The Ultimate Travel Guide to Bihar : Are you planning a trip to Bihar and looking for the best places to visit? Bihar is one of the most historically and culturally significant states in India, with a rich past and vibrant present. From ancient temples to picturesque landscapes, Bihar offers a plethora of attractions for all types of travelers. In this guide, we will take you through the top places to visit and things to do in Bihar, making your trip a memorable one.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Best Time to Visit Bihar
Top Places to Visit in Bihar
Bodh Gaya
Nalanda
Vaishali
Patna
Rajgir
Bhagalpur
Vikramshila
Pawapuri
Gaya
Kesaria
Things to Do in Bihar
Attend Chhath Puja
Explore the Wildlife Sanctuaries
Visit the Museums
Take a Boat Ride
Attend Festivals
Food in Bihar
Conclusion
FAQs
The Ultimate Guide To Traveling Without Money: 15 Points
The Ultimate Travel Guide to Bihar: Best Time to Visit Bihar
The best time to visit Bihar is from November to February, as the weather is pleasant and cool during this time. The monsoon season, from July to September, is also a good time to visit, as the state becomes lush and green, but there may be occasional floods. The summers, from March to May, are hot and humid, and it is not recommended to visit Bihar during this time.
The Ultimate Travel Guide to Bihar: Top Places to Visit in Bihar
The Ultimate Travel Guide to Bihar
- Bodh Gaya
Bodh Gaya is one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world, as it is the place where Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. The Mahabodhi Temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the main attraction here, with its stunning architecture and peaceful atmosphere. The Bodhi tree, under which Buddha meditated, is also located here and is a sacred site for Buddhists.
- Nalanda
Nalanda was once the site of the world-famous Nalanda University, which was a center of learning in ancient India. Today, visitors can explore the ruins of the university, which are spread over a large area and include temples, monasteries, and libraries. The Nalanda Archaeological Museum is also worth a visit, with its impressive collection of artifacts and sculptures.
- Vaishali
Vaishali is an ancient city in Bihar that was once the capital of the Licchavi Republic. It is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Mahavira, the founder of Jainism. The main attractions here are the Ashoka Pillar, which dates back to the 3rd century BC, and the Ananda Stupa, which is believed to contain the ashes of Lord Buddha’s disciple, Ananda.
- Patna
Patna, the capital city of Bihar, is a vibrant and bustling metropolis that has a rich history and culture. The city has several attractions, including the Patna Museum, which houses a vast collection of artifacts from ancient and medieval times, the Mahavir Mandir, a famous temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, and the Gandhi Maidan, a large park that hosts several cultural events.
- Rajgir
Rajgir is a scenic town in Bihar that is known for its hot springs and ancient temples. The town was once the capital of the Magadha Empire and is associated with several legends and stories from the time of Lord Buddha. The main attractions here are the Venuvana Monastery, the Ajatshatru Fort, and the hot springs, which are believed to have healing properties.
- Bhagalpur
Bhagalpur is a city in Bihar that is known for its silk production and is often referred to as the “Silk City.” The city has several attractions, including the Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary, which is home to the endangered Gangetic Dolphin, and the Colganj Rock Cut Temples, which are believed to be from the 6th or 7th century.
- Vikramshila
Vikramshila was once an important center of learning in ancient India and is now a famous archaeological site in Bihar. Visitors can explore the ruins of the Vikramshila University, which was one of the largest Buddhist universities in the world during its time.
- Pawapuri
Pawapuri is a holy site in Bihar for Jains and is believed to be the place where Lord Mahavira, the founder of Jainism, attained Nirvana. The main attraction here is the Jal Mandir, a temple that is built in the middle of a pond and is dedicated to Lord Mahavira.
- Gaya
Gaya is a city in Bihar that is known for its religious significance, as it is the place where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. The main attraction here is the Mahabodhi Temple, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is believed to be the place where Buddha attained enlightenment.
- Kesaria
Kesaria is a village in Bihar that is known for the Kesaria Stupa, which is the tallest Buddhist Stupa in the world. The stupa dates back to the 3rd century BC and is believed to have been built by the Mauryan Emperor, Ashoka.
Things to Do in Bihar
Apart from visiting the top places in Bihar, there are several other things that visitors can do to make their trip a memorable one. Some of the things to do in Bihar are:
- Attend Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja is a popular festival in Bihar that is celebrated to thank the Sun God for sustaining life on Earth. The festival is celebrated in November and involves several rituals, including fasting and offering prayers to the Sun God.
- Explore the Wildlife Sanctuaries
Bihar has several wildlife sanctuaries, such as the Valmiki National Park, the Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary. Visitors can explore these sanctuaries and see several species of animals and birds.
- Visit the Museums
Bihar has several museums, such as the Patna Museum, the Nalanda Archaeological Museum, and the Bihar Museum, which house a vast collection of artifacts and sculptures from ancient and medieval times.
- Take a Boat Ride
Visitors can take a boat ride on the Ganges River in Patna and see the city from a different perspective. The boat ride is a relaxing and enjoyable experience, and visitors can also witness the Ganga Aarti, a religious ritual that takes place on the riverbank every evening.
- Attend Festivals
Bihar has several festivals throughout the year, such as Holi, Diwali, and Durga Puja. Visitors can attend these festivals and experience the rich culture and traditions of Bihar.
Food in Bihar
Bihar has a rich culinary tradition, with several dishes that are unique to the state.
Some of the must-try dishes in Bihar are:
- Litti Chokha
Litti Chokha is a popular dish in Bihar and is made from roasted wheat flour balls stuffed with spiced gram flour and served with mashed potato and brinjal.
- Sattu Paratha
Sattu Paratha is a flatbread made from gram flour and stuffed with roasted gram flour and spices. It is usually served with a side of chutney and is a popular breakfast option in Bihar.
- Khaja
Khaja is a sweet delicacy from Bihar made from layered dough that is deep-fried and soaked in sugar syrup. It is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside and is a popular dessert in Bihar.
- Dal Pitha
Dal Pitha is a savory dish made from rice flour dumplings stuffed with spiced lentil and served with tomato chutney. It is a popular snack in Bihar and is often eaten during breakfast.
- Thekua
Thekua is a sweet biscuit from Bihar made from wheat flour, jaggery, and cardamom powder. It is usually made during festivals and is a popular snack in Bihar.
Conclusion
Bihar is a state with a rich cultural and historical heritage that is often overlooked by travelers. However, the state has several attractions that are worth exploring, from ancient Buddhist sites to wildlife sanctuaries and vibrant festivals. The food in Bihar is also unique and delicious, with several dishes that are a must-try for visitors. A trip to Bihar is sure to be a memorable experience, full of history, culture, and delicious food.
FAQs
Q1. Is Bihar a safe place to travel to?
Bihar is generally a safe place to travel to, but visitors should exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings, especially when traveling alone or at night.
Q2. What is the best time to visit Bihar?
The best time to visit Bihar is between October and March when the weather is pleasant and comfortable.
Q3. What is the currency used in Bihar?
The currency used in Bihar, like the rest of India, is the Indian rupee.
Q4. What is the main language spoken in Bihar?
The main language spoken in Bihar is Hindi, but several other languages, such as Bhojpuri and Maithili, are also spoken.
Q5. Is vegetarian food easily available in Bihar?
Yes, vegetarian food is easily available in Bihar, and several dishes in the state’s cuisine are vegetarian-friendly.