Bihar
Bihar is a state of the Indian union situated in the eastern part of the country. Its capital is Patna . Etymologically, the name Bihar derives from the Sanskrit word Vihara which means abode. The Buddhist Vihara, which was the abode of the Buddhist monks, dotted the area in the ancient and medieval periods.
Bihar has the Kingdom of Nepal in its north. On its other three sides Bihar is surrounded by the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh to the west, Jharkhand to the south and West Bengal to the east. Bihar lies in the very fertile Gangetic plains. Culturally, it is a part of the Hindi heartland of India.
Bihar has a very rich history. It was called Magadha in ancient times. Its capital Pataliputra, was the center of the Mauryan Empire, which dominated the Indian subcontinent from 325 BC to 185 BC. Emperor Ashoka was the most famous ruler of this dynasty. Bihar remained an important place of power, culture and education during the next one thousand years. The Vikramshila and Nalanda University were one of the oldest and best centers of education in ancient India but unfortunately got destroyed by the marauding invaders during the medieval period.
Bihar is mildly cold in the winter months of December and January. It is hot in the summer from April to the first half of June. The monsoon months of June, July, August, and September see good rainfall. October, November, February, and March are very pleasant months for climate.
Bihar has three airports - Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Airport, Patna, Bhagalpur Airport and Gaya. Patna airport is connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Lucknow, and Ranchi.
Chhath is a major festival in Bihar and is celebrated a week after Deepawali. Chhath is the worship of the Sun God. Wherever people from Bihar have migrated, they have taken with them the tradition of Chhath, and now this festival is known even in a metropolis like Calcutta , or New Delhi or Mumbai. Teej and Chitragupta Puja are other local festivals celebrated with fervor in Bihar.
Hindi, Urdu, Angika, Bhojpuri, Maithili, and Magadhi (Magahi) are the major languages spoken in Bihar.
Historic sites - The landscape is dotted with historic sites. Important ones are Patna, Bhagalpur Gaya, Bodh Gaya, Nalanda, Rajgir, Vaishali, Pawapuri, Champaran, and Sasaram. Sanjay Gandhi Jaivik Udyaan, patna.
| What to See | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gaya | Nalanda | Patna | Buddhist Circuit | Jain Circuit |
| Ramayan Circuit | Sufi Circuit | Gandhi Circuit | Eco Circuit | |
Bodh Gaya "The Land of Enlightenment Of Buddha" is the place where Prince Gautama attained enlightenment and came to be known as Lord Buddha. It is situated on the banks of the river Niranjana (also called Falgu) and is 11 kms. from Gaya. It is a place sanctified by both the Hindu and the Buddhist religions. It is surrounded by small rocky hills by three sides and the river flowing on the fourth side. The city has a mix of natural surroundings, age old buildings and lanes.
The Hindus in lakhs come to Gaya during first fortnight of the month of Aswina, called the Pitripaksha with the prayer that the souls of their departed fore fathers may rest in Heaven for a long time. Fairs are also held on this occasion.
Gaya has a large number of Buddhist temples also. While Buddha was doing severe penance, he became weak, tired and hungry. He rested under a tree where, he was offered food by a condemned village woman named Sujata. To everybody's surprise Buddha accepted her offerings. Legend has it, that after having consumed the food, Buddha's countenance assumed a divine glow and he realized the Supreme Truth; that neither extreme self indulgence nor self mortification is ever required. What is needed is to follow the Middle Path. Sujata Sthan or Durgeshwari Temple stands as a symbol commemorating this event.
HOW TO REACH
By Air - Gaya airport is connected internationaly.Patna airport is 112 Kms.
By Rail - Gaya Railway station is well connected with New Delhi, Kolkata, Varanasi, Allahabad & Patna.
By Road - Gaya is connected by road from Patna, Rajgir, Hazaribag, Ranchi. Bihar State transport and private buses ply all the day.
WHEN TO GO
Best time to travel Gaya is October to February.
