Tag: Bihar

Sufi Destinations in bihar

Maner Sharif (Patna, Maner):
 It is a large village of historical antiquities, situated in the extreme north west of Danapur Sub-division, about 32 kms west of Patna on Patna-Arrah Highway. In the early ages Maner was a centre of learning and it is said that grammarian Panini, and also Bararuchi, lived and studied here. Maner contains two well-known Mohammedan tombs, that of Shah Daulat or Makhdum Daulat, known as Chhoti Dargah, and the other that of Sheikh Yahia Maneri or Makhdum Yahia, called the Bari Dargah. Makhdum Daulat died at Maner in 1608, and Ibrahim Khan, Governor of Bihar and one of the saint’s disciples completed the erection of his mausoleum in 1616. The building is exceptionally fine one, with walls containing carvings of great delicacy and high finish. A great dome crowns it, and the ceiling is covered with carved inscriptions from the Quran. Every detail of it is characteristic of the architecture of Jehangir’s region, and it is by far the finest monument of the Mughals in Eastern India. Inside the compound there is a mosque also built by Ibrahim Khan in 1619, whiles a fine gateway bearing an older inscription corresponding to 1603-01, and affords access to the north. The tomb of Yahia Maneri lies in a mosque walls and ghats, and pillared porticos jutting out into it, which is connected with the old bed of the River Sone by a tunnel 400-ft long.

Khankah Mujibia (Phulwari Sharif, Patna): 
Nearly 7 kms from Patna Railway Station, Phulwari Sharif is an important Islamic pilgrimage. It has been always a favorite abode of Sufi saints in various times. Hazrat Pir Muzibullah Quadri was one of those in the 18th Century. The Khankah Muzibia, founded by him at Phulwari Sharif is called the Bari Khankah. An old Madarsa here has been the most important centre for teaching of Islamic philosophy since its establishment.
Sacred hairs of the beard of Paigamber Hazrat Muhammad Saheb are preserved here in Banri Khankah that attracts throngs of his followers and a big mela is held every year.
There is also an archeologically important and worth seeing ancient Sangi Masjid (mosque) built of red stones at Phulwari Sharif. It was built by the Mughal Emperor Humayun.

Khankah Emadia (Mangal Talab, Patna City, Patna):
 One of the off-springs in the family of prominent Sufi Saint Hazrat Pir Muzibullah Quadri had founded another Khankah during 19th century near a tank called Mangal Talab that is situated in the Patna City Chowk area. It is called Khankah Emadia that houses a Madarsa. An Urs is held here annually when throngs of devotees assemble and pay their respect to their beloved Sufi Saint.

Dargah Sharif, Mithan Ghat (Patna City, Patna): 
A beautiful double storied mosque was built by Mughal Prince Azim on the banks of Ganges at Mittan Ghat, Patna City area that was previously called Azimabad during the reign of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. This mosque was built for Mulla Mittan who was teacher of the Prince. It was the place from where the great Sufi Saint Hazrat Makhdum Munnem used to preach his disciples during the 18th Century. The ancient mosque still exists and is popularly known as Dargah Sharif. Every year, after 5 days of “the Eid festival, an annual Urs Chiraga is held here when devotees assemble at this Dargah Sharif in great numbers. 

Hajipur Karbala (Vaishali): 
It was constructed 175 years ago by Shah Alam. It attracts a large crowd of Muslims throughout the years.

Hasanpura (Siwan): 
The village is situated about 21 kms South of Siwan on the bank of Dhanai river. According to tradition, Makhdum Saiyed Hasan Chisti, a saint who came from Arabia to India and settled here, founded this village. He also founded a Khankah (religious institution) here. The village contains remains of a large mosque and tomb of the Saint, which is visited by both Hindus and Muslims. The grave is a large open court to the west of the village. In front of it is a basalt image of Vishnu but it has been ruthlessly treated. It is regarded as an inauspicious fiend who has turned into stone by the holy Makdum and must not be raised or placed erect. It contains no inscription but its style shows it to belong to about the seventh century A.D.

