Places to visit in Bihar

Cradle of Buddhism and ancient empires.

Capital PatnaPlaces in this guide 7

Places to see

Gaya

Where the Buddha attained enlightenment; a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Best time: Oct–Mar

Nalanda

Ruins of one of the world’s oldest universities, a UNESCO site.

Best time: Oct–Mar

Nalanda

Hill town with the Vishwa Shanti Stupa, hot springs and a glass skywalk.

Best time: Oct–Mar

Ancient republic with an Ashokan lion pillar and Buddhist relic stupa.

Best time: Oct–Mar

Bhagalpur

Ruins of a great Buddhist university of the Pala era.

Best time: Oct–Mar

Pashchim Champaran

Bihar's only tiger reserve, forested hills on the Nepal border.

Best time: Nov–Apr

Patna

Birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh and one of the five Sikh takhts.

Best time: Oct–Mar

Litti chokha, Khaja, Makhana.

Madhubani painting, Bhagalpuri silk.

Chhath Puja, Patna: Oct–Nov. Devotees offer prayers to the setting and rising sun on the river ghats.

Timings, permits and prices change. Check official sources before you travel.