17 Best Places to Visit in Bihar on Your Next Trip
Bihar is a relatively underrated tourist destination in India but continues to receive attention from tourists. Bihar, which historically served as the capital of one of the most abundant ancient Indian kingdoms, is regarded as one of the heritage sites of India. Apart from its rich heritage, this city blooms with a plethora of tourist attractions. Interested in visiting Bihar?
Check out the list of these tourist places in Bihar for your next vacation.
List of Best Tourist Places in Bihar
1. Bodh Gaya
The village of Bodh Gaya is located in north-eastern India. The historic brick Mahabodhi Temple Complex was constructed to commemorate the location where the Buddha received enlightenment beneath a revered Bodhi Tree. The complex still contains six other holy locations, including a lotus pond, as well as a direct descendant of the tree.
- Best Time to Visit - October to March
- Places to visit- Mahabodhi Temple, Great Buddha Statue, Thai Monastery, Royal Bhutan Monastery, Metta Buddharam Temple
- Ideal Vacation Duration - 1 day
- Average Expense: ₹ 7,200 for 1 Nights/ 2 Days (Include Car, Hotel, Sightseeing, Meal)
- Things to Do - Explore Mahabodhi Temple, Dungeshwari, and MettaBudhharam Temple.
- How to Reach - Via plane, train, and road
2. Patna
One of the most famous places in Bihar, Patna is a historic city that stretches along the Ganges River's southern bank. The Bihar Museum is located in the state capital and is a notable modern building that displays bronze sculptures and antiquated coins from the area. A colonial granary with a dome that overlooks the city, the Golghar is close to the river.
- Best Time to Visit - October to March
- Places to visit- Takht Sri Harmandir Sahib Ji, Hanuman Mandir, Buddha Smriti Park, Patna Museum, Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park, Bihar Museum
- Ideal Vacation Duration - 1 day
- Average Expense: ₹ 15,000 for 3 Nights/ 4 Days (Include Car, Hotel, Sightseeing, Meal)
- Things to Do - Seek blessings at Gurudwara Patna Sahib, visit Golghar and explore Patna Museum.
- How to Reach - Via plane, train, and road
3. Nalanda
Nalanda, formerly the most well-known Mahavihara of antiquity, is still a rich source of learning today. It is also a prominent Buddhist centre of learning and a minor pilgrimage spot, all encased in a wisp of spirituality. It provides lively content in the areas of spirituality, tourism, history, culture, and architecture.
- Best Time to Visit - October to March
- Places to visit- Ruins of Nalanda University, Jal Mandir, Nalanda Archaeological Museum, Rajgir Wildlife Sanctuary, Stupa of Sariputra
- Ideal Vacation Duration - 1 day
- Average Expense: ₹ 24,000 for 3 Nights/ 4 Days (Include Car, Hotel, Sightseeing, Meal)
- Things to Do - Visit Hiuen Tsang Memorial Hall, visit the Great Stupa
- How to Reach - Via plane, train, and road
4. Vaishali
Vaishali, a small region in the heart of Bihar, is a respected centre for Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain worship. Lord Buddha spent a substantial amount of his life here and occasionally travelled to Vaishali. Vaishali, which is also the birthplace of Lord Mahavira, is honoured as a holy site by Jains in addition to Buddhists.
- Best Time to Visit - October to March
- Places to visit- Ashok Pillar, Buddha Stupa, Vishwa Shanti Stupa, Lion Pillar, Ananda Stupa, Ramchaura, Raja Vishal’s Garh
- Ideal Vacation Duration - 1 day
- Average Expense: ₹ 10,000 for 3 Nights/ 4 Days (Include Car, Hotel, Sightseeing, Meal)
- Things to Do - Visit historic sites like Ashok Pillar, Ramchura, Buddha Stupa I and II, the Lion Pillar
- How to Reach - Via plane, train, and road
5. Madhubani
Madhubani, a historic city in Bihar, is renowned for its rich artistic and cultural heritage. The city, which is mentioned in the Ramayana, is well-known for producing the renowned Madhubani paintings, which have their roots here.