Bibi Kamaal Sahiba (Kako, Jehanabad): 
The village is the headquarters of the block of the same name and is situated on the Jehanabad-Bihar Sharif road, about 10 kms East of Jehanabad railway tation. According to a local legend, Ram Chandra’s stepmother, Rani Kaikeyi of Ayodhya lived here for sometime and the village took its name after her. The village took its name after her. The village has also a tomb of Hazrat Bibi Kamaal Sahiba, a great Muslim lady saint. It is said that this lady was the aunt of Hazrat Makhdum Saheb of Bihar Sharif and possessed divine powers.

Bari Dargah (Bihar Sharif, Nalanda): 
This is headquarters of Nalanda district that lays 30 kms South of Bakhtiarpur on NH-31. This is also a railhead on the Bakhtiarpur Rajgir branch line of the Eastern Indian Railway. This town is known as Bihar Sharif, owing to its many Muslim tombs that still retain traces of its former importance as a Muslim pilgrimage. There is a hill called Pir Pahari, about 1 m to the northwest of the town. At its summit is the dargah or mausoleum of the Saint Mallik Ibrahim Bayu, round which are tem smaller tombs. It is a brick structure surmounted by a dome and bears inscriptions showing that the saint died in 1353. Another great dargah is that of Mokhdum Shah Sharif ud-din, also called Makhdum-ul-Mulk, died here in 1379; the inscription over the entrance shows that his tomb was built in 1569. This tomb, which stands on the south bank of the river, is held in great veneration by the local Mohammedans, who assemble here on the 5th day of Sawan to celebrate the anniversary of his death. The Chhoti Dargah is the shrine of Badruddin Badr-I-Alam, famous saint who died here in 1440.

Chhoti Dargah (Bihar Sharif, Nalanda): 
Dargah of Makhdum Hazrat Sultan Ahmed Charampose, Bihar Sharif (Nalanda). The biggest and the oldest building of Mohalla-Amber in the Bihar Sharif Town (Nalanda), is Tomb of Hazarat Makhdum Sultan Saiyad Shah Ahmed Charampose Teg Barhana Rohmatulla Alaib. He was born in the year 1236 and passed away in 1335 (according to Islamic calendar 657-776 Hizri). He is ranked to a very high order among other Sufi saints and Auliahs. Thousands and thousand of people participate in the ‘Urs’ celebrated here in memory of the Saint every year.

Sikh gurdwara in Bihar

The capital of Bihar, Patna is one of the holiest city in Sikhism, as The tenth Guru of the Sikhs Guru Gobind Singh was born here in 1666 and spent his early years before moving to Anandpur.[7] Patna was also honoured by visits from Guru Nanak in 1509 as well as Guru Tegh Bahadur in 1666.

* Takht Shri Harmandir Saheb – is , one of the Five Takhts of the Sikhism. The Gurdwara at Patna Sahib is in remembrance of the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh, The tenth Guru of the Sikhs.[7]
   * Gurdwara Pahila Bara – commonly known as Gurdwara Ghai Ghat, is dedicated to Guru Nanak Dev, who during his visit into Patna stayed here in 1509 A.D. and later by Guru Tegh Bahadur along with his family visited this place in 1666 A. D.[8]
  * Gurdwara Gobind Ghat – is where the child Guru Gobind Singh used to play with his playmates on the bank of the Ganges. It is situated on the bank of river Ganga and hardly 200 yards from Takht Shri Harmandir Saheb. Its also known as Gurdwara Kangan Ghat.[9]
 * Gurdwara Guru ka Bagh -This Gurdwara is situated 2 miles far from the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh.[10]
    * Gurdwara Bal Leela – This place is just a few meters away from Takhat Patna Sahib. Guruji was playing with other children during his childhood. Gurdwara Bal Leela is also known as Maini Sangat.[11]
    * Gurdwara Handi Sahib – This Gurdwara was built in the memory of Guru Teg Bahadur. As Guru Teg Bahadur with Mata Gujri and Bala Preetam stayed here in 1728[12]
    * Gurdwara Taksali Sangat
    * Gurdwara Chacha Phaggu Mal
    * Gurdwara Pakki Sangat
    * Gurdwara Bari Sangat Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji Chauki

TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS IN BIHAR

Patna is a city abounding in the relics of the bygone ages. Takht Harmandir Saheb is of religious importance to the Sikhs and is believed to be the place of birth of the last Sikh guru, Govind Singh. The Jalan Museum with a rare collection of curios. Sher Shah’s mosque in the heart of the city is a splendid example of Afghan architecture. Among the numerous mosques in Patna, Begum Hajjam’s mosque stands as the oldest. Saif Khan’s Madarsa mosque, built in 1630, commands a magnificent view of the riverfront. Saif was married to Malika Bano, the elder sister of Mumtaz Mahal, the wife of emperor Shahjahan. Excavations at Kumhrar have yielded the remains of a Mauryan palace with sandstone pillars. One can still see Agam Kuan or the fathomless well, which was part of Ashoka’s hell for prisoners. The famous Mahendru Ghat in today’s Patna is the reminder of Mahendru (Ashoka’s brother) who had sailed from this very Ghat to Ceylon in order to preach Buddhism. The Khuda Baksh Oriental library is a treasure trove of medieval manuscripts. The Patna Museum is noted for its collection of statues and a very old fossilized tree, 16 meters high. Close to the museum is the Gol Ghar, the 29 meter high beehive shaped granary constructed in 1786, following a terrible famine. The Patna Cemetery is a historically important European monument situated in what was once a Haveli (mansion) and is now a hospital. Some distance from the cemetery is the Padri ki Haveli, a Catholic church with an imposing façade.

Thirty kilometers from Patna is Maner, a medieval stronghold of the Turks and the site of the shrines of Hazrat Makhdum Yahya Maneri and his son Shafruddin Ahmed Maneri.

Tour to Bihar The remains of an ancient fort with massive cyclopean walls together with other sites amidst lush green surroundings of Rajgriha recreate the glory of the past. Until the discovery of Mohenjodaro and Harappa, this was believed to be the oldest architectural remains in India. The site is equally revered by the Jains, as their 24 Tirthankars are believed to have practiced austerities on the different hills of Rajgriha. The Jal Mandir at Pawapuri (the sinless city) marks the site where Vardhamana Mahavira (the 24th Tirthankar) was cremated while Parasnath hill is associated with the Nirvana of the 23rd Tirthankar, Sri Parsvanath.

Nalanda, in the heart of Bihar, stands as the world’s most ancient seat of learning. The ruins confirm the university’s ability to cater to the needs of 10,000 students until the 12th century AD. The excavations have yielded numerous monasteries, temples, stupas and statues of Buddha. The Vikramshila University was an important institution of Tantric Buddhism and there was a regular exchange of teachers between the two universities.

Bodh Gaya houses the site of the sacred Mahabodhi tree where the Buddha attained enlightenment. Adjoining the tree is the high-spired Mahabodhi temple considered to be the most sacred shrine for Buddhists. Add to this the Hindu legend of Gaya, which was the name of a demon that grew so powerful that the gods felt threatened. As a pre-condition to his death, he demanded that the area covered by his body should be one of the holiest spots of the world. This land is believed to be Gaya.

Rajmahal is a medieval settlement on the eastern fringe of Bihar. It is believed to have been founded by Raja Man Singh, the Rajput general of Emperor Akbar. It was earlier a strategic place for the Bengal sultans who pitched their advance tent here before moving on to any military campaign.

The picturesque mausoleum of Sher Shah at Sasaram, outdoes the Taj Mahal in size, with a dome that surpasses it by 13 feet. Also at Sasaram we find the mausoleum of Sher Shah’s father, Hasan Shah Sur. No less picturesque is the tomb of Sher Shah’s son, Salim Shah, built in the center of a lake. On the outskirts of the village is the tomb of Aliwal Khan, the chief architect working for Sher Shah. A few hours’ drive from Sasaram takes one to the Rohtasgarh fort. In the words of Abul Fazal it is “a well defended paradise (fort) with no equal for strength and solidity.” The fort, 28 miles in circumference, is a perfect platform for eco-tourism projects. It is perched high on the Kaimur hills and there are abundant springs and numerous monuments that bring to life the history of its Mughal and Afghan governors and still later the Britishers who almost destroyed the surviving parts.

