The Path: Regenerating tourism in Mainamati

Abstract

Bangladesh is enriched with archeological sites all over the country which plays a very significant role to fortify the past history. These sites work as a bridge between the past and present and an inspiration for the future. Unfortunately, most of these site remains unexplored and neglected resulting to being beneficial nowhere near its potential. Shalban Bihara, Somapura Mahavihara are finest examples of the flourishment of Buddhism in Bengal which used to be center for education and meditation for Buddhist scholars is now nothing but ruins. The steps government has taken to conserve these sites are insignificant and unauthorised development around the sites keeps popping out every other day and given tourists facilities doesn’t even meet basic tourism demands such as amenities. This project aims to increase public awareness of cultural heritage, while establishing a connection between old and new structures of Shalban vihara, as well as provide amenities for visitors, archaeologists, researchers, and travel enthusiasts.