Muzaffarpur’s recorded history dates back to the rise of Vajji republic, a confederation of eight clans of which the Lichchhavis were the most powerful and influential. The unity among the Lichchhavis was so strong that the royalty of even the powerful kingdom of Magadh had to go for matrimonial alliances with members of the Lichchhavi clans in 519 BC.
Besides being a seat of one the oldest republics of the world, Muzaffarpur is also believed’ by some Jains to be the birthplace of Lord Mahavir, the 24th Jain Tirthankar. Also, this is the place where Gautam Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya. Lord Mahavir and Lord Buddha were contemporaries.
The birthplace of Lord Mahavir at Baso Kund under the Saraiya block of Muzaffarpur district has a full-fledged Prakrit Institute which attracts visitors, mainly followers of Jainism, from abroad. Ambarati, which is believed to be the village home of Amrapali, the famous cour dancer of Vaishali, also attracts many. It is 40 km away from Muzaffarpur town. Muzaffarpur also boasts of having maintained communal harmony since the medieva period. Not a single Hindu-Muslim riot has ever taken place in Muzaffarpur The place is also associated with the first bomb exploded during India’s freedom move ment. The bomb was exploded by a young revolutionary from Bengal, Khudiram Bose, all of 1 years, with the help of his companion Prafulla Chandra Chaki. Khudiram threw the bomb at the horse-driven carriage of Pringle Kennedy, mistaking him for Muzaffarpur’s district judge Khudiram was captured near the Pusa Road railway station and subsequently hanged to death in the Muzaffarpur jail. Post-freedom, the railway station and the jail have been named afte Khudiram. Muzaffarpur is famous all over the world for the Shahi litchi grown here. It is because of the unique soil in Bochaha and Mushahari blocks of the district that Shahi litchi has a scent and sweetness which is not found in any other variety of the fruit.
Places of Interest
Litchi gardens of Bochaha, Jhapaha and Mushahari from the first
week of April to the second week of May. They are located in a radius of five
to seven km from Muzaffarpur.
Jubba Sahni Park, Gandhi Koop on L S College campus, Kamal Shah
Mazaar in Purani Bazar, Garib Sthan Mandir, Ramna Devi Mandir and Baglamukhi
Mandir in Kachchisarai, all in Muzaffarpur town, are also worth seeing.
One can also visit the National Litchi Research Centre at Rahua,
five km from Muzaffarpur town, to know more about litchi.
HOW
TO REACH
By
Air:
Nearest Airport
The distance between Muzaffarpur and Patna is 60 km, and one can take a bus or
hire a taxi from Patna to reach Muzaffarpur.
By
Rail:
Nearest railhead Muzaffarpur
By
Road:
Connected by good roads with all Indian cities.
Where
to Stay: State
Tourism Corporation’s and Private Hotels, Rest houses and Dharmshalas at
Muzaffarpur
Hotel Elite, Phone: 0621-2245353
Hotel Lichchhavi, Phone: 0621-2268512
Chandralok Continental, Phone: 0621-2245911
WHERE TO EAT
There are several motels and dhabas in and around
Muzaffarpur.
Local Transport: Auto rickshaws, Cycle-rickshaws, tangas.
In Emergency, Contact
District Magistrate: 0621-2212101
Superintendent of Police: 0621-2217797
Town Police Station: 0621-2245252
Medical Emergencies,Contact
Dr. Birendra Kishore (Surgeon): 0621-2212485
Dr. T.K.Jha (Physician): 0621-2261425
Dr. B.B.Thakur (Physician): 9431238285
Dr. Rangila Sinha (Gynaecologist): 0621-2213938
Tourist Season
October to March.
Clothing: Light cotton in summer and woolen in winter (specially during November
to January).
Introduction The ancient town in Bihar was once home to the world’s first university for higher learning. Nalanda is about 90 km southeast of Patna. Nalanda means “giver of knowledge”. The university at Nalanda began as a Buddhist monastery. Lord Buddha stayed at Nalanda several times in the local mango grove.
Nalanda
Lord Mahavir is also believed to have attained ‘moksha’ at
Pawapuri, which is located in Nalanda. Also, according to one sect of Jainism,
he was born in the nearby village, Kundalpur.
Interestingly, there’s a Nalanda Buddhist Centre (NBC) in Brazil. Set up in
1989, the centre was so named as a tribute to the great legacy of Nalanda, The
NBC was the second Theravada Buddhist tradition centre set up in Brazil 22
years after the Sri Lankan temple was first established.
Places of Interest
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Ruins of ancient Nalanda
The university of Nalanda was established in 450 AD under the patronage of the
Gupta emperors, notably Kumaragupta. It was one of the world’s first
residential universities. Its dormitories accommodated over 10,000 students and
2,000 teachers.
The Nalanda varsity had eight separate compounds and ten temples
besjdes many meditation halls and classrooms. There were also lakes and parks.
The subjects taught at the university covered every field of learning, and it
attracted pupils and scholars from as far as Korea, Japan, China, Tibet,
Indonesia and Turkey, among other countries.
Chinese pilgrim Xuanzang has given a detailed account of the
university. The terracotta seal of Nalanda University has been put on display
in the ASI Museum at Nalanda.
Pawapuri
Lord Mahavir attained ‘nirvana’ (salvation from the endless cycle of life and
death) at Pawapuri,and thus the placeis a holy site for Jains.It is located 38
km from Rajgir in Nalanda district and 90 km from Patna,and it was here that
Lord Mahavir,the last of the 24 Jain Tirthankars,breathed his last around 500
BC. He was cremated at Pawapuri,also known as APapuri (the sinless town).
