.
Comilla played a pivotal role in the Bengali Language Movement, which was a struggle to recognize Bengali as one of the state languages of Pakistan. In 1952, the movement reached its peak, and Comilla was one of the active centers of protest and resistance. Many students and intellectuals from Comilla participated in demonstrations and faced persecution. The movement eventually led to the recognition of Bengali as an official language, and the sacrifices of the people of Comilla are remembered with pride and reverence.
Comilla holds a significant place in the history of Bangladesh's Liberation War in 1971. The city witnessed fierce battles between the Pakistani military and the Mukti Bahini (Liberation Army). The war efforts in Comilla were marked by acts of bravery and sacrifice, with many local residents joining the fight for independence. The Shalban Vihara, an ancient Buddhist monastery, served as a strategic base for the Mukti Bahini. Today, various monuments and memorials, including the Comilla War Cemetery, stand in honor of those who fought and gave their lives for the country's freedom.
Comilla is renowned for its vibrant cultural heritage, which is a blend of traditional Bengali customs and influences from its historical past. The city celebrates numerous festivals with great enthusiasm, including Durga Puja, Eid, and Pohela Boishakh (Bengali New Year). The Ras Mela, a traditional fair held in the village of Langalband, attracts thousands of visitors every year. Additionally, Comilla is famous for its rich tradition of handloom weaving, particularly the production of 'khadi' cloth. The city's cultural landscape is also enriched by its music, dance, and culinary traditions, making it a fascinating destination for cultural exploration.