Top 7 Best Tourist Places in Bihar, Best Places to Visit in Bihar
Bihar is the state which gave two important religions to the world – Buddhism and Jainism. Bihar has developed over the years as a rich historical place with diverse culture and tradition.
Nalanda in Bihar
Possibly the oldest university in India, Nalanda is an important place to visit in Bihar. It is believed that the last and most famous Jain Tirthankara, Mahavira, spent 14 monsoon seasons here. Buddha is said to have given a speech near a mango orchard in Nalanda. The fame of this education center was to such an extent that the famous Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang visited and stayed here for at least two years. Even so, the glory of this place was such that another famous Chinese traveler, Ai-Tsing lived in Nalanda for almost 10 years. Today most parts of Nalanda in ruins but this place is definitely worth visiting.
Patna
Patna is the largest city of Bihar situated on the southern bank of the Ganges. Known as Pataliputra in ancient India, this city is considered to be one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. Patna is a pilgrimage center for Sikh devotees as it is believed to be the birthplace of the last Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh. During the period of Haryanka, Nanda, Maurya, Shunga, Gupta and Pala, this city came to the fore in the whole of India. Today’s Patna is a developing city, with malls, hi-fi hotels and theatres, the beauty of this place has increased further. Kumhrar, Agam, Kuan, Didarganj Yakshi, Takht Sri Patna Sahib, Gurdwara Pahila Bada, Gurdwara Gobind Ghat, Gurdwara Guru Ka Bagh, Gurdwara Bal Leela, Patna Museum, Qila House are the major attractions here.
Gaya in Bihar
Among the most famous places in Bihar is Bodh Gaya, which is a Hindu pilgrimage center and Bodh Gaya is a transit point for the Buddhist pilgrimage site. It is believed that Buddha attained enlightenment under this tree. Gaya is a busy city situated on the banks of the river Falgu and is full of many temples and historical sites which stand as a testimony to the successful rule of Maurya and Gupta dynasty here. Bodh Gaya, Mahabodhi Temple, Vishnupad Temple, Magala Gauri Shrine, Dungeshwari Cave Temple, Barabar Caves, Bodhi Tree, Chinese Temple and Monastery, Bodh Gaya Archaeological Museum, Muchalinda Lake, Thai Temple and Monastery, Royal Bhutan Monastery are the major attractions here.
Vaishali in Bihar
Vaishali is an important archaeological site which was once the capital of the Lichchavi rulers. Vaishali earned fame as the birthplace of Lord Mahavira, the last Jain Tirthankara. Mahavira is believed to have been born and brought up in the sixth century BCE in Kundalgram, the Republic of Vaishali. Remains Stupa, Kutagarshala Vihar, Coronation Tank, World Peace Pagoda, Archaeological Survey of India Museum, Bawan Pokhar Temple, Kundalpur, Raja Vishal’s citadel, Chaumukhi Mahadev are the major attractions here.
Rajgir in Bihar
Rajgir is a major tourist destination in the list of religious and places to visit in Central Bihar, popular for its natural surroundings and spiritual importance in Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism. Known as the “abode of the gods”, the city of Rajgir is about 3000 years old. Rajgir is classified into two sections – one founded by Magadha king Ajatashatru and the other completely surrounded by 7 majestic hills.
Sher Shah Suri Tomb Sasaram in Bihar
The tomb of Sher Shah Suri in the Sasaram area of Bihar is considered one of the most impressive tombs in India. It is secondly known as the “Taj Mahal of India” and is a massive mausoleum dedicated to the late Emperor Sher Shah Suri. The construction of the tomb was completed between 1540 and 1545 and the whole structure has been beautifully preserved till date. It is a beautiful specimen of the Indo-Islamic style of architecture made of red stone with intricate carvings on the front. The tomb is 122 feet high and has beautiful domes, arches, pillars, minarets, chhatris and much more.
Navlakha Palace Rajnagar in Bihar
Navlakha Palace lying in ruins is located in Rajnagar near Madhubani in Bihar. This palace was built by Maharaja Rameshwar Singh and it is said that in 1934 there was a very dangerous earthquake, after which its structure was also greatly reduced. No improvements have been made to this palace after the destruction, thus the palace is now in ruins. It is a royal palace and even though it has been so damaged, but still everyone is amazed to see its structure. The palace complex includes gardens, ponds and temples.
