Shalban Vihara

Shalban Vihara is the best-known of the Mainamati ruins in the Lalmai hills. It is a square monastery with rows of monks' cells around a central temple, built by kings of the Deva dynasty. Excavations here turned up coins, terracotta plaques and copper plates, many of which are shown in the Mainamati Museum next door. Walking the brick corridors in the late afternoon gives a real sense of a working monastic town.

How to get there

About 20–30 minutes by CNG from Cumilla town toward Kotbari.

Good to know

Museum and site usually close one day a week; check before going. Combine with the museum and Rupban Mura.

• #ruins
• #buddhist
• #archaeology
• #museum