The Rustic And Modern Places To Visit In Bihar Attract All Kinds Of Tourists Because. Rich cultural traditions, vibrant celebrations, adorable monuments, historic monasteries, and an old-world charm beautifully define them.
The cities of Bihar State, which are rich in architecture and religion, are full of well-known, popular, and well-kept secrets that draw tourists.
With the Mighty Ganga river flowing through its middle, Bihar has been the perfect vacationing destination for millions of tourists. The charming city of Bodhgaya on the opposite side transports you to a time when everything around us was tranquil and beautiful. In contrast to Patna, the nation’s capital, which is peppered with some of the most stunning architecture and contemporary infrastructure.
Every city in Bihar, from Vaishali to Madhubani and from Nalanda to Gaya, is a gem on its own. The Sher Shah Suri Tomb in Sasaram and the Navlakha palace in Rajnagar offer a chance to take a tour through history, while the Mahabodhi Temple in Gaya and the Royal Bhutan Monastery in Bodhgaya speak a lot about the life and Preachings of Gautama Buddha.
1. Patna:
The current Patna, once known as Pataliputra and renamed Azimabad during the Mughal era, is the state capital of Bihar. One of the nation’s oldest towns, Patna is located on the gorgeous south bank of the river Ganges. The ruler of Magadha, Ajathashatru, established the ancient Pataliputra in the fifth century BCE.
Wide streets, modern structures, and tenebrous squares are what make Patna a beautiful city. The city’s vibrant historical and cultural legacy adds to its enduring attractiveness. Patna is a popular tourist destination because of its illustrious past, fertile terrain, famous educational institutions, and historic spiritual locations.
Visit: Golghar, the Patna Museum, the Jalan Museum, and the Ruins of Pataliputra are just a few of the famous historical sites in Patna.
The Patna Sahib Gurudwara and Mahavir Mandir are only two of the numerous spiritually significant locations in this ever-growing metropolis.
The Patna Market, Gandhi Ghat, Patna Planetarium, and Buddha Smriti Udyan are a few more of Patna’s top tourist destinations.
Activities: While visiting Patna, you may spend some time going on historical and cultural excursions to the city’s historic attractions.
You may also go on pilgrimage excursions to the different holy places important to Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism.
You may also go on local cuisine excursions and sample traditional Bihari dishes like Litti Chokha, Dal Peda, Kesar Peda, and Gujia in the city.
2. Gaya:
Gaya, the second-largest city in Bihar, is mentioned in both the Mahabharata and the Ramayana. It is the location where Lord Ram and Lakshman presented their father Dashrath with pind-daan.
In Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism, Gaya is highly revered. The ancient shrines, which include finely detailed carvings and paintings, elevate Gaya’s beauty to a whole new level. The dense sugarcane farms add to this city’s allure as well. Gaya is teeming with libraries and institutions, which serve as good attractions for those interested in the city’s educational offerings.
Visit: The city also features a wide variety of magnificent old temples, notably the Vishnupada temple.
Lord Yama Temple, the Dungeshwari Cave Temples, and Mangla Gauri Temple are other worthwhile stops.
The Chinese Temple and Vishnupad Temple are also popular tourist destinations.
Activities: While in Gaya, you may visit the city’s many temples and other places of worship, including Hindu and Buddhist ones, to ask for blessings.
Additionally, you may savor well-known regional treats like Kesaria Peda, Aloo Kachalu, Tilkut, and Bhunja.
Location: Gaya is located 98.1 KM away from Patna.
3. Rajgir:
its spiritual value in Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism, as well as its beautiful natural environs. The settlement of Rajgir, which means “abode of Gods,” has been existing for almost 3000 years. The Magadha king Ajathashatru built the first phase of Rajgir, which is totally fortified and encircled by seven majestic hills. Rajgir could be divided into two parts.
The town has been a significant excavation site and led to the discovery of numerous artifacts linked to these religions. The Mahabharata, as well as other Buddhist and Jain scriptures, all make mention of it by name. Rajgir is known for its unspoiled natural beauty and is surrounded by rocky hills and rich greenery. The gorgeous springs, fascinating old tunnels, and deep, lush forests that surround this picture-perfect hamlet add to its inexplicable attraction.
