Bhasu Vihara

Beautifully located amidst rice fields, Bhasu Vihara is known locally as Narapatir Dhap. It's an important part of the Buddhist heritage of Bangladesh and remains of several significant monastery buildings have been discovered.

Three of the five mounds of the site have been fully excavated. They have revealed two monasteries and a shrine from either the pre-Pala period or the post-Gupta period. The large monastery has an open space in the centre and rooms for the monks surrounding it. The smaller monastery has a similar layout, with a veranda at the front.

There is also excavation work taking place on a second temple and you're able to get a close-up look at some of the archaeological processes. Archaeologists have already discovered hundreds of antique items here, including plaques, precious stones, ornamental tablets, and clay lamps.

Bhasu Vihara is about six kilometres away from the ancient city of Mahasthangarh. Visiting it is one of the highlights of the region but, despite its significance, is usually quiet. It is easy to explore it by foot and also get some lovely views of the surrounding scenery.