Situated on the northernmost border of the country, Bihar enjoys rich natural diversity with fertile floodplains, mountains, huge water bodies, and dense wildlife. Adding to this, the region is one of the oldest inhabited places in the Indian subcontinent, and is steeped in a history of 3000 years. The rich heritage, unique socio-cultural scenario, and an intriguing landscape make Bihar an important travel destination for tourists, travelers, and adventure seekers.

Traveling in Bihar

The best way to explore the important tourist and sightseeing spots in Bihar is through Patna. The state capital is well-connected to major cities of India via air, rail, and roadways. You can book local cabs in Patna and explore the city.

Exploring the state

If you want a comprehensive tour of Bihar, then here are a few places you should add to your travel itinerary.  

1. Patna

Sitting on the southern banks of the Ganges, the prosperous city of Bihar is one of the oldest cities in the world. Historically called Pataliputra, the city is replete with archeological and religious sites, monuments, and grand architectural heritage. Take a tour of the Indo-Saracenic style Patna Museum with a display of important historical artifacts, the domed colonial granary called Golghar, the Sanjay Gandhi Zoological Park, and the Takht Sri Patna Sahib.

Patna serves as the gateway to important pilgrimage centers for Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, and Jains like Gaya, Vaishali, Nalanda, and Pawapuri, in the vicinity.

2. Bodhgaya

About 110 Km from Patna city center, lies the most sacred pilgrimage site of Bodhgaya. Known for the Mahabodhi Temple, the place is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for religion and spirituality. The temple complex, along with all the monasteries and vihara (a Buddhist Learning center), collectively form one of the major pilgrimage and spiritual centers for Buddhists. The ancient Mahabodhi Tree, which is said to be the site where Gautam Buddha achieved ‘Enlightenment’, still lies in the center of the temple premise.

3. Nalanda

Located about 67.3 Km from Patna, you will find one of the oldest academic centers of the world. Home to the Nalanda University, this ancient town came to be known as the education hub of the Eastern World from 500 CE to 1200 CE. You can avail cab services in Patna and reach Nalanda in less than one and a half hours. The remains and relics of the historic institution still stand as a symbol of profound knowledge and wisdom of great philosophers and teachers who formed a part of the faculty in its hay days.

4. Madhubani

A center of art, culture, and crafts, Madhubani is the hub of all things artistic about Bihar. The district also has a mythological reference in the Ramayana and is famous for Madhubani painting, which originated here. Also called Mithila art, this type of painting is done with fingers, twigs, brushes, matchsticks etc. using dyes from flowers, leaves, vegetables, and other natural pigments to create geometric patterns, flora, and fauna.

5. Pawapuri

A sacred site for the Jains, Pawapuri sits in the Nalanda district. The town gained importance in its historic days itself, when it was part of the Magadha kingdom, under the rule of Ajatshatru. Currently, there is a huge marble temple called Jal Mandir dedicated to Lord Mahavir, which sits in the middle of a man-made lotus pond. It is believed that the Jain prophet was cremated and his ashes were buried here in 500 BC.

6. Lauriya Nandangarh

A small town near Bettiah, Lauriya Nandangarh is known for the exquisitely carved Ashokan Pillars. The town itself is an important archeological site with 20 ancient banks organized in rows. Originally, Emperor Ashoka built 40 pillars but currently only one remain.

If the rich history and antiquated culture intrigue you, then pack up and set out to experience the Blissful Bihar!