Best Places to Visit and Things to Do in Bihar - Bharat Taxi

Indian tourism has overlooked Bihar. Bihar was formerly the capital of one of the most opulent ancient Indian kingdoms, although heritage tourism in India is stagnant. We agree that Bihar has a lot of international tourists, however they all visit fewer places in this historically wealthy state. Bihar's history dates back to India's early civilizations, when it was the centre of powerful empires like Magadh. Buddhism and Jainism originated in this state. Bihar has a rich history and unique culture. Today, we taste the imperial heritage. If we're flexible and willing to travel, we may discover a valuable Indian treasure.

Bihar as seen by a traveller, divided into three sections for your convenience. Let's begin our exploration into Bihar's history:

Gaya

Gaya, a Hindu pilgrimage centre and transit route for Bodhgaya, is one of Bihar's most famous sites. Buddha enlightened under the tree. Gaya, a thriving city on the Phalgu River, has several temples and historic sites that attest to the Maurya and Gupta dynasties' success here. Hiuen Tsang mentioned Gaya in his travelogues because of its fame.

Nalanda

Nalanda, India's oldest university, is a Bihar must-see. Nalanda, a Bihar tourist site, is a Gupta and Pala period relic. Mahavira, the final Jain Tirthankara, spent 14 monsoon seasons here. Even Buddha taught near Nalanda's mango grove. Hieun Tsang, the famed Chinese traveller, visited this teaching centre and stayed for two years. I-tsing, another legendary Chinese explorer, spent 10 years at Nalanda, such was its splendour. Nalanda's ruins are worth exploring!

Vaishali

Vaishali was the Licchavi capital. Lord Mahavira was born at Vaishali. In 6th-century BCE Kundalagram, Republic of Vaishali, Mahavira was born and raised. The last preaching of Buddha in 483 BCE took place here. Amrapali, a gorgeous courtesan in Buddha's Vaishali, was a flourishing kingdom. Vaishali has plenty to remember, and the well-preserved Ashokan Pillar adds to its ancient beauty. Chinese travellers Fa-hien and Hieun Tsang mention this old city.

Munger

Munger, home to Bihar School of Yoga, is another Bihar tourism destination. Aryans settled Munger, calling it the "Midland." Munger is well-known to yoga enthusiasts, so expect a huge foreign crowd. Munger and Jamalpur are twin cities today. Munger, Bihar's oldest city, was Mir Kasim's capital before the British took it. Historic treasures contribute to the attractiveness.

Navlakha Palace, Rajnagar

Navlakha Palace is in ruins in Rajnagar, Bihar, near Madhubani. The 1934 earthquake destroyed Maharaja Rameshwar Singh's palace. The palace was never rebuilt following the devastation. Despite its deterioration, it is a royal palace with stunning architecture. Gardens, ponds, and temples surrounded the palace.

Patna

Patna, Bihar's main city, is on Ganga's southern bank. In ancient India, the city was called Patliputra. Guru Gobind Singh's birthplace, Patna, is a Sikh pilgrimage. Haryanka, Nanda, Mauryan, Shunga, Gupta, and Pala made the city famous across India. Patna is modernising with malls, high-end hotels, and theatres. Patna must accelerate to join other cosmopolitans. Patna is a decent place with most modern amenities.

Jalmandir, Pawapuri

Jalmandir in Pawapuri, Bihar, is a Jain pilgrimage. Jain worshippers believe Lord Mahavira died in Jalmandir in 500 BCE. This Jain sect's last Tirthankara was cremated there. According to mythology, Lord Mahavira's ashes were so popular that a pond was created by eroding dirt around the funeral pyre. The white marble temple is a Bihar Jain pilgrimage.

Kundalpur Hieun Tsang Hall

This hall honours Chinese traveller Hiuen Tsang. Hieun Tsang visited Nalanda in the 5th century AD and was so impressed that he stayed for 12 years to learn and teach. This memorial hall reflects Nalanda University's artistic and academic magnificence.

Vishwa Shanti Stupa, Rajgir

Vishwa Shanti Stupa is Rajgir's World Peace Pagoda. Bihar's 7 Peace Pagodas must be seen. The 1969 pagoda promoted peace and nonviolence. This Peace Pagoda is one of India's best examples of Japanese architecture, with four Buddha sculptures representing Buddha's birth, enlightenment, teaching, and death.

Rajgir Griddhakuta Peak

Griddhakuta Peak (Vulture Peak) located in Rajgir, Bihar. Rajgir's most visited summit is 400m high. Vultures frequent it, hence its name. The Lotus Sutra was preached here to convert Mauryan King Bimbisara. Buddha also preached here and started the second law wheel. Japanese Buddhists built a Peace Pagoda on the top. The thrill of chairlifting here is enhanced by two caves.

Sher Shah Suri Tomb, Sasaram

This tomb was built in 1545 AD to honour Emperor Sher Shah Suri. This sandstone edifice in Bihar is beautiful and set in an artificial lake.

Vikramshila Ruins, Bhagalpur

King Dharampala founded Vikramshila, one of Bihar's two Buddhist learning centres. The king may have founded another school since Nalanda was declining. Reconstruction of Vikramshila has commenced. Buddhist monasteries, stupas, and wall carvings were unearthed here.

