Mainamati once known as 'Samatata' denotes a land lying almost even with the sea-level. An isolated eleven-mile long spur of dimpled low hill range known as the Mainamati- Lalmai range runs through the middle of Comilla district from north to south.

Excavation on this range has revealed over 50 ancient sites dotting the hills, mostly containing various types of Buddhist remains of the 8th to 12th centuries A. D. Excavations at a number of sites, locally known as Salban Vihara, Kutila Mura, Ananda Rajar Badi, Chaarpatra Mura, Mainamati Ranir Badi from 1955 till todate, besides exposing many Buddhist monasteries temples and stupas, have also yielded a rich collection of stones and bronze sculptures of various gods and goddesses, coins, reliquaries, royal copper plate grants, terracotta plaques, jewellery, pots and pans and other miscellaneous objects of daily use which eloquently speak of the glorious cultural attainments of the period.

Salban Vihara is an extensive centre of Buddhist culture of 7th to 12th century. The attractions include Buddhist Vihara (monastery) with imposing central shrine, Kotila Mura, another Buddhist establishment 5 km. north of Salban Vihara. Chaarpatra Mura an isolated shrine about 2.5 km north-west of Kotila Mura and Bangladesh Academy for Rural Development, known for its pioneering role in co-operative movement in the country.

Mainamati is only 114 km. from Dhaka city and is just two hours drive on way to Chittagong.