Nestled along the serene banks of the Ganges River, Patna is a city that has been an integral part of India's rich cultural heritage for centuries. With its ancient temples, mosques, and monuments, Patna is a treasure trove of historical and spiritual significance. The city is not only a popular tourist destination but also a revered pilgrimage site for people from different faiths. Hinduism, Sikhism, Jainism, and Buddhism have all left their mark on Patna, making it a melting pot of diverse cultures and beliefs.
Vaishali, nestled in the heart of Bihar, holds significant religious and historical importance, drawing visitors from far and wide. It's renowned as the birthplace of Lord Mahavir and the site where Buddha delivered his final sermon. This small district, steeped in Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain traditions, is believed to be the world's first republic, named after the legendary King Vishal from the Mahabharata era. Today, it's a serene village surrounded by lush mango and banana groves and vast rice fields, forming a picturesque backdrop for its rich heritage.
Nalanda, a blend of spirituality, history, and academia, stands as a captivating destination for travelers seeking enrichment. Once home to an ancient university renowned for its academic excellence, Nalanda continues to intrigue visitors with its rich heritage and architectural marvels. The city boasts one of the world's oldest residential universities, now in ruins but still drawing tourists from all corners.
Bodh Gaya is a small town situated in the Indian state of Bihar, which is regarded as a significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists worldwide. It is famously known as the place where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment, making it an extremely important place for Buddhists. Bodh Gaya is home to the most sacred temple of Buddhism, the Mahabodhi Temple, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Sher Shah Suri Tomb, located in Sasaram, Bihar, is a magnificent and historically significant site that is often referred to as the second "Taj Mahal of India." Built between 1540 and 1545, this grand mausoleum is dedicated to the memory of Emperor Sher Shah Suri, who was a prominent ruler of the Suri Dynasty.
Muzaffarpur, known as the "Litchi Kingdom," is a vibrant town located in the northern part of Bihar. Situated along the banks of the Burhi Gandak River, as well as the rivers Bagmati and Lakhandayee, Muzaffarpur serves as a significant administrative center for the district. The city thrives with educational institutions and commercial ventures, bustling with activity.
The Maa Mundeshwari Temple, also spelled Mundesvari, is an ancient Hindu temple located on the summit of the Mundeshwari Hills in the Kaimur district of Bihar, India. It is dedicated to the worship of the goddess Durga and the god Shiva, and is considered one of the oldest functional Hindu temples in the world.
Rajgir is a charming town situated amidst serene hills and valleys, lending it an air of tranquility and calm. Known for its rich cultural and spiritual heritage, it is a town steeped in history and closely intertwined with the principles of Buddhism and Jainism. The town is surrounded by lush forests, mysterious caves, and natural springs, all of which add to its charm and allure.
Gaya Airport and Jay Prakash Narayan Airport are the two major airports of Bihar that connect the state with the major cities of India through direct and indirect flights.
Bihar is well equipped with rail routes that allow easy access to major states of the country. Patna, Gaya, Nalanda and Baruni are some of the popular railway stations in Bihar.
Bihar can be easily travelled through roadways. National Highway 31 passes through Patna which can be used to reach other parts of the state.
In recent years Bihar has emerged as one of the popular tourist destinations amount tourists due to its cultural heritage and historical significance. Situated on the eastern side of India, the state is also known for its rich history and sightseeing destinations that act as a major source of tourism. The state is regarded as the origin of Buddhism and Jainism welcomes devotes from all over the world. The state was home to the oldest university in the world, Nalanda University which was burned down by the forces of Bakhtiyar Khilji. The university is believed to include more than 9 million manuscripts and relics which took over 3 full months to burn down.
Apart from historical sites and sacred monuments, the state of Bihar is also known for its wildlife which can be seen in several wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. Valmiki National Park, Bhimband Wildlife Sanctuary and Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary are some of the wildlife sanctuaries of Bihar that house some of the rare animal and bird species.
Bihar is highly known for its rich cultural heritage that resembles the tales and legends of Hindu mythology. Folk dances and paintings are a major part of their cultural traditions and are taught to younger generations to preserve the culture of the state. The state inhabits people from various communities such as Mundas, Santhals, Oraons and many more. Bhojpuri is the most spoken language of Bihar while most of the people can communicate using standard Hindi language. Hospitality is a part of respect and devotion towards others which also plays a major factor in the development of tourism in Bihar.
Besides rich culture and sightseeing destination, Bihar is equally popular for its cuisines that are popular all over the country. Being ruled by various dynasties and colonial empires the state has developed a combination of dishes that dates back to more than 2000 years old. Most of the dishes are packed with nutrition and are prepared using a variety of spices. Some of the popular foods of Bihar include Litti Chokha, Kadhi Badi, Chana Ghugni, Chicken Korma, Maplua and Kheer Makhana.
Being one of the oldest states of Indian Territory, most of the festivals are influenced by Vedic religions and are generally performed to worship the forces of nature such as fire, trees, stone and water. Some of the popular festivals of Bihar include Chatt Puja, Makar Sankranti, Buddha Jayanti, Bihula and many more.