QUICK TOUR OF BIHAR BUDDHIST SITES (NALANDA - RAJGIR - BODHGAYA - VAISHALI)

At a distance of 3 km from Nalanda Railway Station, and 14 km from Rajgir, Nalanda University is an ancient site located in Nalanda, Bihar. Also known as Archaeological Ruins of Nalanda, it is one of the stunning UNESCO World Heritage sites in India, and among the must include places in Nalanda Tour Packages.

Founded by Kumaragupta during the 5th century, Nalanda University stands out as the most ancient university of the Indian Subcontinent, and one of the oldest universities in the world. Historical sources indicate that the University had a long and illustrious life which lasted almost continually for 800 years from the 5th to the 12th century CE. Nalanda obtained significant fame during the Gupta era, according to the seal found in the name of King Kumaragupta.

Post Gupta period, Nalanda flourished under the reign of emperor Harshavardhan of Kannauj. The growth and the popularity of the university continued until the 9th century, after which its gradual decline started .....

At a distance of 3 km from Nalanda Railway Station, and 14 km from Rajgir, Sariputra Stupa is an ancient Buddhist stupa located inside the Nalanda University Ruins complex in Nalanda, Bihar. Also known as Great Stupa, it is one of the must-visit places in Nalanda.

Sariputra Stupa, also known as the Nalanda Stupa is one of the remarkable excavations present amongst the ruins of Nalanda University. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is the most important monument in Nalanda and stands as a testament to its rich cultural heritage. Built-in the 3rd century BC by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka, in the honor of Buddha's follower Sariputra. Sariputra became a celebrated Arhat after he was able to attain salvation following Buddha's footsteps.

The Stupa contains the bones of Sariputra, one of the two chief disciples of Gautam Buddha. The stupa is shaped like a pyramid at the top. The multiple flights of stairs surrounding the stupa, lead to its top. Seven layers of construction explain .....

At a distance of 3 km from Nalanda Railway Station, and 14 km from Rajgir Railway Station, Nalanda Archeological Museum is a museum situated in the ancient city of Nalanda, Bihar. Located just opposite to Nalanda University Ruins, it is one of the popular archaeological museums in India, and among the top places to visit in Nalanda.

Established in 1917, the Nalanda Archaeological Museum is one of the most prestigious site-museums of the Archaeological Survey of India. It houses antiquities found from the excavated site of Nalanda Mahavihara, one of the oldest universities in the world. Later on, few objects collected from the neighboring villages of Nalanda, and Rajgir too were added to the treasures of this museum. The museum boasts of a rare and beautiful collection of bronze statues, copper plates, manuscripts, stone inscriptions, pottery, coins, and images of various Gods & Goddesses. The majority of the sculptures excavated from Nalanda have been carved on Basalt stone but some .....

At a distance of 2 km from Nalanda University Ruins, and 5 km from Nalanda Railway Station, Kundalpur Digambar Jain Temple is a sacred place situated at Kundalpur near Nalanda, Bihar. Located just outside Nalanda, it is one of the important pilgrimage places for the Jains, and among the must include places in Nalanda Packages.

Kundalpur is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Mahavira, the 24th and last of Jain Tirthankaras. Tirthankar Mahavir was born about 2600 years ago at this place. The father of Mahavir was King Siddartha and his mother Trishala was the daughter of King Chetaka of Vaishali. Mahavir is said to have spent the first 22 years of his life at Kundalpur. Also, it is the place of birth of Gautam Swamiji who was the first disciple of Lord Mahavira. Being the birthplace of Lord Mahavira, Kundalpur is an important pilgrim destination for Jain devotees.

A grand temple with beautiful spires has been built here to mark the birthplace with a four and a half feet tall .....

At a distance of 2 km from Nalanda University Ruins, and 5 km from Nalanda Railway Station, Hiuen Tsang Memorial Hall is a historical monument situated in Nalanda, Bihar. Situated on the banks of Surajpur Lake, it is one of the most attractive tourist places in Nalanda.

