Published By: Nirtika Pandita

Travel diary to Bihar, places you must visit

There is a lot of history to explore and learn about Buddha

Once the home to an ancient Kingdom, Bihar has long been off the tourist destination list in India. The state that once was the home to Buddha, later served as a base for many political tensions has more to it than what meets the eyes. While the information about the state of Bihar has always been a scary one but there is a lot in Bihar that is worth noticing and admiring. With the rich history that Bihar has carried along for centuries and the new developments that are happening, it is a must you visit the state once. Here is a list of places that you must visit on your next travel to Bihar.

Gaya

A Hindu pilgrimage hub as well as a transit point for Buddhist pilgrimage. Bodhgaya the place is known where the great Buddha gained enlightenment. Located on the bank of River Phalgu, Gaya comprises many temples and historic sites that date back to different eras. Many of the monuments and ruins will transport you back to the rule of the Maurya and the Gupta dynasties that once ruled the land. Other tourist spots to visit are Bodhgaya, Mahabodhi Temple, Vishnupad Temple, MaglaGauri Shrine, Dungeshwari Cave Temples, Barabar Caves, Bodhi Tree, Chinese Temple and Monastery, Muchalinda Lake, and Royal Bhutan Monastery.

Nalanda

The city is famous for hosting the oldest university in India, Nalanda University. The city in itself is an important site as it is a pure reflection of the Gupta and Pala period that once ruled here. In fact, it is believed that Buddha delivered many lectures near the mango grove in Nalanda. Other places of attraction to visit are Nalanda Archaeological Museum, Xuanzang Memorial Hall, Nalanda Multimedia Museum, Silao, SurajpurBaragaon, and in October do come for the Rajgir Dance Festival.

Munger

This is famous for the Bihar School of Yoga, besides being once the place of Aryans. Believed to be one of the oldest cities in Bihar, Munger has several historic monuments. Other places to see are Sri Krishna Vatika, ChandikaAstahan, KastaharniGhat, Pir Shah Nafah Shrine, SitaKund, Manpatthar, and Ucheswarnath.

Other places to see in Bihar are Hieun Tsang Memorial Hall, Kundalpur, Jalmandir, Pawapuri, Griddhakuta Peak, Rajgir, Vishwa Shanti Stupa, Rajgir, Sher Shah Suri Tomb, Sasaram, Vikramshila Ruins, Bhagalpur, Janki Temple, Sitamarhi, KesariaStupa, Kesaria, Barabar Caves, Sultanpur, Thai Monastery, Buxar Fort, Shah Daulat at ChotiDargah, Vaishali, Relic Stupa, Kutagarasala, Vihara, BawanPokhar Temple, Kundalpur, Raja Vishal kaGarh, ChoumukhiMahadeva, DidarganjYakshi, Takht Sri Patna Sahib, GurdwaraPahila Bara, GurdwaraGobindGhat, Gurdwara Guru kaBagh, GurdwaraBalLeela, GurdwaraHandi Sahib, Padri Ki Haveli, Golghar, Buddha Smriti Park, Patna Museum, and Qila House.