Visit: One of Rajgir’s biggest draws is its collection of historic spiritual landmarks, which includes the Japanese Stupa, Makhdum Kund, Maniar Math, Laxmi Narayan Mandir, and the Stupa of Sariputra.
Bimbisara Jail, Veerayatan Museum, Cyclopean Walls, Saptaparni Caves, and Sonabhandar are just a few of the ancient sites in Rajgir.
Hot springs, a ropeway, and Vulture’s Peak are a few of Rajgir town’s additional top draws.
Activities: While on your Rajgir trip, you may take part in history walks and learn about the historical and religious significance of this old settlement.
Additionally, you may enjoy a hot spring soak and a ropeway trip to the Vishwa Shanti Stupa.
Location: The city of Rajgir lies at a distance of 105 KM from Patna.
4. Bodhgaya:
Bodhgaya’s majestic, centuries-old Buddhist temples, which not only provide you an insight into the rich Buddhist mythology but also display stunning architectural designs for you to marvel at, are largely responsible for the city’s splendor. Famous individuals, including Chinese leaders Xuanzang and Fa Hien, have in the past been attracted to this pilgrimage site by its beauty.
It is now one of the UNESCO world heritage sites, and a lot of foreign countries, including Japan and China, have helped the Indian government in building facilities for Buddhist pilgrims. It was also known as Sambodhi, Vajrasana, or Mahabodhi until the 18th century CE.
Visit: One of Rajgir’s biggest draws is its collection of historic spiritual landmarks, which includes the Japanese Stupa, Makhdum Kund, Maniar Math, Laxmi Narayan Mandir, and the Stupa of Sariputra.
Bimbisara Jail, Veerayatan Museum, Cyclopean Walls, Saptaparni Caves, and Sonabhandar are just a few of the ancient sites in Rajgir.
Hot springs, a ropeway, and Vulture’s Peak are a few of Rajgir town’s additional top draws.
Activities: While on your Rajgir trip, you may take part in history walks and learn about the historical and religious significance of this old settlement.
Additionally, you may enjoy a hot spring soak and a ropeway trip to the Vishwa Shanti Stupa.
Location: The city of Bodhgaya lies at a distance of 110.7 KM from Patna.
5. Nalanda, Bihar:
This is the place where a university was back in around 200 AD. Nalanda, which is located in Central Bihar, is regarded as the first center of learning. The village of Nalanda, one of the famed Mahaviharas, is a pilgrimage site in addition to being a long-established center of Buddhist scholarship.
Nalanda, which offers a striking synthesis of history, culture, spirituality, and architecture, keeps enhancing the state of Bihar and raising the bar.
The ancient wonders of Nalanda, most of which are now in ruins, are what gives the city its splendor. Together with its well-preserved old-world beauty, this city’s serene atmosphere does a wonderful job of increasing its allure.
Visit: the renowned Nalanda University, one of the oldest institutions in the world, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is one of Nalanda’s main attractions.
The Hiuen Tsang Memorial Hall and the Nalanda Archaeological Museum, both of which display artifacts from the past, are two other significant tourist attractions that Nalanda can boast of.
The Surya Mandir, The Great Stupa, and Nav Nalanda Mahavihara are additional places where you may make a stop.
Activities: The stunning Nalanda Ruins may be seen when you are in the town of Nalanda, and you can discover its charming rusticness.
You may take some unforgettable photos nearby while admiring the gorgeous Nandyavarta Mahal.
You may enjoy regional foods at Cafeteria Nalanda.
Location: The city of Nalanda lies at a distance of 90 KM from Patna.
6. Rohtas:
Rohtas is home to a variety of magnificent natural landscapes and sparsely spaced forests, which give the area a picturesque and lush appearance. This district has one of the highest forest covers among all 38 districts of Bihar.