WHAT TO SEE
Mahabodhi Temple - It is a Buddhist temple in Bodh Gaya, the location where Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, attained enlightenment. As one approaches the temple, there stands an ancient arch that resembles a gate. It was reportedly placed there by the great emperor and Buddhist missionary, Ashoka, in the third century BCE. To the left is one of several sets of footprints of the Buddha on the temple grounds, which many believers regard as authentic impressions left by the sage. To the right stands one of many stupas (symbolic reliquaries) that surround the temple. On either side of the main entrance are images of the Buddha, with his hands in different positions (mudras) in each. Inside the temple, the focal point is an eighteen-foot golden image of Siddhartha Gautama. During seasons of pilgrimage (during the winter), the small chamber that houses it will be jammed with devotees.
Bodhi Tree - At the rear of the temple and behind a concrete enclosure stand the famous Bo (or Bodhi) Tree, under which Siddhartha sat and attained enlightenment.
Chankamana - Chankaramana or the Jewel Walk is a raised platform with foot impressions of Buddha. It is believed that Buddha pondered here on whether to reveal his knowledge to the world or not. Inside it is a Tibetan monastery with a large Dharma Chakra or the Wheel of Law.
Pretshila Hill - This hill is about 10 kms from the Ramshila hill and just below the hill is the Brahma Kund. After taking bath in this pond people go for the Pind Dan (involving performance of some religious rites and rituals. This is done for peace of the departed soul of the ancestor.) The temple is an attraction for the tourists due to its unique architecture and magnificent sculptures.
Vishnupad Temple - situated about 3 kms. from the Gaya city is the Vishnupad temple. It is believed to have been built over the footprints of Lord Vishnu. The 40 cm long footprint of Lord Vishnu is imprinted in solid rock surrounded by a silver plated basin inside the temple.
The Museum - There is a large collection of stone sculptures and other artifacts in this museum maintained by The Archaeological survey of India . The bronze statues in the museum are very attractive. It also has a small collection of Buddha statues and pillars.
Mucalinda Lake - The 64-feet Buddha Statue is in dhayana mudra (meditation pose), seated on a lotus in the open air. The statue is a patchwork of blocks, red granite stone and sand stone. It took four years to complete it. The giant, impressive statue was constructed with the efforts of the Daijokyo Sect in Japan.
WHERE TO EAT
The hotels around the railway station and small eating joints are the only options available to the tourists in Gaya . Khaja, a popular local sweetmeat, is worth trying .
TopNalanda is a historical place in central Bihar, India, 90 km south-east of the state capital of Patna. It is famous for the ancient International Monastic University . It established in 5th century BC by the Gupta Emperors, it was a famous learning centre in ancient times. Lord Buddha and Lord Mahavira have also taught here. The university library had a mammoth collection of 9 million volumes. The university remains are scattered around an area of 14 hectares. Though a large part of the university has been explored, a huge portion remains unexcavated. It is believed that the university could accommodate 10,000 students and 2,000 teachers easily. Hsuan Tsang, the renowned Chinese traveler was also involved with the university for 12 years. There is a monument built here in his memory. There is a museum where the rare collections of the glorious days can be seen. In 1951 an international center for Buddhist studies was founded. Another modern institution is the Nava Nalanda Mahavir Research Centre treasuring many rare manuscripts.
In 12th century AD, the whole university complex was destroyed by Bakhtiar Khilji, a Turkish Invader; this event is seen as a milestone in the decline of Buddhism in India . Fortified Sena monastaries along the main route of the invasion were destroyed and being off the main route both Nalanda and Bodh Gaya survived. The destruction of the universities at Nalanda as well as the destruction of many temples and monasteries throughout northern India which housed centers of learning is considered by many historians to the responsible for the sudden demise of ancient Indian scientific thought in mathematics, astronomy, alchemy, and anatomy. However many institutions off the main route such as the Jagaddala Monastery in northern Bengal were untouched and flourishing.
HOW TO REACH
By Air - The nearest airport is Patna, 99 km away.
