Top 10 Must-Visit Tourist Destinations in Bihar: It’s often relegated to rest stops in the “travel” sections of Indian maps, is a repository of civilization, spirituality, and culture. While it seems like travelers are headed to many “touristy” states, Bihar offers a genuine, honest, and raw Experience that few places can offer.
It is a state that bore the seeds of Buddhism and Jainism, one that served as a home for some of the world’s most ancient sites of education, and one that nurtured empires that penned India’s storied past.
Top 10 Must-Visit Tourist Destinations in Bihar
Bihar is a living story of belief, endurance, and tradition, not simply a collection of monuments and ruins. From the holy city of Bodh Gaya, where the Buddha achieved enlightenment, to the artistic artisan streets of Madhubani, where art tells the story of culture, there are stories at every stop.
Suppose you are a traveler interested in history, spirituality, curiosity or looking for an alternative escape that is purely Indian. In that case, you will find it in Bihar, and it will welcome you with open arms and stories waiting to be told.
In this blog, we will share 10 recommendations for places to visit in Bihar that will surprise, motivate, and challenge your view of travel.
Bodh Gaya – The Birthplace of Enlightenment
Bodh Gaya is arguably the most famous place in Bihar and is known worldwide as the place where Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment under the sacred Bodhi Tree and became Buddha. It is a Buddhist pilgrim site and one of four of the most important pilgrimage sites for Buddhists worldwide. It infuses peace and spiritual vibrations, offering a unique location for a lifetime of learning and meditation.
The Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an enormous monument to Buddhist architecture, devotion, and hope. People are willing to go to Bodh Gaya as devotees or monks from Thailand and Japan accompany people from other countries — for example, large numbers of Tibetans, Sri Lankans, and others come here each year.
The Great Buddha Statue is more than 80 feet tall and is captivating. Many different monasteries surround this area of India, each built in a different style, creating a town-bred-like living museum for Buddhist culture.
Best Time to Visit: October to March (cooler months are pleasant for temple visits)
How to Reach: Gaya International Airport (15 km) or by train to Gaya Junction
Don’t Miss: Meditation under the Bodhi Tree, Thai Monastery, Great Buddha Statue
Local Tip: Try traditional Tibetan food in the nearby monasteries and cafes.
Nalanda – The Original Centre for Education
Before visiting Oxford and Cambridge for their education, the world came to Nalanda University for knowledge. Built in the 5th century CE, Nalanda is thought to have had scholars from all over Asia arrive to study.
Nalanda University offered philosophy, astronomy, medicine, mathematics, logic, and literature studies. Nalanda is a ruined site and part of India’s educational legacy. It had many monasteries, classrooms, and stupas across a massive 14-hectare site.
The Nalanda Archaeological Museum has manuscripts, sculptures, and inscriptions from antiquity. The Xuanzang Memorial Hall is located close to the museum and commemorates the Indo-Chinese connection through education in memory of the Chinese traveler Xuanzang.
•Best Time to Visit: November to February
•How to reach: The nearest railway station is Rajgir (12 km), or by road from Patna (90 km)
•Must-see: Nalanda Archaeological Museum, Xuanzang Memorial Hall
•Travel Tip: Hire a local guide to better understand the ruins’ importance.
Rajgir – A Spiritual and Scenic Experience
Within a valley surrounded by pristine hills, Rajgir was formerly the capital of the great Magadha Empire. It is a holy place for Buddhists, Jains, and Hindus. Buddha gave many sermons here, and Lord Mahavira lived and meditated there.
Your Experience here will likely begin with the cable car ride to research. It was intended to be a Shanti Stupa on Gridhakuta Hill, where Buddha gave many sermons. You will surely enjoy a pleasant walk to discover tranquil Venuvana, the bamboo grove gifted to Buddha by King Bimbisara. You must also visit the hot springs (Brahmakund), which have healing properties, and the Ajatshatru Fort, which holds stories of ancient valour and royalty.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
How to Reach: The nearest railhead is Rajgir station, connected to Patna and Gaya
Attractions: Vishwa Shanti Stupa (Peace Pagoda), Venu Vana, Hot Springs
Local Highlight: Enjoy a traditional bath at the Brahmakund hot spring.
