Trip to Paharpur (Single Largest Buddhist Monastery in the World)

Package Overview

Buddhist Vihara at Paharpur

The Somapura Vihara is a Buddhist Monastery dating from the late 8th century. It is located in Paharpur, in the northwest of Bangladesh. It is said to be the second largest single Buddhist monastery south of the Himalayas. It was made a WHS as a tribute to the Pala dynasty, that ruled Bengal and Bihar for 3,5 centuries from the middle of the 8th century.

The monastery is built as a quadrangle, measuring 281 meter on each side. All outer four wings contain monastic cells, 177 in total. In the center of the vast open courtyard of the monastery stands the shrine. Its remains are still 21 meter high and have three gradually diminishing terraces. The walls were built of burnt bricks; some ornamented with motifd of flowers and seated Buddhas. There were also bands of terracotta plaques in rows all around the terraces.

From the 12th century on, after numerous attacks by invaders, the monks left and the
Monastery buildings suffered decline and disintegration.

The site was first proposed as a World Heritage Site (WHS) in 1984, but then deferred by the Committee because of plans for mining industries in the proximity. In 1985, after giving guarantees about establishing a buffer zone, it was finally included on the World Heritage List.

Paharpur is a small village 5 km. west of Jamalganj in the greater Rajshahi district where the remains of the most important and the largest known monastery south of the Himalayas has been excavated. This 7th century archaeological find covers approximately an area of 27acres of land. The entire establishment, occupying a quadrangular court, measuring more than 900 ft. externally on each side, has high enclosure- walls about 16 ft. in thickness and from 12 ft. to 15 ft. height. With elaborate gateway complex on the north, there are 45 cells on the north and 44 in each of the other three sides with a total number of 177 rooms. The architecture of the pyramidal cruciform temple is profoundly influenced by those of South-East Asia, especially Myanmar and Java.

A small site-Museum built in 1956-57 houses the representative collection of objects recovered from the area.The excavated findings have also been preserved at theVarendra Research Museum at Rajshahi.The antiquities of the museum include terracotta plaques, images of different gods and goddesses, potteries, coins, inscriptions, ornamental bricks and other minor clay objects.

King Dharma Pal established Paharpur Buddhist Monastery in 7th century, which is the most important and the largest known monastery south of the Himalayas, has been excavated. The main Mandir is in the center of this Monastery. This 7th century archaeological find covers approximately an area of 27 acres of land.
A small site-Museum built in 1956-57 houses the representative collection of objects recovered from the area, where you can see the statues of Buddha and Vishnu. The excavated findings have also been preserved at the Varendra Research Museum at Rajshahi. The antiquities of the museum include terracotta plaques, images of different gods and goddesses, potteries, coins, inscriptions, ornamental bricks and other minor clay objects.

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Day wise Itinerary

• Day 1 : Dhaka

  Meet and Greet in Dhaka Airport, Transfer and check in to the Hotel. Overnight stay in Dhaka

• Day 2 : Bengal Sonargaon

  The Guide will meet you and leave Dhaka by car to the oldest Capital of Bengal Sonargaon. It is about one hour drive from Dhaka. After spend one hour there, we will take a short break at the 2nd world war cemetery in Comilla. Lunch will be served in a local restaurant. After Lunch enjoy magnificent beauty of ruin of ancient (7th to 12th centuries) Old Buddhist Civilization at Mainamoti which includes Shalban Bihara, Itakhola Mura, Lalmai Hill, Mainamoti Museum etc. Drive back to Dhaka by evening. Overnight Stay in Dhaka

  • Meals & Drinks : Breakfast in the Hotel

• Day 3 : Rajshahi

  Transfer to Rajshahi and Check into the Hotel, Overnight in Rajshahi

  • Meals & Drinks : Breakfast in the Hotel

• Day 4 : Paharpur

  Visiting Paharpur (Single Largest Buddhist Monastery in the World), Drive back to Dhaka and Check in the Hotel in Dhaka, Overnight Stay in Dhaka.

  • Meals & Drinks : Breakfast in the Hotel

• Day 5 : Transfer to the Airport

  Transfer to the Airport. End of the Journey

  • Meals & Drinks : Breakfast in the Hotel

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Inclusions

• Hotel

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Package Start From

• Dhaka, Bangladesh, Asia

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Terms & Conditions

Payment Terms & Methods :
* Some Advance Percentage of total booking amount * Airfare/Transport fare to be paid full at one time in advance.

Cancellation & Refund Policy :
* Upon cancellation, refund will be made after deducting the Retention Amount. * Retention Amount varies as per the number of days left before your package start date.

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This Tour is Offered by

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• 53, Hasan Plaza (5th Floor), Kawran Bazar, Dhaka, Bangladesh - 1215
• XXXXXX0008 View Contact
• XXXXXXXXXX@gmail.com View Mail ID

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