The Koel, the Sura, the Bajari, and the Durgawati are just a few of the lovely streams that meander through the area, adding to its wealth of untouched natural beauty. Tourists from all across the country are drawn to the city by its dense forest cover and tall grasses including Khas Khas, pear grass, and kus.
Visit: The renowned Telhar and Karkat waterfalls are two of Rohtas’s top tourist destinations.
Activities: During your trip to Rohtas, consider taking a tour of the magnificent Rohtas Plateau.
In the Kaimur wildlife reserve, you may also go on a safari excursion to see Indian leopards, Bengal tigers, sambar deer, nilgais, and four-horned antelope.
Location: The city of Rohtas lies at a distance of 146 KM from Patna.
7. Bhagalpur, bihar:
The city’s history submerges in various Mythologies, and the line between them is more blurred than in any normal instance, making it a fascination to be explored. The Bhagalpur district perfectly embodies both historical coherence and natural beauty. Bhagalpur, which is located along the Ganges plains, has long drawn pilgrims from all over the world.
This region, which has extremely fertile terrain, has helped Bihar’s economy by growing rice, wheat, maize, barley, and oilseeds.
Bhagalpur is renowned for its beauty, which is enriched in both nature and architecture. With its high-standing mountains, flowing river streams, and remains of various historical structures. Another nickname for Bhagalpur is “Silk City.”
The distinctive silk fabric Tussah or Tusser is what Bhagalpur, the “Silk City,” is famous for. It has made it to the list of emerging cities under the smart city program due to the growth of such industries.
Visit: Ensure that you schedule a time to go to the Dolphin Sanctuary. A big attraction’s surroundings are made more beautiful by the diversity of flora and wildlife. It contains, like the Jaiprakash Udhyan.
You will explore several stunning spots here, whether you choose to walk along the Ganges shoreline or gaze at the granite boulders of Mandir Hill.
The remains of Vikramshila, a royal university that existed between 770 and 810 A.D., are one of Bhagalpur’s must-see sites.
Activities: There are many things to do in Bhagalpur, ranging from attending the aarti along the Ganges Ghats to learning about the regal history at the Bhagalpur Museum.
Location: The city of Bhagalpur lies at a distance of 221.5 KM from Patna
8. Kaimur, Bihar:
Kaimur is a well-liked location for history fans and archaeologists because of the more than 20,000-year-old rock drawings discovered here. It is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and is home to several gorgeous hills and plateaus. Kaimur district also holds a deep significance in Hindu mythology. This place is believed to be the penitential site of Attri Rishi. Maa Mundeshwari Temple located in this district is a part of the Red Corridor.
Visit: The Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary, Karkat Waterfall, Maa Mundeshwari Temple, and Karmanasa River are a few of Kaimur’s prominent tourist destinations.
Activities: During your trip to Kaimur, consider taking a tour of the magnificent Karkat Waterfall and Karmanasa River.
Location: the district of Kaimur lies at a distance of 185.4 KM from Patna.
9. Vaishali, Bihar:
It is believed that the village is named after king Vishal from the Mahabharata. One of the most visited tourist destinations in Bihar is Vaishali. which is a significant international Jains and Buddhist pilgrimage destination. Because it is said to be the location of Lord Mahavira’s birth, it is a significant location for Jains.
Given that Vaishali is the location where Gautama Buddha is thought to have given his last speech, Buddhists also regard this location as sacred.
Ashoka the great monarch also constructed the well-known Ashokan Pillar, which is still visible at Vaishali, in honor of the Buddha. Even though it is a small hamlet, it is one of Bihar’s most interesting sites to visit because of its historical significance, vast fields of rice and mangoes, and quiet natural beauty.
Visit: – The Bawan Pokhar Temple is an old temple that is important to Hindus.
The historical Ashoka Pillar is one of Vaishali’s key attractions.
The Buddha’s ashes are kept in a sacred lake called Abhishek Pushkarn in Vaishali.
Additionally, Raja Vishal’s Garh, for whom the town is called, has ruins that may be explored. The Vaishali Museum is home to some of the most fascinating finds that have been uncovered in the area.
