Tourist Attractions of Bihar

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

This renowned Buddhist University was founded in the 5th century by the Gupta emperors. There were thousand of teachers and students from all over the world and its fame continued to spread far and wide until the end of the 12th century.

Rajgir

This forest clad small hill grit town of today was once the the capital of the Magadh Mahajanpad (State). Lord Buddha spent many years here and delivered sermons. It was also the venue for the first Buddhist Council.

Bodh Gaya

Lord Buddha meditated under a pipal tree here and attained enlightenment. The tree is called "Bodhi Tree". A descendant of the same tree, still flourishes here. Gaya is also an important Centre of Hindu Pilgrimage where people go to pray for the salvation of their ancestors.

Patna

Today's capital city was also the capital of ancient Bihar - Pataliputra. The history dates back to 2 millennia. In around the city there are many places, worth a visit.

Vaishali

The city finds its mention in literature as old as the Ramayana. The second Buddhist council took place here. The place remains twice blessed by virtue of the birth of Jain prophet Lord Mahavira here in 527 BC. Historians also maintain that the world's first elected assembly of representatives was formed here giving birth to a republic in 6th century.