Summary
- Visit the Bodhgaya and the Mahabodhi Temple
- Go to the Small Religious Town of Gaya
- See the Ruins of Nalanda University
- Take an Aerial Tram to the Stupa in Rajgir
- See the Lion Pillars at Vaishali
- Celebrate the Local Sonepur Fair
- Explore Emperor Sher Shah Suri’s Mausoleum
- Have a Kebab at Karim’s
- Explore the Ruins of Navlakha Palace
- Reflect at the World Peace Pagoda
- Go Birding
- Find Art in Caves
- Royal Bhutan Monastery
- Experience the Chhath Festival
- Shop for Madhubani Art
- See a Chhau Dance Performance
- Travel on a Special Train
- Visit the Silk City of India
India’s Bihar state is off the beaten track for most visitors, but it’s loaded with religious and cultural history. The Bihar government has been putting significant effort into drawing visitors to the state. The main focus has been on promoting Bihar’s many religious sites, of which the Buddhist ones are most prominent. Important sites for Buddhists include Bodhgaya’s Mahabodhi Temple, where Buddha supposedly meditated, while the Mahavir Mandir temple in Patna, the capital, is revered by Hindus.
Visit the Bodhgaya and the Mahabodhi Temple
Address
Bodh Gaya, Bihar 824231, India
Phone: +91 631 220 0735
Bihar is where the Buddha began his journey to enlightenment, and it’s possible to follow in his sacred footsteps. The most important Buddhist pilgrimage place in the world is Bodhgaya, where the Buddha became enlightened while meditating under a bodhi tree. The magnificent Mahabodhi Temple, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, marks the spot. It’s a sprawling and serene place to spend some time. Bodhgaya also has many Buddhist monasteries and temples, with varying architectural styles. If you’re interested in Buddhism, you’ll find plenty of courses and retreats on offer there.
Go to the Small Religious Town of Gaya
Address
Gaya, Bihar, India
Although it’s not far from Bodhgaya, Gaya couldn’t be more different. Foreign tourists may wish to skip this rather noisy and unappealing town, which is a significant center for Hindu pilgrims. The main attraction is the Vishnupad Temple, with its massive footprint of Lord Vishnu imprinted on the rock. Unfortunately, non-Hindus aren’t allowed inside the temple.
Pilgrims come to Gaya to perform the holy “Pinda Dan” ritual for their deceased elders, which Lord Ram and his wife Sita are said to have carried out there. The ceremony is believed to liberate the souls of the dead, as well as provide salvation and release from rebirth.
See the Ruins of Nalanda University
Address
Chabilapur road, Dist, near Pilki gaon, Rajgir, Pilkhi, Bihar 803116, India
Phone: +91 6112 255 330
An essential attraction on Bihar’s Buddhist Circuit, the extensive ruins of Nalanda University date back to the fifth century, making it one of the world’s oldest universities. Nalanda was a significant center for Buddhist learning with an estimated 10,000 monks and students. It survived until the twelfth century when it was ransacked by Muslim invaders and its library set on fire, resulting in the destruction of more than nine million manuscripts.
The highlight of the ruins is the pyramid-shaped Stupa of Sariputra, flanked by steps and sculptures. The ruins were listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016, making it the second one in Bihar. The ruins can be easily visited from nearby Rajgir. Regularly shared jeeps run between the two places, although they do get crowded.
Take an Aerial Tram to the Stupa in Rajgir
Address
Rajgir, Bihar, India
Lord Buddha spent some years at Rajgir after becoming enlightened. Although a popular pilgrimage destination for Buddhists, Hindus, and Jains, Rajgir doesn’t get as much attention from foreign tourists as it deserves. A couple of days can be spent exploring the area, which has many historical sites, caves, shrines, and temple remains.
One of the most popular things to do is take the aerial tramway uphill to the Vishwa Shanti Stupa. Walk back down the hill and visit Vulture’s Peak, where Buddha used to preach to his disciples. The view is noteworthy. Also of interest are the remnants of the ancient stone Cyclopean wall, constructed by Mauryan rulers, that used to surround Rajgir. Hot springs with medicinal properties attract many visitors, although they’re often dirty and poorly maintained. An annual Rajgir Mahotsav classical music and dance festival takes place at the end of December.
See the Lion Pillars at Vaishali
Address
Vaishali, Bihar, India
Vaishali is another important Buddhist and Jain pilgrim destination. Lord Buddha frequently visited the city, which was large and prosperous, and preached his last sermon at nearby Kolhua. Emperor Ashoka built one of his famous lion pillars there, in the 3rd Century BCE, to commemorate the occasion. Many believe that Lord Mahavira, the 24th, and last Jain teacher, was born in the area, although this is debated.
