Maynamati Shalban Bihar – Comilla

Maynamati Shalban Bihar is one of the most popular archaeological sites from Bangladesh that is located in Comilla. This site previously was known as Salban Rajar bari, in English which means the house of Shalban’s King. But after the excavation a ground plan of a Buddhist monastery (measuring 550′ x 500′) with 115 monastic cells was exposed. After that it is now popularly known as Salban Vihara or Bihar. A dominant central shrine and its monumental gateway on the north is its special attraction.

From one of the terracotta sealing, we came to know that this monastery was built by Sri Bhava Deva, the 4th ruler of the early Deva dynasty during mid 8th century A.D.; So during its hey-day it was called Bhava Deva Maha Vihara. The antiquities recovered during the excavation are now displayed at the Maynamati Museum.

How to go

First you have to come to Comilla. You can reach at Comilla by bus or train. Its around 2 hours bus or train journey. I have gone there by bus. From my experience, Asia Lines and Tisha are the two affordable transport facilities that you can use. It will cost you 110 Taka per person.

The final destination of the bus is Comilla town, but it will be better for you to get down at Comilla Cantonment. Because it’s nearer from Comilla Cantonment rather than Comilla town. Take a CNG/battery driven auto rickshaw to reach near the Maynamati from there.

Entry fee

To enter the Shalban Bihar you’d require to buy a ticket. It will cost you 10 Taka per person. You can enjoy your time until the time is up. It’s a picnic spot, and a lot of students from different schools gather here as a study tour.

Maynamati Museum

Beside the Shalban Bihara you’d find a museum affluent with collections from the excavation of the Archeological sites. Like other museums, you are not allowed to use any cameras inside. You have to buy a ticket to enter the Museum. Each person will cost 10 Taka. We were there only for five minutes as we were running out of time!

After visiting the Rupban Mura, we headed towards the famous archaeological site at Maynamati, Comilla. We have hired a battery driven auto rickshaw. It was a very short ride as it was very near from there.