Discover the Hidden Gems: Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Bihar

Bihar is one of the most fascinating and diverse states in India, with a rich history and culture that is unparalleled. From ancient Buddhist and Jain sites to vibrant festivals and natural wonders, there is something for everyone in Bihar. In this article, we’ll be taking a closer look at the best places to visit in Bihar, covering both the popular tourist destinations and hidden gems that are waiting to be discovered.

Table of Contents:

1. Bodh Gaya
2. Nalanda
3. Rajgir
4. Vaishali
5. Patna
6. Bhagalpur
7. Munger
8. Gaya
9. Rohtasgarh Fort
10. Vikramshila

Bihar Culture & History

Bihar is a state located in the eastern part of India, and it is known for its rich culture and history. The state has been home to several ancient civilizations and has played a significant role in shaping the cultural landscape of India.

History of Bihar

Bihar has a long and illustrious history that dates back to ancient times. The state was a center of learning and culture during the Mauryan Empire, which was one of the largest and most powerful empires in the world. The Mauryan Empire was founded by Chandragupta Maurya in the 3rd century BC and was known for its sophisticated governance, architecture, and art.

During the medieval period, Bihar was ruled by several powerful dynasties, such as the Guptas, the Palas, and the Mughals. These dynasties left their mark on the state’s architecture, literature, and culture. Bihar was also a center of Buddhist learning and was home to several famous universities, such as Nalanda and Vikramshila.

Culture of Bihar

Bihar has a vibrant and diverse culture that is influenced by its history and geography. The state has a rich tradition of folk music, dance, and art, which reflect the daily lives and struggles of its people.

One of the most popular forms of music in Bihar is Bhojpuri, which is a type of folk music that is sung in the Bhojpuri language. Bhojpuri music is known for its lively rhythms and catchy melodies, and it is often accompanied by traditional instruments such as the dholak and the harmonium.

Bihar is also home to several traditional dances, such as the Jhumar, the Jhijhia, and the Karma. These dances are performed during festivals and other special occasions and are known for their colorful costumes and energetic movements.

Bihar is also famous for its handicrafts, such as Madhubani paintings, which are intricate and colorful paintings that depict scenes from daily life and mythology. The state is also known for its silk weaving and pottery, which are highly valued for their beauty and craftsmanship.

Bihar is a state that is steeped in history and culture, and it offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of India. The state’s vibrant music, dance, art, and handicrafts are a testament to the creativity and resilience of its people, who have continued to preserve their traditions and customs through the ages.

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Best Places to Visit in Bihar

Bihar has several places to visit, give Bihar a chance, you will love this state.

Bodh Gaya

Bodh Gaya is one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world and is located in the Gaya district of Bihar. This is the place where Lord Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree. The Mahabodhi Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Buddhist culture and history. This is one of the best tourist place in Bihar.

Nalanda

The ancient city of Nalanda is located in the Nalanda district of Bihar and is one of the oldest and most important centers of learning in the world. The Nalanda University was founded in the 5th century AD and was home to over 10,000 students and teachers. Today, visitors can explore the ruins of this ancient university and gain insight into the rich history and culture of the region. This is one of the important places in Bihar, in terms of tourism.

Rajgir

Rajgir is a historic town located in the Nalanda district of Bihar and was the capital of the Magadha empire in ancient times. The town is surrounded by scenic hills and is home to several important Buddhist and Jain sites, including the Venuvana Vihara and the Karanda Tank. This is the backbone of Bihar tourism. Here you can experience Bihar sightseeing.

Vaishali

Vaishali is an ancient city located in the Vaishali district of Bihar and is considered one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Buddhists and Jains. The city was once the capital of the Licchavi Republic and is home to several important historical sites, including the Ashoka Pillar and the Lotus Tank.

Patna

Patna is the capital city of Bihar and is located on the banks of the River Ganges. The city has a rich history and is home to several important historical and cultural sites, including the Mahavir Mandir, the Patna Museum, and the Har Mandir Takht. This is the one of the best places to visit in Bihar.

Bhagalpur

Bhagalpur is a city located in the Bhagalpur district of Bihar and is known for its silk production and the Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary. Visitors to Bhagalpur can explore the city’s rich history and culture, including the Vikramshila University, which was one of the most important centers of Buddhist learning in ancient times.

