Best Places to Visit in Bihar | Travel Guide (2024) | Things to Do, See & Eat
Bihar Travel Guide
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Welcome to Bihar, India! Located in the eastern part of the country, Bihar is a state rich in history, culture, and spirituality. Known as the land of Buddha and Mahavira, Bihar is home to numerous ancient sites and pilgrimage destinations. One of the most famous attractions in Bihar is Bodh Gaya, where Gautama Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. The state is also renowned for its ancient universities, such as Nalanda and Vikramshila, which were centers of learning in ancient India. With its diverse landscapes, including the fertile Gangetic plains and the lush forests of Valmiki National Park, Bihar offers a unique travel experience for those seeking to explore the roots of Indian civilization.
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Best Places To Visit in Bihar
1. Patna: The capital city of Bihar, Patna is a vibrant and historical city that offers a blend of ancient and modern attractions. Visit the Golghar, a unique granary with stunning views of the city, or explore the Mahatma Gandhi Setu, one of the longest bridges in the world. Don't miss the Patna Museum, which houses a vast collection of artifacts and artworks from Bihar's rich history.
2. Bodh Gaya: Known as the place where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment, Bodh Gaya is a significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists from around the world. The Mahabodhi Temple is the main attraction, where you can witness the Bodhi Tree under which Buddha meditated. Take a peaceful stroll around the Great Buddha Statue or visit the Bodhi Tree Sapling brought from Sri Lanka.
3. Nalanda: Once a renowned center of learning in ancient India, Nalanda is now an archaeological site that attracts history enthusiasts. Explore the Nalanda University Ruins, which provide a glimpse into the intellectual and architectural brilliance of the past. The Nalanda Archaeological Museum showcases various artifacts excavated from the site, including sculptures and manuscripts.
4. Rajgir: Nestled in the scenic hills of Bihar, Rajgir is a picturesque town with a rich historical and religious significance. Visit the Venu Vana, a beautiful bamboo grove where Buddha often meditated, or take a cable car ride to the Shanti Stupa for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Don't miss the Hot Springs of Rajgir, believed to have therapeutic properties.
5. Vaishali: Known as the birthplace of Lord Mahavira, the founder of Jainism, Vaishali is a sacred city with numerous temples and historical sites. Explore the Kolhua Archaeological Site, which houses the famous Ashoka Pillar and the Bawan Pokhar Temple, dedicated to Lord Mahavira. Take a boat ride on the Buddha Sarovar or visit the Vaishali Museum to learn more about the city's rich heritage.
6. Gaya: Gaya is a significant religious destination for Hindus, as it is believed to be the place where Lord Vishnu's footprints are imprinted. The Vishnupad Temple is the main attraction, where devotees offer prayers and perform rituals. Take a dip in the Falgu River or visit the Bodhi Tree at the Dungeshwari Cave Temples for a spiritual experience.
7. Munger: Situated on the banks of the Ganges River, Munger is a historical town known for its ancient forts and temples. Explore the Munger Fort, a massive structure with intricate architecture, or visit the Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary for a glimpse of diverse flora and fauna. Don't miss the Kastaharni Ghat, a popular bathing ghat on the Ganges.
8. Darbhanga: Known for its rich cultural heritage, Darbhanga is a city that showcases the traditional art and architecture of Bihar. Visit the Raj Darbhanga Palace, a magnificent structure with beautiful gardens and intricate artwork. Explore the Mithila Art Gallery, which displays traditional Madhubani paintings, or witness the grandeur of the Kankali Devi Temple.
9. Sasaram: Sasaram is a historical town that houses the Tomb of Sher Shah Suri, a magnificent mausoleum built in memory of the emperor. Explore the Rohtasgarh Fort, an ancient fortification with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Don't miss the Tomb of Hasan Khan Sur, another architectural marvel in Sasaram.
10. Muzaffarpur: Known as the "Lychee Kingdom," Muzaffarpur is famous for its delicious lychees and vibrant cultural festivals. Visit the Garib Sthan Mandir, a popular Hindu temple, or explore the Ram Chandra Shahi Museum, which showcases a collection of ancient artifacts. Don't miss the opportunity to taste the juicy and flavorful lychees during the harvest season.
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Food & Drinks To Try In Bihar
1. Litti Chokha: Litti Chokha is a traditional Bihari dish that consists of roasted wheat balls stuffed with a spicy mixture of sattu (roasted gram flour), herbs, and spices. It is typically served with a side of chokha, a mashed potato and tomato dish. Litti Chokha is a must-try delicacy in Bihar.
