Bihar Tourism

Introduction to Bihar

Bihar is the place that gave birth to Buddhism and Jainism and helped in the growth of Sikhism and Hinduism, has a past that is unmatched anywhere in the world. It was the center of first republic in the world at Vaishali and the city of Pataliputra was largest and grandest in the world at the height of its glory. There is an array of tourist destinations of diverse interests in the state, though their potential has not been exploited fully till now. Starting from the world famous Buddhist Circuit to the Patna Sahib of Patna and Mithila Paintings of Madhubani to silk production center of Bhagalpur, the state has much to offer to the tourists. More than anything else, it is the present image of the state that is not allowing the state to be a frontrunner in attracting tourists.

Geography of Bihar

Bihar is located in the eastern region of India, bordering Nepal in the North, West Bengal in the east, Uttar Pradesh in the West, and Jharkhand in the South. North Gangetic plain is an extension of the Tarai region of Nepal with many tributaries of Ganges like Koshi, Gandak, Baghmati, and Kamla Balan flowing through it.

Bihar Travel Information

Most of the tourist places of Bihar have strong connections with the great religions of the world like Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, and Hinduism. Witness to the glorious teachings of the some of the most pious minds of the past, the state attracts people from all religions and faiths.

There are few pilgrimage destinations in India that are sacred to different religions and most of them are in Bihar itself. Places like Patna, Rajgir, and Vaishali are sacred to all the important faiths and that is a great achievement of Bihar. Famous destinations for tourism are Patna, Rajgir, Bodhgaya, Gaya, Nalanda and Vaishali

Food of Bihar

The cuisine of the state is an interesting mix of North and East Indian cuisine. Rice, pulses, and roti are the most common food consumed by the people of this state. One exclusive item of this state is Sattu (gram powder), commonly taken as a mixture with water, salt, and limejuice. A favorite breakfast all over the state is Chura-Dahi (flattened rice and curd) taken together with sugar or jaggery.

There are several specialty sweets that are made all over the state for special occasions. Khaja, tilkut, anarsa and thekuwa are some of the preparations that form a part of every sweet-toothed Bihari's dreams.

Arts & Culture of Bihar

People of the Bihar are Aryans who came from Central Asia and entered this province in around 600 years before Christ after defeating the aboriginal people. According to the legends, great sage Agastya was the first person who crossed the river Gandak and burnt down Dandakaranya (forest of this region as it was known in the Vedic times). Patna Qalam and Mithila paintings are two of the most impressive and popular crafts of Bihar. With the decline of the Mughals, the Delhi artists migrated to Murshidabad (a great center of commerce and a flourishing town of the Nawabs). When this Bengal hamlet did not hold the artists for long, they thought of Bihar. Some of them came over to Patna and practiced their craft following a style that gradually came to be known as the Patna Qalam. The style is famous for its soft colors and the use of hand made paper or mica sheets. Most of these paintings depict the day-to-day life of the people of Bihar.

Madhubani, in the heart of the Mithila region, had a rich tradition of wall paintings done by the village women. Hit by a severe drought in 1966, an artist encouraged them to try their wall paintings on paper. The idea was a great success and since then Mithila paintings gained ground. These line paintings in primary colors normally depict village scenes, human and animal forms, gods and goddesses. A kind of artistic emotion can be observed in these paintings. Tulsidas gives an elaborate description of how the entire Mithila region was decorated for the wedding of Sita with Ram. Bhagalpur is famous for its silk industry all over the world and is considered one of the best silk producing centers in India. Other crafts of Bihar include Sujni embroidery, lac bangle making, and creation of decorative and utility items of Seenki (a local dried grass).

Dance & Music of Bihar

Jat-Jatin Dance of the Mithila region is performed by the Harijans (name given to the lower castes by Mahatma Gandhi) where one person performs the role of Jat (the husband) and Jatin (the wife) wearing masks and goes through the story of their life. Bidesia, a form of dance drama is extremely popular in the Bhojpuri-speaking region of Bihar. The region of Mithilanchal is famous for its cultural heritage and the songs of Vidyapati (famous poet of early medieval age) can be heard even now in the evenings from several homes throughout the region. Bhojpuri folksongs are popular throughout the country and second to none when it comes to beats and rhythm.

Popular Destinations to Visit

1.Gaya

• Bodhgaya
• Mahabodhi Temple
• Vishnupad Temple
• Magla Gauri
• ShrineDungeshwari Cave Temples
• Barabar Caves
• Bodhi Tree
• Chinese Temple and Monastery
• Bodhgaya Archaeological Museum
• Muchalinda Lake
• Thai Temple and Monastery
• Royal Bhutan Monastery

2.Nalanda

• Nalanda Archaeological Museum
• Xuanzang Memorial Hall
• Nalanda Multimedia Museum
• Silao
• Surajpur Baragaon
• Rajgir Dance Festival (october)

3.Munger

• Sri Krishna Vatika
• Chandika Astahan
• Kastaharni Ghat
• Pir Shah Nafah Shrine
• Sita Kund
• Manpatthar
• Ucheswarnath
• Gurudwara at Piparpanti
• Goenka Shivalaya
• Baptist Mission
• Pirpahar
• Bhimbandh
• Kharagpur Lake
• Malnipahar
• MarukSafiabad-Mirza
• Mullah Mohammad Syed Grave
• Dilwarpur
• Haha Punch Kumari
• Rameshwar Kund
• Rishikund
• Munger Fort
• Sitla Mandir
• Badi Durga Maa Temple
• Jai Prakash UdyanKali PahadiSita Kund

4.Vaishali

• Relic Stupa
• Kutagarasala Vihara
• Coronation Tank
• World Peace Pagoda
• Archaeological Survey of India Museum
• Bawan Pokhar Temple
• Kundalpur
• Raja Vishal ka Garh
• Choumukhi Mahadeva

5.Patna

• Golghar
• Kumrahar
• Patna Museum
• Agam Kuan
• Jalan Museum
• Sanjay Gandhi Botanical Garden
• Sri Krishna Science Centre
• Patna Planetarium
• Khuda Baksh National Library
• Didarganj Yakshi
• Takht Sri Patna Sahib
• Gurdwara Pahila Bara
• Gurdwara Gobind Ghat
• Gurdwara Guru ka Bagh
• Gurdwara Bal Leela
• Gurdwara Handi Sahib
• Padri Ki Haveli
• Buddha Smriti Park
• Qila House

6. Navlakha Palace, Rajnagar.

7.Hieun Tsang Memorial Hall, Kundalpur.

8.Jalmandir, Pawapuri

9.Griddhakuta Peak, Rajgir

10.Vishwa Shanti Stupa, Rajgir

11.Sher Shah Suri Tomb, Sasaram

12.Vikramshila Ruins, Bhagalpur

13.Janki Temple, Sitamarhi

14.Kanwar Lake Bird Sanctuary, Begusarai

15.Kesaria Stupa, Kesaria (East Champaran)

16.Barabar Caves, Sultanpur

17.Thai Monastery, Bodhgaya:

18.Buxar Fort, Buxar