Home › Destinations › Comilla
Comilla, বাংলাদেশ - Things to Do in Comilla

Things to Do in Comilla

Comilla, বাংলাদেশ - Complete Travel Guide

Comilla, one of Bangladesh's most historically significant cities, stands as a testament to the region's rich cultural heritage spanning over a millennium. Located in southeastern Bangladesh, this ancient city served as the capital of the Tripura Kingdom and later became an important center during the Buddhist Pala dynasty. Today, Comilla seamlessly blends its archaeological treasures with modern urban life, offering visitors a unique glimpse into Bangladesh's layered history through its numerous ancient ruins, traditional crafts, and vibrant local culture. The city is renowned for its exceptional archaeological sites, including the famous Mainamati ruins complex, which houses some of the most significant Buddhist archaeological discoveries in the Indian subcontinent. Beyond its historical attractions, Comilla is celebrated for its traditional handloom industry, particularly the production of fine cotton textiles, and its role as an educational hub in the region. The city's strategic location makes it an ideal base for exploring the broader Chittagong Division while experiencing authentic Bengali culture away from the more touristy destinations.

Top Things to Do in Comilla

Explore Mainamati Archaeological Complex

Discover one of Bangladesh's most important Buddhist archaeological sites, featuring ruins dating from the 8th to 12th centuries. The complex includes the famous Salban Vihara, numerous stupas, and an excellent museum housing ancient artifacts, sculptures, and coins that tell the story of the region's Buddhist heritage.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around 20-30 BDT for locals and 100 BDT for foreigners. Visit early morning (8-10 AM) or late afternoon (4-6 PM) to avoid crowds and heat. Hire a local guide for 500-800 BDT to fully understand the historical significance.

Visit Kotbari Temple Complex

Experience this active Hindu temple complex dedicated to Kali, featuring traditional Bengali temple architecture and vibrant religious ceremonies. The temple is particularly atmospheric during evening prayers when devotees gather for rituals accompanied by traditional music and offerings.

Booking Tip: Free entry but donations are appreciated. Best visited during evening aarti (prayer) sessions around 6-7 PM. Dress modestly and remove shoes before entering temple areas. Photography may be restricted in certain areas.

Discover Traditional Handloom Workshops

Witness the centuries-old tradition of Bengali handloom weaving, where skilled artisans create intricate cotton and silk textiles using traditional techniques. Many workshops welcome visitors to observe the weaving process and purchase authentic handcrafted textiles directly from the makers.

Booking Tip: Most workshops offer free visits but appreciate small tips (100-200 BDT) for demonstrations. Best visited during working hours (9 AM-5 PM). Look for workshops in Chauddagram area known for quality textiles.

Explore Comilla War Cemetery

Pay respects at this beautifully maintained Commonwealth War Cemetery, honoring soldiers who died during World War II in the Burma Campaign. The cemetery features well-preserved graves, memorial walls, and peaceful gardens that provide a solemn reminder of the region's wartime history.

Booking Tip: Free entry and open daily from sunrise to sunset. Most peaceful in early morning or late afternoon. Allow 1-2 hours for a respectful visit. Maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

Experience Local Markets and Street Food

Immerse yourself in authentic Bengali culture at Comilla's bustling markets, particularly the Kandirpar Bazaar and Tomsom Bridge area. Sample local delicacies like roshmalai (a sweet dessert Comilla is famous for), fresh river fish preparations, and traditional Bengali snacks while experiencing the vibrant local atmosphere.

Booking Tip: Markets are most active in early morning (6-10 AM) and evening (4-8 PM). Budget 500-1000 BDT for food sampling. Look for busy stalls with high turnover for freshest food. Learn basic Bengali numbers for better bargaining.

Getting There

Comilla is well-connected to major Bangladeshi cities by road and rail. From Dhaka, regular bus services operate from Sayedabad and Gulistan terminals, taking approximately 3-4 hours and costing 300-600 BDT depending on bus quality. Train services run from Dhaka's Kamalapur Railway Station with several daily departures, taking about 4-5 hours and costing 200-800 BDT based on class. From Chittagong, buses and trains are available with journey times of 2-3 hours. The city is also accessible by air via nearby Comilla Airport, though commercial flights are limited.

Getting Around

Local transportation in Comilla primarily consists of auto-rickshaws (CNGs), cycle-rickshaws, and local buses. Auto-rickshaws are the most convenient option for tourists, charging 50-150 BDT for most destinations within the city. Cycle-rickshaws are cheaper (20-80 BDT) but slower, ideal for short distances and experiencing local life. Local buses connect different areas but can be crowded. For visiting archaeological sites and day trips, hiring a private car or motorcycle is recommended, costing 1500-3000 BDT per day. Most attractions within the city center are walkable, though roads can be busy during peak hours.

Where to Stay

Kandirpar area (city center)
Tomsom Bridge vicinity
Mainamati area (near archaeological sites)
Chauddagram (traditional area)
Station Road area
Dharmanagar locality

Food & Dining

Comilla's food scene celebrates authentic Bengali cuisine with the city being particularly famous for its roshmalai, a delicate milk-based sweet that originated here. Local restaurants serve excellent river fish preparations including hilsa, rohu, and catla prepared in traditional Bengali styles with mustard, coconut, and aromatic spices. Street food is abundant around Kandirpar Bazaar and Tomsom Bridge areas, offering favorites like fuchka, chotpoti, and various fried snacks. For sit-down dining, several restaurants near the city center serve both Bengali and subcontinental cuisine at very reasonable prices (150-400 BDT per meal). Don't miss trying the local variety of pithas (rice cakes) and traditional sweets from century-old confectioneries.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Bangladesh

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

Amrit restaurant

4.7 /5
(1567 reviews)
spa

The Grove Bistro

4.5 /5
(1556 reviews) 3

Breeze Restaurant

4.5 /5
(1188 reviews)

Kacchi Bari

4.5 /5
(890 reviews)

The Garden Kitchen at Sheraton Dhaka

4.5 /5
(788 reviews)

The Dining Lounge Uttara

4.6 /5
(664 reviews) 2

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Comilla is during the cooler months from November to February when temperatures are pleasant (15-25°C) and rainfall is minimal, making it perfect for exploring outdoor archaeological sites and walking around the city. March to May can be quite hot and humid (30-40°C), though early mornings and evenings remain comfortable for sightseeing. The monsoon season from June to October brings heavy rainfall that can disrupt travel plans and make some archaeological sites muddy, though the countryside becomes lush and green. Winter months also coincide with various local festivals and cultural events, offering visitors a chance to experience traditional celebrations and ceremonies.

Insider Tips

Visit the Mainamati Museum first to understand the historical context before exploring the archaeological ruins, and ask about the rarely mentioned Ananda Vihara site which is less crowded but equally fascinating
Try the authentic roshmalai from Matribhandar or Porabari sweet shops, which are considered the best in the city and far superior to versions found elsewhere in Bangladesh
Hire a local guide who speaks both Bengali and English for archaeological sites, as most information boards are in Bengali only, and they can provide access to lesser-known ruins not typically shown to tourists

Explore Activities in Comilla