By Rail - The nearest railway station is Bhakhtiyarpur, 38 km away connecting Delhi-Howrah mainline.
By Road - Nalanda is 90 km southeast of Patna and only 11 km from Rajgir. It is 80 km from Bodh Gaya and is easily accessible by well-maintained highways.
WHEN TO GO
The best time to visit this place is October to March.
WHAT TO SEE
The Nalanda University Archaeological Complex - Total excavated area of the nalanda university archaeological complex is about 14 hectares. The university was built in Kushana style of architecture. There are huge gardens, bronze statues and red-brick edifices all around. There are various temples here, of which temple no.3 is most interesting, as it has the statues of Lord Buddha in various Mudras (poses).
The Nalanda Archaeological Museum - The Nalanda Archaeological Museum was established in 1971, the museum has a beautiful collection of bronze statues of Buddha, Hindu Gods and Goddesses. The collections here were found during excavation of the university site. The museum has rare manuscripts, copper plates, stone inscriptions, coins, pottery and a 12th century AD sample of burnt rice.
Hieun Tsang Memorial Hall - Hieun Tsang was a famous Chinese traveler, who came India during 5th century AD to study the social and political conditions. He devoted 12 years in the ancient university as a teacher as well as student. The memorial hall was bulit in his memory.
Nava Nalanda Mahavihara - Nava Nalanda Mahavihara is devoted to study and research of Pali Literature and Buddhism. This is a new institute, where students from foreign countries also study. This new international study centre was set up in 1951.
WHERE TO EAT
You can try the special restaurant at the luxury hotels.
TopPatna is the capital of the Indian state of Bihar, and one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world. The modern city of Patna has a long river line and lies on the southern bank of the Ganges , as it flows past with the combined waters of the rivers Ghagra, Son and Gandak. At the point where the city is located, the sacred Ganges looks more sea than river: mighty, wide and never-ending. A bustling city is approximately 15 km long and 5 km to 7 km wide.
Patna's history started around the year 490 BC when Ajatashatru, the king of Magadh, wanted to shift his capital from the hilly Rajgriha to a more strategically located place to combat the Licchavis of Vaishali. He chose the site on the bank of Ganges and fortified the area. From that time, the city has had a continuous history, a record claimed by few cities in the world. With the rise of the Mauryan Empire, the place became the seat of power and nerve centre of the sub-continent. From Pataliputra, the famed emperor Chandragupta Maurya (a contemporary of Alexander) ruled a vast empire, stretching from the Bay of Bengal to Afghanistan.
In Patna, as in most of Bihar, the summer temperatures rise very high as the hot tropical sun beats down with all its intensity coupled with a heat wave. The city, being near four large rivers, experiences a rather high humidity throughout the year. Patna's culture is vastly dominated by Ang and Maithil peoples. They have unique culture and much influenced by Bengal than their western brethren.
HOW TO REACH
By Air - Indian Airlines and other private airlines connect Patna with Delhi , Calcutta , Varanasi , Guwahati and several other Indian cities and Kathmandu.
By Rail - Patna is strategically located in the main line of the Eastern Railway and therefore connected with Delhi, Calcutta and other important cities of India and most cities within Bihar.
By Road - It is located on the National Highway No 30, Patna is well connected to other cities of the country including those within the state.
WHEN TO GO
Best Time to Visit Patna is October to February.
WHAT TO SEE
Golghar - It was Built for the purpose of storing grains to be used in the times of famines, this round building was completed in 1786 though never used. The base of the building is 125 metres in width and the walls are 3.6 metres thick. There are stairs to go on to the top of the building that gives some beautiful views of the city and the river Ganga nearby.
Har Mandir - Har Mandir is the second-most important gurudwara in India , the Takht Harmandir was built by Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th guru of the Sikhs. The gurudwara built in white marble with kiosks on the terraces consecrates the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh. The Gurdwara is situated in the Chowk are of Patna city and has a museum on it's third floor.