Activities: famous attractions such as Ashoka Pillar, Vishwa Shanti Stupa, Abhishek Pushkam, Raja Vishal ka Garh, and Bawan Pokhar Temple.
Location: Vaishali is located at a distance of 42.2 km from Patna.
10. Pawapuri, Bihar:
The 24th Thirthankara (religious preacher of Jainism) and founder of the Jain religion, Lord Mahavira. It is honored in the Jal Mandir, which translates to “Water Temple,” also known as “Apapuri,” in Pawapuri, which means “a town without sins,” in Bihar. This temple marks the location of his cremation.
It is a major pilgrimage destination for Jains and the temple is dedicated to Mahavira, who attained Nirvana in Pawapuri in 527 BC.
Jal Mandir, which translates as “temple in water,” is constructed inside an area is 16.8 acres of the water tank. There are lotuses growing on the lake water’s surface. The footprint of Mahavira is available for worship in this exquisitely designed temple, which is shaped like a “Vimana” or chariot.
The temple and the bank of the water tank are connected by a stone bridge that is 600 feet long (180 meters). On a beautiful night, the temple sparkles gloriously. The devotees and priests feed a variety of fish species in the pond.
Visit: The Jal Mandir is an old temple that is important to Hindus and Jains. Jal Mandir is one of the 5 temples in Pawapuri, where the footprint of Lord Mahavira is deified.
The Gaon Mandir is also one of the key attractions of Pawapuri.
Activities: Famous attractions such as Jal Mandir, Gaon Mandir, and a few more temples situated in Pawapuri.
Location: Pawapuri is located at a distance of 82.2 km from Patna
11. East Champaran, Bihar:
The history of Champaran has been illustrious and significant from ancient times to the present. The devotee Dhruv, son of King Uttanapada, is said to have endured dreadful penance in order to get wisdom in the location known as Tapovan, according to the Purana.
The Goddess of Sita has made the Champaran region sacrosanct, but Gandhiji’s Satyagraha in contemporary India is an important chapter in the history of Indian freedom. This was a section of the Tirahut kingdom under the reign of King Janak. The popular belief is that King Janak’s Veeveda state’s capital was Jankigharh, also known as Chanchigarh. Afterward, in the sixth century BC, joined the Vaishali empire.
After the decline of the Gupta Dynasty and the Pala Dynasty, the entire Champaran region, including Mithila, became subject to the Karnat dynasty.
Visit: Kesariya Stupa is a majestic Buddhist Stupa lying in Kesariya in the Champaran.
Areraj Mandir also comes under ancient monuments still standing in this era.
Raxaul and Someshwar shiv Mandir, all these places make east Champaran one of the sought-after tourist spots of Bihar.
Activities: the place is known for its mouth-watering desserts, such as chhena murki, kesaria Peda, Khaja, malpua, khurma, thekua, Tilkut, and murabbathat, which continue to enthrall the taste buds of locals and tourists alike. Like every rich culture, East Champaran revels in the joy of its festivities.
Location: East Champaran is located at a distance of 152.8 km from Patna.
12. Valmiki National park, Bettiah:
The Valmiki National Park is home to one of the largest populations of tigers in the Country. The country’s longest grassland is found in the Valmiki National Park, Tiger Reserve, and Wildlife Sanctuary. The Park is situated in Bihar’s West Champaran District, which spans the border between India and Nepal in North-East India. On the banks of the lovely River Gandak, the National Park is situated.
The sole national park in Bihar is the Valmiki National Park, which is also one of the most well-known parks in the nation. It is home to a huge variety of animals, birds, plants, and reptiles.
Visit: In this National Park, you may find 7 distinct types of landscapes, including thick woods, swamps, rivers, valleys, and much more. Since it was founded in 1990, it has flourished and been around. There are several watchtowers placed strategically throughout the natural reserve to let you observe these beautiful animals in their natural habitat.
Activities: Interact with the thriving wildlife at the Valmiki National park by signing up for an open-air jeep safari.
A guide can take you into the right areas to show you some of the most beautiful animals that have made the park their home.