There was a great rush to collect his ashes,and, as a result, so
much soil was removed from the place of his cremation that a pond was
created.Now, an exquisite marble temple, Jalmandir, stands magnificently on a
rectangular island in the middle of the pond.
There’s another Jain temple, Samosharan, here. This is the
placewhere Lord Mahavir delivered his last sermon
Kundalpu
Just 1.6 km from the ruins of Nalanda is this place called Kundalpur. The
Digambar sect of Jains believes that the 24th and the last Tirthankar, Lord
Mahavir, was born here. There are many Jain temples in this village.
Multimedia
Museum
India’s first multimedia museum was opened here on January26, 2008. It has a
section that recreates the history of Nalanda using a 3D animation film with
narration by TV and movie actor Shekhar Suman. There are four more sections in
the Multimedia Museum Geographical Perspective Historical Perspective,Hall o
Nalanda and Revival o Nalanda.
Archaeological
Survey of India (ASI) Museum Nalanda,the
archaeological museum set up in 1917, housesthe antiquities,mainly those
excavated from the earliest university cum monastery complex at Nalanda and
from Rajgir. Out of 13,463 antiquities, 349 are on display in the four
galleries of the museum. The antiquities from Nalanda are datable from 5th to
12th century AD but some of those from Rajgir are a little older. The
sculptures kept in this museum are made of stone, bronzes, stucco and
terracotta but majority of those have been carved on basalt stone.
Most of the idols belong to the Buddhist faith but there are also those
belonging to Jain and Hindu religions.
A scale model of excavated remains of Nalanda university occupies the central
place of the hall. There are 57 idols and sculptures displayed in the first
gallery.
Opening hour:10 am to 5 pm
Friday closed
Entrance fee: Rs 2 per head
Free entry for children up to 15 years
Xuanzang
Memorial Hall
A memorial has been built and named after the Chinese traveller and scholar
monk, Xuanzang, who was a student at Nalanda and subsequently became a teacher
at the ancient Nalanda Mahavihara.The magnificent hall is located barely 1.3 km
away from the ruins of Nalanda.
It was in January 1957 that India’s first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru, on
behalf of the government of India, received the relics of Xuanzang along with
his biographyand an endowment for the construction of a hall in his memory from
His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lamaof Tibet. The initiative was
aimed at enhancingthe cultural relationship between India and China. The
construction work started in 1960 and was completed in 1984. The relics of
Xuanzang have been preserved in the Patna Museum.
HOW
TO REACH
The road between Patna and Ragir-Nalanda-Pawapuri is in
excellent condition. Private and state transport buses ply between Patna and
Biharsharif, the district HQ town of Nalanda. Tempos or horse-driven carts can
be hired from Biharsharif for Rajgir. Alternatively, one can hire a taxi from
Patna to Rajgir-Nalanda-Pawapuri. There’s also a direct train between Delhi and
Nalanda. Called Shramjeevi Express (2391 Up/2392 Dn), it runs via Patna.
By
Air:
Nearest Airport
Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan International Airport, Patna, 100 km away.
By
Rail:
Nearest railhead
Nalanda.
By
Road: Connected
by good roads with all major cities of India.
Where
to Stay:
There are several hotels in and around Rajgir. Apart from hotels, tourists can
opt for tourist bungalows or government-owned hotels or guest houses
Indo-Hokke Hotel (3-star facilities), Phone: 255231, Fax: 255245
Rajgir Residency (2-star facilities), Phone: 255404, Fax: 255405
Hotel Tathagat Vihar, Phone: 255176, Fax: 255176
Hotel Siddhartha, Phone: 255216, Fax: 255352
Emergency, Contact
Nalanda District Magistrate: 235203, 235204, Fax: 235205
Nalanda Superintendent of Police: 235207, Fax: 233978
Rajgir Dy Superintendent of Police: 255461
Rajgir Police Station: 255258
Medical Emergencies, Contact
Rajgir Hospital: 255102
Local Transport: Auto rickshaws, Cycle-rickshaws, tangas.
Tourist Season From October to February. From mid-December to the end of January,
temperature here ranges from 5 degree C to 15 degree C. May and June are hot
and the mercury goes up to 46 degree C. It’s monsoon time towards the end of
June.
Clothing: Light cotton in summer and woolen in winter (specially during November
to January).
Situated on the National Highway-31 on Patna-Ranchi main road, some 120 km away from Bihar capital Patna, Nawada is a place of historical and mythological significance. Half of the Nawada district’s land is surrounded by forests and hills and several important places, like Kakolat Falls, offer a panoramic and pleasant natural sight to the tourists visiting Nawada.
The legend has it that Nawada was visited by Pandavas of the
Mahabharata fame during their exile. Historians in their writings have
acknowledged and discussed the discovery of several monuments, statues and
coins of the Mauryan, Sunga, Pala and Mughal periods in different parts of the
district. One can have a dekko at these finds, preserved in the Nardah Museum
at Nawada town, the district HQ.
Peasant leader Swami Sahajanand made this district his workplace
while Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan or JP, whose historic ‘Total Revolution’
call in 1970s led to the formation of the first non-Congress government in New
Delhi, had his ‘Sarvodaya Ashram’ at Shekhodeora in the district’s Kauakol
block.
Places of Interest
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Sarvodaya Ashram
This Ashram, established by Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan, is 55 km away from
the district HQ and is located in the forests at Shekhodeora village. Endowed
with very natural and scenic beauty, the place had been a home to JP for quite
some time.
Tourist inquiries about the Ashram can be made from 9934082815.
Nardah Museum
Nardah Museum is one of the prominent museums of Bihar with a
very rich collection of ancient artifacts adorning its shelves. Several statues
and coins of the Mauryan, Sunga, Pala and Mughal eras have been preserved at
this museum, opened in 1973 soon after Nawada was carved out of Gaya as a
separate district.
