Tourist Attractions In Bihar:

The state lies steeped in history as a mute witness of rise and fall of some of India`s important dynasties - the Mauryas, the Guptas, the Palas. The world`s earliest university flourished here between the 5th to the 11th century, the remains of which is the biggest of the tourist attractions in Bihar.

The holy places of the Buddhist religion here form a circuit, which is renowned across the world as the most important among the tourist attractions in Bihar. And some important sites of Hinduism, Jainism and Sikhism are also located within the state.

Among the major tourist attractions in Bihar, following are must visits :

Nalanda: This renowned Buddhist University was founded in the 5th century by the Gupta emperors. There were thousand of teachers and students from all over the world and its fame continued to spread far and wide until the end of the 12th century.
Rajgir: This forest clad small hill grit town of today was once the the capital of the Magadh Mahajanpad (State). Lord Buddha spent many years here and delivered sermons. It was also the venue for the first Buddhist Council.

Bodh Gaya: Lord Buddha meditated under a pipal tree here and attained enlightenment. The tree is called "Bodhi Tree". A descendant of the same tree, still flourishes here. Gaya is also an important Centre of Hindu Pilgrimage where people go to pray for the salvation of their ancestors.

Patna: Today`s capital city was also the capital of ancient Bihar - Pataliputra. The history dates back to 2 millennia. In around the city there are many places, worth a visit.

Vaishali: The city finds its mention in literature as old as the Ramayana. The second Buddhist council took place here. The place remains twice blessed by virtue of the birth of Jain prophet Lord Mahavira here in 527 BC. Historians also maintain that the world`s first elected assembly of representatives was formed here giving birth to a republic in 6th century.

Vikramshila: Excavations have unearthed the ruins of Vikramshila University founded by King Dharampala.

Pawapuri: Here Lord Mahavira breathed his last around 500 B.C. and was cremated. It is said that the demand for his ashes was so great that a large amount of soil was removed from around the funeral pyre, creating the water tank. Today here stands a marble temple, the "Jalmandir", later built in the middle of the tank.

Among other tourist attractions in Bihar there are Harminder Sahib, State Museum, Martyr`s Memorial, Sher Shah`s mausoleum etc.

Tourism in Bihar:

Sonepur Tourism
The Sonepur Mela held around November is the largest cattle fair in Asia. It is 25 km from Patna. People from all over the country flock here to sell their livestock. Agro basex exhibitions are also held here. People from far and wide visit this mela. Sonepur has a temple of Hariharnath that is greatly revered by the Hindus who also take a holy dip at the confluence of Ganga and Gandak.

Bodhgaya Tourism
Bodhgaya is where the Buddha attained enlightenment and gave the world a great religion like Buddhism. It is very near the capital city of Patna. At a distance of around 125 km one can easily drive down from Patna. The Mahabodhi Temple is where Buddha attained enlightenment. It has a Peepal tree that is said to have been grown from the branches of the famed tree. The town houses, an Archaeological Museum and monasteries built by people of many Buddhist countries are the main Tourist places in Gaya.

Nalanda Tourism
At 90 km from Patna, Nalanda is again a days trip from Patna. Nalanda University was one of the greatest centers of Buddhist learning in ancient times and scholars from far and wide came here. Important attractions of Nalanda are the ruins of the Nalanda University, the Hiuen Tsang Memorial Hall, the Surya Mandir, the Nalanda museum, and the Nav Nalanda Vihar.

Vaishali Tourism
Vaishali is an important spiritual place for both Buddhists and Jains. Vaishali is at a distance of 55 km from Patna. Named after King Visala of Ramayana, Vaishali has the distinction of being the capital of one of the first republics in the world run by the Lichchavis. It is here that Lord Buddha preached his last sermon and announced his approaching Nirvana. Lord Mahavira, the 24th Jain Tirthankara, was born here in Kundligrama (Vaishali) in 599 B.C. Tourist attractions are the Vishwa Shanti Stupa, the Ashokan pillars, and many Buddhist and Jain structures.

Sasaram Tourism
Sasaram houses the grand and beautiful mausoleum of Sher Shah, the man known for building the Grand Trunk Road across the whole of North India, that included Pakistan at that time. The mausoleum is located in a beautiful lake and looks like a floating structure. Sasaram is 148 km from Patna.

Rajgir Tourism
At a distance of 102 km off Patna, Rajgir is a well-known pilgrimage destination of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism alike. Before Pataliputra (Patna), Rajgir or Rajgriha was the capital of Magadh. The Swarna Gufa, Griddhakuta Parvat, hot springs, and the Vishwa Shanti Stupa are some of the tourist attractions here.

Gaya Tourism
Gaya is a Hindu pilgrimage center. Gaya too is easily accessible from Patna at a distance of only 112 km. Gaya houses the Vishnupad (Vishnu footprints) Temple, built by Rani Ahilya Bai of Indore in the 18th century.