Bihar is renowned for its vibrant culture, rich heritage, and historical significance. It's a place that bears the footprints of several prominent empires, remarkable personalities, and spiritual figures that have shaped Indian history. Here are some of the famous tourist places in Bihar that you visit on your next trip to the beautiful state:
Bihar's Historic Epicentre, Patna: Patna, the capital city of Bihar, offers a wealth of cultural and historical gems. Start your journey at the Patna Museum, housing an extensive collection of artefacts from the ancient, medieval, and British periods in India. The Golghar, a granary built following a devastating famine, stands as a testament to the architectural prowess of the British era. Don't forget to visit the revered Sikh Gurudwara, Harmandir Sahib, often referred to as Patna Sahib, the birthplace of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
Bodh Gaya and Rajgir: One of the most famous tourist places in Bihar, Bodh Gaya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment under the sacred Bodhi tree. The Mahabodhi Temple Complex is an epicentre of spiritual tranquillity. Pay a visit to the Bodhi Tree and the Great Buddha Statue, a towering 80-foot sculpture that exudes peace and serenity.
Next, set your compass to Rajgir, another prominent destination linked to Buddhism. The Vulture Peak, or Gridhakuta Hill, is where Buddha delivered many of his sermons. The peace pagoda, Viswa Shanti Stupa, is another attraction that presents panoramic views of the surrounding valleys.
Nalanda University: The ruins of Nalanda University display the scholarly prowess of ancient India. Once a global learning centre, it attracted students from across Asia. The remnants of the university, including its libraries and meditation halls, reflect the architectural brilliance of the era. The adjacent Nalanda Archaeological Museum showcases a range of artefacts discovered during excavations, offering a glimpse into the past and making it one of the most famous tourist places in Bihar.
Valmiki National Park: Valmiki National Park, located in West Champaran district of Bihar, is an exquisite sanctuary renowned for its stunning biodiversity. Covering an area of approximately 900 square kilometres, it is the only tiger reserve in Bihar, providing shelter to the majestic Bengal tigers, among other diverse fauna. Besides tigers, the park is home to Indian rhinoceros, leopards, deer, and several bird species. The lush landscapes of the park, dotted with myriad flora, render it a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Visiting Valmiki National Park offers an exciting opportunity to explore wildlife and immerse oneself in the serenity of nature.
Mithila: Bihar’s Mithila region is a hub of folk arts and crafts. Renowned for its Madhubani art, the region brims with vibrant hand-painted textiles, wall hangings, and exquisite paintings. These traditional artworks, mainly crafted by women, feature intricate geometric patterns, nature-inspired motifs, and depictions of Hindu deities. Mithila's folk music, another integral part of its cultural heritage, enhances the local experience. You should visit local markets for handicraft shopping and witnessing live art performances are absolute must-do activities when in Mithila.
Bihar has a rich culinary culture, with its street food being an absolute delight for foodies. Here are the top places to enjoy street food in some of the famous tourist places in Bihar:
Patna: Known as the food capital of Bihar, Patna's streets are brimming with food stalls. The area around Boring Road and Maurya Lok Complex is famous for stalls serving delicious litti chokha, sattu paratha, and aloo kachalu.
Muzaffarpur: This city is known for its sweets and snacks. Indulge in local delicacies like peda and tilkut near the famous Motijheel area.
Gaya: One of the famous tourist places in Bihar, Gaya is famous for its local sweet dish, lai. Also, don't miss out on mouth-watering samosas and kachoris.
Bhagalpur: Known for its unique street food items like malpua and rabri. The Ghantaghar area is quite popular for these.
Darbhanga: Visit the bustling markets of Darbhanga to taste delicious makhana curry and fish dishes, as the region is abundant in fish and makhana.
How to reach Bihar
Reaching Bihar is fairly easy as the state is well-connected to the rest of India and the world through various modes of transportation. So, you can visit any of the famous tourist places in Bihar without any hassle. The capital city, Patna, has an international airport (Jay Prakash Narayan Airport) which connects it to major cities across India and also hosts flights from international destinations. Bihar also has a robust railway network, with major stations in Patna, Gaya, Muzaffarpur, and Bhagalpur connected to different parts of the country. If you prefer road travel, the state has a well-maintained network of national and state highways. You can easily find inter-state buses or hire a taxi to reach Bihar from nearby states.
Answer: Bihar has a tropical monsoon climate. The ideal time to visit is between October and March when the weather is cooler and pleasant.
Answer: Some popular dishes include Litti Chokha, Sattu Paratha, and Ghugni. Don't miss out on the sweets, especially Thekua and Khaja.
Answer: Hindi is the official language. However, several local dialects, such as Bhojpuri, Maithili, and Magahi, are widely spoken.
Answer: Bihar is famous for Madhubani paintings, stone and bead jewellery, hand-painted wall hangings, and brass statues. These make for beautiful souvenirs.
Answer: Bihar is known for its rich historical heritage, Buddhist pilgrimage sites like Bodh Gaya, and the ancient Nalanda University. It's also renowned for its unique Madhubani art.
Answer: Bihar has a good network of roads and railways, making it fairly easy to navigate. Auto-rickshaws, cycle rickshaws, and taxis are commonly available in cities.
Answer: Bihar celebrates a multitude of festivals. The most notable ones include Chhath Puja, Bihula-Bishari, and Sonepur Cattle Fair.
Answer: Depending on the destinations you choose to visit, a trip spanning 7-10 days is generally sufficient to explore the major attractions in Bihar.