The construction of the Hiuen Tsang Memorial Hall was started in 1957 by Pt Jawahar Lal Nehru and was completed in 1984. The memorial was built in the memory of Hiuen Tsang, a popular Chinese traveler who had come to study Buddhism and mysticism at the Nalanda University in 633 AD and stayed here for 12 years. Tsang traveled around the country and also visited Takshila for further studies on Buddhism. The memorial was built at the very place where he used to learn yoga from his teacher Acharya Shil Bhadra.

Hiuen Tsang Memorial Hall is a distinct reminder of the architectural style of the Nalanda University. Built-in typical Chinese style, the memorial is an awesome place to understand the life and times of .....

At a distance of 8 km from Rajgir Railway Station, Vishwa Shanti Stupa, also known as Japanese Stupa is a peace pagoda located in Rajgir, Bihar. Constructed atop the Ratnagiri Hill or Griddhakuta, it is one of the seven Peace Pagodas or Shanti Stupas in India and among the most visited tourist places in Rajgir.

Situated atop Ratnagiri Hill with an altitude of 400 m, Vishwa Shanti Stupa is the world's highest peace pagoda and is considered as the symbol of peace and harmony. It is conceptualized by renowned Buddhist monk Nipponzan Myohoji and built by Japanese monk Fujii Guruji in the year 1969. Built completely with marble, the stupa comprises four golden statues of Lord Buddha with each representing his life periods of birth, enlightenment, preaching, and death. Also, a temple is situated near this Stupa called the 'Nipponzan Myohoji'.

Besides, one can visit the famous Griddhakuta mountain from here where Lord Buddha used to sit and preach. It was at the Gridhakuta, the hill .....

At a distance of 2 km from Rajgir Railway Station, Ajatshatru Fort is a historical fort situated at Bangali Para locality of Rajgir town in Bihar. It is one of the most ancient forts in Bihar, and among the must-visit places as part of Rajgir Tour Packages.

Built-in 6th century BC during the rule of King Ajatshatru, the Ajatshatru Fort is a historical monument in Rajgir. It is more than 2500 years old and was considered one of the finest forts ever built in India. It was built in a rectangular-shape with four corners and each corner is covered with stone towers. The fort has a stupa which is also known as the Ajatshatru stupa spreading across 6.5 sq. m.

At present, the fort is now in ruins and hardly seems to be a fort at the first glance. However, it's a great place to visit and a major tourist attraction in Rajgir. It also serves as the perfect spot for photographers to preserve a glimpse of a very well-preserved history.

Timings: 8 AM - 6 PM

Entry: Rs. 100 .....

At a distance of 6 km from Rajgir Wildlife Safari, and 10 km from Rajgir Railway Station, the Nature Safari Park is a safari zone located in Rajgir, Bihar, India. Situated near Rajgir Zoo Safari Park, it is one of the must-visit places as part of Rajgir holiday packages.

Developed by the department of forests, environment and climate change department with an expenditure of Rs 19 crore, the Nature Safari is spread over an area of 500 acres in the hills of Rajgir. It is located in thick jungles on RajgirJethian Buddha Marg. Opened in 2021, it is said to be the first of its kind in the country. The Nature Safari offers its visitors the unique experiences of glass skywalk, suspension bridge, adventure park, and butterfly zone. The site also has an archery range, rock climbing walls, wrestling zone, watchtower, and children's park.

The 200- foot-high and 85-foot-long Glass Bridge is the main attraction of the Nature Safari. It will accommodate 40 visitors at a time. The bridge .....

At a distance of 6 km from Rajgir Wildlife Safari, and 10 km from Rajgir Railway Station, the Glass Bridge is a viewing platform located in Rajgir, Bihar, India. Situated inside the Nature Safari Park, it is one of the must-visit places during the Rajgir tour.

Glass Bridge in Rajgir is built to boost tourism in Bihar. It is similar to the Glass Bridge built in Hangzhou Province of China. It is made using 3 glasses of 15 mm. This 85 feet long and 6 feet wide bridge will be able to accommodate 40 visitors at a time. However, due to security reasons, only 15 to 20 people can go to its last end.

