Top Places to Visit in BIHAR.

1) Gaya

Amongst the most famous places in Bihar is Gaya, which is a Hindu pilgrimage hub and a transit point for Buddhist
pilgrimage centre of Bodhgaya. It is believed that it was here under the tree that Buddha attained enlightenment.
Gaya is a busy city situated on the bank of River Phalgu and it is replete with many temples and historic sites dating
back to different eras that stand as the evidence to the successful rule of Maurya and Gupta dynasty here. The glory
of Gaya was extended so much so that even Hiuen Tsang could not resist mentioning it in his travelogues.

2) Nalanda

Probably the oldest university in India, Nalanda is an important site to visit in Bihar.
A perfect reminisce to the time of flourishing Gupta and Pala period, Nalanda is an acclaimed tourist attraction in Bihar.
It is believed that the last and most famous Jain Tirthankara, Mahavira spent 14 monsoon seasons here.
Even, Buddha is said to have delivered lectures near the mango grove in Nalanda. The fame of this education centre
was to an extent that Hieun Tsang, the famous Chinese traveller visited here and stayed for atleast two years here.
Even, I-tsing another famous Chinese voyager stayed at Nalanda for about 10 years, AND such was the glory of this place.
Today most parts of Nalanda lie in ruins but the place is surely worth exploring!

3) Munger

Dubbed as the seat of Bihar School of Yoga, Munger is yet another place that is popular amongst the tourists in Bihar.
The history of Munger dates back to Aryans, who called Munger the ‘Midland’ for their settlement. For yoga buffs,
Munger is not an unknown name, thus we can expect a large foreign crowd thronging this place. The present day
Munger is a twin city, which comprises of Munger and Jamalpur.Reckoned to be one of the oldest cities of Bihar,
Munger was once the capital of Mir Kasim before it fell into the hands of British. The place has several historic
relics that further add to the charm here.

4) Vaishali

Vaishali is an important archaeological site that was once the capital city of Licchavi rulers. Vaishali earned fame as a
birthplace of last Jain Tirthankar Lord Mahavira. It is believed that Mahavira was born and brought up in 6th century
BCE in Kundalagram of Republic of Vaishali. Another major event this place was a witness to was the last sermon of
Buddha in 483 BCE. Vaishali was a prosperous kingdom during the time of Buddha, it is also known for its beautiful
courtesan Amrapali. So, you see, one has enough to recall in Vaishali and adding to its historic charm is the well-
preserved Ashokan Pillar.This ancient city finds mention in the travel accounts of eminent Chinese travellers like
Fa-hien and Hieun Tsang.

6) Navlakha Palace,Rajnagar

Lying in ruins, Navlakha Palace is situated in Rajnagar near Madhubani in Bihar.
This palace was built by Maharaja Rameshwar Singh and said to have suffered extensive
destruction during an earthquake in 1934. No renovation was done after the destruction,
thus this palace remains in ruins now. It is a royal palace and even though it has been damaged so
much, one can still marvel at its architectural brilliance. The palace complex comprised of
gardens, pond and temples.

7) Hieun Tsang Memorial Hall,Kundalpur

Obvious as it seems, this hall is built in the memory of famed Chinese traveller Hiuen Tsang.
It is believed that Hieun Tsang visited Nalanda in 5th century AD and was so impressed by this place
that he decided to stay here for 12 long years for learning as well as teaching. This memorial hall
is the reflection of the artistic and academic grandeur of Nalanda University.

8) Jalmandir Palace,Pawapuri

An important Jain pilgrimage, Jalmandir is situated in Pawapuri, Bihar. Jalmandir has been revered highly
by Jain devotees as it is believed that it is the place where Lord Mahavira breathed his last in 500 BCE. It is
reckoned to be the cremation ground for this last Tirthankara of Jain sect. The legend has it that, the demand
of Lord Mahavira’s ashes was so high that a large amount of soil had to be eroded from around the funeral
pyre that a pond was created here. A white marble temple was constructed and it has remained
an important Jain pilgrimage in Bihar.

