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Ananda Bihaar: Echoes of Ancient Bengal

Explore Ananda Bihaar, an 8th-century Buddhist monastery near Cumilla, Bangladesh, offering a serene glimpse into ancient Bengal's history.

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Ananda Bihaar, an 8th-century Buddhist monastery near Cumilla, Bangladesh, offers a serene glimpse into the region's rich history and spiritual traditions. Though smaller than the nearby Shalban Bihaar, it possesses unique charm and historical significance, inviting visitors to connect with ancient Bengal's Buddhist past.

A brief summary to Ananda Bihaar

  • C4XH+PVV, BD

Local tips

  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Mainamati Museum to see artifacts excavated from the surrounding archaeological sites, including Ananda Bihar.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be walking on uneven ground while exploring the ruins.
  • Visit during the cooler months (October to March) for a more pleasant experience, as the weather in Cumilla can be hot and humid.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Cumilla city center, take a local bus or CNG (auto-rickshaw) towards Kotbari. Ask to be dropped off near the Mainamati Museum or Shalban Bihar, which are well-known landmarks. From there, Ananda Bihar is a short CNG or rickshaw ride away. The total journey should take approximately 45-60 minutes. CNG fare from Shalban Bihar to Ananda Bihar is approximately 50-80 BDT. A one-way bus ticket from Comilla costs around 50 BDT.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Hiring a taxi or ride-sharing service (like Uber or Pathao) from Cumilla city center is the most convenient option. Specify Ananda Bihar as your destination, though some drivers may only know the general area of Kotbari. From Kotbari, most drivers will know Ananda Bihar. The ride takes around 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay approximately 200-300 BDT for a one-way trip. Taxi starting price is about 123 BDT, and for 1 km ride you have to pay about 40 BDT.

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Discover more about Ananda Bihaar

Ananda Bihaar, located near Cumilla in Bangladesh, is an ancient Buddhist monastery dating back to the 8th century AD. As part of the Mainamati-Lalmai archaeological sites, it provides a window into the religious and architectural traditions that flourished in Bengal centuries ago. While overshadowed by the larger Shalban Bihaar, Ananda Bihaar has its own distinct charm and historical importance. Archaeological evidence suggests that the site was a center for learning, meditation, and religious practice for monks and scholars during a period when Buddhism held considerable influence in the region. The monastery's layout features a central courtyard surrounded by rows of cells where monks resided, reflecting the typical design of Buddhist monasteries of that era. Visiting Ananda Bihaar offers a more intimate and contemplative experience compared to the more crowded sites in the area. The serene atmosphere and relatively undisturbed surroundings create a sense of tranquility, allowing visitors to connect with the past on a deeper level. It's a place to escape the hustle of modern life and immerse oneself in the history and spirituality of ancient Bengal. Cumilla, formerly known as Tripura, has a long and storied past, with evidence of human settlement dating back to ancient times. The Mainamati-Lalmai hills, where Ananda Bihaar is situated, are home to an extensive collection of ancient Buddhist sites, including monasteries, stupas, and temples, dating back to the 7th to 12th centuries. These sites indicate that Cumilla was once a thriving center of Buddhist culture, attracting monks, scholars, and pilgrims from across Asia.

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