Ananda Bihara Comilla

Ananda Bihara, the ancient archeological architecture of Bangladesh, is located in Mainamati, Kotbari, Comilla district headquarters . The largest of the other structures at Mainamati, this temple was the last Buddhist university in the subcontinent. At the center of the grand vihara structure designed in square shape is the central temple and a beautiful dighi. On each arm of the structure surrounding the temple are monks' chambers. The central part of the northern side of the temple, situated in the middle of a wide courtyard, has the only entrance to the temple. Among the various archaeological artifacts recovered from Bihar, 63 silver coins, bronze statues, terracotta sculptures and kilns used for firing pottery are noteworthy.

Sri Anand Dev, the third ruler of the Deva dynasty, built the Anand Vihar in the seventh or early eighth century. Anand Vihar is believed to have been the capital of the plateau in the late seventh century. Later in 1944-45 AD, the excavation of Anand Vihar was brought to the attention of the proper authorities. At present, only the southern side of the temple has been excavated, yet most of Bihar remains to be excavated.

There are train and bus services from Dhaka to Comilla. Comilla can be reached by train from Dhaka to Comilla by train like Mahanagar Godhuli, Akashto Express, Paharika Express and Turna. The fare per person from Dhaka to Comilla is Tk 170-702 depending on the class.

There are non AC or AC bus services like Royal Coach, Asia Aircon, Prince, Asia Line, Trisha to reach Comilla by road. The fare will be Tk 250 to Tk 400 depending on the bus. Or you can take any bus going Chittagong or Feni to reach Comilla Cantonment.

One can go to Anand Vihar in Kotbari through Comilla Cantonment or from CNG or Tempu from Kotbari Bishwaroad. To go to Anand Vihar from Comilla city, you can take CNG to Kotbari from Tomchambridge Choumohni and take auto or rickshaw.

For overnight stay in Comilla there are various quality hotels in Kandirpar, Shirangacha and Station Road. For example - Hotel Victoria Residential, Amania Rest House, Hotel Dream Land, Masum Rest House, Hotel Melody, Hotel Noor, Hotel Sonali etc. There are also Circuit House and Zilla Parishad Dak Bungalow for government officials.

Bus Stand Road in Comilla town has several restaurants to eat at. Among the sweets, Rasmalai and Rasgolla of Manoharpur in Comilla, Peda of Bhagwati, Malai Chop of Mithai and Malaikari of Matribhoomi are famous.

Other places to visit in Comilla include War Cemetery , Shalban Vihar , Magic Paradise, Bard, Dharma Sagar and New Buddhist Temple.

Feature Image: Bangladesh News