Bihar
Bihar is a state in East India, bordering Nepal. It is divided by the River Ganges, which floods its fertile plains. Important Buddhist pilgrimage sites include the Bodhi Tree in Bodhgaya's Mahabodhi Temple, under which the Buddha allegedly meditated. In the state capital Patna, Mahavir Mandir temple is revered by Hindus, while Sikhs worship at the domed, riverside Gurdwara of Takht Sri Harmandir Sahib Ji.
Bihar is indeed a land of art and it can be in any form. The vast industry of handloom and handicraft in Bihar is certainly worth praising. Producing cotton materials, fine silk, sand gamchas, fine tussar, mulberry and matka silk, Bihar has some rich collection that is absolutely worth buying. Not to forget, Bihar also has Bhagalpur, which is known best as Silk City of India. So, put aside a small amount for shopping, you never know you might just find something priceless in Bihar.
Top Places to Visit In Bihar
1.Bodh Gaya
Amongst the most famous places in Bihar is Gaya, which is a Hindu pilgrimage hub and a transit point for Buddhist pilgrimage centre of Bodhgaya. It is believed that it was here under the tree that Buddha attained enlightenment.
Major Tourist Attractions:- Bodhi Tree
- Mahabodhi Temple
- Vishnupad Temple
2.Nalanda
Probably the oldest university in India, Nalanda is an important site to visit in Bihar. A perfect reminisce to the time of flourishing Gupta and Pala period, Nalanda is an acclaimed tourist attraction in Bihar
Major Tourist Attraction:- Nalanda Archaeological Museum
- Xuanzang Memorial Hall
- Nalanda Multimedia Museum
3.Vikramshila
Vikramshila was established by King Dharampala. It is believed that the king was displeased with the depleting quality of Nalanda, thus he decided to establish another better institute for learning. Vikramshila now lies in ruins but renovation work has begun now. During the excavation, Buddhist monasteries, stupas and several wall carvings have been unveiled here.
4.Rajgir
Vishwa Shanti Stupa proudly stand at the historic city of Rajgir. It is one of the 7 Peace Pagodas built in India and is certainly a must visit in Bihar. The pagoda was built in 1969 to spread the message of peace and non-violence. Marked by four statues of Buddha that reflects four important phases of Buddha’s life – birth, enlightenment, teaching and death, this Peace Pagoda is amongst the finest examples of Japanese architecture in India
5.Patna Sahib
Takht Sri Patna Sahib is a Gurdwara in the neighborhood of Patna Sahib, India. It was to commemorate the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs on 22 December 1666. It was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1780-1839), the first Maharaja of the Sikh Empire, who also built many other Gurdwara's in the Indian subcontinent. The current shrine of Patna Sahib or Takht Sri Harmandirji Saheb was built in the 1950s.