Kakolat
Kakolat Falls is a popular water falls of the district
that attracts people from different parts of the country for picnicking in the
summer. Water here falls from approximately 150 ft above the ground level into
a well maintained pond at Kakolat, 33 km from the district HQ. It is surrounded
by lush green forests, which add to its beauty.
This is the place which, according to the legend, was visited by
the great Pandavas during exile. Also, a mythological king, cursed by a saint
to take the shape of a python, got salvation after bathing in the water here.
Having gotrid of the curse, the king proclaimed that those who would take a
bath in the waterfall would never be reborn as a snake. A large number of
people from far and near make it a point to take a bath under the falls due to
this belief.
Tourist inquiries about Kakolat can be made from 9334610352.
Gunawan Jain Temple
One of the holiest temples of Jains, this temple is located one
km away from the district HQ on the National Highway-31.
Handia Sun Temple
This temple, 12 km from Nawada town, is believed to have existed
since the ‘Dwapar Age’. The legend has it that the water in the temple is
sacred enough to cure leprosy patients.
Sitamarhi Cave
The Sitamarhi Cave is situated in a remote part of the district,
about 30 km from the district HQ on the Gaya-Nawada main road, The cave is
about 16 ft long and 11 ft wide.
HOW
TO REACH
Nawada is connected with rail link, but the neighbouring Gaya
Junction is better connected with all major cities. Alternatively, one can
reach Patna and hire a taxi to Nawada.
It is advisable to make Nawada a part of the package tour of
Gaya, Nalanda and Rajgir because all these places are located in a radius of
100 km and are connected with good, motorable roads.
By
Air:
Nearest Airport
Gaya and Patna
By
Rail:
Nearest railhead
Nawada
By
Road:
Connected by good roads with all Indian cities.
Where
to Stay: Private
Hotels, Rest houses and Dharmshalas at Bihar Sharif/Nawada/Rajgir
Hotel Krishna Palace, STD Code: 06324, Phone: 9934747163, 216149
AC and nol’1-AC rooms available for Rs 250.R5 400 per day per room.
Hotel Rajshree International, STD Code: 06324, Phone: 215211, 9431227029
AC and non-AC rooms available for Rs 250-Rs 600 per day per room.
WHERE TO EAT
Dozens of restaurants, motels and dhabas are around. The food at these
places is not very costly.
Local Transport: Auto rickshaws, Cycle-rickshaws, tangas.
In Emergency, Contact, STD Code: 06324
District Magistrate: 212240, 212253, 9431413443
Superintendent of Police: 212263, 214389, 9430410983
Medical Emergencies,Contact, STD Code: 06324
Civil surgeon: 212270, 9431227180
Sadar Hospital: 217579
Dr. Akhilesh k Mohan (Paediatrician): 9431251709
Dr. Prabhakar Singh (Physician): 9431831409
Dr. A.K.Arun (Physician): 9431257217
Dr. Madhu Sinha (Gynaecologist): 9771700421
Tourist Season October to March.
Clothing: Light cotton in summer and woolen in winter (specially during November
to January).
Sasaram, the headquarters town of Rohtas district, is steeped in history. It is an important railway station between Mughalsarai and Gaya. The station has a stoppage of all the important trains. The Grand Trunk Road also passes through the town.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Tomb
of Sher Shah
The magnificent mausoleum of Sher Shah in the town is one of the noblest
specimens of Pathan architecture in India. It stands in the middle of a tank.
Rohtas Fort
One of the most interesting places in Bihar is the ancient hill
fort situated on Kaimur hills, some 1490 ft above sea level. It is 70 km away
from Sasaram.
Tomb of Hasan Khan Suri
In the centre of the historical town is the mausoleum of Hasan
Khan Suri, the father of Emperor Sher Shah (1538 AD).The tomb consists of an
octagonal hall surmounted by a large dome and is surrounded by an arcade which
is crowned on each side by three small domes.
Tomb of Salim Shah
In the middle of a large tank, about half a mile to the
north-west of Shershah’s tomb, is situated the tomb of his son, Emperor Salim
Shah.
Tomb of Alawal Khan
Outside the town to the south is the tomb of Alawal Khan. Khan
was the officer in charge of the building of Sher Shah’s mausoleum and took
advantage of his position to appropriate the finest stone for his own tomb.
Mundeshwari Mandir
Mundeshwari temple is one of the oldest Hindu monuments in
Bihar. It is located on the summit of an isolated hill, seven miles north west
of Bhabhua, the headquarters town of Kaimur district. Kaimur is adjacent to
Rohtas. The nearest railway station is Bhabhua Road. The temple is in the shape
of an octagon. Octagonal ground plan for a temple is rather rare.
HOW TO REACH
By Air:
Nearest Airport
Jaiprakash Narayan International Airport, Patna (147kms) Gaya International
Airport, Gaya (About 125 kms)
By
Rail:
Nearest railhead Sasaram
By
Road:
Connected by good roads with all Indian cities.
Where
to Stay:
Hotel Sher Shah, a unit of Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation, Phone:
221267 AC rooms and restaurant facility available
Hotel Gopal Deluxe, Phone: 224366
Hotel Jaya, Phone: 221277
Hotel Vijay, Phone: 222323
Emergency, Contact
District Magistrate: 222226 (Off), 222224 (Res), 9431632414
(Mobile)
Superintendent of Police: 253204 (Off), 253205 (Res), 9431822978 (Mobile)
Saharsa, now a divisional headquarter situated nearly 272 km away from the state capital Patna, was a part of Bhagalpur district in the pre-independence days. Carved out as a separate district in April 1954, Saharsa has been a place of attraction for the tourists mainly because of its historical, religious and cultural heritage.
