Travel India: 10 Wonderful places you MUST visit in Bihar

Image Courtesy: Hideyuki KAMON.

In India, the state of Bihar displays a significant cultural heritage. Located on the northern side of India, this state is famous for its monuments that showcase elaborate architectural designs and other fascinating places. The well-known Ganga river flows through Bihar making the land very fertile, which is favourable for the agricultural purpose. There are many places for tourists from all around the world to visit when travelling to Bihar. Let us now see some of the 10 Best Places to visit in Bihar:

1. Nalanda University

Nalanda is one of the oldest monasteries in the world, which was established in the 5th century AD. The Nalanda University has been imparting knowledge to its students since it was found in 2010. The architecture of this university is magnificent, constructed with red rocks and stupas. It is an extraordinary place from the student’s point of view.

INFORMATION

• The students from all over the world used to come at the Nalanda University for studying
• It is believed that Buddha himself was the teacher here

2. Bodhgaya

Bodhgaya is one of the important places for Buddhist pilgrims. This is the place where Buddha started meditating under the Bodhi tree and he received his enlightenment. The Mahabodhi Temple is the main attraction for all tourist who comes here. There are also other smaller Buddhist temples and monasteries. Numerous people visit this temple every year.

INFORMATION

• Mahabodhi temple is declared as the world heritage site by the UNESCO
• The government of Bihar has provided special provisions for the tourists coming here

3. Buxar Fort

The Buxar fort is an ancient fort in the Bihar. The fort was used by the king of Bhutan to protect the route which connects Tibet, India and Bhutan. The monks coming from Tibet used to give salvation to refugees in this fort. The fort has a nice architecture with some detailed carvings done on the walls. The steps built to climb this fort are also particularly attractive.

INFORMATION

• The Buxar fort is located at the height of about 867 meters above the sea level
• This is also a very nice trekking spot for the trek loving people

4. Gaya

The Gaya is one of the main Hindu pilgrimage places in the Bihar. The Vishnupad temple is visited by many Hindus every year. The Gaya area is surrounded hills like Brahmayoni, Ram-Shila, Shringa-Sthan, Mangla-Gauri and the other side enclosed by the river. This area is covered in greenery which easily catches a tourist’s attention.

INFORMATION

• The ritual of the “Pinda Dan” is also done here
• “Gautam Buddha Wildlife Sanctuary” is another worth seeing place here

5. Hieun Tsang Memorial Hall

The Hieun Tsang Memorial Hall was built in the memory of the famous Chinese traveller and scholar Hieun Tsang. He had learned yoga hereunder expert guidance. This place is visited by many tourists. The memorial has been built with portraying admirable Chinese architectural design.

INFORMATION

• The Acharya Shil Bhadra has thought yoga to the Hieun Tsang
• Many of the people visit this site every year to visit here

6. Rajgir

Rajgir is an attractive place in Bihar, where you may find hot springs. Many of the tourists do come here and have some hot bath here. This area is well-known for Buddhism as well as Jainism. The green mountains here are very attractive, which can easily mesmerize many tourists.

INFORMATION

• Brahmakud is one of the hottest spring in Rajgir
• The word Rajgir is derived from the name “Rajgir hills” located here

7. Griddhakuta Peak

Griddhakuta is located at a great height. This peak is considered to be a sacred place for Buddhists, as it is believed that Buddha had given various sermons here. Here, you can find naturally formed caves which seem very adventurous. Tourists do visit this place in large numbers. This peak being at a bigger height is difficult to travel to for old people and physically challenged people. However, the chairlift facilities have helped these people reach the peak.

INFORMATION

• The Griddhakuta peak is also known as the “The Vulture Peak”, as their are many vultures here
• It is believed that this place was one of the favorite retreat of Buddha

8. Navlakha Palace

The Navlakha Palace is an attractive place in Bihar, visited by many tourists. Maharaja Rameshwar Singh had built this palace in the 17th century. This palace was damaged heavily during the earthquake in the year 1934 and was never rebuilt again. However, it still remains as a unique attraction for various tourists. The Durga temple situated here is also marvellous.

INFORMATION

• The hall of this palace is wonderful, where earlier music and dance performance used to happen here
• This place is easily accessible through road and railway

9. Jalmandir Temple

The Jal Mandir is situated near the lake. The name “Jal Mandir” literally means water temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Mahavira. The temple is believed to be built by the elder brother of Mahavir, King Nandivardhan. Many of the followers of the Mahavir do visit this place every year. Tourists are found to be astounded by the architecture on visiting this temple.

INFORMATION

• It is one of the main temples in the Pawapuri area
• It is believed that the foot prints of the Mahavir is deified here known as “Charan Paduka”

10. Sonepur Fair

The Sonepur fair is a very famous fair in the Bihar. The fair is held near the confluence of the river Ganga and Gandak. This fair is held for fifteen days and is the largest cattle fair in the whole of Asia. Here, you can see various animals like elephants, bullocks, goats, etc. This place is heavily crowded as the people from all over the country flock to this place. This is an attractive fair, which is visited by many of the tourists.

INFORMATION

• It is believed that the Chandragupta Maurya, use to buy horses and elephants from here
• This places is visited by many people from across the Asia.

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