Personal highlights

1. Somapura Mahavihara: largest Buddhist monastery south of the Himalayas 
2. History: built in the 8th century AD by the emperor of the Pala empire
3. Architecture: large compound with rooms for monks and cross-shaped temple 
4. UNESCO: protected for its unique architecture and religious importance
5. Journey: not easy to find and only accessible by car, this is a hidden gem!

Image sources

1. Flooded area with trees
2. Only the ground stones are left
3. Restored terracotta decoration
4. Overgrown terracotta decoration
5. Me in front of the Sompur Mahavihara