Saharsa Map
In 1905,a copper platewas discovered from Bangaon village which
is said to have brought to light a new history of the Pala dynasty.
Archaeological remains are scattered in different parts of the district.
Places of Interest
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Mahishi TaraTemple
Seventeen km from Saharsa,Mahishi village is known for an
ancient temple of goddess Ugra Tara which is also believed to be a Shakti
peetha.The legend has it that the right eye of Sati had fallen here.The temple
has a three-ft-Iong statue of Tara,accompaniedby two other deities, Ekjataand
Neel Saraswati,on the two sides.
The temple is associated with Tantrik cult where saints and
other devotees from far and wide acrossthe country assemble during the
ten-day-Iong Sharadiya Navaratra for penance. Although devotees from various
parts of the country visit the place throughout the year,the main attraction of
the temple is Dussehrain September-October during which more than one lakh
people come here to worship the goddess.
Mandan Dham
Mahishi village takes pride in being the birthplace of legendary
8th century scholarand philosopher Pundit Mandan Mishra. He along with his wife
Bharati made precious contributions to Indian philosophy. It is said Mandan was
the senior contemporary of Adi Shankaracharya. During his ideological conquest
for the propagation of sanatandharma, Adi 5 hankaracharya visited Mahishi for a
philosophical debate with Mandan.
The birth place of Mandan is an upland, though barren where
people from various states, particularly those in south India, come to salute
the scholar whose books Brahmasiddhi, Meemansanukramanika and Vidhi Vivek,to
namea few, are the gems of Indian philosophy.
Mandan’s better half, Bharati,was also a scholar par excellence
and sheis believed to have once defeated Shankaracharya in debate.
Kandaha Sun Temple
About 13 km west to the district HQ of Saharsa,Kandahais a
sleepy hamlet known for antiquities.There’s a temple of sungod here in which
nearly three-and-a-half-feet-Iong and and three-feet-wide statue of sungod is
exquisitely shown riding seven horses with many other deities on both sides.
The peculiarity of the temple is an inscription on the marginal
threshold of the sanctum sancto- rum which, already deciphered, establishes
that the temple dates back to the 14th century. The emple, built by the king of
the Oinwar dynasty, Narsingh Deo, a contemporary of Maithili poet Vidyapati, is
the only sun temple n Bihar after the famous temple at Deo in Aurangabad
district. There are two wells on the temple premises, namely Suryakoop and
Chandrakoop, the sacred water of which is believed to have curative effects for
leprosy and other skin diseases.
Bangaon
About nine km from Saharsa, Bangaon is an ancient village
dominated by Maithil Brahmins. But the village is better known as the workplace
of well-known 18th century saint poet laxmi Nath Gosai. He was a yogi,a saint
and a poet who wrote and. sang religious songs which are still sung by the
people of the area with great reverence. The goddess Durga temple at Bangaonis
also a centre of attraction where a large number of people offer their prayers
during the Navratrain September-October
Dewna Deeh
Close to Bangaon, Dewna Deeh is known for the lord Shiva temple
situated here. There are many other deities in the temple.
Karu Sthan
Situated on the bank of Kosi river and hardly two km away from
Mahishi Tara Sthan is a temple of folk-god Karu Khirhari who was a fighter, a
yogi and a devotee of lord Shiva. He was also a great lover of domestic
animals, particularly cows. Out of his reverence for lord Shiva, he had named
his cows as Mahesri, Kusesri, Nakuchesri, Umesri etc. It is said Karu Baba had
sacrificed his life to save a cow from a tiger.
People from various parts of Bihar and Nepal visit this temple
and offer milk, vegetable and ganja to Karu Baba. On the day of Saptami during
Navaratra, the temple is jampacked with tourists from far and wide. Such a huge
quantity of milk is offered to Karu Baba that day that every one reaching there
is fed ‘tasmai’, a special dish prepared by mixing rice in pure milk.
Biratpur Chandi Sthan
In ascetic circles, Tara Temple at Mahishi, Katyayaini
Temple near Dhamar Ghat in Khagaria district and Chandi Temple at Biratpur
village under Sonbarsa block of Saharsa district form a holy triangle
(trikonyantra) which is of special reverence in the Tantrik cult of worship.
Goddess Chandi is another form or incarnation of goddess Durga. Nearly 35 km
away from Saharsa, Biratpur is also associated with the Mahabharata legend of
King Birat. There is a big mound near the temple which is believed to be the
place where the Pandavas had lived for twelve years during their exile.
Matsyagandha Complex & Raktakali Temple
A separate temple of 64 mahayoginis, believed to be rare
in India and sacred in Hindu pantheon, is the special attraction of the site
where also exists a beautiful temple of Raktakali, built on the pattern of
monastery architecture. There’s also a huge pond which offers water sport
facilities. The opening of a tourist hotel, Hotel Koshi Bihar, has added to the
attraction of this spot. People come from different places for offering puja to
the goddess Kali during Diwali festival. The state government celebrates the
occasion as a state festival.
HOW TO REACH:
Saharsa has been connected with road and rail links. There are
two daily trains from Patna, two weekly and bi-weekly trains from Delhi and a
tri-weekly train from Kolkatato Saharsa. Peoplealso come to Saharsaby road
asthe place has been linked with the national highway.
By
Air:
Nearest Airport: Gaya
International Airport (About 308 kms) Jaiprakash Narayan International Airport,
Patna (234kms).
By
Rail:
Nearest railhead Dauram
Madhepura
By
Road:
Connected by good roads with all Indian cities.
