Bihar, located in the eastern part of India, is a state with a rich cultural and historical heritage. The state is home to many important pilgrimage sites for Buddhists, Hindus, and Jains, as well as several historically significant monuments.
Some of the popular tourist attractions in Bihar include:
Mahabodhi Temple: Located in Bodhgaya, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Buddhists.
Nalanda University: One of the oldest universities in the world, it was a center for learning and education in ancient India.
Vikramshila University: Another ancient university in Bihar, it was a major center for Buddhism and had many renowned scholars.
Patna Sahib Gurudwara: A sacred place for Sikhs, it is the birthplace of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh.
Rajgir: An important historical site, it was the capital of the Magadha empire and has many important Buddhist and Jain pilgrimage sites.
Vaishali: It is the birthplace of Lord Mahavira, the founder of Jainism and has several important Jain temples.
Pawapuri: It is an important pilgrimage site for Jains as it is believed to be the place where Lord Mahavira attained Nirvana.
Bodh Gaya: The most famous pilgrimage site in Bihar, it is the place where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. The Mahabodhi Temple is the main attraction here.
Gaya: Another important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists, Gaya is home to the famous Vishnupad Temple, where it is believed that Lord Vishnu’s footprints are imprinted on a rock.
Sonepur Mela: Held every year in the town of Sonepur, it is one of the largest cattle fairs in Asia and attracts visitors from all over the world.
Bhagalpur: A city located on the banks of the river Ganges, it is known for its silk production and is home to the Vikramshila Mahavihara, a Buddhist monastery from the 8th century.
Patna: The capital city of Bihar, Patna has a rich history and is home to several important historical sites such as the Patna Museum, the Gandhi Maidan, and the Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Library.
Madhubani: A small town in Bihar, it is famous for its Mithila paintings, which are known for their intricate designs and bright colors.
Darbhanga: A city located in northern Bihar, it is known for its royal palaces and is home to the Kali Temple, which is considered to be one of the most important temples of Goddess Kali.
Rajgir Hot Springs: Located in Rajgir, the hot springs are believed to have medicinal properties and are a popular destination for tourists seeking relaxation.
Kesariya Stupa: It is believed to be the largest Buddhist stupa in the world and is located in Kesariya, which is about 110 km from Patna.
Agam Kuan: A historical site located in Patna, it is believed to be a well that was used by Emperor Ashoka’s daughter for bathing.
Jalmandir Temple: A temple located in Pawapuri, it is surrounded by a lake and is considered to be a sacred place for Jains.
Kakolat Waterfall: Located in the Nawada district, it is a beautiful waterfall surrounded by lush green forests.
Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary: Spread over an area of 682 sq km, it is home to several species of animals including tigers, leopards, and sloth bears.
Munger: A town located on the banks of the river Ganges, Munger is known for its ancient fort and the Bihar School of Yoga.
Barabar Caves: Located in the Jehanabad district, the Barabar Caves are ancient rock-cut caves that are believed to date back to the Mauryan Empire.
Kanwar Lake Bird Sanctuary: Located in the Begusarai district, it is a popular destination for birdwatchers and is home to several migratory bird species.
Bhadra Maruti Temple: A temple located in Hajipur, it is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and is believed to be one of the oldest Hanuman temples in India.
Ugratara Temple: Located in Gupteshwar, it is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus and is dedicated to the goddess Tara.
Raja Bhojpur Fort: Located in the Buxar district, it is an ancient fort that dates back to the 11th century.
Sitamarhi: A town located in northern Bihar, it is believed to be the birthplace of Goddess Sita and is home to several important temples.
Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary: Spread over an area of 1,342 sq km, it is home to several species of animals including tigers, leopards, and elephants.
In addition to these, Bihar also has several beautiful natural sites such as the Valmiki National Park and the Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary. The state is also known for its delicious cuisine, particularly its sweets such as Litti Chokha and Churma.