Munger

Munger is a historic town located in the Munger district of Bihar and is home to several important historical and cultural sites, including the Munger Fort and the Kastaharni Ghat. Visitors to Munger can also explore the town’s vibrant markets and enjoy the local cuisine.

Gaya

Gaya is a city located in the Gaya district of Bihar and is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists and Hindus. The city is home to several important historical and cultural sites, including the Mahabodhi Temple and the Vishnupad Temple.

Rohtasgarh Fort

Rohtasgarh Fort is a historic fort located in the Rohtas district of Bihar and is one of the most impressive fortifications in India. It was built by the King of Bengal, Sher Shah Suri, in the 16th century and is considered to be a masterpiece of military architecture.

The fort is situated on a hill and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. It has several gates and bastions and is surrounded by a moat. The fort has many important structures, such as the Rani Mahal, which was built for the queen, and the Hathiya Pol, which is a massive gateway.

Rohtasgarh Fort also has many temples, including the Shiva Temple, the Ganesh Temple, and the Hanuman Temple, among others. These temples are known for their beautiful architecture and are visited by devotees throughout the year.

The fort is also known for its historical significance, as it was the site of several battles between different rulers. It was also used as a prison by the British during the Indian independence movement.

Rohtasgarh Fort can be accessed by road from nearby cities such as Patna and Varanasi. It is a great destination for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts and offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of India.

Vikramshila

Vikramshila is an ancient Buddhist university located in the Indian state of Bihar. It was founded by King Dharmapala in the 8th century and was one of the largest and most renowned centers of learning in India during the medieval period.

The university was known for its expertise in subjects such as philosophy, grammar, logic, and Buddhism. It had over 100 teachers and 1,000 students from all over India and neighboring countries such as Tibet and China.

Vikramshila was also a center of Buddhist art and architecture. It had several monasteries and temples, including the main temple known as the Mahavihara. This temple had several important sculptures and murals depicting Buddhist stories and teachings.

The university declined in the 12th century due to invasions by Muslim rulers and the shifting of the center of learning to other places. Today, only the ruins of the university remain, which are still considered to be an important archaeological site.

Vikramshila can be accessed by road from nearby cities such as Bhagalpur and Patna. It is a great destination for history and culture enthusiasts, and offers a glimpse into the rich intellectual and artistic traditions of ancient India.

These are the best places to visit in Bihar. Bihar tourism is heavily dependent on ancient and cultural heritage, people think. Do you know that there are several waterfalls in Bihar?

Foods of Bihar!

Bihar is a state in eastern India, known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse cuisine. The food of Bihar is famous for its simplicity, earthiness, and the use of local ingredients. Bihar’s cuisine is mainly influenced by the state’s history, geography, and the availability of ingredients. Here are some of the popular foods of Bihar:

1. Litti Chokha – It is a traditional dish of Bihar made with roasted wheat flour balls (litti) stuffed with sattu (roasted gram flour) and served with chokha, a side dish made with mashed potatoes, brinjal, and tomatoes.
2. Sattu Paratha – It is a popular breakfast dish made with sattu, a filling made with roasted gram flour, mixed with onions, garlic, and green chillies and stuffed in paratha.
3. Khaja – It is a famous sweet of Bihar made with maida (refined flour), ghee, and sugar syrup. It is flaky, crispy, and has a caramel-like flavor.
4. Chana Ghugni – It is a popular snack made with boiled white peas, onions, tomatoes, and spices. It is served with puffed rice or kulcha.
5. Bihari Kebab – It is a non-vegetarian dish made with minced mutton or chicken marinated in yogurt and spices and grilled over charcoal.
6. Lai – It is a sweet dish made with rice flour, jaggery, and coconut. It is steamed and served as a dessert.
7. Aloo Bhujiya – It is a popular snack made with potatoes, gram flour, and spices. The mixture is deep-fried until crispy and served with tamarind chutney.
8. Thekua – It is a sweet snack made with wheat flour, jaggery, and ghee. The dough is shaped into small discs and deep-fried until crispy.
9. Malpua – It is a dessert made with flour, milk, and sugar syrup. The batter is fried until crispy and then dipped in sugar syrup.
10. Tilkut – It is a sweet made with sesame seeds and jaggery. The mixture is rolled into small balls and served as a dessert.

Bihari cuisine is simple, delicious, and reflects the state’s rich cultural heritage. The use of local ingredients and traditional cooking techniques make the food of Bihar unique and a must-try for anyone visiting the state.

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