Where
to Stay:
Government Circuit House
PWD Inspection Bungalow
Kosi Project Inspection Bungalow
Hotel Kosi Bihar
(Owned by Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation) Hotel Kosi Niwas
Hotel Vijeya
Hotel Embassy
Hotel Satkar
AC and non-AC rooms are available with tariff being moderate.
WHERE TO EAT:
Dozens of local hotels, restaurants and dhabas are there in the
city.
Government Circuit House
PWD Inspection Bungalow
Koshi Project Inspection Bungalow
Hotel Kosi Bihar (Owned by Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation)
Hotel Kosi Niwas
Hotel Vijeya
Hotel Embassy
Hotel Satkar
Local Transport:
Auto rickshaws, Cycle-rickshaws, tangas.
In Emergency, Contact, STD Code: 06478
Divisional Commissioner: 224984 (Off), 223604 (Res), 9431243377
Deputy Inspector General of Police: 223488 (Off), 223688 (Res), 9431012708
District Magistrate: 224102 (Off), 223601 (Res), 9431243600
Superintendent of Police: 224556 (Off), 225554 (Res), 9431602642
Medical Emergencies,Contact, STD Code:06478
Dr. A.K.Issar: 223525, 225291
Dr. Anil Kumar Pathak: 223673, 223693, 9431243002
Dr. A.K.Mishra: 224314
Dr. B.N.Mishra: 224696
Dr. A.K.Choudhary: 224620, 223363
Tourist Season:
October to March.
Clothing:
Light cotton in summer and woolen in winter (specially during November to
January).
Samastipur became a district on November 14, 1972. Earlier it was a subdivision of the Darbhanga district. The district is surrounded by Darbhanga in north, Patna in south, Begusarai in east and Muzaffarpur and Vaishali in west. It has four sub-divisional towns, Samastipur, Dalsingsarai, Patori and Rosera.
There is no forest area in the district. Most of the people are
dependent on agriclulture. Cash crops like tobacco, cane, chilli, turmeric and
different types of vegetables are grown here.
Samastipur district is known for reputed research institutes
like Rajendra Agriculture University,Central Tobacco Research Institute and Central
Cane Research Institute. Riverssuch as Burhi Gandak,Kareh,Kamla and Bagmatiflow
through the district.
Places of Interest
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Mannipur Temple
A temple of goddess Durga, it is situated about 2 km from the
district HQ town, Samastipur. Thousands of devotees throng this temple during
Dussehra celebrations in September-October.
Khudneshwar Sthan
It is located at Morwa, about 15 km from Samastipur town.
Khatushyam Mandir
A temple of Lord Krishna, situated near Gola Road in
Samastipur.The temple witnesses a huge rush of devotees during Janmashtami
celebrations.
HOW
TO REACH
Samastipur is connected with National Highway – 28 by road. It
is one of the divisional head quarters of East Central Railway. The distance
between Samastipur and Patna is 180 km.
By
Air:
Nearest Airport Jaiprakash
Narayan International Airport, Patna (98 kms) Gaya International Airport, Gaya
(About 195 kms)
By
Rail:
Nearest railhead
Samastipur
By
Road: Connected
by good roads with all Indian cities.
Where
to Stay:
Hotel Sagar International, Rambabu Chowk, Samastipur. Phone: 225908
AC and non-AC rooms and suites available;tariff ranging from Rs 400 to Rs
1,500.
Hotel Swarg, Magardahighat Road, Samastipur. Phone: 225603
AC and non-AC rooms and deluxe rooms available;tariff ranging from Rs 350 to Rs
1,650.
There are many roadside dhabas offering good food at nominal rates.
Emergency, Contact
District Magistrate: 222300 (Off), 222301 (Res), 9431807123
(Mobile)
Superintendent of Police:222034 (Off), 222350 (Res), 9431822993 (Mobile) Town
Police Station: 222533
Medical Emergencies, Contact
Dr A K Aditya: 222868, 9431089697
DR A K Sahu: 222269, 9431245957
Dr G C Karn: 223252, 9431245151
Dr R RJha: 223711, 9431245345
Dr Sarojini Issar:222267
Dr ShabnamGupta:222862, 9431245345
Local Transport: Auto rickshaws, Cycle-rickshaws, tangas.
Tourist Season: October to March.
Clothing:
Light cotton in summer and woolen in winter (specially during November to
January).
Prior to bifurcation of Siwan and Gopalganj districts in 1992, Saran district with its HQ at Chhapra was one of the biggest and oldest districts of Bihar. The meaning of the word “Saran” corresponds to “asylum” or “refuge” in English. Chinese traveller Xuanzang also refers to Saran in his memoirs. By 1666, the Dutch established their trade in saltpetre at Chhapra. Prior to 1905, Saran was part of Bengal, Orissa and Assam. It continued to be part of Orissa till 1936.
Places of Interest
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Sonepur
Situated at the confluence of holy rivers Ganga and Gandak, the
place is important because it was here that Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva are said
to have resolved the fight between Gaj (elephant) and Grah (crocodile). World
famous Harihar Kshetra Mela, organised every year at this place, has been the
centre of attraction for domestic and foreign visitors for years. The place is
about 50 km east of Chhapra town, 10 km west of Hajipur town and about 30 km
south of Patna. It is well connected by road and rail.
Aami
It is the place where Maharaja Daksha and King Surat practised
asceticism. This place has been famous for the temple of goddess Durga. It is
located 28 km east of Chhapra town and about 50 km west of Patna. The nearest
railway station is Dighwara.
Chirand
It is situated 10 km east of Chhapra, the district HQ of the
Saran district, and the same distance south off the Sonepur-Chhapra road. The
discovery of the neolithic culture in 1970 in the Ganga valley was very
significant as till then no neolithic signs had been found in course of
archaeological excavations in northern India. In Chirand, we have for the first
time a neolithic complex in low-lying plains with monsoon climate. ‘Bangali
Baba Ka Mathia’ here is an added attraction.
