Bihar Travel India

The seat of ancient learning and civilization, Bihar is an important state in the Indian Union. The Ganga flowing through the region has bestowed it with such fertility that its natural prosperity witnessed great heights with importance of political history associated with it. The name Bihar was derived from Vihara meaning monastery as it was a learning center of the Buddhist. It was in Bihar that Lord Buddha attained his enlightenment under the famous Bodhi tree.

Magadh, as it was known in the ancient periods had its capital at Pataliputra, which was an all important place of the Hindus. The land was also significant for being the place of worship of Mahavira, Buddha and Guru Govind Singh of the Sikhs. Nalanda University, one of the renowned Buddhist University also flourished in Bihar during the ancient times.

Climate
Temperature varies from 19.6oC to 43oC in the summers while it is at a low of 5°C in the colder seasons. The best time to visit the place is from the month of November to April.

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Major Attractions
» Bodhgaya - Prince Gautama achieved enlightenment in this sacred place under the Bodhi or Asvatta tree some 2500 years ago and came to be known as Lord Buddha. Counted as one of the major Buddhist pilgrimage, the town of Bodh Gaya takes pride for being the gateway to the places of Buddhist importance like Nalanda, Vaisali etc. The Maha Bodhi temple is located at the place where Lord Buddha achieved Enlightenment. There is a statue of Buddha in the sanctum along with the lingum of Shiva in the center of the temple. The Bodhi tree under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment is located behind the temple besides a red sand stone slab. This slab was the diamond throne or vajraasana of Buddha during the time of attaining nirvana. Bodh Gaya is a revered place of the Hindus who believe that if the last rites of the deceased are offered to the Akshayabat or the banyan tree placed in the yard of the Vishnupad temple, the souls of the dead reaches heaven.

» Gaya - Gaya, situated about 100 km south of Patna, between the Ramshila and the Pretshila hills lies on the shores of the Phalgu river. A great place of pilgrimage for the Hindus, it is believed that footsteps of Lord Vishnu were found here, and thus the temple of Vishnupad was built on the steps by Ahalyabai, the queen of Indore. People coming to the place believe that if the last rites of a deceased person are performed here and Pindas offered along the river, then the soul is freed from the bondages of sin.

» Rajgir - Rajgir, the ancient capital of Magadh till the 5th century is an important Buddhist pilgrim center. The place was the location of the first Buddhist council near the Saptaparni caves. It was here that Lord Buddha went into retreat at the Jivkamaravana monastery in an orchard. Near the Griddhakuta hill in Rajgir, Gautama used to deliver his sermons and even converted one of his followers, King Bimbisara of the Mauryan Dynasty, to Buddhism.

» Patna - Patna, the present capital of Bihar is one of the oldest capital cities in India and the power house of the state of Bihar. The fertile land along the banks of the Ganges was ruled by some great rulers in ancient times like Ashoka, Samudragupta, Vikramaditya and Ajatsatru. Different dynasties that flourished in the place gave it a new name according to their suitability. Hence, the place had various names starting from Kusumpura to Puspapara, Pataliputra and the present Patna. The Mahatma Gandhi Sethu is one of the longest bridges in the world measuring 7.5 km over the Ganges. This has given it a new significance in modern India. Patna is also famous for architectures like Harmandir of the Sikhs and the Sher Shah Suri Mahal.

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» Nalanda - Nalanda is situated at a distance of 90 km south east of Patna. It is the place where the ruins of the ancient university of Nalanda have been excavated. The great place of learning was frequented by Mahavira and Buddha in the 6th century. The stupas, terraces and the sculptures, all give ample proof of the past glory that the place once enjoyed.

» Vaishali - The town got its name from King Vaishali whose heroic deeds are narrated in the epics of Ramayana. The place of Vaishali came to be known as the center of the Gangetic plains and was the seat of the Republic of Vajji. Vaishali was first to hold a duly elected assembly of representatives and efficient administration. It was the venue of the second Buddhist council and it was even believed to be the birth place of Lord Mahavira. The Ashokan pillar built by emperor Ashoka is in the same place along with the Buddha stupa.

Shopping
Bihar is famous for handlooms and Khadi which can be bought from the various gramodyog bhawan located in various parts of the state.

Accommodation
Bihar, known for its diverse culture and traditions practiced in the state, has some of the best hotel providing comfortable stay in the region. Some of the prominent names includes Hotel Bodh Gaya Ashoka, Hotel Siddhartha International, Royal Residency in Gaya and the Lotus Nikko.

How to Reach
» By Air - Three airports the Lok Nayak Jaiprakash airport in Patna, Bhagalpur airport and Gaya airport. All the three airport connect Bihar to other cities of India.

» By Rail - Bihar is well-connected by railway lines to the rest of India. Most of the towns are interconnected among themselves, and they also are directly connected to states like Kolkata and Delhi.

» By Road - The state has a vast network of National and State highways linking each of its cities and major pilgrimage places.

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