9) Vishwa Shanti Stupa

Better known as the World Peace Pagoda, Vishwa Shanti Stupa proudly stand at the historic city of Rajgir.
It is one of the 7 Peace Pagodas built in India and is certainly a must visit in Bihar. The pagoda was built in
1969 to spread the message of peace and non-violence. Marked by four statues of Buddha that reflects four
important phases of Buddha’s life – birth, enlightenment, teaching and death, this Peace Pagoda is amongst
the finest examples of Japanese architecture in India.

10) Tomb Of Sher Shah Suri

Built in 1545 AD in the memory of Emperor Sher Shah Suri, this tomb is an excellent example
of Indo-Islamic architecture in India. Architecturally splendid and erected at the
middle of an artificial lake, this sandstone structure is worth a visit in Bihar.

11) Vikram Shila Ruins,Bhagalpur

Reckoned to be one of the two important Buddhist learning centres in Bihar, Vikramshila was established
by King Dharampala. It is believed that the king was displeased with the depleting quality of Nalanda,
thus he decided to establish another better institute for learning. Vikramshila now lies in ruins but
renovation work has begun now. During the excavation, Buddhist monasteries, stupas and several wall
carvings have been unveiled here.

12) Janki Temple,Sitamarhi

Estimated to have been built 100 years ago, Janki temple is situated in Sitamarhi, Bihar. Sitamarhi is
regarded as the birthplace of Sita, the consort of Lord Rama. It is believed that Janki Temple is the
place, where Sita was born and in order to mark this event, a temple was constructed here. The
temple has a welcoming gateway and large courtyard that can accommodate a massive number
of devotees. Also a pond nearby called the Janki Kund is a place of interest for devotees as well as tourists.

13) Kesaria Stupa

Kesariya Stupa is a Buddhist stupa in Kesariya, located at a distance of 110 kilometres (68 mi) from Patna,
in the Champaran (east) district of Bihar, India. The first construction of the Stupa is dated to the 3rd century
BCE.[1] Kesariya Stupa has a circumference of almost 400 feet (120 m) and raises to a height of about 104 feet.
The site's exploration reportedly started in the early 19th century, from its discovery led by Colonel
Mackenzie in 1814 to General Cunningham's proper excavation in 1861–62. An excavation was conducted
by archaeologist KK Muhammed of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in 1998. The original
Kesariya stupa probably dates to the time of Ashoka (circa 250 BCE), as the remains of a capital of a
Pillar of Ashoka were discovered there

14) Barabar Caves,SultanPur

Barabar Caves claim to be the oldest rock-cut caves in India. Dating back to Mauryan Empire, these majestic
caves are certainly one of the best places to see in Bihar. Situated on twin hills – Barabar and Nagarjuni,
the caves are said to be used by Ajivika sect, however, many traces of Buddhist and Jain art can be found here.
Barabar Hills consists of 4 caves, whereas Nagarjuni Hills have 3 caves, each of the cave are well-polished
and have articulate designs and inscriptions over its walls and ceilings.

15) Buxar Fort

Buxar Fort is a fort located in Buxar, Bihar, India. Buxar is a city in the state of Bihar in the eastern
part of India bordering eastern Uttar Pradesh. It is the headquarters of Buxar District. The fort
was established by King Rudra Deo in 1054 . The city is known for its cultural heritage as it is
the place where Lord Rama killed the demon Taraka and also the site of Sage Vishvamaitra's Ashram.

16) Thai Monastery,Bodhgaya

Thai Monastery is another incredible gem from the treasure chest of Bihar. Established in 1957 with the help of
Thailand’s government and Indian Buddhist monks, this temple is a must-see in Bodhgaya. Made in typical
architecture style of Thailand, this temple reflects the culture and traditions of Thailand.Bodh Gaya is a
religious site and place of pilgrimage associated with the Mahabodhi Temple Complex in Gaya district in
the Indian state of Bihar. It is famous as it is the place where Gautama Buddha is said to have attained
Enlightenment (Pali: bodhi) under what became known as the Bodhi Tree. Since antiquity,Bodh Gaya
has remained the object of pilgrimage and veneration both for Hindus and Buddhists