Silhouri
Situated about 26 km north of Chhapra, this is the place where
Indra and Yamraj took a test of King Shivi. The nearest railway station is
Marhoura on Chhapra-Thawe rail route.
Revelganj
It is situated on Chhapra-Gazipur National Highway. There are
several temples located between eight and thirteen km from Chhapra. Srinath
Temple is one of the important places. On the eve of Kartik Purnima, a
month-long fair, Godhna Semaria Mela’, is organised here every year.
Chhapra Town
Dharmanath temple, Peerbaba Ka Mazar, Ramkrishna Mission Ashram
and Parwati Ashram are some of the important places of the town.
SONS OF THE SOIL
Among the celebrities and freedom fighters, India’s first
president Dr Rajendra Prasad, Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan, Maulana Mazharul
Haque, Bhikhari Thakur, Padmashree folk singer Vindhyavasini Devi all belong to
Saran.
HOW TO REACH
By Air:
Nearest Airport Jaiprakash
Narayan International Airport, Patna (77 kms) Gaya International Airport, Gaya
(About 174 kms)
By
Rail:
Nearest railhead: Chhapra
is well con-nected by road and rail. Chhapra Junction is one of the important
stations of North Eastern Railway.
Buses ply regularly from Patna, Hajipur and Muzaffarpur to
Chhapra. Roads are in good condition. It’s a two-hour drive from Patna.
By
Road: Connected
by good roads with all Indian cities.
Where
to Stay:
Hotel Ramdoot, Hotel Coffee House, Hotel Guru Mahima, Hotel Plaza and Hotel
Rajasthan are some of the important hotels at Chhapra where rooms are available
at moderate rates.
WHERE TO EAT:
Mac-Ronalds, Zayaka, Dejee and Nakshtra are some of the important
eateries of Chhapra town.
Local Transport:
Auto rickshaws, Cycle-rickshaws, tangas.
Tourist Season:
October to March.
Clothing:
Light cotton in summer and woolen in winter (specially during November to
January).
Formely a subdivision of Muzaffarpur district, Sitamarhi was inaugurated as a district on December 11, 1972 by the then Bihar chief minister Late Kedar Pandey. Situated on the Indo-Nepal border, its population is around 25 lakh.
Sitamarhi is said to be the birthplace of Hindu goddess Sita,
also revered as Janaki. The legend has it that the King of Janakpur (in Nepal,
60 km from here), ploughed the land here to get rid of a devastating drought,
and it was in the course of the ploughing that he stumbled upon an earthen pot
out of which Sita emerged. Hence, the place came to be known as Sitamarhi.
Places
of Interest
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
One can visit the famous Janaki, Shiva and Parvati tem ples at
Haleshwar Sthan, seven km from Sitamarhi, the dis- trict HQ town. Devotees as
well as tourists visit these temples and the latter go on to see the famous
Janakpur Dham in Nepal. The two cattle fairs – one on Navami during Navaratra
in September-October and the other on ‘Vivah Panchami’ in the winter are held
annually and attract thousands of visitors.HOW TO REACH
By Air:
Nearest Airport
Janakpur Dham, 60 km north; Patna, 150 km south.
By Rail:
Nearest railhead Sitamarhi is situated 60 km north of Muzaffarpur and 70 km away from
Darbhanga. It is well connected with road and is also on the railway map.
By Road:
Connected by good roads with all Indian cities.
Where to Stay:
Private Hotels, Rest houses and Dharmshalas at Sitamarhi.Hotel Sitayan,
STD Code: 06226, Phone: 250605
Hotel Kishore, Phone: 06226-253288
Hotel Raj Kumar, Phone: 06226-250347
Local Transport:
Auto rickshaws, Cycle-rickshaws, tangas.
In Emergency, Contact, STD Code: 06226
District Magistrate: 250515 (Res), 250439 (Off)
Superintendent of Police: 250421 (Res), 250526 (Off)
Medical Emergencies,Contact, STD Code: 06226
Dr. R.A.Sharma: 250499
Dr. Sita Ram Singh: 251330
Dr. Sanjay Singh: 254700
Dr. Renu Chatterjee: 254650
Tourist Season: October to March.
Clothing:
Light cotton in summer and woolen in winter (specially during November to
January).
Introduction Once a part of Saran district, Siwan became a separate district in the year 1972. This is the native district of India’s first president Dr. Rajendra Prasad.
The district is known for its ancient temples.A large number of
devotess assemble at Mehdar temple or Anand Bagh Math and Sunder Bagh
Math.People also throng Faridpur to have a glimpse of Ashiana,the house of
Maulana Mazharul Haq,an eminent Bihari who stood for Hindu-Muslim unity.
Places
of Interest
Zeeradei
Situated about 13 km from the district headquarters,zeeradei is
known as the birthplace of India’s first president Dr. Rajendra Prasad,who was
later conferred Bharat Ratna. Popularly called Rajendra babu by his friends and
followers, Dr Prasad was a symbol of simplicity,truth and dedication.
Ashiana
This place is known as the native residence of Maulana Mazharul
Haq,one of the greatest freedom fighters of the country and a symbol of
Hindu-Muslim unity
Anand
Bagh Math & Sunder Bagh Math
Situated at Bakhri village in Siswan block of Siwanthe two
temples are in fact “samadhi sthals” of two renowned saints,Swami
Jaggannath Das ji and his guru Bhagwan das ji.Both the temples are located near
the Daha river and thousands of devotees visit these temples every year.On
auspicious days,there’s a huge rush of people as devotees from far flung places
like Uttar Pradesh,West Bengal and New Delhi besides saran,Gopalganj,Jehanabad
and Ara in Bihar come here.
