Shantipur Forest Monastery & Giant Buddha
The largest towering Buddha statue in Bangladesh amidst peaceful forest hills
Quick Travel Facts & Visitor Guide (2026)
Shantipur Forest Monastery & Giant Buddha is a prominent travel destination in Panchhari, Khagrachari, Chattogram Hill Tracts, Bangladesh. The optimal time to visit is October to March for cool, pleasant winter weather and clear skies. for a recommended trip duration of Half day (Easily combined with Mayabini Lake). Entry ticket is Free Entry and weekly off day is Open Daily. A renowned Theravada Buddhist forest monastery in Panchhari, Khagrachari, famous for housing the largest Buddha statue in South Asia, rising 48.5 feet high on a scenic forested hilltop.
Overview
Shantipur Forest Monastery (Shantipur Aranya Kutir & Banabihar) is one of the most sacred and visually awe-inspiring Buddhist spiritual sanctuaries in Bangladesh, situated in the tranquil forested hills of Shantipur in Panchhari upazila of Khagrachari district. The monastery is world-famous for housing the largest towering Buddha statue in Bangladesh, which is also among the tallest seated Buddha images in South Asia.
The colossal golden-hued Buddha statue rises to a majestic height of 48.5 feet (approx. 15 metres) on an elevated lotus pedestal atop a scenic hillock. Depicted in the serene Dhyana Mudra (meditation posture), the monumental statue radiates profound calmness, visible from miles away across the rolling green valleys and forests of Panchhari.
Founded by revered Buddhist monks following the ascetic forest-dwelling (Aranyavasi) tradition, the monastery compound spans extensive peaceful grounds. It features shaded meditation paths, traditional wooden prayer halls, monks' kutirs (solitary meditation huts), sacred Bodhi trees, and vibrant flower gardens.
Devotees and travelers of all faiths are welcomed into an atmosphere of deep tranquility, mindfulness, and spiritual grace, making Shantipur Banabihar a deeply uplifting cultural landmark of the Hill Tracts.
History & Culture
The monastery was established in 1999 by the venerated monk Venerable Seevali Mahathero, dedicated to the rigorous meditation practices of the Theravada forest tradition.
Construction of the monumental 48.5-foot Buddha statue was completed through generous contributions from Buddhist devotees across Bangladesh, Thailand, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka.
The site serves as a vital center of Buddhist spiritual learning, annual Kathin Chibar Dan robes-offering ceremonies, and peaceful interfaith pilgrimage.
Top things to do in Shantipur Forest Monastery & Giant Buddha
Admire the Giant Buddha Statue
Stand at the base of the monumental 48.5-foot golden Buddha statue to admire its serene expression, lotus throne, and spiritual grace.
Walk the Peaceful Forest Meditation Paths
Stroll silently along the shaded paths between monks' meditation huts and sacred Bodhi trees.
Pay Respects at the Monastic Shrine
Light a candle or incense at the altar and experience the calm, contemplative atmosphere of the forest monastery.
Combine with Mayabini Lake Tour
Pair your spiritual visit with pedal boating and island walks at nearby Mayabini Lake in Panchhari.
Video Guide: Experience Shantipur Forest Monastery & Giant Buddha
Watch cinematic 4K footage and essential visual travel highlights before planning your trip to Shantipur Forest Monastery & Giant Buddha.
Shantipur Forest Monastery & Giant Buddha in pictures
Curated photography via Wikimedia Commons under Creative Commons licensing.
Highlights
- ✓The largest Buddha statue in Bangladesh (48.5 feet tall seated in meditation)
- ✓Serene Theravada forest monastery grounds shaded by mature trees
- ✓Sacred Bodhi tree shrine and traditional wooden monastic prayer halls
- ✓Quiet forest walking and meditation trails in the green Panchhari hills
- ✓Annual Kathin Chibar Dan festival drawing thousands of devotees
- ✓Panoramic hilltop views of the surrounding countryside and distant ridges
How to reach Shantipur Forest Monastery & Giant Buddha (Transport Routes)
Take a CNG auto-rickshaw or private car from Khagrachari town north along the Panchhari road to Shantipur village (approx. 25 km, 45 mins).
