While Bihar may still be relatively undeveloped and "off the beaten track", the Bihar government has been putting significant effort into drawing visitors to the state. The main focus has been on promoting Bihar's many religious sites, of which the Buddhist ones are most prominent. Here are the important tourist attractions and places to visit in Bihar.
Want to know what to buy in Bihar? Have a look at this guide to shopping in India by region to discover the handicrafts that Bihar is famous for.
01
of 07
Bodhgaya and the Mahabodhi Temple
•••
Bihar is where the Buddha began his journey to enlightenment and it's possible to follow in his sacred footsteps. The most important Buddhist pilgrimage place in the world is Bodhgaya, where the Buddha became enlightened while meditating under a bodhi tree. The magnificent Maha Bodhi Temple, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, marks the spot. It's a sprawling and serene place to spend some time. Bodhgaya also has many Buddhist monasteries and temples, with varying architecture styles. If you're interested in Buddhism, you'll find plenty of courses and retreats on offer there.
Location: 110 kilometers (68 miles) south of capital city Patna.
02
of 07
Gaya
•••
Although it's not far from Bodhgaya, Gaya couldn't be more different. Foreign tourists may wish to skip this rather noisy and unappealing town, which is a major center for Hindu pilgrims. The main attraction is the Vishnupad Temple, with its huge footprint of Lord Vishnu imprinted on rock. Unfortunately, non-Hindus aren't allowed inside the temple. Pilgrims come to Gaya to perform the holy "Pinda Dan" ritual for their deceased elders, which Lord Ram and his wife Sita are said to have carried out there. The ritual is believed to liberate the souls of the deceased, as well as provide salvation and release from rebirth.
Location: 12 kilometers (8 miles) north of Bodhgaya and 98 kilometers (61 miles) south of Patna.
03
of 07
Nalanda University Ruins
•••
An important attraction on Bihar's Buddhist Circuit, the extensive ruins of Nalanda University date back to the 5th century, making it one of the world's oldest universities. Nalanda was a significant center for Buddhist learning with an estimated 10,000 monks and students. It survived until the 12th century, when it was ransacked by Muslim invaders and its library set on fire. More than 9 million manuscripts are thought to have been destroyed. The highlight of the ruins is the pyramid-shaped Stupa of Sariputra, flanked by steps and sculptures. The ruins were listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016, making it the second one in Bihar.
Location: 80 kilometers (50 miles) southeast of Patna and about 80 kilometers northeast of Bodhgaya. It can be easily visited from nearby Rajgir. Regular shared jeeps run between the two places, although they do get crowded.
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04
of 07
Rajgir
•••
Lord Buddha spent a number of years at Rajgir after becoming enlightened. Although a popular pilgrimage destinations for Buddhists, Hindus and Jains, Rajgir doesn't really get as much attention from foreign tourists as it deserves. A couple of days can be spent exploring the area, which has many historical sites, caves, shrines, and temple remains. One of the most popular things to do is take the aerial tramway/ropeway uphill to the Vishwa Shanti Stupa. Walk back down the hill and visit Vulture's Peak, where Buddha used to preach to his disciples. The view is noteworthy. Also of interest are the remnants of the ancient stone Cyclopean wall, constructed by Mauryan rulers, that used to surround Rajgir. Hot springs with medicinal properties attract many visitors but they're dirty and poorly maintained. An annual Rajgir Mahotsav classical music and dance festival takes place at the end of December. The Mahaparinirvan Express Buddhist Train includes Bodhgaya, Rajgir and Nalanda...MORE
05
of 07
Vaishali
•••
Vaishali i
Want to know what to buy in Bihar? Have a look at this guide to shopping in India by region to discover the handicrafts that Bihar is famous for.
01
of 07
Bodhgaya and the Mahabodhi Temple
•••
Bihar is where the Buddha began his journey to enlightenment and it's possible to follow in his sacred footsteps. The most important Buddhist pilgrimage place in the world is Bodhgaya, where the Buddha became enlightened while meditating under a bodhi tree. The magnificent Maha Bodhi Temple, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, marks the spot. It's a sprawling and serene place to spend some time. Bodhgaya also has many Buddhist monasteries and temples, with varying architecture styles. If you're interested in Buddhism, you'll find plenty of courses and retreats on offer there.
Location: 110 kilometers (68 miles) south of capital city Patna.
02
of 07
Gaya
•••
Although it's not far from Bodhgaya, Gaya couldn't be more different. Foreign tourists may wish to skip this rather noisy and unappealing town, which is a major center for Hindu pilgrims. The main attraction is the Vishnupad Temple, with its huge footprint of Lord Vishnu imprinted on rock. Unfortunately, non-Hindus aren't allowed inside the temple. Pilgrims come to Gaya to perform the holy "Pinda Dan" ritual for their deceased elders, which Lord Ram and his wife Sita are said to have carried out there. The ritual is believed to liberate the souls of the deceased, as well as provide salvation and release from rebirth.
Location: 12 kilometers (8 miles) north of Bodhgaya and 98 kilometers (61 miles) south of Patna.
03
of 07
Nalanda University Ruins
•••
An important attraction on Bihar's Buddhist Circuit, the extensive ruins of Nalanda University date back to the 5th century, making it one of the world's oldest universities. Nalanda was a significant center for Buddhist learning with an estimated 10,000 monks and students. It survived until the 12th century, when it was ransacked by Muslim invaders and its library set on fire. More than 9 million manuscripts are thought to have been destroyed. The highlight of the ruins is the pyramid-shaped Stupa of Sariputra, flanked by steps and sculptures. The ruins were listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016, making it the second one in Bihar.
Location: 80 kilometers (50 miles) southeast of Patna and about 80 kilometers northeast of Bodhgaya. It can be easily visited from nearby Rajgir. Regular shared jeeps run between the two places, although they do get crowded.
Know where to go!
Sign up for our daily tips to make your best vacation.
ONE-TAP SUBSCRIBE
04
of 07
Rajgir
•••
Lord Buddha spent a number of years at Rajgir after becoming enlightened. Although a popular pilgrimage destinations for Buddhists, Hindus and Jains, Rajgir doesn't really get as much attention from foreign tourists as it deserves. A couple of days can be spent exploring the area, which has many historical sites, caves, shrines, and temple remains. One of the most popular things to do is take the aerial tramway/ropeway uphill to the Vishwa Shanti Stupa. Walk back down the hill and visit Vulture's Peak, where Buddha used to preach to his disciples. The view is noteworthy. Also of interest are the remnants of the ancient stone Cyclopean wall, constructed by Mauryan rulers, that used to surround Rajgir. Hot springs with medicinal properties attract many visitors but they're dirty and poorly maintained. An annual Rajgir Mahotsav classical music and dance festival takes place at the end of December. The Mahaparinirvan Express Buddhist Train includes Bodhgaya, Rajgir and Nalanda...MORE
05
of 07
Vaishali
•••
Vaishali i
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