- Best Time to Visit - December to March
- Places to visit- Kapileshwar Temple, Naulakha Palace, Somnath Mahadev Temple, Rameshwarnath Temple, Parasmanidham Rashua Sangram
- Ideal Vacation Duration - 1 day
- Average Expense: ₹ 2,200 approx. for a round trip (Include Car)
- Things to Do - Visit Kali Mandir, Hanuman Mandir, KapileshwarnathMandir
- How to Reach - Via plane, train, and road
6. Muzaffarpur
Muzaffarpur, the Litchi Kingdom, is situated 75 kilometres north of Patna in Bihar's northern region and is one of the best places to visit in Bihar. It is situated on the banks of the BurhiGandak River, the Bagmati River, and the Lakhandayee River. Muzaffarpur is Bihar's fourth-most populous city. Hinduism, Islam, and Nepalese culture are the main cultural influences in the area.
- Best Time to Visit - December to February
- Places to visit- Garib Sthan Mandir, Jubba Sahni Park, Garibnath Temple, Litchi Gardens, Ramna Devi Mandir, Kali Mata Temple
- Ideal Vacation Duration - 1 day
- Average Expense: ₹ 2,500 approx. for a round trip (Include Car)
- Things to Do - Visit Garib Nath Mandir, Jubba Sahni Park, Ramchandra Shahi Museum
- How to Reach - Via plane, train, and road
7. Bhagalpur
Bhagalpur is a city with a rich historical background on the southern banks of the Ganges River. In addition to being a commercial and political hub, Bhagalpur is well known for being a significant educational hub. With the aid of the Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary, the city supports the Gangetic Dolphin species, India's national aquatic animal.
- Best Time to Visit - October to February
- Places to visit- Vikramshila Ruins, Mandir Hill, Ajganinath Temple, PK Das Driftwood Museum & Park, Burhanath Mandir, Ghuran Peer Baba
- Ideal Vacation Duration - 1 day
- Average Expense: ₹ 1,900 approx. for a round trip (Include Car)
- Things to Do - Explore Bhagalpur Museum, visit Shri Champapur Digambar Jain, Rabindra Bhawan
- How to Reach - Via plane, train, and road
8. Pawapuri
For Jains, Pawapuri is a sacred location. It is located in the eastern Indian state of Bihar's Nalanda district. Pawapuri used to be the twin capital of Mall Mahajanapadas in the distant past. Mahavira resided in the king's Rajikshala while in Pawapuri. Due to the fact that Lord Mahavira has interred here about 500 BC, it is revered as a holy site.
- Best Time to Visit - October to March
- Places to visit- Gaon Mandir, Vishwa Shanti Stupa, Hieun Tsang Memorial Hall, Griddhakuta Peak, Pandu, Pakhar
- Ideal Vacation Duration - 1 day
- Average Expense: ₹ 2,000 approx. for a round trip (Include Car)
- Things to Do - Visit Mahavirswami Jain water temple, Pawapuri Water Park, visit Pawapuri Gaon Vardhman Mahavir
- How to Reach - Via plane, train, and road
9. Munger
Munger, the capital of Mir Kasim and the Midland of the Aryans, has a fascinating past that is well worth learning about. It is now the location of the Bihar School of Yoga, making it the ideal travel destination for yoga enthusiasts. One may expect a sizable international audience to swarm this charming location.
- Best Time to Visit - November to March
- Places to visit- Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary, Kharagpur Lake, Red Fort, Kastaharni Ghat, Tomb of Pir Shah Nufa
- Ideal Vacation Duration - 1 day
- Average Expense: ₹ 1,400 approx. for a round trip (Include Car)
- Things to Do - Visit SitaKund, GoenkaShivalaya, Manpatthar, ShriKrishanVatika, Ucheswarnath,
- How to Reach - Via plane, train, and road
10. Sitamarhi
Sita, Lord Ram's wife, was born in Sitamarhi, a town and the administrative centre of the Sitamarhi District in Bihar. This is one of the best places to visit near Bihar. Nepal borders it to the north, Muzaffarpur to the south, Champaran and Sheohar to the west, and Darbhanga and Madhubani to the east are very significant historically and have a lot of contemporary tourist attractions.
- Best Time to Visit - November - February
- Places to visit- Janki Temple, Sita Temple, Haleswar Sthan, Panth-Pakar
- Ideal Vacation Duration - 1 day
- Average Expense: ₹ 2,200 approx. for a round trip (Include Car)
- Things to Do - Visit Ram JankiMandir and SitaKund, Sita Temple, JankiMandir
- How to Reach - Via plane, train, and road
11. Vulture Peak
Due to its elevation and shape, Vulture Peak—also known as Griddhakuta Peak—got its name. This location, which is in Rajgir, is the site of many speeches by Lord Buddha, notably the Lotus Sutra, which converted the Mauryan King Bimbisara to Buddhism. This location, also known as the Holy Eagle Peak, is regarded as one of Lord Buddha's favourite retreats.
