Shalban Bihar, Greater Comilla Travel Guide

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Discover the ancient ruins of Shalban Bihar, an 8th-century Buddhist monastery in Comilla, Bangladesh, and explore Bengal's rich heritage.

Explore the ruins of Shalban Bihar, an 8th-century Buddhist monastery in Comilla, Bangladesh. Part of the Mainamati-Lalmai archaeological complex, it features a central shrine, stupas, and monk cells, offering a glimpse into ancient Bengal's rich cultural and religious heritage.

A brief summary to Shalban Bihar

Comilla Univ Rd, Shalmanpur, 3506, BD
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Monday 9 am-5 pm
Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
Thursday 9 am-5 pm
Friday 9 am-5 pm
Saturday 9 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

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

Wear comfortable shoes as the site involves a fair amount of walking.
Bring water to stay hydrated, especially during warmer months.
Respect the site by not touching or climbing on the ancient structures.
Consider hiring a local guide to gain in-depth knowledge about the history and significance of Shalban Bihar.

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Explore Shalban Bihar on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Shalban Bihar, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Cumilla city, head to Kandirpar, where you can find a local CNG stand near the Awami League office. Take a CNG to Kotbari for approximately 30 BDT per person. From Kotbari, an auto-rickshaw to Shalban Bihar costs around 10 BDT. Alternatively, a direct CNG from Cumilla to Shalban Bihar via Kotbari Bishwaroad costs about 20 BDT per person.
Taxi/CNG

From Cumilla Cantonment, hire a CNG auto-rickshaw directly to Shalban Bihar and the Mainamati Museum. The ride should cost approximately 70-80 BDT, though drivers may initially quote 120-150 BDT. Negotiate the fare beforehand.

Discover more about Shalban Bihar

Shalban Bihar, located in Comilla, Bangladesh, is an ancient archaeological site that dates back to the 8th century. This once-renowned Buddhist monastery is part of the Mainamati-Lalmai archaeological complex, showcasing the rich cultural and religious heritage of ancient Bengal.Founded in the 8th century by Bhava Deva, a ruler of the Deva dynasty, the site originally spanned 168 square meters. It features well-preserved ruins, including a central shrine, stupas, and 115 cells that once housed monks. The monastery operated through the 12th century, and excavations have revealed many archaeological artifacts dating from the 7th to 12th centuries, many of which are now housed in the Mainamati Museum.The structure itself is rectangular, with each side measuring 167.7 meters. The walls are approximately five meters thick, and the rooms are built against the surrounding walls. A single entrance, located in the middle of the north block, provides access to the complex. Inside, the central temple is easily identified in the middle of the courtyard, where Buddhist monks once lived and practiced.Visiting Shalban Bihar offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's historical and religious past, making it a must-see destination for history enthusiasts and cultural explorers.