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Bihar is an Indian state bordering Nepal to the north and bifurcated by the holy river Ganga. It is one of the states in the country that receives a considerable inflow of pilgrims every year. It is, in fact, the place of inception of two major religions, Buddhism and Jainism. The land is strewn with places of historical importance as well as natural attractions that majorly draw tourists. Bihar has been depicted in myriad ways by the media; while some are fascinating, some not so much. But if you know where to look, it is home to plenty of hidden gems. Some of India’s most famous tourist places are in Bihar itself.
The name Bihar derives from ‘Vihara’, which in Sanskrit means monastery. Although people of different faiths travel here to observe its many precious endowments, it also sees a great number of Buddhist pilgrims throughout the year. Bihar is unique in many ways and offers tourists a memorable experience if they want to delve into the country’s glorious past and feel the rural life and how it goes in this part of the country.
So, your travel itinerary to Bihar should begin with chalking out a plan on how to reach Bihar. Bihar is well-connected by air, rail, and road. So, it would help if you plan your transport mode from your starting point. If you are travelling from neighbouring states, such as Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, or West Bengal, you can cover the distance by road or rail. If you are coming from the far south, you can avail flights.
Bihar gets very hot during the summers, with no respite till July or until the monsoons arrive. The mercury touches 40 °C to 45 °C during May. The best time to visit Bihar is from October to March, when the weather is best. Winters are quite chilly in Bihar, ideal for visiting some places.
As mentioned earlier in this article, Bihar is a brilliant mixture of natural beauty and history. It can take at least 7 to 10 days to visit all important tourist places. So, here are some most popular destinations in Bihar not to miss.
With its rich historical heritage, Patna is proudly one of the oldest cities in India. While in Bihar, make sure to spare a few days for its capital city. It offers a plethora of tourist attraction options, many of which will transport you to another era. Lying over the magnificent Ganges, today’s Patna was initially known as Pataliputra, later renamed under the Mughal rule as Azimabad.
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Situated on River Phalgu banks, Bodh Gaya is a famous pilgrimage site for Buddhists. The Mahabodhi Temple is the main attraction. It is where Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment while meditating under the Mahabodhi tree. Bodh Gaya is about 110.7 km from the capital of Bihar, Patna.
Nestled between the rugged hills lies the holy city of Gaya. Gaya is a popular Hindu pilgrimage site, with many temples dedicated to different gods and goddesses. Some of the well-known places of worship in Gaya are the Vishnupad Mandir, an 18th-century temple on the Phalgu River, the hilltop shrine known as Mangla Gauri Temple, and the Pretshila Hill, where people come to pay respects to their deceased ancestors. The Vishnupad temple is in the hilly region of Brahmajuni Hill, well-known for its lush green meadows and gorgeous views.
Nalanda is situated in the central part of Bihar and is famous for the ancient ‘Mahavihara’ or ‘university’. It is a world-renowned seat of knowledge and education, and also an important Buddhist pilgrimage. Apart from being an embodiment of the region’s cultural, historical, and religious heritage, the ruins of the ancient university exhibit an architectural splendour. The site of the Nalanda University also houses a museum, where you will be able to see the preserved ancient artifacts, coins, and a collection of ancient Buddhist stupas.
Darbhanga, which was once the capital city of Mithila, is now the state’s 5th largest city and also the headquarters of the district of Darbhanga. The word Darbhanga stands for ‘Gateway to Bengal’ and is hailed as the cultural capital of Bihar. Situated 139.7 km from Patna, Darbhanga is famous for its Madhubani Art and the Darbhanga Fort, which is located inside the Rambagh Palace.
Rajgir is yet another ancient city in Bihar, meaning the ‘abode of the gods.’ Mentioned in the ancient scriptures of Buddhism and Jainism and also in Mahabharata, it is presumed that Rajgir is as old as 3000 years. If you love nature and lush greenery, there’s plenty to cherish here, along with places of historical significance, such as the Japanese Stupa, Bimbisara Jail, Veerayatan Museum, and Makhdum Kund, among others.
Bhagalpur is the third-largest city in Bihar and has found a place in various mythologies, making the city even more interesting to explore. With the support of the Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary, the city has been dedicated to protecting and preserving the National Aquatic Animal of India, Gangetic Dolphins.
Bihar is a gem of a place for those with a keen eye for history. This region has many ancient sites that date back several thousand years in the past. It is a unique experience to witness something so ancient. To add to it is the scenic beauty, from the great Ganges to rolling hills, Bihar has it all. Make sure to sit with your itinerary and include the tourist places listed in this article for a fulfilling trip. Nobody would want to visit a place and leave out its most famous sites.
Moreover, every place has a few hidden gems. In the case of Bihar, it has more than just a few. If you need more help concerning other aspects of Bihar tourism, such as hotels and flight booking, visit Cleartrip for an effortless journey.
Bihar is well-known for two reasons. It is where two of the world’s most prominent religions, Buddhism and Jainism, were conceived. Also, it is home to the world’s oldest university, Nalanda University.
Bihar is a major pilgrimage site and pilgrims from different religious backgrounds, including Buddhism, Jainism, Hinduism, Islam, and Sikhism, come to visit every year.
Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation (BSTDC) was established in the year 1980, and the tagline of Bihar Tourism is ‘Blissful Bihar.’
Brahmajuni Hill is a popular hill station in Bihar, attracting tourists for its beautiful views and the Vishnupad Temple.
There are many folk festivals observed in Bihar. However, the main Vedic festival celebrated here is the Chhath Puja, dedicated to the worship of the Sun God.