Bihar is a culturally diverse eastern state divided by the River Ganges, rich in historical monuments and religious places, and home to many forest reserves. Bihar is derived from the Sanskrit word “vihara, which means the religious community of a Buddhist monastery. Patna, the capital city, is also a sacred city for the Sikhs; it is where the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, was born. Though not much explored by tourists, it has many things to offer in terms of culture, heritage buildings, and ancient historic places.

In this blog, let’s explore the best tourist attractions in Bihar, which will be an exciting, fun-loving, and informative trip :

1. Bodhgaya

Bihar is the place where the Buddha began his journey to enlightenment. For Buddhist followers, it is considered the most sacred place in the world, where Buddha meditated under a Bodhi tree. Even the Mahabodhi spot is marked as a UNESCO heritage site to visit. Bodhgaya has many Buddhist monasteries and temples with varying architectural styles. People often visit this place to seek peace.

How to reach

The nearest railway station is Gaya Junction, which is 13 kilometres away from Bodh Gaya. One can reach holy Bodhgaya by hiring a local taxi or private car.

2. Ruins Of Nalanda University 

The ruin of Nalanda University is dated to the fifth century, which makes it one of the world’s oldest universities. Nalanda was an educational centre for Buddhist learning where approximately 10,000 monks and students were enrolled. The centre was operational until the 12^th century when it was ransacked by Muslim invaders who even set fire to the library so that important books, knowledge, and religious material wouldn’t exist for future generations. According to records, more than nine million manuscripts are thought to have been destroyed. In 2016, UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site.

 

 

How to reach? 

Rajgir is the nearest railway junction, located about 12 kilometres away from Nalanda. Trains from Delhi, Patna, and Gaya stop at the station. From the station, one can hire a taxi or even take local transport.

3. Vishwa Shanti Stupa, Rajgir

Stupa is an ancient architectural monument that was excavated during mining and represents an ancient dynasty. Vishwa Shanti Stupa is one of the seven known World Peace Pagodas. It resembles Japanese-style carving and architecture. The pagoda was built in 1969 and is located in Rajgir. It has four statues of Buddha, which indicate the four important phases of Buddha’s life—birth, enlightenment, teaching, and death.

How to reach?

Again, Rajgir railway station is 8 km away from Vishwa Shanti Stupa, also known as the Japanese Stupa, which is a peace pagoda.

4. Vikramshila

Along with Nalanda University, Vikramashila was one of the oldest learning centres in India. The Pala Emperor established it in 783–820 AD because he felt that the quality of scholarship was not up to par at Nalanda University. He was a renowned pandit and philosopher at that time. Unfortunately, the place was destroyed by Muhammad bin Bakhtiyar Khalji around 1193.

How to reach?

The nearest Railway stations are Vikramshila and Kahalgaon. One can either hire a vehicle directly from Bhagalpur or Kahalgaon.

5. Sonepur Mela

Mela means fair, where people showcase their talent. There are adventurous rides and vendors with different styles of food, clothing, and accessories. Street magicians, religious gurus and tantriks, pilgrims, snack stalls, handicrafts, rides, circus performers, martial artists, and dancers all create mega-gala events to entertain people visiting the fair. The annual Sonepur Mela in Bihar combines spirituality, animal trading, and amusement. Tourists from all over Asia visit the festival, which is organized in November and December. The famous thing to watch in Sonepur Mela is the trading of livestock organized at the confluence of two mighty rivers, the Ganga and the Gandak. The fair lasts from fifteen days to one month.

How to reach?

To visit Sonepur Mela, one can board a train to Patna or Hajipur Station.