Tourist Attractions in Bihar

The Indian Union State of Bihar lies in the central eastern India occupying a major portion of the Indo-Gangetic plains in the north of India. Bihar rich in history, culture, and civilization offers its most discerning tourist a wealth of attractions. Bihar is dotted with spiritual places and the Neolithic remains at Sasaram, the holy pilgrimage sites for both Buddhists and Hindus. The Vikramshila and the Nalanda universities are the world’s earliest universities bear testimony to the spiritual and intellectual legacy of Bihar. The tourist attractions in Bihar comprises of ruins of the ancient capitals and the learning centers and the religious sites.

Bihar has seen the rise and fall of many dynasties. The first dynasty to rule Bihar or ancient Magadha was the Nanda Dynasty. The Nanda Dynasty was succeeded by the Mauryas, the Guptas, and the Palas who rules between the 5th to 11th centuries. The important sites of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism developed during these dynasties form the biggest tourist attractions in Bihar. The major tourist attractions in Bihar which are a must visits when traveling to Bihar are Nalanda, Rajgir, Vaishali, Sasaram, Vikramshila, Vishnupad Temple to name a few.

The Bhudhist site of Bodh Gaya is located at a distance of 125 km from Patna. It is here that Buddha meditated under the Pipal tree and attained enlightenment at the Mahabodhi Temple of Bodh Gaya. The tree is called Bodhi Tree and it is the largest Buddhist monastery in Bihar. As Bodh Gaya is the main pilgrimage site for the Buddhists it is also the main pilgrimage site for the Hindus where the Hindus go to pray for the salvation of their ancestors.

Nalanda is a famous Buddhist learning centers situated 90 km from Patna. The Nalanda University was built during the 5th Century by the Gupta Emperors. Thousands of students and teachers came here to be a part of the university. The Hiuen Tsang Memorial Hall, the Surya Mandir the Nalanda Museum and the Nav Nalanda Vihar are the famous tourist attractions of Bihar.

The City of Vaishali is an important spiritual center of Bihar located 65 km from Patna. Vaishali is the spiritual center of both the Buddhists and Jains. Lord Mahavira, the 24th Jain Thirthankar was born in Vaishali. Also Lord Buddha preached his last sermon at Vaishali. Also it is here that the first elected assembly of representatives was formed in as early as 6th century. Plan a day’s trip to the Buddhist and Jain structures of Shanti Stupa, the Ashokan pillars

At Sasaram 148 km from Patna lays the beautiful and grand tomb of Sher Shah. The Maa Tara Chandi Temple also makes Sasaram famous. The main of Hindus the Vishupad Temple at Gaya dedicated to Lord Vishnu is a popular tourist attraction in Bihar. The Lakshmi Narayan Mandir at Rajgir dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi is famous for numerous hot springs. It is believed that taking a dip in the hot springs will drive away all evil. Vikramshila is another famous centers of Buddhist learning in Bihar established by King Dharmapala is one of the famous tourist attractions in Bihar.

The other tourist attractions in Bihar are

The Muslim sites at Sultanganj Bihar-E-Sharif

Konch Shiva Temple,

Varah Temple at Harihar Kshetra

Mahavir Temple at Patna

Janki mandir in Sitamarhi For more information on Great Vacations in Bihar, visit www.greatvacationsindia.com