Kanwar Lake, Begusarai

India's largest freshwater Oxbow lake is Kanwar. Kanwar Lake Bird Sanctuary in Begusarai shelters 60 migratory bird species. In 2014, a Wetland Governance in South Asia conference in Delhi reviewed the state of this wetland ecosystem, which is declining owing to neglect. We hope this bird sanctuary, home to domestic and migratory birds, is protected.

Sultanpur Barabar Caves

Indian rock-cut caverns are Barabar Caves. These Mauryan-era caves are one of Bihar's top attractions. The Ajivika sect exploited the caverns of Barabar and Nagarjuni hills, but Buddhist and Jain art can be seen here. Barabar Hills has 4 caverns and Nagarjuni Hills has 3, each with well-polished walls and ceilings with intricate decorations and inscriptions.

Janki Temple, Sitamarhi

Janki temple in Sitamarhi, Bihar, is estimated to be 100 years old. Sita's birthplace is Sitamarhi. Janki Temple was built to commemorate Sita's birth. The temple's attractive doorway and vast courtyard can hold many pilgrims. Tourists and devotees visit the neighbouring Janki Kund pond.

Kesaria Stupa (East Champaran)

The tallest and largest Buddha Stupa in India, Kesaria Stupa is a Bihar tourist attraction. Raja Chakravarti erected the stupa between 200 and 750 AD. Its 104-foot height makes it a Bihar must-see.

Buxar Fort,

Buxar Fort, built by King Rudra Deo in 1054 AD, recalls Bihar's glory. Architecture and wall carvings make the fort famous. Tourists can see a wealth of artefacts.

Thai Monastery, Bodhgaya

Thai Monastery is another Bihar treasure. This Bodhgaya temple was founded in 1957 by Thai and Indian Buddhist monks. This temple's Thai architecture symbolises Thai culture and traditions.

Sonepur Fair

Wandering hearts love Sonepur Fair. Animal trading highlights the November festival. The world's largest cow fair is Harihar Kshetra Mela. Chandragupta Maurya founded the fair. This fair is a joy for anyone interested in Indian culture, with many unique attractions.

Shah Daulat's tomb Choti Dargah, Patna

Choti Dargah, Makhdum Shah Daulat's tomb, is a must-see in Patna. The tomb has Quranic writings on the ceiling and beautiful sculptures on the walls. Choti Dargah is Patna's must-see.

Bihar cuisine

Trying new food is the best part of travelling. Physically strong people in Bihar work in their field or do masonry or carpentry. Thus, Bihar's cuisine gives people strength and vitality while satisfying foodies. Bihar's greatest dishes include Litti Chokha, Dal Pitha, Kheer Makhana, Thekhua/Khajuria, Dal puri, Parwal Ki Mithai, Chana Ghugni, and Khaja.

Madhubani Art

Bihar's culture includes Mithila Painting, or Madhubani. Fingers, twigs, brushes, nib-pens, and matchsticks are used to create geometrical designs using natural dyes and pigments in this ancient craft. These Bihar women-made artworks are important. To brighten your living room, get these artworks in Bihar.

Chhath Festival

Bihar celebrates Chhath. Chhath shows Bihar's other side with pomp and display. Bihar's most important event is this six-day Sun God worship. You can still get tickets to see a joyful and flourishing Bihar during the festival season, even though it becomes nearly unreachable due to tourists from around the world.

Tribals

Souls of Bihar are its tribes. If planned well, seeing Bihar's tribal culture can be thrilling and yield valuables. The Bathudi, Binjhia, Birjia, and Chik Baraik tribes of Bihar have unique customs, dances, festivals, and music. A Bihar tribal trip can change your outlook on life. Thus, it's a top Bihar activity.

Handlooms and Crafts

Art can take any form in Bihar. Bihar's handloom and handicraft sector is impressive. Bihar's cotton, silk, sand gamchas, excellent tussar, mulberry, and matka silk are worth buying. Bhagalpur, India's Silk City, located in Bihar. So save a little for shopping—you might find something valuable in Bihar.

Chhau Dance Show

We all agree Bihar has rich culture. We've covered Bihar's handloom, cuisine, history, and architecture, but a dance performance completes the list. Odisha, West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Bihar dance chhau. Chhau, which is performed with masks during festivals, needs a lot of muscle and flipping and jumping. Chhau dance is a Bihar must-see.

Visit Sita's Birthplace

Sitamarhi is famous in Bihar as the birthplace of Lord Rama's wife Sita. Sitamarhi, a shrine and historic site, is worth visiting in Bihar. Sita was born in the city's 100-year-old Janaki Temple. A Mauryan rock-cut sanctuary is also worth seeing. Historic enthusiasts will love Sitamarhi more than Hindu worshippers!

Ride Mahaparinirvan Express

If your budget permits, ride Mahaparinirvan Express. It tours Buddhist sites in North India. The railway honours Buddha's preaching tour throughout India. Rajgir, Gaya, and Nalanda are Bihar's top Buddhist sites. Though expensive, the trip is worth it!

With Bharat Taxi, you can book a fair-priced taxi to take you to the Bihar. By calling +91-9696000999, you can easily hire cabs in Bihar to go to nearby cities.

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