Patna Museum - The museum displays a prized collection of archaeological finds from different sites in Bihar . Metal and stone sculptures of the Maurya and Gupta Periods, terracotta figurines, ashes of the Buddha and a 16meters long fossilized tree feature among the exhibits.
Kumhrar - It is situated Nearly 5 km away from Patna , this is the site of ancient Mauryan capital Patalipra. A huge 80-pillared hall of the Mauryan dynasty is an important find from the excavation.
Padri ki Haveli -Padri Ki Haveli (The old Roman catholic Church of1775): Built in late 18th century, worth seeing for its architectural designs.
Khuda Baksh Oriental Library - This is known as the "world of manuscripts" in India , this is a treasure house of medieval manuscripts and is famous for its rare Arabic and Persian manuscripts, rich paintings and numerous volumes of rare books.
Agam Kuan - This archeological remains of a deep well is one of the major tourist attractions in Patna . It is believed to be associated with the time of Ashoka.
The Planetarium - The Patna Planetarium is one of the largest planetariums in Asia and attracts a large number of domestic as well as foreign tourists. It has regular film shows on subjects related to astronomy and also holds exhibitions.
WHERE TO EAT
Patna has many places to eat out. They range from modestly priced restaurants to really inexpensive (hygiene questionable) food stalls. Most offer a variety of Indian cuisines including South Indian, north Indian tandoori and Indianised Chinese food. Snack bars and sweetmeat shops also sell a wide variety of quick, ready to eat meals including local versions of noodles, burgers and pizzas. Restaurants are as given below:-
Gokul Mini Restaurant - East Gandhi Maidan, Patna - 800004 0612 673120
Navneet Restaurant - Marwari Awas Griha Compound Fraser Road , Patna - 800001 0612 220625
Shree Basant Vihar Restaurant(A/C) - Maurya Lok Complex, New Dak Banglaw, Road, Patna - 800001 0612 230469.
TopVaishali - Vaishali was one of the earliest republics in the world (6th century BC). It was here that Buddha preached his last sermon. Vaishali, birthplace of Lord Mahavira is also Sacred to Jains.
Patna -Patna once called Patliputra the capital of Bihar and is among the world's oldest capital cities with unbroken history of many centuries as imperial metropolis of the Mauryas and Guptas imperial dynasties.
Rajgir - Rajgir 19 kms from Nalanda, was the ancient capital of Magadha Empire. Lord Buddha often visited the monastery here to meditate and to preach. Rajgir is also a place sacred to the Jains, Since Lord Mahavira spent many years here.
Pawapuri - In Pawapuri, or Apapuri, 38 kilometres from Rajgir and 90 kilometres from Patna , all sins end for a devout Jain. Lord Mahavira, the final tirthankar and founder of Jainism, breathed his last at this place.
Bodhgaya - Near the holy city of Gaya , the Buddha attained enlightenment. The tree that had sheltered him came to be known as the Bodhi tree and the place Bodhgaya. Today Bodhgaya, an important place of pilgrimage, has a number of monasteries, some of them established by Buddhists of Japan, Thailand , Myanmar , Sri Lanka etc.
Nalanda - A great centre of Buddhist learning, Nalanda came into prominence around the 5th century BC and was a flourishing university town with over ten thousand scholars and an extensive library.
Kesaria - This Stupa is in fact one of the many memorable stupa remarkable event in the life of Buddha. Kesaria has a lofty brick mound capped by a solid brick tower of considerable size, which it self is the remains of a Buddhist Stupa. The mound is a ruin with a diameter of 68 feet at its base and a total height of 5½ ft. originally it was crowned by a pinnacle which must have stood 80 or 90 ft above the ground. General Cunningham dated this monument to AD 200 to 700, and held that it was built upon the ruins of a much older and larger Stupa. It is the highest Stupa found in the country with a height of about 104" from the base.
TopRajgir - Rajgir, 19 kms from Nalanda, was the ancient capital of Magadha Empire. Lord Buddha often visited the monastery here to meditate and to preach. Rajgir is also a place sacred to the Jains, Since Lord Mahavira spent many years here.
