Bihar Tourism
The Bihar Crisp Air, Sacred Temples, and Enthralling Adventure Call You to Bihar
About Bihar Tourism
The land where Buddha once lived, the land of monasteries - Bihar is visited by a large number of Buddhist followers as well as tourists from other religions throughout the year. Its association with Buddhism and Jainism makes it a must visit place for peace seekers, those who want to experience the tribal culture and life in rural parts of India, and those who want to have a glimpse of our splendid Want to get the past
Derived from the Sanskrit word 'vihara', meaning monastery, Bihar has a proud heritage in the context of Indian history. Bihar is located in the Gangetic plains in the eastern parts of India, and shares borders with Uttar Pradesh in the west, Jharkhand in the south, West Bengal in the east and Nepal in the north. The spiritual importance of Bihar comes from the fact that it is the place where Buddha once lived and attained Nirvana. His footprints can be traced through his teachings and monuments, which continue to guide people and show them the right path even today.
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General info
Best time to visit
October to March
Ideal Duration
4 - 8 days
Visa
Not Required
Currency
INR
Best Selling Tour Packages
Frequently Asked Questions
Bihar has a rich history of civilization, culture and religion and has developed and amalgamated many styles of art. The most famous is undoubtedly the Madhubani style of painting from the Mithila region which dates back to the time of the Ramayana. Figures from Hindu mythology have been painted on handmade canvas using natural colours. Woodwork and wood carving come from the traditions of the Maurya period and are prevalent till date. Bamboo, brass, zari, cloth and lac work are also very well developed in Bihar, and the handicraft industry is an integral part of the state's economy. Manjusa Kala, the folk art of Bhagalpur is an ancient art form of the state displayed in a series which shows the story in a sequential representation. Tikuli art, pottery, Sujini embroidery, Sikki art, Khatwa Pipli and metal crafts are also prevalent in Bihar.
Bihar has been the cradle of education since the Mauryan period, and this trend continues today, with some of the most accomplished civil servants and educationists coming from Bihar. The famous Nalanda University, which was one of the largest and oldest universities in the world, was located in Bihar near present-day Patna. It was the largest library in the ancient world and provided education in a wide range of subjects from biological sciences to philosophy and commerce. This university is now being revived as a tourist destination and to be preserved as a heritage site. King Dharmapala established Vikramashila, another important Buddhist learning center in the country during the Pala Empire. It was then destroyed by Qutb al-Din Aibak's military general Muhammad bin Bakhtiyar Khilji and ruins remain today in the Bhagalpur district of Bihar.
Bihar has a unique amalgamation of Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Islamic and local tribal traditions, all expressed in the way festivals are celebrated with great pomp and enthusiasm. Chhath Puja is one of the most important festivals and involves fasting and purification rituals in the river Ganges. The final festive puja and procession are very colorful and dedicated to the Sun God. Sonpur Cattle Fair is another grand occasion that is a delight for tourists as cattle traders from all over the region gather to trade their animals and goods. It is the largest cattle fair in India and provides a unique insight into the rural life of India. All the major Buddhist festivals are celebrated with great enthusiasm in Gaya and Buddhist devotees from all over the world come to pay obeisance during this time. Pitrupaksha Mela and Mithila Vivah Bazar are other famous fairs of the state.
Present day Bihar was the nerve center of ancient India and center of political, intellectual and philosophical activity. Buddha attained nirvana here and also preached his doctrine in most of the major cities. Famous Buddhist sites include Bodh Gaya where the Mahabodhi Temple and the Mahabodhi Tree are located. The temple was built in the 3rd century BC and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nalanda and Vikramshila universities are sites of refinement and dissemination of Buddhist philosophy in various parts of the world and are currently being restored for their heritage value.
People of Bihar, commonly called the Biharis, are simple, hospitable and self-respecting people with well-developed political instincts and cultural sensibilities. Cloth paintings from Madhubani and Mithila, silk from Bhagalpur, cotton fabric handwoven in Patna and Bihar-Sharif, tribal crafts from the rich tribal belt of Jharkhand, baskets, and carpets woven in Obra in the Aurangabad district (Bihar) are the crafts that are still thriving in Bihar. A degree of anarchy prevails in the state despite its respect for education and its tolerance for religious diversity. Hinduism and Islam are the major religions followed by a significant number of people in Bihar. Hindi is the official language of Bihar. Local dialects include Bhojpuri, Bihari, Magahi and Maithili