The bridge is being constructed amid five picturesque hills in the Rajgir area of Bihar. One can observe the surrounding natural beauty through the clear glass floor and the surrounding open spaces on the bridge. Along with the glass bridge, one can also enjoy other activities such as ziplining, nature park safaris, picnics, and much more in the surroundings of the bridge. With this glass .....

At a distance of 4 km from Rajgir Railway Station, the Rajgir Zoo Safari or Rajgir Wildlife Safari is a safari park located in Rajgir, Bihar, India. Situated next to Maniyar Math, it is one of the must-visit places for wildlife enthusiasts as part of Rajgir tour packages.

Located between the Vaibhgiri and Songiri mountains, Rajgir Wildlife Safari is adjacent to the Pant Wildlife Sanctuary at the foothills of the Jethian hill. The foundation stone was laid in 2017 by the Chief Minister of Bihar Nitish Kumar and was opened to the public on 20th February 2022 with 1,000 daily visitor capacity. The zoo safari has been developed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change at a cost of nearly 177 crore Indian rupees.

Spread over 472 acres, the Rajgir Wildlife Safari has been divided into five broad zones one each for lion, tiger, leopard, bear, and herbivores. There is an aviary zone, a butterfly park, an interpretation center, an orientation gallery, an amphitheater, .....

At a distance of 1.5 km from Bodhgaya Bus Station, Mahabodhi Temple is an ancient Buddhist temple located in Bodh Gaya, Bihar. Situated near Muchalinda Pond, it is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in India and among the prime places to visit in Bodh Gaya as part of the Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour in India.

Situated on the banks of Niranjana River, Mahabodhi Temple Complex is one of the four holy sites related to the life of the Lord Buddha. The temple is fondly called as the 'Great Awakening Temple' as this is the very place where Lord Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment. The original temple was built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC, however, the present structure is estimated to be erected between 5th and 6th century BC during the Gupta Period. The Temple was restored by the British in the year 1880 and the Indian Government after independence. Due to its religious and historical significance, the temple has been declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year .....

At a distance of 500 m from Mahabodhi Temple, and 1 km from Bodhgaya Bus Station, Archaeological Museum is a museum located in Bodhgaya, Bihar. Situated near Chinese Temple, it is one of the best museums in Bihar, and among the must-visit tourist places in Bodhgaya.

Established in 1956, the Archaeological Museum in Bodh Gaya was established to display ancient articles belonging to the Brahmanical and Buddhist beliefs, mostly related to the Pala period. The museum has several displays on various Buddha preachings and his ideals. Apart from articles from Gautam Buddha's age, you will also find various artifacts, scriptures, and educational aids that belonged to the ancient universities at this museum.

The museum has two galleries and an open courtyard, along with two verandahs that boast various antiques. The first gallery exhibits the sculptures depicting crowned Buddha in Bhumisparsamudra, Maitreya, a standing image of Manjusri, images of Buddha in a different attitude, standing .....

At a distance of 700 m from Mahabodhi Temple, and 1 km from Bodh Gaya Bus Station, Wat Thai is a Thai monastery located in Bodhgaya, Bihar. Situated near Maya Sarovar, it is one of the exquisite monasteries in Bodh Gaya and among the must-visit places in Bodh Gaya.

Popularly known as Thai Monastery, Wat Thai Buddhagaya was established in 1956 by the government of Thailand on the request of the former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to strengthen the relationship between the two countries. The monastery was constructed with an idea of propagating the philosophies of Buddhism among the masses. It is the only Thai Temple in India. The place abounds with peace and serenity and is ideal for solace seekers and those looking for a break from the humdrum of city life.

Known for its exceptional architecture and stunning beauty, Wat Thai Bodhgaya is strikingly similar to the temples of Bangkok and is richly gilt and highly ornamental. It has a sloping roof covered with golden tiles. .....

At a distance of 500 m from Giant Buddha Statue, and 1 km from Bodhgaya Bus Station, Royal Bhutan Monastery is a magnificent Buddhist monastery and temple located in Bodhgaya, Bihar. Situated beside Wat Thai Buddhagaya, it is one of the peaceful places to visit in Bodh Gaya.

