Trip Facts
It is said that Gautama Buddha once came to this region to spread Buddhism. Because of its geographical location since ancient times the entire region of Bengal, including the Somapura Mahavihara has become one of the vital links between India and Southeast Asia. According to the numismatics Sompur Buddhist Bihar was built in the 8th century by the second Pala king Dharmapala (781-821 AD) of the Pala Empire. This Great Monastery was a renowned intellectual center until the 17th century. The monastery is distinguished by its unique artistic achievement. The terracotta plaques of musicians, snake charmers, and animals decorate the outer walls of the temple depicting the life of common people who lived a thousand years ago. In addition to a large number of Stupas and shrines of various sizes and shapes, terracotta plaques, stone sculptures, inscriptions, coins, ceramics and many more have been discovered during excavation. It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.
Mahasthangarh (Mohasthangor) was the provincial capital from the mighty Maurya, Gupta to the Sena dynasty period. It represents the earliest and the largest archaeological site in Bangladesh consists of the ruins of the ancient city of Pundranagara. The city was probably founded by the Maurya Empire in the 3rd century BC. Many travelers, archeologists, and scholars like Chinese pilgrim Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang) visited this affluent city in the 7th century AD. Later Francis Buchanan Hamilton (a Scottish geographer), O’Donnell, Westmacott, William Beveridge, and Sir Alexander Cunningham visited this site and mentioned it in their reports. Various monasteries are scattered throughout the vast area outside of the main citadel. Among them, Govinda Bhita, Bairagir Bhita, Khodar Pathar Bhita, Parasuram Palace, Godaibari Dhap, Noropotir Dhap, Gokul Medh (Lokhindorer Bashor Ghor), Bhasu Bihar (Narapatir Dhap) are the most significant and remarkable sites.
Overview
- Visit 16th century built Kherua Mosque
- Visit Somapura Mahavihara, the UNESCO world heritage site
- Visit ruins of the ancient city Mahasthangarh which was a capital once upon a time
- Visit some rural areas to see the culture and customs of ordinary people
- Visit a village market (Bazaar)
- Visit a Char (sandbank island that isolated from the mainland created from river sedimentation)
- Boat ride on Jamuna river
- Interact with local people.
- Enjoy a unique experience beyond your expectations.
