BODHGAYA - Bodhgaya, Sarnath and Kushinagar, in the state of Bihar, are the most sacred places for Buddhists in the country. It is in Bodhgaya that Buddha attained divine enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree. The tree from the original sapling continues to stand till date on the temple premises. The magnificent Mahabodhi temple was built adjacent to this bodhi tree. The inscriptions here throw light on the visits of foreign pilgrims from Sri Lanka, Myanmar and China to India, between 7th and 10th century AD.
GAYA - Gaya located in Central Bihar, around 112 kms south of Patna, is one of the holiest Hindu cities in India. Its main attraction lies in the Vishnupad (Vishnu footprints) Temple, whuch was built by Rani Ahilya Bai of Indore in the 18th century.
NALANDA - Situated approximately 90 kms away from Patna, Nalanda was one of the greatest seats of Buddhist learning in ancient times. Though it is a small village today, archaeological excavations made from here have unearthed a large part of the most important centre of Buddhist learning all over the world. Important attractions are some retrieved ruins of the Nalanda University, the Surya Mandir, the Hiuen Tsang Memorial Hall, the Nalanda museum and the Nav Nalanda Vihar.
RAJGIR - Situated around 102 kms off Patna; Rajgir is a renowned pilgrimage for Hinduism, Buddhism as well as Jainism. Rajgir or Rajgriha (as it was known before) was the capital of Magadh, till Patna became the new capital. The major attractions are the Swarna Gufa, Griddhakuta Parvat,Vishwa Shanti Stupa and hot springs.
Sasaram - Known for the exquisitely beautiful mausoleum of Sher Shah, Sasaram is situated around 148 kms from Patna. The mausoleum was built on a beautiful lake and gives the impression of a floating structure.
SONPUR - Sonpur which is the venue of the largest cattle fair in Asia is located just 25 kms away from Patna. The trip from Patna is not too taxing and if one is visiting the city in the month of November, the fair should most certainly NOT be missed out on. People from all over the country gather in Sonpur to sell their livestock. A visit to the temple of Hariharnath after taking a dip here at the confluence of Ganga and Gandak rivers is considered auspicious.
VAISHALI A place regarded holy by Buddhists and Jains, Vaishali is located around 55 kms from Patna. The place derives its name from King Visala from the epic work, Ramayana. It has the distinction of having been the capital of one of the first republics of the world which was run by the Lichchavi clan. It is at the same place where Lord Buddha preached his last sermon and declared his approaching Nirvana. Lord Mahavira, the 24th Jain Tirthankara, was also born here in Kundligrama (Vaishali) in 599 B.C. Some of the main attractions here are the newly built Vishwa Shanti Stupa, the Ashokan pillars and a host of other structures related to both Buddhism and Jainism.
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