Mahendra
Nath Temple
Situated in Mehdar village under Siswan block, about 32 km south from the
district headquarters, Mahendra Nath temple of Lord Shiva attracts
visitors,including foreigners, from far flung areas.
Raghunathpur
Situated about 27 km south from the district head
quarters,Raghunathpur is the place where Lord Rama is believed to have taken
rest after killing demon Tarka near Buxar.Later, Lord Rama proceeded to
Janakpur Dham after crossing river Saryu.
Bhikhabandh
This place symbolises the affectionate relationship between a
brother and his sister.There exists a temple of brother-sister at Bhikhabandh
village under the Maharjganj block of the district.According to folklore,a
brother and sister laid down their lives fighting Mughals in the 14th
century
Panchmukhi
Shivalinga
There’s an old Shiva temple in Mahadeva locality of Siwan town
which houses a “panchmukhi” or five faced Shivalinga. Locals insist
the Shivlinga in the temple come out of the earth.One can also see the faces of
Brahma,Vishnu and Mahesh on the Shivalinga. Hundreds of devotees throng this
temple every day.On Mahashivratri,a fair is also held here.
Burhiya Mai Temple
Located on east-northern portion of Gandhi Maidan in Siwan town,
this temple draws huge crowd of devotees, especiallyon Saturdays.Locals believe
one’s wishes are fulfilled after worshipping the deity here. Offerings include
new saris,fruits,flowers and coconuts. HOW TO REACH
By Air:
Nearest Airport Jayaprakash Narayan International Airport, Patna (146 kms) .
By Rail:
Nearest railhead
Siwan district HQ town is about 146 km in north from Patna, the state capital
of Bihar. One can reach Siwan by road. A number of buses plybetween Patna and
Siwan.One can also hiretaxi.
By Road: A number of buses play between Patna and Siwan.One can also hire
taxi.
Where to Stay: Hotels, Rest houses and Dharmshalas in the Siwan Town.
Hotel Siwan International,station Road,Phone:-06154-223195
Prkash Hotel,Babuniya Mor,Phone:-06154-228182
Crown Hotel,Babuniya Mor,Phone:-06154-223449
Shanti Niwas,Babuniya Mor,Phone:-06154-242627
Local Transport:
Auto rickshaws, Cycle-rickshaws, tangas.
In Emergency,Contact:
District Magistrate: 06154-242099(Off) , 242098(Res)
Superintendent of Police: 242060(Off),242366(Res)
Medical Emergencies,Contact
Dr. Rajendra Prasad Singh: 06154-242269
Dr. J. N. Prasad: 06154-242437
Dr. H. K. Shah: 06154-242040
Dr. J. N. Prasad: 06154-241035
Tourist Season: October to March.
Clothing:
Light cotton in summer and woolen in winter (specially during November to
January).
Bihar offers to the discerning tourist a variegated wealth of our ancient civilization, history and culture and religion that India stands for. The ruins of ancient capitals and learning centres and the religious sites, which are dotted over the tourist map of Bihar, remain the major draw for the people who visit Bihar.
Bihar lies steeped in history as a mute witness of rise and fall of some of India’s important dynasties – the Mauryas, the Guptas, the Palas. The world’s earliest university flourished here between the 5th to the 11th century, the remains of which is the biggest of the tourist attractions in Bihar.
The holy places of the Buddhist religion in Bihar form a circuit, which is renowned across the world as the most important among the tourist attractions in Bihar. And some important sites of Hinduism, Jainism and Sikhismare also located within Bihar. Among the major tourist attractions in Bihar, following are must visits :
* Nalanda: This renowned Buddhist University was founded in the 5th century by the Gupta emperors. There were thousand of teachers and students from all over the world and its fame continued to spread far and wide until the end of the 12th century.
* Rajgir: This forest clad small hill grit town of today was once the the capital of the Magadh Mahajanpad (State). Lord Buddha spent many years here and delivered sermons. It was also the venue for the first Buddhist Council.
* Bodhgaya: Lord Buddha meditated under a pipal tree here and attained enlightenment. The tree is called “Bodhi Tree”. A descendant of the same tree, still flourishes here. Gaya is also an important Centre of Hindu Pilgrimage where people go to pray for the salvation of their ancestors.
* Patna: Today’s capital city was also the capital of ancient Bihar – Pataliputra. The history dates back to 2 millennia. In around the city there are many places, worth a visit.
* Vaishali: The city finds its mention in literature as old as the Ramayana. The second Buddhist council took place here. The place remains twice blessed by virtue of the birth of Jain prophet Lord Mahavira here in 527 BC. Historians also maintain that the world’s first elected assembly of representatives was formed here giving birth to a republic in 6th century.
* Vikramshila: Excavations have unearthed the ruins of Vikramshila University founded by King Dharampala.
* Pawapuri: Here Lord Mahavira breathed his last around 500 B.C. and was cremated. It is said that the demand for his ashes was so great that a large amount of soil was removed from around the funeral pyre, creating the water tank. Today here stands a marble temple, the “Jalmandir”, later built in the middle of the tank.
Among other tourist attractions in Bihar there are Harminder Sahib, State Museum, Martyr’s Memorial, Sher Shah’s mausoleum etc.
Patna
Patna is the Capital of Bihar and replete with
several not-to-be-missed tourist attractions. Shershah Masjid, built in 1545 by
Sher Shah Suri, an Afghan chieftain, is the oldest mosque in India and unique
piece of architecture in Patna. Kumhrar is an ancient garden that provides a
key to the great Mauryan Empire and its capital, Pataliputra. One can still see
some remnants – a large pillared assembly hall, a Buddhist monastery, parts of
Anand Bihar, and some clay figures at the site.