Pawapuri - In Pawapuri, or Apapuri, 38 kilometres from Rajgir and 90 kilometres from Patna , all sins end for a devout Jain. Lord Mahavira, the final tirthankar and founder of Jainism, breathed his last at this place.
TopTar (Bhojpur)- Situated about 10 kms North West of Piro the village derives its name from Tarka, a she demon killed by lord Rama. There is an old tank in the village that is said to be the wrestling ground of Tarka.
Ahirauli (Buxur)- Situated about 5 kms north-east of Buxur, this village has a temple of Devi Ahilya . According to the local tradition it dates back to the pre historic ages. Legend is that, Ahilya was transformed into stone as a result of curse of her husband, Rishi Gautam and she could be redeemed only when lord Ram Chandra visited her place.
Ram Rekha Ghat (Buxur)- According to the legends, lord Ram Chandra and his younger brother Lakshman with their teacher Rishi Vishwamitra had crossed the Ganga here on their way to Janakpur where he later took part in the Sita swayambar (the public ceremony of Sita's Marriage).
Pretshila Hills ( Gaya )- About 8 kms North-West of Gaya, the 873 feet high Pretshila Hills is situated. The literal meaning is the Hill of ghosts and it is sacred to yam, the Hindu god of hell and forms one of the sacred places of pilgrimage. On the top of the hill is a small temple, appropriately dedicated to Yam (The God of death).
Giddheshwar (Jamui) - According to local legends, the epic fight between the vulture Jatayu and the demon Ravan took place here on the hill that is situated about 13 km south of Jamui, while the latter was abducting Sita. There is a temple of Lord Shiva , which draws big crowds on the occasion of Shivratri and Maghi Purnima.
Kako (Jehanabad)- Situated 10 km each of Jehanabad Railway station. According to local legends, Lord Ramchandra's step mother, Rani Kekaiy of Ayodhya lived here for some time and the village took its name after her.
Singheshwar Asthan (Madhepura)- Singheshwar Sthan has been the abode of Lord Siva from the ancient times. In ancient time Singheshwar was situated on the bank of the river Kosi and was surrounded by dense and lush green forest. It was ideally situated for 'Tapasya' (Meditation) and it is here that Vibhandak Rishi along with is son Rishi Shringi devoted all his time in deep meditation.
Phullahar (Madhubani)- The village countains the temple of Goddess Girija . It is said that Sita, the daughter of king Janak, used to come here every day to worship the Goddess. Lord Rama saw her for the first time at this place.
Sita Kund (Munger)- A village about 6 Kms East of the Munger town contains a hot spring known as the Sita Kund spring. Ram, after rescuing his wife Sita from the demon king Ravan, suspected that she could not have maintained her honour intact, and Sita, to prove her chastity, agreed to enter a blazing fire. She came out of the fiery or deal unscathed, and imparted to the pool in which she bathed, the heat she had absorbed from the fire. The hot spring is now enclosed in a masonry reservoir and is visited by large number of pilgrims, especially at the full moon of Magh.
Ramchura (Vaishali)- The place is situated in Vaishali block, where a fair is held every year on Ram Nawami day. The local tradition has it that lord Ram Chandra had a stopover here for a bath on his way to Janakpur. There are some marks on stone, which are said to be his footprints.
Ahilya Asthan (Darbhanga)- The village is situated about 24 kms North West of Darbhanga and about 4 kms from Kamtaul Railway Station. It is known for the temple of Ahilya Asthan , which is associated with the well known legend of the sage Gautam and his wife Ahilya as told in the epics and Puranas. Inside the Shrine is a flat stone said to contain the foot prints of Sita, wife of Ram, as the main object of worship.
Janki Temple (Sitamarhi)- This temple is traditionally considered to be the birth place of Sita or Janki, the daughter of king Janak. This temple however seems to have been built about 100 years ago.