Built by the King of Bhutan as a tribute to Lord Buddha, the Royal Bhutan Monastery is one of the remarkable Buddhist monasteries in the pilgrimage town of Bodh Gaya. The monastery featuring important instances from the life of Gauthama Buddha in the form of clay carvings which attracts millions of Buddhism followers from across the world. It is a peaceful place where you can learn and practice Buddhism.

Standing in the Bhutanese architecture, the monastery is home to a magnificent temple and a rest house for the Bhutanese monks. The temple inside the monastery has a 7-feet high image of the Lord Buddha, which is further carved with the Buddhist symbols and scriptures. Besides, the monastery also carries .....

At a distance of 1 km from Bodhgaya Bus Station and 1.5 km from Mahabodhi Temple, the Great Buddha Statue is a giant statue located in Bodh Gaya, Bihar. It is one of the tallest statues in India and among the prime spots to visit as part of the Buddhist Circuit in India.

About 25 m tall, the Great Buddha Statue is by far the tallest and the first Buddha statue ever built in India. The construction of the statue was started in 1982 and was consecrated by the XIV Dalai Lama in 1989. Carved from red granite and sandstone, the magnificent figure is resembling Lord Buddha in his meditation pose on top of a blooming lotus. The statue is partly hollow and contains about 20,000 bronze Buddhas.

Surrounded by 10 smaller sculptures of Buddha's disciples, the peaceful ambiance and the beauty of the statue attract thousands of tourists every year from all across the world. Of the ten standing statues, those of Sariputta and Mahamoggallana were unveiled and consecrated in 1993 while the .....

At a distance of 4 km from Gaya Junction Railway Station, and 10 km from Bodhgaya Bus Station, Vishnupad Mandir is a Hindu temple located in the city of Gaya, Bihar. It is one of the ancient sacred temples in Gaya and among the well-known places to visit as part of the Bodhgaya Tour Packages.

Situated on the banks of Falgu River, Vishnupad Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. According to the historical records, the existence of the Vishnupad temple goes back to the period of Samudragupta, who ruled over a vast empire during the 5th Century CE. The inscriptional source for this evidence is based on the Basarh Seal discovered in Vaishali. Further evidence is found in the Mehrauli Pillar inscription of King Chandragupta II. The inscription mentions this King as a devotee of Lord Vishnu and records the installation of 'dhvaja' or pillar of Vishnu on the Vishnupad Hill. A 9th-century inscription commemorates the dedication of a house for ascetics at Vishnupad by the Pala king Narayanapala. .....

At a distance of 5 km from Basarh Bus Station, Ashoka Pillar is a historical monument located at Kolhua in Vaishali, Bihar. Situated inside the Vaishali Archaeological Ruins complex, it is one of the popular places of heritage in Bihar, and among the must include places in Vaishali Tour Packages.

Also called as the Lion Pillar, the Ashoka Pillar at Vaishali was erected by King Ashoka in 3rd century BC after being victorious on Kalinga. Influenced by Greco Buddhist style, this 18.3 m high pillar is made of a highly polished single piece of red sandstone, surmounted by a bell-shaped capital. A life-size figure of a lion is placed on top of the pillar facing north, believed to be the direction of Lord Buddha's last voyage. Generally, the pillars bear inscriptions by King Ashoka, but the one in Vaishali does not contain any such inscriptions. Unlike other Ashokan Pillars, the pillar at Vaishali bears only one old lion carved in a seated position a the top that signifies the end of the .....

At a distance of 3 km from Basarh Bus Station, Buddha's Relic Stupa is a sacred spot located at Chak Ramdas in the Vaishali district of Bihar. Situated near Vaishali Museum, it is one of the prominent historical structures in Bihar, and among the best places to visit in Vaishali.

There are two stupas, Stupa 1 and Stupa 2 which are named based on their discovery and excavation. Both of them have the ashes of Lord Buddha preserved in stone caskets. Situated near the Coronation Tank or Abhishek Pushkarini, the Stupa 1 or the Relic Stupa was excavated by Dr. A.S.Altekar in 1985, and inside, a stone casket was found containing some ashes and 'Manka'. That casket is now with the Patna Museum.