- Best Time to Visit - October to March
- Places to visit- Japanese Stupa, Rajgir Ropeway, Rajgir Hot Spring, Maniar Math, Sonabhandar, Veerayatan Museum
- Ideal Vacation Duration - 1 day
- Average Expense: ₹ 3,700 for 1 Nights/ 2 Days (Include Car, Hotel, Sightseeing, Meal)
- Things to Do - Roam around vulture peak and explore local cuisine
- How to Reach - Via plane, train, and road
12. Valmiki National Park
Valmiki National Park is situated on the banks of the river Gandak at the India-Nepal border in the West Champaran district. The Bengal tigers are the region's most notable animal, among a plethora of other diverse flora, fauna, and avifauna that the area is home to (22 in the region as of 2013).
- Best Time to Visit - November to February
- Attractions- Multiple bird species, Exotic and endangered animals, Tiger reserve
- Ideal Vacation Duration - 1 day
- Average Expense: ₹ 200 as entry fees for jeep or car up to 6 persons
- Things to Do - Visit SohagiBarwa Sanctuary, Valmiki Nagar, Someshwar Hills
- How to Reach - Via plane, train, and road
13. Tomb of Sher Shah Suri
This monument, which was constructed in 1545 AD in honour of Emperor Sher Shah Suri, is the finest example of Indo-Islamic design. Its beautiful surroundings and magnificent buildings add to its charm. It is among Bihar's top tourism destinations.
- Best Time to Visit –November to February
- Attractions- Indo-Islamic architecture, Red sandstone, Artificial lake
- Ideal Vacation Duration - 1 day
- Average Expense: ₹ 5 as entree fees per person
- Things to Do - Visit DhuaKund, Tara Chandi Temple, ManjharKund
- How to Reach - Via plane, train, and road
14. Navlakha Palace
Maharaja Rameshwar Singh built the main attraction of Rajgir, which is the Navlakha Palace. It is located close to Madhubani. Despite the extensive damage caused by the earthquake in 1934, the city is renowned for this palace's magnificent architectural brilliance, which is difficult to ignore. To experience all that Bihar has to offer as a visitor, one must go to this castle.
- Best Time to Visit - October to March
- Attractions- Ivory and white marble, architectural brilliance, four elephants built from cement, Taj Mahal resemblance
- Ideal Vacation Duration - 1 day
- Average Expense: Entry is free
- Things to Do - Visit the tea museum, horse carriages museum, doll museum and toy museum, which are inside the palace premises. They remain open all days of the week from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
- How to Reach - Via plane, train, and road
15. Jal Mandir
JalMandir, a prominent Jain temple honouring Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara, has its location near Pawapuri in the Indian state of Bihar. The stunning white marble temple, also known as Apapuri, stands where Lord Mahavir was cremated and is a significant Jain pilgrimage site. The stunning temple is housed inside a sizable water tank that is decorated with lovely pink lotus blooms.
- Best Time to Visit - October to March
- Attractions- Cremation site of 24th Tirthankara, Pilgrimage destination of Jains, Pond filled with red coloured lotus flowers
- Ideal Vacation Duration - 1 day
- Average Expense: Entry is free
- Things to Do - Spend time with your family at the temple
- How to Reach - Via plane, train, and road
16. Mundeshwari Temple
Within Bihar's Kaimur district is the Mundeshwari Devi Temple. It is a historic temple where Shiva and Parvati, the everlasting couple, are worshipped. The temple's architecture is unusually octagonal and is made of stone. The temple's principal deities are Devi Mundeshwari and the Shiva linga with four faces. Murtis of Ganesha, Surya, and Vishnu are also present there.
- Best Time to Visit - All year round; the timings are- 6:00 AM-7:00 PM
- Attractions- Octagonal temple made of stone, Stone carvings, Nagara style of temple architecture
- Ideal Vacation Duration - 1 day
- Average Expense: ₹ 20 for car parking, Entry is free
- Things to Do - Visit the temple, visit Mundeshwari Park, visit the TelharKund, visit the Telhar Waterfall
- How to Reach - Via plane, train, and road
17. Thai Monastery
The Thai Monastery, another beautiful place in Bihar, enhances the allure of Bodhgaya. Since its founding in 1957, it has been a destination that Buddhist monks must visit. Its construction is credited to both the Thai government and Buddhist monks in India. One of the most well-known locations in Bihar is this elite portrayal of Thai architecture.
