Bihar

The place where the Buddha attained enlightenment; Bodh Gaya and the Nalanda ruins are the core of Buddhist pilgrimage.

Bihar lies on the Ganges Plain in eastern India. Anciently known as Magadha, it is an important birthplace of Buddhism and Jainism. The Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya was built where the Buddha attained enlightenment; it is a World Heritage Site, surrounded by monasteries from many countries. The ruins of Nalanda were once a renowned ancient Buddhist university, where Xuanzang studied; Gridhakuta (Vulture Peak) in Rajgir and the Ashokan pillar at Vaishali are also key pilgrimage sites. The capital, Patna, is the ancient Pataliputra. The best season is October to March; summers are hot. Patna and Gaya have airports, and Gaya also has international flights.

Destinations

• Bodh Gaya
• Rajgir & Nalanda
• Vaishali

Itineraries

• In the Footsteps of the Buddha Pilgrimage – Follow the sacred path from Bodh Gaya through Rajgir, Nalanda, Vaishali, and Kushinagar, ending at Sarnath.
• Buddhist Circuit Pilgrimage (India & Nepal) – A pilgrimage loop covering Sarnath, Bodh Gaya, Rajgir, Kushinagar, Lumbini, and Shravasti.