The Har Mandir Temple, also referred to as Patna
Sahib, is the second most important pilgrimage of the Sikhs next only to the
Golden Temple of Amritsar. The Gurudwara is built with immaculate white marble
and is an aesthetic piece of art. Miss not to see the Golghar which is a unique
single dome structure and an architectural marvel. Sanjay Gandhi Zoological
Park is a great favorite with the local residents and a prized tourist
attraction. It is also home to a picturesque collection of flora and fauna and
a tempting golf course. You must not fail to drive on Gandhi Sethu, Asia’s
longest roadway bridge – the pride of Patna.
Nalanda
Nalanda is a great tourist destination in Bihar.
The Nalanda University was one of the greatest centers of Buddhist learning in
ancient times and erudite scholars from far-flung corners came here. The
architectural remains of Nalanda, the world’s oldest university, indicate to us
that the university was a stately structure with lofty walls and a massive
gate. It had eight separate compounds and ten temples with many meditation
halls and classrooms. There were also many scenic lakes and parks. The
commodious library was a nine storied building and the University attracted
pupils and scholars from Korea, Japan, China, Tibet, Indonesia, Persia and
Turkey. Though the Buddha visited Nalanda several times during his lifetime,
this famous center of Buddhist learning shot to fame much later, during
5th-12th centuries. The other important attractions of Nalanda are the Hiuen
Tsang Memorial Hall, the Surya Mandir, the Nalanda museum, and the Nav Nalanda
Vihar. The present day ruins of its temples and monasteries creates an
astounding impression of the sublime and ordered life of meditation and
spiritual wisdom that prevailed here.
Bodhgaya
Bodhgaya, situated on the bank of river
Niranjana, is the holiest site for the followers of Buddhism and it is a place
of great historical and religious significance as Lord Buddha reportedly
meditated under a pipal tree here and attained enlightenment. The tree is
called Bodhi Tree and a descendant of the same tree, still flourishes here and
draws a host of pilgrims as also the Mahabodhi Temple that stands testimony to
the miracle. Bodhgaya houses an Archaeological Museum and many serene and
sublime monasteries built by devotees from many Buddhist countries. The chief
attractions of Bodhgaya include an 80 ft Statue of the Buddha, Lotus Tank,
Buddha Kund, Rajayatana, Brahm Yoni, Chinese Temple & Monastery, Burmese
Temple, Buddhist Monastery of Bhutan, International Buddhist House & Japanese
Temple, Thai Temple & Monastery and Tibetan Monastery.
Vaishali
The time-honored Vaishali city finds mention in
Ramayana and it is believed that the second Buddhist council took place here.
The place has tremendous religious significance as it is here that the Jain
prophet Lord Mahavira was born in 527 BC. It is also here that Lord Buddha
preached his last sermon and announced his ensuing Nirvana. The other tourist
attractions are the Vishwa Shanti Stupa, the Ashoka pillars, and many
magnificent Buddhist and Jain structures. Vaishali is an adorable place
surrounded by banana, mango, thick groves and rice fields.
Other
attractions of Bihar
Sasaram houses the grand and beautiful mausoleum
of Sher Shah, the man known for building the Grand Trunk Road across the whole
of North India and the mausoleum is located in a romantic lake and resembles a
floating structure. Make sure not to miss Pawapuri, where Lord Mahavira
breathed his last around 500 B.C. and was cremated. Today you can see a marble
temple, the “Jalmandir”, later built in the middle of the tank.
Rajgir is a well-known pilgrimage destination for followers of different faiths
– Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism alike. The small hill grit town is covered
with lush green forest which considerably enhances the beauty of the place. The
Swarna Gufa, Griddhakuta Parvat, hot springs, and the Vishwa Shanti Stupa are
some of the chief tourist attractions here.
Northern Bihar – Sitamarhi
and Sonepur
Northern part of Bihar is dominated by Sitamarhi
and Sonepur. Other towns of Northern Bihar are Madhubani, Balmiki Nagar and
Muzaffurpur. There are some great tourist spots in this region. You can visit
Sitamarhi if you are interested in learning hindu mythology. This place is a
cultural extravaganza. The festivals and rituals that take place here are most
sought-after by the public. You can spend a day or two offering your worship to
the almighty. The picturesque location of these temples helps you feel relaxed
through the journey.
If you have a couple of more days in hand,
visiting Sonepur is not a bad idea. The Sonepur Mela that is held every
November is a visual treat for any tourist. The cattle fair is a huge even in
this part of Bihar and people come from all over the world to watch it.
Southern Bihar – Bodhgaya and
Nalanda
The Southern part of Bihar is dominated by
religious destinations like Bodhgaya and Nalanda. Bodhgaya is a major Buddhist
shrine close to capital city of Patna. The travel to this place is quite
beautiful. Tourists swarm in throughout the year to capture a glimpse of the
birthplace of Buddhism. To spend a day or two in this part of Bihar will be an
enjoyable and a learning experience for any tourist.
Nalanda is another very important place in
southern Bihar. If you are travelling from Patna, it takes you a day to travel.
The ruins of Nalanda University are very popular because of the historical
significance of the ancient Buddhist learning centres.
Other attractions include the Hiuen Tsang
Memorial Hall, Nalanda Museum, Nav Nalanda Vihar and the Surya Mandir. The
tourists visiting this part of Bihar hardly miss these places. You can spend a
day or two to take a look at the museum, libraries and the temples. There is
scope for some shopping too in southern Bihar. You can bring home some exotic
handicrafts, paintings and photographs.