Patna – The Capital that Holds History
In northeastern India, Patna (formerly known as Pataliputra) is a modern city with an ancient past. It was the capital of ancient Indian Empires such as the Mauryas and the Guptas. Patna is also the capital of Bihar and is still the centre of cultural and political activity.
Be sure to check out the Golghar (a granary built by the British), which has stunning views. The Bihar Museum displays technical genius and artistry that shares So much of Bihar’s heritage. The displays are illustrated in a way that is engaging and informative. For the spiritual traveller, the Takht Sri Patna Sahib is the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh (the tenth Guru of Sikhism). And, of course, the archaeological ruins of Kumhrar demonstrate the riches of time layered in Patna.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
How to Reach: Well-connected via Patna Airport and Patna Junction
Top Spots: Patna Sahib Gurudwara, Bihar Museum, Golghar, Gandhi Maidan
Insider Tip: Visit the riverside Ghats during the evening for Ganga Aarti.
Vaishali- The Birthplace of Democracy and Jainism
Some claim Vaishali is the first republic in the world. Still, it is very much tied to Jain history and tradition (it is the birthplace of Lord Mahavira (24th Tirthankar of Jainism), and also inextricably tied to Buddhism (the site where Buddha spoke his last sermon before achieving Mahaparinirvana).
Some sites of importance include the Asokan Pillar (one of the many to last as a symbol of peace and Dharma by Emperor Ashoka) and the Buddha Stupas (the Stupas where the relics of Buddha were enshrined).
Best Time to Visit: October to February
How to Reach: Hajipur Junction is the nearest railhead (35 km)
Key Sites: Ashokan Pillar, Buddha Stupa I & II, Abhishek Pushkarini
Local Flavor: Visit Buddha Purnima for spiritual celebrations.
Sasaram – Birthplace of Sher Shah Suri
Rohtas district is home to Sasaram, the birthplace of Sher Shah Suri, the famous Afghan ruler who bested the Mughals and created the Grand Trunk Road. Sitting in an artificial lake, the Sher Shah Suri Tomb is one of the greatest works of Indo-Islamic architecture.
The design and construction of the Sher Shah Suri Tomb are remarkable, using decorated red sandstone with intricate carvings. Because of its beauty, the tomb is sometimes called ‘the Taj Mahal.’ Nearby is the tomb of Hasan Khan Suri, Sher Shah’s father. If you are seeking history and adventure, 55 km away, you can find the Rohtasgarh Fort, an ‘awesome’ example of a medieval Indian fort.
Best Time to Visit: October to March (weather is pleasant for sightseeing)
How to Get There: Sasaram is connected by rail and road; the nearest major railway station is Sasaram Railway Station on the Grand Chord railway line between Delhi and Howrah.
What the Experience will be: To see Indo-Islamic architecture, ancient tombs, and a historic Fort, Rohtasgarh Fort.
Travel Tip: Wear comfortable shoes as the trek to the Rohtasgarh Fort is a proper hike.
Sonepur – Asia’s Largest Cattle Fair
Sonepur Mela is held annually in November on the full moon of Kartik and is recognized as one of Asia’s largest and oldest traditional fairs. The fair’s origin dates back to Chandragupta Maurya and is still attended by millions of fairgoers annually.
Besides cattle sales (which included elephants back then), the fair remains a grand spectacle of rural culture, folk music, wrestling contests, local food stalls, and vibrant processions. There are stalls where you can buy handicrafts, garments, and spices to be a shopper’s paradise for a traveller. It provides a rare chance to experience the famous fair.
