Bihar gateway: Best places to visit in India
New Delhi : More than just politics and Bhojpuri cinemas, Bihar is also a place for tourists across the globe. The state has so much to see in terms of culture, archaic architectural excellence, rituals, food and paddy fields. While the state’s kitchen corners are famous for ‘littee-choka’, people in Bihar can also feast their eyes with remnants of ancient ruling dynasties.
Come; let’s guide you through Bihar’s popular places which attract travel-buffs from every nook and corner of the world.
- Bodh Gaya and Mahabodhi Temple
To inform you, Buddhist culture was born from Bodh village in Bihar and the Bodhgaya pilgrimage in the states says it all. Lord Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment under the shed of Bodhi tree located here. The place has been listed as the UNESCO World Heritage. The place is dotted with good numbers of Buddhist monasteries and temples of which Mahabodhi Vihar or Mahabodhi Temple is a famous Buddhist monastery. This Vihar stands in the same place where Gautama Buddha had acquired knowledge in 6th century BC.
- Nalanda University
The Nalanda University in Bihar is a place to gain knowledge about Buddhism. It is a popular leading place for students from India Korea, Japan, China, Tibet, Indonesia and Turkey. It is one of the oldest universities in the world. After the 12th century, this beautiful place was damaged but still the ruined place is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage, since 2016.
- Saasaram
This must-visit place in Bihar is the Samadhi of the ruler of Afghanistan, Sher Shah Suri, the founder of Sur Dynasty. It was here that King Sher Shah Suri was born. After this he came out to rule Delhi, before going to Delhi, this place of Bihar used to be the center of his power. Also, the place was home to many Sufi saints. This magnificent place is situated right amidst the lake. As you take a trip in Saasaram, you will find tombs linked with several Muslim rulers.
- Sonpur fair
The lively fair in Sonpur area of Bihar is organized every year in the occasion of Kartik Purnima that falls between November and December. It is Asia's largest animal fair where buying and selling all animals such as hand, horses, bulls, cows, buffaloes take place. Apart from this, fishery games are also held for visitors. Besides the gaming extravaganza, people can enjoy boating, dingle, water surfing and water at the fair ground.
- Rajgir
Once Rajgir used to be the capital of the Magadha Kingdom, after which the Maurya Empire emerged. History says that Lord Gautam Buddha had gained knowledge at this place for many years. Not just Buddhists, this place is also famous for unique culture of Hindus and Jain. It is adviable not to miss the beauty of Venuvan, Ghridkoot mountain, Lal temple, Veerashasan Dham Teerth, Digambar Jain temple, hot water fountains and Vipulachal mountain.
