Bihar, one of the most culturally diverse state and abode of great Indian preacher like Siddharth Gautam Buddha and Vardhaman Mahavir, has its unique place in Indian culture. Gangetic plain makes Bihar more fertile and thus thriving ground for other cultural dimensions. This centuries old land was a center of power to control entire north India. Many Kingdoms like Maurya, Gupta, Pala and Magadh were associated with fertile plains of Bihar. Bhojpuri, Maithili and other cultures added a new flavour to melting pot of Bihar. For all these reasons Bihar remained one of the most popular tourist destinations among foreign travelers.
So, Let’s explore top 10 popular travel destinations in Bihar which every tourist must visit once in a lifetime.
1. Vaishali
Vaishali is a birthplace of last Jain Tirthankar Vardhaman Mahavira. Another major event this place was a witness to was the last sermon of Buddha. Vaishali was also known for its beautiful courtesan Amrapali in its kingdom. So, you can see in Vaishali, a well-preserved Ashokan Pillar and many other traces of ancient and medieval history. This ancient city finds mention in the travel accounts of eminent Chinese travellers like Fa-hien and Hieun Tsang.
2. Patna
It is the capital city of Bihar. Situated on the southern bank of Ganga, it is the largest city of Bihar. Patna being known as Patliputra in ancient India, the city is also believed to be the one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Patna is a birthplace of last Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh. Today’s Patna is a developing city, which is endeavoring to match up to the modernization; malls, high-end hotels and theatres have cropped in the city.
3. Gaya
Gaya, which is a Hindu pilgrimage hub and a transit point for Buddhist pilgrimage centre of Bodhgaya. It is believed that it was here under the tree that Buddha attained enlightenment. It is based on bank of River Phalgu and it is replete with many temples and historic sites dating back to different eras that stand as the evidence to the successful rule of Maurya and Gupta dynasty here.
4. Nalanda University
Ancient educational hub of India from where many scholars of world studied. It is believed that the last and most famous Jain Tirthankara, Mahavira spent 14 monsoon seasons here. Even, Buddha is said to have delivered lectures near the mango grove in Nalanda. Today most parts of Nalanda lie in ruins but the place is surely worth exploring.
5. Navlakha Palace, Rajnagar
Navlakha Palace is in Rajnagar near Madhubani in Bihar. It was built by Maharaja Rameshwar Singh and suffered extensively from destruction during an earthquake in 1934. It is a royal palace and still marvellous at its architectural brilliance. The palace complex comprised of gardens, pond and temples.
6. Vishwa Shanti Stupa, Rajgir
It is also known as the World Peace Pagoda, Vishwa Shanti Stupa is in the historic city of Rajgir. It is one of the 7 Peace Pagodas built in India and is certainly a must visit in Bihar. Marked by four statues of Buddha that reflects four important phases of Buddha’s life – birth, enlightenment, teaching and death, this Peace Pagoda is amongst the finest examples of Japanese architecture in India.
7. Sher Shah Suri Tomb, Sasaram
Built in 1545 AD in the memory of Emperor Sher Shah Suri, this tomb is one of the examples of Indo-Islamic architecture in India. Architecturally splendid and erected at the middle of an artificial lake, this sandstone structure is worth a visit in Bihar.
8. Janki Temple, Sitamarhi
Sitamarhi is the birthplace of Sita, the wife of Lord Rama. Janki Temple is the place, where Sita was born and in order to mark this event, a temple was constructed here. A pond nearby called the Janki Kund is a place of interest for devotees as well as tourists.
9. Kanwar Lake Bird Sanctuary, Begusarai
It is India’s largest freshwater Oxbow lake. Situated in Begusarai, this lake is famous Bird Sanctuary is reckoned to be the haven for 60 species of migratory birds.
10. Buxar Fort, Buxar
Constructed in 1054 AD by King Rudra Deo, Buxar Fort is a reminiscent of the glorious past of Bihar. The fort is known for its architectural brilliance and the carvings on the wall. Tourists have the chance to witness a whole treasure trove of artifacts here.