Location: Valmiki National Park, Bettiah is located at a distance of 284.7 km from Patna.
13. Barabar Caves, Sultanpur:
The Barabar caves are the only remaining specimen of Ajivika history and culture. These magnificent ancient caverns, which date to the third century BCE, are some of the earliest man-made remains in Bihar.
The majority of the caverns at Barabar are made up of two chambers, each completely cut out of granite. And include intriguing echo effects in addition to a highly polished inside surface known as “Mauryan polish.” The Barabar Caves are a collection of four distinct caves: Sudama, Lomas Rishi, Visvakarma, and Karan Chaupar.
When King Ashoka began building monuments around his empire to promote Buddhism. It is said that he ordered the construction of these caverns.
Visit: These man-made caves are some of the most intriguing tourist attractions in Bihar.
Karan Chaupar Cave, Sudama Cave, Lomas Rishi Cave, Vishwakarma Cave, and Nagarjuni Caves.
You can explore the beautiful internal chambers. check out some ancient Hindu and Jain sculptures and marvel at the architectural genius that went behind constructing these caves.
Activities: Cave Tourism, nature walk, trek to Barabar hill, and Spiritual tourism.
Location: Located about 25 km from Bodh Gaya, and 91.7 km from Patna.
14. Sonepur Fair, Bihar:
Sonepur was once the site for the longest railway platform and is now famous for hosting Asia’s largest cattle fair every year. Every year, the Sonepur fair in Bihar is a lively rural event that blends spirituality, sensuality, animal commerce, and entertainment. In the past, it was known as the cattle fair (said to be the largest in Asia). Numerous thousands of individuals from throughout the nation attend the event.
The carnival’s distinctive ambiance is influenced by street magicians, religious gurus and tantriks, pilgrims, food stands, handicrafts, rides, circus shows, martial artists, and dancing girls. Intending to draw both domestic and foreign visitors, the Sonepur fair is now more economically focused.
Visit: You can also find several ancient temples, beautiful local markets, picturesque riverside spots, and much more when you are visiting the quaint town of Sonepur.
It is now visited by millions of people from all over the world.
The fair is hosted for 15 days and carries on for a month, which held great importance in the ancient era.
Activities: Hariharnath Temple, Sonepur Cattle Fair, Sports, and Ganga Maha Arti. One can never grow tired of visiting Sonepur Mela since there are so many things to see and so many days to spend there. Plan your vacation to Bihar for November as soon as possible to avoid missing the fair this year.
Location: Sonepur Fair is located at a distance of 25.7 km from Patna.
15. Madhubani, Bihar:
An ancient city, Madhubani in Bihar is known for the richness of art and culture that the district strives for. Mentioned in the Ramayana, the city is known for the world-popular Madhubani Paintings whose origin lies here.
The popularity of this little region among tourists traveling to see Madhubani paintings is slowly expanding. Madhubani is a significant commercial center in the Madhubani district, bordered by Sitamarhi and Supaul on either side, Nepal to the north, Darbhanga to the south, and these cities on either side. The town’s numerous temples serve as the primary sites of interest for the people.
Visit: Navlakha Palace, is an architectural marvel that can be found on the eastern banks of the Kamla River, in Rajnagar in Bihar.
Kapileshwarsthan, according to local folklore a sage named Kapil placed a Shiva lingam at this site and since then the Darbhanga royal family looks after the temple.
Activities: Uchaitha, its period architecture will impress with the Indo-Aryan form of the temple’s architecture. Nagar Fort which is also well known as the Navlakha palace was built by Maharaja Shri Rameshwar Singh. Now, more and more people are visiting this district as it is a paradise for art lovers.
Location: Madhubani is located at a distance of 174.6 km from Patna.
Conclusion
Bihar has something for everyone, from its vibrant metropolis to its serene forests. Visit this state in India, which is incredibly diverse and rich in culture.
This is the land of Gautama Buddha, this is where the ancient center of learning, Nalanda, exists. All of Bihar is a glorious tale from a time long gone, this is an exploration you will never forget.