Janki Temple (Punausa)- This temple is about 5 kms South West of Sitamarhi. It also Stakes the same claim to be the birth place of Sita and is considered to be sacred place where people go for a pilgrimage.
Haleshwar Asthan (Sitamarhi)- This is an ancient temple of Lord Shiva about 3 kms North-West of Sitamarhi. According to myths the King of Videha on the occasion of Putrayesthi Yojna, founded this temple.
Panth Pakar (Sitamarhi)- An age old banyan tree still stands here about 8 kms North-East of Sitamarhi. It is said that when Sita left Janakpur in a Paanquin for Ayodhya after the marriage to Shri Ram, she was given rest for a while under this very banyan tree.
Chanki Garh ( West Champaran )- Also known as Janaki Garh, this village is situated about 9 kms East of Ram Nagar Railway Station. There is a large mound in the eastern part of the village. It is a mass of solid brickwork and is 90' high. It was probably originally a Fort and the remains of fortification can still be seen. The local tradition asserts that it was a Fort of king Janak.
Valmiki Nagar ( West Champaran )- This is a village on the Indo Nepal border 42 kms North-West of Bagaha to which it is connected by a metallic road. A barrage has been constructed here on the Gandak River for the purpose of irrigation. Besides an old Shiva temple constructed by the Bettiah Raj, there are also ancient temple of Nara Devi and Gauri Shankar at Valmiki Nagar.
There is a Valmiki Ashram, which is said to be the place where Maharshi Valmiki was living. On the occasion of Makar Sankranti every year a fair is held on the bank of River Gandak.
TopManer Sharif ( Patna, Maner)- It is a large village of historical antiquities, situated in the extreme north west of Danapur Sub-division, about 32 kms west of Patna . In the early ages Maner was a centre of learning. Maner contains two well-known Mohammedan tombs, that of Makhdum Daulat, known as Chhoti Dargah, and the other that of Sheikh Makhdum Yahia, called the Bari Dargah. Makhdum Daulat died at Maner in 1608, and Ibrahim Khan, Governor of Bihar and one of the saint's disciples completed the erection of his mausoleum in 1616. The building is exceptionally fine one, with walls containing carvings of great delicacy and high finish. Every detail of it is characteristic of the architecture of Jehangir's region, and it is by far the finest monument of the Mughals in Eastern India . Inside the compound there is a mosque also built by Ibrahim Khan in 1619.
Khankah Mujibia (Phulwari Sharif, Patna )- Nearly 7 kms from Patna Railway Station, Phulwari Sharif is an important Islamic pilgrimage. It has been always a favorite abode of Sufi saints in various times. Hazrat Pir Muzibullah Quadri was one of those in the 18th Century. The Khankah Muzibia, founded by him at Phulwari Sharif is called the Bari Khankah. An old Madarsa here has been the most important centre for teaching of Islamic philosophy since its establishment. Sacred hair of the beard of Paigamber Hazrat Muhammad Saheb is preserved here in Banri Khankah that attracts throngs of his followers. There is also an archeologically important and worth seeing ancient Sangi Masjid (mosque) built of red stones at Phulwari Sharif. It was built by the Mughal Emperor Humayun. Khankah Emadia (Mangal Talab, Patna City , Patna ): One of the off-springs in the family of prominent Sufi Saint Hazrat Pir Muzibullah Quadri had founded another Khankah during 19th century near a tank called Mangal Talab that is situated in the Patna City Chowk area. It is called Khankah Emadia that houses a Madarsa. An Urs is held here annually when throngs of devotees assemble and pay their respect to their beloved Sufi Saint.
Dargah Sharif, Mithan Ghat ( Patna City, Patna )- A beautiful double storied mosque was built by Mughal Prince Azim on the banks of Ganges at Mittan Ghat, Patna City area that was previously called Azimabad during the reign of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. The ancient mosque still exists and is popularly known as Dargah Sharif. Every year, 5 days after the Eid festival, an annual Urs Chiraga is held here when devotees assemble at this Dargah Sharif in great numbers.