Best Time to Visit: November (Kartik Purnima)
How to Reach: Just 25 km from Patna, accessible via road or train
Experience: Elephant and horse-trading, spiritual rituals at the confluence of the Gandak and the Ganga
Travel Tip: Book accommodations early, as they get packed during the mela season.
Bhagalpur – The Silk City of Bihar
Known as the Silk City of India, Bhagalpur is closely associated with the beautiful Tussar silk weaving that has gained international attention. Nevertheless, Bhagalpur’s spiritual and historical significance shouldn’t be disregarded.
Vikramshila University Ruins was an advanced centre of Buddhist education that rivalled Nalanda. It is a large site with a central stupa and many monastic cells. The Colganj Rock Cut Temples are well worth visiting for Hindu and Buddhist art. The Kuppaghat Ashram, connected to the legendary yogi Maharshi Mehi Paramhans, is located in Bhagalpur. Mandar Hill, the mythological site associated with Samudra Manthan, makes for a shorter excursion from Bhagalpur.
Best Time to Visit: November to February (ideal for exploring silk weaving and local sites)
How to Reach: Well connected via rail and road, Bhagalpur Junction is a major railway station
Experience: Witness traditional silk weaving, visit Vikramshila University ruins, and explore sacred sites like Mandar Hill
Travel Tip: Don’t miss buying authentic Tussar silk products from local weavers—many offer live weaving demonstrations.
Muzaffarpur – Gateway of North Bihar
Muzaffarpur is famous for one reason: it’s litchis, particularly the Shahi litchis! It has a religious and cultural aspect, and as a growing urban centre, it serves as a gateway to many vital locations in north Bihar. Litchi orchards are attracting food connoisseurs and horticulturists across the country. The Baba Garibnath Temple, located in the city’s heart, is an eternal pilgrimage source for Lord Shiva’s devotees. The Ram Chandra Shahi Museum displays aspects of Bihar’s royal past and culture. For a great local family destination, visit Jubba Sahni Park, a peaceful place somewhat attached to local history.
Best Time to Visit: May to June (litchi season) and October to February (cooler weather for sightseeing)
How to Reach: Easily accessible by road and rail, Muzaffarpur Junction is a major station in North Bihar
Experience: Visit litchi orchards, seek blessings at Garibnath Temple, and explore local culture through museums and parks
Travel Tip: If visiting during the litchi season, buy directly from orchards for the freshest taste and better prices.
Gaya – A Holy Town for Hindus and Buddhists
As a sacred place in the country, Gaya is central to the Hindu ancestral rites of Pind Daan. According to the belief system here, a prayer done here releases one’s ancestors from purgatory for eternity.
The Vishnupad Temple, located on the banks of the Falgu River, has been Gaya’s spiritual heart for centuries. Pilgrims visit throughout the year to perform revered and important religious acts. Furthermore, Pretshila Hills and Mangla Gauri Temple are impressive components of their pilgrimage. Gaya is also a gateway to Bodh Gaya, and many pilgrims use it as a linking holy pathway.
Best Time to Visit: September to March (especially during Pitru Paksha for Pind Daan rituals)
How to Reach: Gaya has a domestic airport and is well connected by rail and road; Bodh Gaya is just 15 km away
Experience: Perform ancestral rites at Vishnupad Temple, explore Pretshila Hills, and visit sacred Buddhist sites nearby
Travel Tip: Hire a reliable local priest or guide for Pind Daan rituals to ensure proper customs are followed.
Conclusion for Top 10 Must-Visit Tourist Destinations in Bihar
Bihar is where ancient knowledge, spiritual depth, and cultural richness exist in perfect harmony. Whether you walk through the learned ruins of Nalanda, sit peacefully under the Bodhi Tree, or absorb the local momentum of a rural fair, you can be sure your experiences will be profound and enriching.
So, if you are looking for a destination that will engage your curiosity and spirit, Bihar is waiting to be explored.
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