According to the legend, after the salvation of Lord Buddha, his ashes were divided and distributed among 8 kings of those times, and Licchavis of Vaishali were one of them. The Licchavis built a stupa at this place over their share of the Buddha's relic. Now only the base of the stupa is left, .....

At a distance of 500 m from Vishwa Shanti Stupa, and 3 km from Basarh Bus Station, Vaishali Museum is an archaeological museum situated on the banks of Coronation Tank in Vaishali, Bihar. It is one of the popular museums in Bihar, and among the interesting places to visit in Vaishali for history lovers.

Vaishali Museum was established in the year 1971 by the Archaeological Survey of India to persevere and display the antiquities discovered at the various sites in Vaishali. The basis of this museum was a small collection of antiquities by a local villager in pre Independence days and was subsequently taken over by a local museum controlled by VishaliSangh. With the establishment of the present museum by the Archaeological Survey of India, all the antiquities were donated to it by the VaishaliSangh. Now, the museum has over 2000 antiques showcasing the medieval cultures and the reign of Mauryas, Guptas, Kushans, and Sanga.

The museum consists of four galleries around a central .....

At a distance of 3 km from Basarh Bus Station, Vishwa Shanti Stupa is a peace pagoda located near Vishali Museum in Vaishali, Bihar. Also known as World Peace Pagoda, it is one of the Peace Pagodas in India, and among the most-visited tourist places in Vaishali.

The Vishwa Shanti Stupa or World Peace Pagoda was built by the collaboration of the Indian & Japanese Government in 1969. The peace Pagoda spread in ten acres was constructed under the wish of Fujii Guruji, a Japanese Buddhist. Also known as the pillar of the piece in Vaishali, it is one of the 80 stupas around the world dedicated to Buddhism.

Built-in the Japanese style of architecture, this 38-meter tall pagoda has a 20 meters dome and enshrines Buddhist relics inside it. Several idols of Buddha are placed around the pagoda that depicts the Lord meditating in different postures. It is a huge, white, beautiful stupa surrounded by enormous greenery, serenity, and a pond where the visitors can go for boating. The birth .....

At a distance of 2 km from Basarh Bus Station, Raja Vishal ka Garh is an ancient fort located in Vaishali, Bihar. It is one of the historical forts in Bihar, and among the must include places in Vaishali tour packages.

Also known as Vaishali Garh, Raja Vishal Ka Garh is said to be the ancient parliament house, where around seven thousand representatives used to gather to discuss political affairs. A protected monument and maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the place has a huge historical significance believed to be existing since the time of the Vajjis and the Lichchavis.

Known as the 'Mother of Parliament in Bihar', Raja Vishal ka Garh is a huge dome spanning about a kilometer, containing looming walls about 2 meters high. A moat surrounds the corners of the towers, and the building is known to have been King Vishal's parliament. Excavations at the site have established the presence of human settlement in 185-73 BC together with artifacts dating back to .....

At a distance of 2.5 km from Basarh Bus Station, Chaumukhi Mahadev Temple is a sacred Hindu shrine located in Vaishali, Bihar. It is one of the historic Hindu temples in Vaishali, and among the well-known places to visit in Vaishali.

Chaumukhi Mahadev, or Chaturmukhi Mahadev, is a historic Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Also known as 'Vikramaditya Chaumukhi Mandir', the temple houses a huge Shivling with four faces representing Lord Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, and Surya. It is said that the four faces of the Shivalinga point towards the 4 directions.

While the construction time is unknown, the temple is believed to have been built during the 5th century. According to legend, the temple existed during the Ramayana period. Lord Rama, Lakshmana, and Sage Vishwa Mithra visited the temple while on their way to Mithila, the kingdom of Janaka. It is also believed that Buddha and Mahavir stayed in the shrine. Chaumukhi Mahadeva Temple is the mid-point of Kashi Vishwanath Mandir, .....