Hajipur Karbala (Vaishali)- It was constructed 175 years ago by Shah Alam. It attracts a large crowd of Muslims throughout the years.
Hasanpura (Siwan)- The village is situated about 21 kms South of Siwan on the bank of Dhanai River. According to tradition, Makhdum Saiyed Hasan Chisti, a saint who came from Arabia to India and settled here, founded this village. He also founded a Khankah (religious institution) here. The village contains remains of a large mosque and tomb of the Saint, which is visited by both Hindus and Muslims. The grave is a large open court to the west of the village.
Bibi Kamaal Sahiba (Kako, Jehanabad)- Situated 10 km each of Jehanabad Railway station. The village has a tomb of Hazrat Bibi Kamaal Sahiba, a great Muslim lady saint. It is said that this lady was the aunt of Hazrat Makhdum Saheb of Bihar Sharif and possessed divine powers. According to a local legend, Ram Chandra's stepmother, Rani Kaikeyi of Ayodhya lived here for sometime and the village took its name after her.
Bari Dargah ( Bihar Sharif, Nalanda)- This is headquarters of Nalanda district that lays 30 kms South of Bakhtiarpur on NH-31. This town is known as Bihar Sharif, owing to its many Muslim tombs that still retain traces of its former importance as a Muslim pilgrimage. There is a hill called Pir Pahari, about 1 km to the northwest of the town. At its summit is the dargah or mausoleum of the Saint Mallik Ibrahim Bayu, round which are ten smaller tombs. It is a brick structure surmounted by a dome and bears inscriptions showing that the saint died in 1353. Another great dargah is that of Makhdum-ul-Mulk, died here in 1379; this tomb is held in great veneration by the local Mohammedans, who assemble here on the 5th day of Sawan to celebrate the anniversary of his death. The Chhoti Dargah is the shrine of Badruddin Badr-I-Alam, famous saint who died here in 1440.
Chhoti Dargah (Bihar Sharif, Nalanda)- Dargah of Makhdum Hazrat Sultan Ahmed Charampose, Bihar Sharif (Nalanda). The biggest and the oldest building of Mohalla-Amber in the Bihar Sharif Town (Nalanda), is Tomb of Hazarat Makhdum Sultan Saiyad Shah Ahmed Charampose Teg Barhana Rohmatulla Alaib. He was born in the year 1236 and passed away in 1335. Thousands and thousand of people participate in the 'Urs' celebrated here in memory of the Saint every year.
TopMotihari (East Champaran)- Motihari was to the first laboratory of Gandhian experiment in Satyagraha and probably it will not be very incorrect to say that is has been the spring board for India 's independence. Champaran district generated a wave of enthusiasm and inspiration to the people who were thirsting for a selfless and saintly leader. The technique followed by Gandhiji in Champaran was what attained later on the name of Satyagraha.
Hazarimal Dharamshala, Betia ( West Champaran )- It is at Betiah in the Lal Bazar area. Gandhi and his companions used to camp here and it was the epicenter of his "Satyagraha". The State Govt. has declared this building a protected monument. The Betia Raj Kuteherry and the Dharmashala were Mahatama Gandhi stayed are well worth visit.
Bhitharwa Ashram ( West Champaran )- It is a village in the Bettiah Sub-division under Gaunaha Block. This was one of the centres for social work selected by Gandhiji, when he was in Champaran in 1917. At present there is a Khadi Centre working under direct control of the Bihar Khadi Samiti. There is a Gandhi Ashram where Mahatma Gandhi had stayed during the Indian freedom straggle.
Brindaba ( West Champaran ) - It is a small village in the Betia sub-division under Champatia Block. It has the Gram Seva Kendra, which had been planned to work out the deals of the Gandhi Seva Sangh. The all India Gandhi Seva Sangh held there annual conference at this village in 1937.
Shri Rampur ( West Champaran )- Situated in the Gannaha Block of Bhitiharwa Panchayat. Gandhiji had stayed here on 16th November, 1917.