2. Sattu Paratha: Sattu Paratha is another popular Bihari dish made with a filling of sattu mixed with spices and herbs. The filling is stuffed inside a wheat flour dough and then cooked on a griddle. Sattu Paratha is often enjoyed with a dollop of ghee (clarified butter) and yogurt.
3. Dal Pitha: Dal Pitha is a savory dumpling made with a rice flour dough and filled with a spiced lentil mixture. These dumplings are steamed and then served with a tangy tomato chutney. Dal Pitha is a delicious snack or breakfast option in Bihar.
4. Khaja: Khaja is a crispy and flaky sweet snack that originated in Bihar. It is made by deep-frying layers of wheat flour dough and then coated with sugar syrup. Khaja has a unique texture and is often enjoyed with a cup of tea or as a dessert.
5. Thekua: Thekua is a popular Bihari sweet snack made during festivals and special occasions. It is a deep-fried cookie-like treat made with wheat flour, jaggery (unrefined sugar), and various spices. Thekua has a rich flavor and is often enjoyed with a hot cup of chai.
6. Lassi: Lassi is a refreshing yogurt-based drink that is popular throughout India, including Bihar. It is made by blending yogurt with water, sugar, and sometimes flavored with fruits or spices. Lassi is a perfect beverage to beat the heat and is available in various flavors in Bihar.
7. Tilkut: Tilkut is a sweet delicacy made with sesame seeds and jaggery. It is a popular treat during the Makar Sankranti festival in Bihar. The sesame seeds are roasted and then mixed with jaggery to form small, bite-sized balls. Tilkut is a crunchy and sweet snack that is enjoyed by people of all ages.
8. Bihari Thali: A Bihari Thali is a complete meal that showcases the diverse flavors of Bihar. It typically includes dishes like rice, dal (lentils), sabzi (vegetable curry), roti (Indian bread), and a variety of chutneys and pickles. A Bihari Thali is a great way to experience the authentic flavors of Bihar in one meal.
9. Chaat: Bihar also offers a variety of chaat options, such as Aloo Tikki Chaat, Papdi Chaat, and Dahi Puri. These savory snacks are made with a combination of crispy fried dough, potatoes, chickpeas, yogurt, and various chutneys. Chaat is a popular street food in Bihar and is loved for its tangy and spicy flavors.
10. Bihari Fish Curry: Bihar is known for its delicious fish curries, especially the ones made with river fish like Rohu and Katla. The fish is cooked in a flavorful gravy made with spices, onions, tomatoes, and mustard oil. Bihari Fish Curry is a must-try for seafood lovers visiting Bihar.
Best Time To Visit Bihar
The best time to visit Bihar, India is during the winter months of November to February. During this time, the weather is pleasant and cool, with temperatures ranging from 10 to 25 degrees Celsius. This makes it ideal for exploring the various historical and cultural attractions that Bihar has to offer, such as the ancient ruins of Nalanda University and the Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya. Additionally, the festivals of Chhath Puja and Makar Sankranti are celebrated with great enthusiasm during this time, providing visitors with a unique cultural experience. It is important to note that Bihar experiences extreme heat and humidity during the summer months, which can make sightseeing uncomfortable. The monsoon season from June to September also brings heavy rainfall, which may hinder outdoor activities. Therefore, it is advisable to plan your visit to Bihar during the winter months for the most enjoyable and comfortable experience.
Flight Calendar For Bihar
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Transportation To Bihar
There are several transportation options to Bihar, India.
1. Air: The state has several airports, including the Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport in Patna, which is the largest airport in Bihar. It is well-connected to major cities in India and also has international flights to destinations like Dubai, Kathmandu, and Colombo.
2. Train: Bihar has an extensive railway network, and there are several major railway stations in the state, including Patna Junction, Gaya Junction, and Muzaffarpur Junction. Trains from various parts of the country connect to these stations, making train travel a convenient option.
3. Road: Bihar is well-connected by road to neighboring states and major cities in India. National Highways like NH 19, NH 30, and NH 31 pass through the state, providing good connectivity. State-run buses, private buses, and taxis are available for travel within Bihar and to nearby states.
4. Waterways: Bihar is also connected by waterways, with the Ganges River flowing through the state. There are ferry services available for transportation along the river, particularly in cities like Patna and Bhagalpur.
Overall, there are multiple transportation options available to reach Bihar, India, depending on your preference and location.