Best time to visit Shantipur Forest Monastery & Giant Buddha& Seasonal Advisory
November to February: Cool, dry season; ideal for quiet contemplation, walking the monastery grounds, and photography.
October / November: Annual Kathin Chibar Dan festival; colorful Buddhist robes-offering ceremonies and cultural gatherings.
Year-round: Peaceful and welcoming in all seasons.
Where to stay near Shantipur Forest Monastery & Giant Buddha
Stay at hotels in Khagrachari town (25 km south). Basic pilgrim guest facilities are available for spiritual retreatants.
Local food & dining
- 🍽️Traditional vegetarian offerings and tea at the monastery visitor room
- 🍽️Local indigenous dishes in Panchhari town bazaar
- 🍽️Fresh hill fruits and coconut water from local stalls
Essential Travel Tips & Rules for Shantipur Forest Monastery & Giant Buddha
- 💡Dress modestly with covered shoulders and knees when visiting this active Buddhist monastery.
- 💡Remove footwear before stepping onto the temple platforms and around the Buddha statue pedestal.
- 💡Maintain quiet, respectful silence around the monks' meditation quarters.
- 💡Combine with Mayabini Lake (5 km away) for a fulfilling day excursion in Panchhari.
Nearby Places to Visit around Shantipur Forest Monastery & Giant Buddha
Combine your visit to Shantipur Forest Monastery & Giant Buddha with these closely located attractions and scenic destinations.
4.1 km (SW)A picturesque 40-acre natural lake dotted with scenic green islands, pedal boating, and shaded gazebos, located in the peaceful hill country of Panchhari in Khagrachari.
5.8 km (S)A scenic single-drop waterfall in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, reached by a short forest trek from Khagrachari town and loved for its cool pools and sacred stream.
21 km (S)A modern, scenic hilltop park and observation viewpoint in Khagrachari, offering unobstructed 360-degree panoramas of emerald valleys, winding rivers, and rolling hill chains.
22.5 km (S)Khagrachari is the peaceful district town of the central Chittagong Hill Tracts, surrounded by forested hills and serving as a base for exploring indigenous communities, caves and waterfalls.
Curated Destination Highlights
Frequently Asked Questions about Shantipur Forest Monastery & Giant Buddha
How tall is the Buddha statue at Shantipur Banabihar?+
The statue stands 48.5 feet (approx. 15 metres) high, making it the largest Buddha statue in Bangladesh.
Is there an entry fee to visit the monastery?+
No, entry to the monastery and temple grounds is completely free. Voluntary donations are welcomed.
Can non-Buddhists visit Shantipur Banabihar?+
Yes, visitors of all religious faiths and backgrounds are warmly welcomed to appreciate the art, history, and tranquil atmosphere.
Related Destinations & Travel Guides
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A picturesque 40-acre natural lake dotted with scenic green islands, pedal boating, and shaded gazebos, located in the peaceful hill country of Panchhari in Khagrachari.
Alutila Cave is a vast limestone cavern north of Khagrachari town, offering narrow tunnels, tall chambers and a sunlit exit in the heart of the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
A modern, scenic hilltop park and observation viewpoint in Khagrachari, offering unobstructed 360-degree panoramas of emerald valleys, winding rivers, and rolling hill chains.
Khagrachari is the peaceful district town of the central Chittagong Hill Tracts, surrounded by forested hills and serving as a base for exploring indigenous communities, caves and waterfalls.
A revered, mystical natural freshwater lake perched 1,000 feet high atop Nunchhari hill in Mahalchhari, Khagrachari, held sacred by the indigenous Tripura and Marma communities.