Mainamati War Cemetery travel guide

At a glance

Established

After the Second World War (graves from 1943–1947)

Graves

More than 700

Run by

Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Entry

Free

History and details

During the Second World War many soldiers wounded fighting Japan on the Burma (Myanmar) front were brought to the military hospital in Cumilla. Those who died in battle or under treatment were buried here.

The cemetery also holds graves of British, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand, Indian, East and West African and Japanese soldiers. Each grave has a symbol of the soldier's faith and their name, age and regiment — a reminder of the human side of war.

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission looks after the place with great care; with its green lawns, flower beds and calm, it is one of the best-kept sites in the country.

Things to do

• Read the register and information panels at the entrance
• Walk quietly around the cemetery
• Visit on the same day as Shalban Vihara

How to get to Mainamati War Cemetery

Beside the Cumilla–Sylhet highway, about 7 km from town.

Cumilla is about 100 km from Dhaka; the journey takes 2–2.5 hours.

• 🚌 By bus: Tisha, Asia Line, Prince from Sayedabad; fare ৳250–400.
• 🚆 By train: Chattogram/Noakhali-bound trains from Kamalapur to Cumilla, fare ৳150–400.

Where to stay

• Mid-range hotels in Kotbari and town; the BARD guest house

What to eat

Rasmalai from Matribhandar (the most famous), khadi cloth

Good to know

• Keep the atmosphere peaceful

More to see nearby

• Shalban Vihara (8 km)
• Dharmasagar Dighi (7 km)
• Cumilla Cantonment area

More places to visit in Cumilla district

• Shalban Vihara — Ruins of a 7th–8th century Buddhist monastery; the Mainamati Museum is next door.
• Mainamati Museum — Archaeological finds from the Mainamati area: statues, coins and terracotta plaques.
• Dharmasagar Dighi — A huge 15th-century pond in the middle of town; a place for an afternoon walk.

Location on the map