Celebrate the Local Sonepur Fair
The annual Sonepur Fair is an authentic rural fair that combines spirituality with elephant, cattle, and horse trading. It takes place in late November at Sonepur, around 45 minutes from the capital city of Patna. Traditionally known as a cattle fair, the Sonepur Fair now has a more commercial focus with the aim of attracting both domestic and international tourists. Don’t miss the captivating spectacle of tantriks, pilgrims, and elephants taking an auspicious holy bath in the river at sunrise on Karthik Purnima!
Explore Emperor Sher Shah Suri’s Mausoleum
Address
Sasaram, Bihar 821115, India
If you’re traveling from Bodhgaya to Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, it’s worth stopping at Sasaram to see Emperor Sher Shah Suri’s mausoleum. In ancient times, before Mughal rulers shifted power to Delhi, Bihar was the center of authority. Many Sufi saints came to the region and attracted pilgrims with their liberal mindsets and humanistic preaching. You’ll find numerous sacred tombs of Muslim rulers in Bihar. The one belonging to Emperor Sher Shah Suri, sitting in the middle of a large artificial lake, is among the most elaborately constructed.
Have a Kebab at Karim’s
You might know Karim’s from Delhi, but that’s not the only place you can eat this restaurant’s revered kebabs. Now, Karim’s has opened an outpost in Patna, where you can enjoy the same tikka rolls, mutton kebabs, and Mughlai staples as the original location in Jama Masjid.
Explore the Ruins of Navlakha Palace
Although now in ruins, Navlakha Palace, located in Rajnagar near Madhubani in Bihar, is worth a visit for its architectural beauty. The palace, built by Maharaja Rameshwar Singh, was all but destroyed in an earthquake in 1934. The palace complex is comprised of gardens, a pond, and temples.
There is a museum on the first floor, which features beautiful architectural characteristics in the ceilings and doorways. The exhibits include artifacts collected by the Maharaja such as toy cars, pictures, a library of books, trophies, and more.
Reflect at the World Peace Pagoda
Vishwa Shanti Stupa, known as the World Peace Pagoda, is located in Rajgir. One of the seven Peace Pagodas built in India, this example of Japanese-style architecture is a must-visit. The pagoda was established in 1969 and has four statues of Buddha that represent the four important phases of Buddha’s life: birth, enlightenment, teaching, and death.
Go Birding
Birders will enjoy a trip to Kanwar Lake, India’s largest freshwater oxbow lake. Located in Begusarai, the Kanwar Lake Bird Sanctuary is a stopping place for over 60 species of migratory birds.
The best time to visit and see the most birds is from October through the end of March, and if you want to see the green plants thriving, the monsoon season (June through September) is also a good time.
Find Art in Caves
The four Barabar Caves, located 24 kilometers north of Gaya, are regarded as the oldest rock-cut caves in India. The caves and the artifacts found there date back to the Mauryan Empire (322–185 BCE), showcasing evidence of both Buddhist and Jain art. The fascinating caves feature designs and inscriptions adorning the walls and ceilings.
Royal Bhutan Monastery
The monastery and temple are just a kilometer away from the Mahabodhi Temple and are constructed in an impressive Bhutanese style. You’ll encounter ornate paintings and tapestries from Bhutan among the treasures. The monastery welcomes visitors daily, except from 12 noon to 2 p.m. While enjoying the grounds and art, you may be privileged to hear the monks praying.
Experience the Chhath Festival
Chhath is hugely significant in Bihar. The six-day festival is one of the most important aspects of Bihar culture as the Sun and his sister are worshipped and lavishly celebrated. There are processions, prayers, and bathing in the Ganges. People from all over the world come to see the colorful festivities. Dates for the festival vary but typically occur in October or November.
Shop for Madhubani Art
When visiting India, shopping for folk art should be high on the to-do list. Madhubani Art, also known as Mithila painting, is performed with the artist’s fingers, as well as twigs, pens, brushes, and matchsticks. This folk art, inherent to Bihar culture, features colorful geometrical designs and imagery representing aspects of rituals.
You can find Madhubani Art in shops, galleries, and at the Madhubani Art Center in New Delhi.
See a Chhau Dance Performance
Chhau is a type of dance performed in Bihar, primarily during festivals. The participants don masks and colorful garb as they execute athletic dance moves. Traditionally, the dancers are all male and perform this during spring festivals, with origins in a blend of classical Hindu dances and the traditions of ancient regional tribes.
Travel on a Special Train
The Mahaparinirvan Express, named after the journey of Buddha, is a special train that takes people on a tour to visit Buddhist places in North India. The stops include some of the most popular Buddhist sites in Bihar, such as Rajgir, Gaya, and Nalanda. This tourist train, equipped with fine dining amenities, offers an eight-day, seven-night spiritual tour.
Visit the Silk City of India
Bhagalpur is one of the largest towns in Bihar, renowned for its silk products, including scarves and sari material. Additionally, there are temples and ruins to visit in the nearby areas. About 40 kilometers away, you can explore the ruins of the ancient University Vikramashila, one of the oldest Buddhist universities globally, which houses a museum filled with statues and artifacts.
