As winter gently settles across the country, the historic Shalban Bihar and the Mainamati Museum in Cumilla are becoming alive once again with colour, calm and charm, inviting tourists with their timeless wonders.

Under the Department of Archaeology of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, the sites have been beautified with flower gardens, strengthened security systems and enhanced cleanliness measures.

Members of the Tourist Police and Ansar remain on duty day and night to ensure visitor safety.

Two ancient archaeological sites of Bangladesh sites—Shalban Buddhist Bihar and the Mainamati Museum stand against the green slopes of the Lalmai–Mainamati hill range, which is a living testimony of Bangladesh's ancient Buddhist civilization, architectural style and culture.

 A Window into 7th–8th Century Buddhist Life

Shalban Bihar, located in Kotbari of Cumilla Sadar upazila, is believed to have been built between the late 7th and early 8th century by Shri Bhavadeva, the fourth ruler of the Deva dynasty. Spread across nearly 37 acres, the quadrangular Bihar measures 167.7 meters on each side, with outer walls almost five meters thick.

 At its heart stands a central shrine, surrounded by 115 monastic cells where Buddhist monks once lived, studied and meditated. Each cell contains three niches designed to hold statues, oil lamps and religious objects.

Excavations have unearthed eight copperplates, around 400 gold and silver coins, terracotta plaques, seals and bronze and clay images—testimony to a thriving Buddhist culture that once flourished across the region.

Bihar derives its name from the Sal and Gazari forest that once enveloped the area, traces of which still remain today.

A Museum Rich with Centuries of Heritage

Just beside the Bihar stands the Mainamati Museum, home to a vast collection of artifacts recovered from archaeological sites across the Lalmai–Mainamati belt.

Established in 1965, the museum displays statues, terracotta plaques, coins and other relics that attract researchers and tourists from around the world.

Currently, the Kotbari area, located about eight kilometers west of Cumilla city, has become one of Bangladesh’s most popular tourist destinations.

Winter Rush Brings Thousands

With the onset of winter, the area is thronged by both domestic and foreign tourists. School, college and university study tours, family outings and picnic groups turn the entire zone vibrant and festive.

Dilip Rari, a visitor from Narsingdi who came to Cumilla for training at BARD, said the historic relics left a deep impression on him. “The ancient Buddhist architecture feels like walking through living history,” he said.

Mohammad Shahin Alam, custodian of the museum and Bihar, said thousands visit the site daily, with numbers increasing several fold during winter.

“We have taken special measures for safety, beautification and cleanliness. The entire Bihar is decorated with flower gardens, which has made it even more appealing to visitors,” he said.

The gardens in the museum and monastery courtyard, adorned with various types of flowers, are captivating visitors. By planting flower saplings brought from different parts of the country, the entire area has transformed into a colorful landscape.

Shalban Bihar and Mainamati Museum contribute significant revenue each year to the national exchequer. Along with the increase in the number of visitors, revenue is also steadily rising. In the 2024-25 fiscal year, revenue reached Tk 1.24 crore.

A Living Symbol of Bangladeshi Heritage

With its unique blend of history, culture, architecture and natural beauty, Shalban Buddhist Bihar and the Mainamati Museum stand as shining symbols of Bangladesh’s ancient heritage. And as the winter tourism season unfolds, these historic sites are once again coming alive with renewed energy and enthusiasm.