Bihar, earlier known as Magadh, was India's first empire of power, learning and culture. Its capital is Patna, which is also known as as Patliputrai earlier days. It was an important political, military, and economic center of Indian civilization during the ancient and classical periods of history.
Here are some places to visit in bihar,
1. PATNA
Patna rests on the southern bank of the Ganges. The Mahatma Gandhi Seti, one of the longest bridges in the world at 7.5km, crosses the Ganges, 5 km to the west of the city. It is the capital city of Bihar, an important business centre in eastern India and more significantly, is the gateway to the Budhist and Jain pilgrim centres of Bodhgaya, Nalanda, Vaishali, Rajgir and Pawapuri.
A) Patna Museum: This excellent museum contains metal and stone sculptures dating back to the Maurya and Gupta periods, terracotta figures and archaeological finds from sites suc
h as Nalanda. It also houses the world's longest fossilised tree, 16 metres Tall and 200 million years old.B) Golghar: This amazing beehive shaped building was built in 1786 by Captain John Garstin at the instigation of the British administrator Warren Hastings. Standing at about 25 metres, with steps winding around the outside to the top, from where one gets a good view of the city and the Ganges
C) Kumrahar Excavations: The remains of Pataliputra as well as the ancient capital of Ajatasatru, Chandragupta and Ashoka have been uncovered here.
D) Har Mandir: This is one of the holiest Sikh shrines in the state. Built entirely of white marble, it marks the place where Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th and last of the Sikh gurus was born in 1660.
E) Qila House: Built on the foundations of Sher Shah's fort, Qila House(Aka Jalan museum) contains an impressive private collection of anitques.
F) Mahavir Mandir: Non Hindus are welcome to this modern temple dedicated to the popular god Hanuman. At night this place lits up in garish pink and neon.
G) Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park: Established in 1969 as a Botanical Garden, this park has been developed as Biological Park since 1973. The park is classified as one of the 16 large zoos in the country. The park has more than 300 species of trees, herbs and shrubs. The zoo has more than 70 species of animals. There are more than 800 animals in the zoo. This park also has an Aquarium and a Snake House.
2. GAYA
Gaya is one of the most important pilgrimage places for the Hindus in Bihar. It is believed that a Hindu will reach heaven if his last rites are offered under the celebrated 'Akshayabat' or immortal banyan tree, standing in the yard of Vishnupad temple. Believed to be built on the foot
steps of Vishnu, the grand temple was renovated by Ahalyabai, queen of Indore.A) Barabar Caves: The Barabar and Nagarjuni hills are situated 41 kms from Bodhgaya. these historical hills contain seven rock-cut caves, 4 of which are in the Barabar hills. These caves which bear details of the life of Buddha were carved out from solid rocks.
B) Bodhgaya:Bodhgaya is considered to be the holiest and most important Buddhist pilgrimage site in the world. It is here that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree around 2540 years ago. This sacred place is situated on the banks of the river Niranjana, around 13 kms from Gaya town.
i)Mahabodhi Temple:
The Mahabodhi Temple stands on the site of a temple erected by Ashoka in the third century BC. Topped by a 50m pyramidal spire, the ornate structure houses a large gilded image of Buddha. The total height of the temple is 170 ft and on top of the temple are chatras which symbolise the sovereignty of religion. The entire courtyard is studded with a large number of stupas of great variety - votive, decorative, memorative.
3. RAJGIR:
This was the capital of the Magadha empire until Ajatasatru, son of King Bimbisara, moved it to pataliputra, now patna, in the 5th century BC. Today it is a minor holiday centre. In
winters tourists are drawn by the hot springs and healthy climate. Rajgir is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site since Buddha spent 12 years hereA) Amaravana: Site of the Royal physician Jivaka's dispensery, where the Buddha was once brought to have a wound dressed by him.
B) Ajatshatru Fort: This was built by Ajatasatru, who was King of Magadha during Buddha's time, some time in the 6th century BC.
C) The Cyclopean Wall: Built of massive undressed stone, this wall was once 40 km long and encircles ancient Rajgir.The wall is one of the few pre-Mauryan structures ever to be found.
4. NALANDA
Founded in the 5th century BC, Nalanda was one of the world's great universities and an important Buddhist centre. When renowned chinese scholar and traveller Hieun Tsang visited Nalanda between 685BC and 762BC, 10,000 monks and students resided here. Nalanda was frequently visit
ed by Lord mahavira and lord Buddha in the 6th century BC.A) Nalanda University Archeological Complex: The entire excavation area stretches to around 14 hectares. The buildings are divided by a central walkway that goes north to south. On either side of this walkway one can find monasteries and temples. A small chapel retains a half broken statue of the Buddha.
B) The Nalanda Archeological Museum: This place houses the Nalanda university seal, sculptures and other remains found at the site. It also contains a number of small Buddhist and Hindu bronzes and some undamaged statues of the Buddha.
5. PAWAPURI:
ALso known as Apapuri, the sinless town, this is the place where Mahavira, the final thirthankar and founder of Jainism passed away. He was cremated here around 500 BC. It is said that the demand for his ashes was so great that a large amount of soil was removed around the funeral pyre, creating a lotus filled tank. The Jalmandir, a large marble temple was later built in the middle of the tank and is now one of the major pilgrimage spots for jains.
6. VAISHALI:
As long ago as the 6th century BC, Vaishali was the capital of a republic. it is credited with being the world's first republic to have elected member of an assembly. Mahavira, the founder of jainism, was born here, and the Buddha preached his last sermon here. It also has a small musuem.
Ashokan Pillar: The Lion Pillar at Kolhua, was built by Emperor Ashoka. It is made of a highly polished single piece of red sandstone, surmounted by bell shaped capital, 18.3m. high. A life-size figure of a lion is placed on top of the pillar. The pillar is well-preserved and intact. There is a small tank here known as Ramkund. One can also find a few dilapidated stupas in Vaishali.
7. SASARAM:
Sasaram is situated on the grand Trunk Road, the famous Indian highway built by Sher Shah in the 16th centuary. The impressive mausoleum of Sher Shash who died in 1545 is the main attraction in Sasaram. Built with red sandstone in the middle of an artificial pond, the mausoleum stands 46m tall and has a dome of 22m span that is 4m wider than the Taj Mahal.