- Best Time to Visit - All throughout the year
- Attractions- Thai culture and tradition, Bronze statue of Lord Buddha, Stunning architecture and beauty
- Ideal Vacation Duration - 1 day
- Average Expense: Entry is free
- Things to Do - Visit Explore the Monastery, visit cafes and restaurants nearby
- How to Reach - Via plane, train, and road
FAQs about the Places to Visit in Bihar
What role does tourism play in the economy of Bihar?
The world's most significant civil industry is the tourism sector. This sector contributes directly to GDP and employment while also boosting the economy through visitor exports, domestic consumption, leisure, and business investment.
What is Bihar tourism's tagline?
Bihar tourism’s tagline is Blissful Bihar.
What are the top tourist attractions in Bihar?
Bodh Gaya, Nalanda, Vaishali, Rajgir, Pawanpuri, and Kesaria are among the top tourist attractions in Bihar.
Which is the best tourist place in Bihar?
Bodh Gaya is a Buddhist pilgrimage site and is the best tourist place in Bihar.
What are the five important places in Bihar?
Patna, the capital of Bihar, is quite famous, while other places such as Bodh Gaya, Nalanda, Vaishali, Rajgir, Pawanpuri, and Kesaria are amongst the top listed destinations in Bihar that witness tourists from across the country and abroad as well.
Which is the most beautiful city in Bihar?
Madhubani is the most beautiful city in Bihar, and it is famous for its rich art and culture. Madhubani paintings are well-known all over the world.
What is famous in Bihar?
Bihar is a famous Indian state as it is the origin of the two most prominent religions in the world, Buddhism and Jainism. Nalanda, which is the world's oldest university library, was set on fire by the army of Bakhtiyar Khilji. The library was believed to hold 9 million manuscripts and took three months to burn into ashes.
What is the speciality of Bihar?
The Mundeshwari is one of the oldest Hindu temples in India. Aryabhatta, who gave zero numbers to the world, the nine planets' theory, and trigonometric rules, was from Bihar.
Which Hill station is close to Bihar?
Pretshila Hill is the closest hill station in Bihar.
What is Nalanda famous for?
Nalanda is famous worldwide for the ancient International Monastic University, which was established in the 5th century BC and taught Vedas, logic, grammar, medicine, meta-physics, prose composition, and rhetoric. Nalanda district is popularly known as Biharsharif.
Which river flows in Madhubani?
From east to west, the principal rivers in the Madhubani district are Kosi Dhar, Bhutahi Balan, Kamla Balan and Dhaus Nadi.
Why is Muzaffarpur called a sweet city?
Muzaffarpur has earned its endearing nickname, the "Sweet City of India," due to its association with the litchi fruit. The city's climatic conditions and fertile soil make it an ideal hub for litchi cultivation. Consequently, Muzaffarpur is one of India's leading litchi producers.
How to reach Valmiki Tiger Reserve by train?
The nearest railhead is at Valmiki Nagar which is at a distance of 5 km from the park. The railway station is connected to cities like Delhi, Lucknow, Varanasi and Kolkata. Tourists will have various buses running from nearby places to their destinations.
What is the height of the vulture peak in India?
Vulture's Peak, or Griddhakuta, is located on a small hill just outside of Rajgir; Griddhakuta is a popular sightseeing location perched at an altitude of 400 m. This peak is known as the Vulture's Peak as it is shaped like a vulture and provides frequent bird sightings.
Is Sitamarhi the birthplace of Sita?
The Sita Kund pilgrimage site, located in the present-day Sitamarhi district of Bihar, India, is viewed as the birthplace of Sita.
Why is Munger called the city of guns?
Historical records tell us that it was Mir Qasim Ali, the Nawab of Bengal (1760-1763), who, on seeing the “explosive potential” of the soil, shifted his capital from Murshidabad to Munger and established gun factories in the area.
What is Pawapuri famous for?
Pawanpuri is famous for the Jal Mandir, meaning Water Temple, also known as Apapuri, meaning a town without sins, this temple is dedicated to Lord Mahavira, the 24 Thirthankara and founder of the Jain religion.