Best Places To Visit In Bihar

Bihar is the thirteenth largest state in India. Bihar has many tags attached to it's name. The state owns the pride of establishing one among the first democracies in the world called Lichhavi. It is also the state that gave birth to two major religions - Buddhism and Jainism to the world. Bihar is a wonderful place with a rich history and it offers many tourist attractions out of which, the best places to visit in Bihar are listed below :

1. Visit Bodhgaya and the Mahabodhi Temple : The most important and popular Buddhist pilgrimage place in the world is Bodhgaya. This is the place where the Buddha became enlightened while meditating under a bodhi tree. This temple has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

2. Ruins of Nalanda University : Nalanda University was established during the 5th Century A. D. Nalanda was an important center for Buddhist learning with approximately 10,000 monks and students. The uniqueness of the Nalanda University was that Lord Buddha himself was a teacher here and used to teach students. It survived until the twelfth century​ when it was invaded by some of the Muslim invaders and they set the library on fire. The remains excavated from the university ruins include stupas, ornamented panels, lecture halls and stairways. The Ruins of the Nalanda University has also been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016.

3. Stupa in Rajgir : Vishwa Shanti Stupa is situated here and is a must place to visit. It is believed that after achieving enlightenment, Lord Buddha spent some years at Rajgir and he used to preach to his disciples.

4. Ashokan Pillar at Vaishali : Vaishali is another important Buddhist and Jain pilgrim destination in Bihar. Vaishali was once the capital city of Licchavi rulers. Emperor Ashoka built one of his famous lion pillars here, in the 3rd Century BCE, to mark the occasion. It is also believed that the last Jain Tirthankar Lord Mahavira was born and brought up here in 6th century BCE.

5. Ruins of the Navlakha Palace : Navlakha Palace is located in Rajnagar near Madhubani in Bihar and is worth a visit for it's architecture. It was built by Maharaja Rameshwar Singh in 17th Century A. D. It is said to have suffered extensive destruction during an earthquake in 1934 and no renovation was done after the destruction. It is recognised as a royal palace and still even after it's destroyed structure, one can witness it's architectural marvel. The palace complex is comprised of gardens, pond, and temples.

6. Kesaria Stupa at Kesaria : The Kesaria Stupa is considered to be the tallest and biggest Buddhist Stupa in the world with a circumference of almost 400 feet and raises to a height of about 104 feet. Kesaria Stupa was built by the great ruler Ashoka.

I must say that your tour to Bihar will provide you an insight of its rich cultural heritage and glorious past and you will get immense knowledge here.