BIHAR , which is situated in the eastern region of India , is one of the states which does not get much attention regarding tourism . With a plethora of fascinating history , diverse culture , and deep spirituality , the state blends the old and new in an unparalleled fashion ,and has many of great historical and spiritual significance from the birthplace of Buddhism to the remnants of ancient empire. In this blog, we will discuss some of the places which make worth visiting and inviting for every traveler.

1. Bodh Gaya : Bihar Land of Enlightenment

Gaya the town embedded with serendipity Lies in Bihar but is one of the most renowned places in the world. It is believed that this is the place where buddha attained enlightenment . During his quest for nirvana , prince Siddhartha spent several years meditating and eventually did so in eloquently dotted setting of Gaya under a Bodhi tree. Pilgrims and tourists alike flock to Bodh Gaya to visit the Mahabodhi Temple ,which is constructed on the deity’s enlightenment site and is part of UNESCO heritage .

In addition to the temple ,the city has multiple Japanese , Taiwanese and Tibetan temples which give it a unique mix of cultures . Also , Bodh Gaya has an Archaeological Museum which has copious Buddhist memorabilia along with several sculptures and artifacts , so it becomes a tag stop for historians and tourists .

2. Nalanda : The Ancient Seat of Learning

One of the world’s oldest universities , Nalanda University , which is located a few kilometers from the modern day Nalanda village , was a hub of learning and scholarly activity for centuries . Founded in the 5th century ,it was the foremost institution of its time , drawing students from China , Korea , Japan , Tibet , Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia .

The ruins of Nalanda University are today a stark reminder of the heights of Indian education . The Nalanda Archaeological Complex consists of the remains of student monasteries ,lecture halls , temples , and the grand stupa , which once together accommodated thousands of students. The Nalanda Archaeological Museum is home to many relics , manuscripts , sculptures , and the remains of the splendid institution .

Attending Nalanda allows one to understand the diversity in Indian culture and the rich history of academics in the country .

3. Patna : The Heart of BIHAR

Patna, the capital city of Bihar , is a thriving city and a perfect blend of contemporary development and rich history . The town was the capital of the Magadh Empire and boasted a history of over 2000 years . The unique historical landmarks and the culture of Patna make it a must visit place for ant traveler in Bihar .

Due to a historical and religious importance , it is a perfect starting point to other region of Bihar .

Golghar

A larger – than -life building constructed in the British period that served as a granary and provided excellent views of the city.

Patna Museum

A museum that houses astounding ancient relics including sculptures , coins and manuscripts

Gandhi Maidan

Ground where numerous important political events took place like the ones held by Mahatma Gandhi .

Patna Sahib Gurudwara

An important darbari , which is located at the location where Guru Gobind Singh , the 10th Guru of the Sikh religion , was born .

Patna is an important city to start the exploration of Bihar because it serves as a hub for other places with historical and religious value .

4. Vaishali : The Birthplace of Democracy

Close to Patna , Vaishali is one of the oldest Indian cities famous for its ties with the democratic ethos. The city was the capital of Licchavi republic which is one of the earliest republics in the world around the 6th century BC . It also has significant Buddhist heritage since it was the place where lord Buddha gave his last sermon .

Vaishali contains the remains of old structures and monuments that tell a story about the region ‘s spiritual and democratic past , offering a unique when considered in the context of heritage tourism .

Key Attractions in Vaishali Include

Vaishali Stupa

Buddhist Stupa which is said to be the place where relics of Buddha were kept.

Abhishek Pushkarini Tank

This tank was used by Buddhist Monks to bathe before performing important rituals.

Ashokan Pillar

The pillar is an edifice erected by Ashoka to commemorate the propagation of Buddhism.

You can see the Buddhist and Jain heritage here and even visit the ruins of ancient structures and monuments . It also displays the democratic and spiritual history of the area .

There is also a blend of Buddhist and Jain heritage here. Many ancient structures and monuments stand as testimony to the democratic and spiritual history of the region .