Mainamati and Shalban Vihara form a group of 7th-12th-century Buddhist monastic ruins on the Lalmai hills. The Mainamati Museum houses terracotta plaques and bronzes found there.
Comilla, about 100 km south-east of Dhaka, is the gateway to the Mainamati-Lalmai hill ruins, a Buddhist archaeological zone dating from the 7th to 12th centuries. Shalban Vihara, at Kotbari, is a square monastery with 115 monk cells around a central temple. Kotila Mura, a few kilometres away, has three large stupas, and the small Mainamati Museum displays terracotta plaques and bronze statues. The easiest transport is an intercity train from Kamalapur to Comilla (about 2-2.5 hours), followed by a CNG to the sites. Buses from Sayedabad or Fakirapool also serve Comilla. Because the round trip is long, start early and plan to return by dark. In Comilla town, try rasmalai and pick up khadi cloth.
| Distance | About 100 km south-east of Dhaka |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 2-3 hours each way by train or bus |
| Getting there | Mode: Train or bus; Detail: Intercity train from Kamalapur station toward Chattogram (stops at Comilla), or coach from Sayedabad; then CNG to Kotbari |
| Cost | About BDT 600-1,200 (~$4.89-9.78) round trip by train and CNG, plus entry about BDT 20-200 (~$0.16-1.63) |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Address | Shalban Vihara, Kotbari, Comilla 3500 |
How to get there
- Train: Dhaka Kamalapur to Comilla station (about 2-2.5 hrs, BDT 200-500)
- Coach: Sayedabad or Fakirapool to Comilla (2-3 hrs, BDT 200-500)
- CNG from Comilla station to Shalban Vihara (about 8 km)
- Car with driver (about 2.5-3.5 hrs)
Location
Shalban Vihara, Kotbari, Comilla 3500
23.4382, 91.1223 View on map
Highlights
- Shalban Vihara: a Buddhist monastery with 115 cells
- Kotila Mura stupa complex
- Mainamati Museum and its bronze collection
- Comilla khadi cloth and rasmalai sweets in town
Tips for visiting
- Book train seats early via Rail Sheba
- Take the morning train and come back before dark
- Hire one CNG for the full circuit of Shalban, Kotila Mura and museum
- Eat rasmalai in Comilla town before returning
When to visit
November-February, when it is dry and cool.
Accessibility
Ruins involve uneven brick surfaces and steps; limited wheelchair access.
Frequently asked questions
Can I do Mainamati as a day trip from Dhaka?
Yes, but only with an early start; the round trip takes 4-6 hours of travel.
Which station do I use?
Kamalapur station; MRT Line 6 reaches it from Uttara, Farmgate and Motijheel.
Is the site well signposted?
Signs exist but are limited; a CNG driver or an offline map is useful.