Koeldih ( West Champaran )- Under Gaunaha Block in the Belwa Panchayat. Gandhiji had visited this place on 16th November, 1917.
Amolwa ( West Champaran )- Under Gaunaha Block in the Majharia Panchayat, where Gandhiji spent a night on the 27th April, 1917 with his other companions.
Murli Bharhawa ( West Champaran )- It was the native place of Pandit Raj Kumar Shukla who had been a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi during the Champaran Satyagrah Movement.
Sariswa ( West Champaran )- This place is in Ratanmala Panchayat under Majhaulia Block-Gandhiji and his companions had taken statement of raiyats in an open yard in front of the temple.
Hardiya Kothi ( West Champaran )- It is under Bishunpur Panchyat of the Nautan Block. It was house of Mr. G. P. Edward, a British Indigo Planter. It is situated in Digha area on Patna Danapur Road and in pre independence days guided the freedom movement in Bihar . Close to the Western end of Gandhi Maidan in Patna . The Gandhi Sangrahalaya houses a large number of items and artifacts related with Mahatma Gandhi and his satyagrah movement in Bihar . It also has a vast collection of Gandhian literature and photographs depicting his life and works. A "Charkha" (Country made spinning wheel) used by Mahatma Gandhi is also well preserved in this museum.
TopKakolat (Nawada)- It is a waterfall in Gobindpur police-station, about 21 miles away from Nawada. Just below the fall there is a deep reservoir natural in character. The fall is about 150 to 160 feet, from the ground level. The scene is panoramic due to all-round green forest area, which is very pleasant to the eyes. A legend is prevalent that in Treta Yuga a king named was cursed by a rishi and had to take the shape of a python and lived here. The place was visited by the great Pandavas during their exile and the accursed king got salvation from the damnation. A big fair is held on the occasion of bishua or Chait Shankranti.
Bhimbandh (Munger)- It is situated at a distance of 56 km from Munger, 20 km from Jamui Railway Station and 200 km from Patna Airport. Bhimbandh Wild Life Sanctuary is located in the south west of Munger District. The forest covers an area or 681 km 2 of the undulating tract of Kharagpur Hills, south of river Ganga . The vegetation of these forests is very rich where Sal, Kend, Semal and other trees grow side by side the hilly terrain, protecting from the suns rays the forms and humble creepers which grow below. A host of animals such as Tiger, Leopards, Sloth Bear, Nilgai, Sambhar, Barking deer, Wild Beer, four horned Antelope use to abide by in these forests. In the valley portions and at the foothills are several hot springs of which the finest are at Bhimbandh, Sita Kund and Rishi Kund. Among them the Bhimbandh group of springs have the maximum temperature (52° C to 65° C) and constitute the best area for the exploration of geothermal energy potential. The aqueducts formed due to fracturing are long and narrow zones of fissures and broken rocks.
There are number of places of tourist interest nearby the Sanctuary like, Rishikund, Ha-Ha Punch Kumari, Rameshwar Kund, Kharagpur Lake , Sringrishi etc. There are Tourist lodge and Forest Rest House that offer accommodation facilities to tourists in the mid of the forest.
Top| North India | East India | West India | South India | Central India | North East India |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jammu & Kashmir | Bihar | Rajasthan | Andhra Pradesh | Madhya Pradesh | Assam |
| Himachal Pradesh | Orissa | Gujarat | Karnataka | Chhattisgarh | Sikkim |
| Punjab | Jharkhand | Goa | Kerala | Nagaland | |
| Uttarakhand | West Bengal | Maharashtra | Tamil Nadu | Meghalaya | |
| Uttar Pradesh | Manipur | ||||
| Haryana | Mizoram | ||||
| Tripura | |||||
| Arunachal Pradesh |
| Union Territories of India | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Andaman and Nicobar Islands | Chandigarh | Dadra and Nagar | Daman and Diu |
| Lakshadweep | Delhi | Pondicherry | |