Bihar

Bihar, India

Bihar

Bihar, India

This eastern Indian state, bordered by Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Nepal, is believed to be the birthplace of Buddha. Situated on the Gangetic Plains, Bihar is a spiritually significant tourist destination due to its strong connection with Buddhism and Jainism. The name Bihar is derived from the Sanskrit term ‘Vihara’, meaning monastery, reflecting the region’s rich history, which is dotted with numerous monasteries and temples that tell tales of a bygone era. The state is also known for its vibrant tribal communities and diverse local cultures. Many people seeking spiritual peace travel to the state to trace the life of Buddha and learn more about his teachings by visiting its historic monuments and monasteries.

Patna

Lying along the picturesque southern bank of the Ganges River, Patna is one of the oldest cities in the country. Dating back to the 5th century BCE, the ancient city of Pataliputra was founded by King Ajatashatru of Magadha. Originally known as Pataliputra and later renamed Azimabad during Mughal rule, modern-day Patna is the capital of Bihar. Enriched with a rich historical and cultural heritage, it holds great significance for various Indian communities due to its numerous temples and monuments. Often regarded as a cradle of ancient empires, it also serves as a gateway to many important pilgrimage sites. The ever-growing city features several historical attractions, including Golghar, the Patna Museum, Buddha Smriti Udyan, and the Patna Planetarium.

Bodhgaya

Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya under a Bodhi tree, making it one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage centres in the world. The Mahabodhi Temple, built near the site of his enlightenment, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Throughout the year, pilgrims from India and around the world visit to pay their respects at the monasteries and temples and to see the sacred Bodhi Tree. The quaint town is located on the western bank of the Phalgu River in southern Bihar. Earlier known by names such as Sambodhi, Vajrasana, and Mahabodhi, it has been established as a major Buddhist pilgrimage site, along with destinations such as Kushinagar.

Nalanda

A surprisingly unique travel destination, Nalanda is a fascinating mix of spirituality, history, culture, and architecture. A notable centre of Buddhist learning in ancient times, it is now a prominent pilgrimage destination. The city’s tranquil and peaceful atmosphere highlights an old-world charm that stays with you as you explore the region. Nalanda was once home to an ancient Buddhist university established during the reign of the Kingdom of Magadha. Its teachings and scholarly contributions played an important role in the intellectual prosperity of ancient India. Now largely in ruins, it remains an architectural marvel in its own right. The complex features viharas, or monasteries, to the east and chaityas, or temples, to the west.

Vaishali

Another ideal place to explore the religious heritage of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism in Bihar is Vaishali. It is believed to be the place where Buddha delivered his last sermon and where Lord Mahavir was born. This historic region in Bihar is a popular religious and cultural destination, attracting many visitors throughout the year. Another charming feature of the place is its lush mango and banana orchards, along with its expansive rice fields. It is believed that Lord Buddha spent a substantial amount of time in this region and delivered his final sermon here, making Vaishali an important destination on India’s Buddhist Circuit.

Rajgir

This picturesque town is blessed with natural beauty and spiritual significance, with strong connections to Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism. The name Rajgir means “Abode of the Gods”, and the city dates back roughly 3,000 years. It is divided into two parts, one of which was constructed by the Magadha king Ajatashatru, while the other is fortified and surrounded by seven beautiful hills. The town has been an important archaeological site, contributing to the discovery of many relics associated with these religions. Its name also appears in the Mahabharata, as well as in several Buddhist and Jain scriptures. Additionally, Rajgir is known for its unspoiled natural beauty, surrounded by lush greenery and steep hills.

Delicacies of the state

Being a major spiritual and pilgrimage destination, Bihar’s cuisine is primarily vegetarian. However, in recent years, non-vegetarian dishes have also become increasingly popular, as meat and fish are readily available. Just like its rich heritage, the cuisine is diverse and flavourful, enticing every culinary enthusiast. One of the most popular dishes to try in Bihar is Litti Chokha. Litti is a food lover’s delight, known for its crunchy outer crust and rich filling. It is made by combining sattu and spices, which are stuffed into wheat dough, shaped into balls, and traditionally cooked before being dipped in ghee. Chokha is a mashed vegetable dish usually prepared with potatoes, brinjal, and tomatoes, along with spices, onions, garlic, and other ingredients.

Shopping in Bihar

The state of Bihar is enriched with traditional art and culture, which are beautifully showcased through its local handicrafts. Sujani or Sujini embroidery is a traditional art form of Bihar that has helped popularise the state at both national and international levels. This traditional embroidery was historically popular among local communities and was used to create a variety of items, ranging from traditional quilts and sarees to garments and numerous accessories. Many places in the Muzaffarpur, Madhubani, and Mithila regions are known for their rich embroidery traditions.

Best time to visit

The weather in Bihar varies according to the season. While summers can be scorching, with heat waves and high temperatures, the winter season is one of the most enjoyable times to visit.

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Bihar

Bihar

Eye-Catching Places to Visit in Bihar

Patna

Bodhgaya

Nalanda

Vaishali

Rajgir

Delicacies of the state

Shopping in Bihar

Best time to visit

Want To find out more about Our Popular Tours ?

Get in touch one of our destination specialists.

Other Popular Tourist Places

Punjab

Andhra Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh

Telangana

Karnataka

Jammu and Kashmir

Kerala

Leh Ladakh

Lakshadweep

Madhya Pradesh

Delhi

Pondicherry

Rajasthan

Tamil Nadu

Uttar Pradesh

Uttarakhand

Maharashtra

Gujarat

Goa

Bihar

Odisha

West Bengal

The Seven Sister States Of India

Andaman And Nicobar

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