About Bihar

Bihar's antiquity is evident from its name, which is derived from "VIHARA" (monastery). It is indeed a land of monasteries. Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, Muslim and Sikh shrines abound in this ancient land where India's first major empires rose and fell. Where the ruins of the worlds' earliest university slumbers in the void of time, while modern day giant steel complexes spew fire all the year round. Forty percent of India's mineral wealth lies buried in its bosom. The passage of Ganga, flowing wide and deep enrich the plains of Bihar before distributing in Bengal's deltoid zone.

Among all Indian states, Bihar is the one most intimately linked to the Buddha’s life, resulting in a trail of pilgrimages which have come to be known as the Buddhist circuit. The Buddhist trail begins at the capital city, Patna, where a noteworthy museum contains a collection of Hindu and Buddhist sculptures.

Bihar tourism has a staggering list of destinations worth visiting. For instance, Chotanagpur - India's oldest geological formation; Nalanda - the world's most ancient seat of learning; Rajgir - the first recorded capital in Indian history; Patliputra - the hub of ancient India; Vaishali - the world's first republic; India's earliest rock-cut caves- Barabar Hills; Sasaram - home to the mighty mausoleum of the Pathans that influenced Mughal architecture; and BodhGaya - the land of Buddha who gave us the Noble Truth.