Nalanda Mahavihara
नालंदा महाविहार
A UNESCO World Heritage site and the world's largest Buddhist centre of learning from the 5th to the 12th centuries. Xuanzang studied here, and the ruins of its red-brick monasteries and stupas extend across the site.
Nalanda Mahavihara was founded in the 5th century during the Gupta dynasty. At its peak it had more than 10,000 monks and scholars, and Xuanzang and Yijing both studied here. It was destroyed by war at the end of the 12th century. The site covers about 23 hectares and contains 11 red-brick monasteries and numerous temples. The most striking is Temple 3, the Sariputta Stupa, whose terraced steps and corner towers still retain exquisite stucco Buddha figures. It was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2016. The entrance fee for foreigners is about 600 rupees. The site is open from sunrise to sunset. A licensed guide is recommended, and a visit takes about 2 to 3 hours.
Opening hours
9:00am–5:00pm (check ASI announcements)
Nearby sights
- Nalanda Archaeological Museum
- Xuanzang Memorial Hall
- Jal Mandir, Pawapuri
- Venuvana
- Rajgir Hot Springs (Brahmakund)
- Ghora Katora Lake
- Vishwa Shanti Stupa & Ropeway
- Saptaparni Cave