The Chotanagpur plateau spread over 34,000 square miles that encompass the southern half of Bihar, is one of the most fascinating places in India. There is no end to scenic attractions, waterfalls, deciduous forests, hills (rising up to 3,000 feet), plateaus (at an elevation of 1,000 feet), valleys, wildlife, and of course the aboriginals, who predominate this region. Add to this the salubrious climate that makes the region an ideal getaway.

The oldest geological formation of India are found in the Chotanagpur plateau of Bihar that also stores a vast deposit of a variety of minerals that cater to national and international needs. Bihar, on an average accounts for half the total output of coal and mica, the whole of copper and about 45 per cent of the iron produced in India. It is also the only region in the country to have Uranium mines.

Prominent places in Chotanagpur include Ranchi (2,140 feet), a picturesque hill station that inspired Tagore to compose a book of poems; Netarhat or the ‘queen of Chotanagpur’ is perched at 3,700 feet and offers beautiful sunset and sunrise views; Palamau is famous for its tropical forest and is rich in wildlife, and is the place where the world’s first tiger census was conducted in 1932. As of today, there are 45 tigers in the reserve and they are now said to be venturing out in search of new territories. No less interesting is the Hazaribagh Wildlife Sanctuary nestling at a low terrain (1,800 feet). Hazaribagh is also vying for a place in the international heritage list for its recent findings of rock paintings, caves, stone age tools and smelted iron slag that shows a much early advent of the Iron Age than the theorized Chalcolithic age. At another village in Hazaribagh, the archaeologists have unearthed densely packed layer of pottery shards that are identical to those found at Harappa.

FAIRS & FESTIVALS in Bihar

Though Bihar celebrates almost all the north India festivals, it has a festival that is unique to the state. Chhath is the most important festival of the state and is celebrated six days after Diwali, when people from all castes can stand together in the river and worship the sun god. The rituals related to Chhath are very stringent and there are several folktales, songs, and special sweets that make this festival a unique experience.

Tour to Bihar Another unique ritual confined to Bihar is the Pind-daan performed by the Gayawals in Gaya. It is considered to be an obligation of all devout Hindus to visit this place after the death of their parents, a mandatory rite believed to bring salvation to the departed souls. Though the pind-daan can be performed almost any time of the year, people prefer to do it during Pitrapaksha, which is the period just before Navratri and generally falls in September.

In the summer month of June, the people of Mithila in the village of Saurath organize a unique marriage mart in a mango orchard. During this fair, parents whose children are of marriageable age come here and the Mithila Brahmins settle a record number of marriages during this time.

Sonepur is the venue of a grand cattle fair held in the month of November. The fair is ranked as the world’s largest and it is not simply confined to animal trade but numerous shows and performances are also a part of the fair. Visitors also pay obeisance at the nearby temple of Hariharnath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

Tourist destination in Aurangabad

Introduction

Aurangabad district is situated on the Grand Trunk Road. The National Highway-2 passes through the district connecting it to Delhi in the north and West Bengal in the east.
Obra is famous for its carpet and blanket industry. The carpet-weaving tradition here can be traced back to the 15th century with its main hub today being village Koriepur.
India’s freedom struggle had many a participant from Aurangabad, and ‘Bihar Vibhuti’ Anugrah Narayan Sinha, a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi and Rajendra Prasad, hailed from the district. Sinha was also a member of the Constituent Assembly that wrote the Indian Constitution. In post-Independence days, he served the state as its first finance minister

Places of Interest

Deo Sun Temple
Built in 8th century AD by Chandravanshi King Bhairavendra Singh, this is one of the ancient Sun temples of the country. Reference to the temple can also be found in Puranas and other religious texts. The lOO-ft high temple resembles the temple at Konark in its architectural form. A unique thing about the Deo temple is that it faces west unlike the traditional Sun temples which face east. Needless to say, Deo is the place where Chhath, Bihar’s most sacred festival devoted to the Sungod,can be best seen.

Daud Khan Fort
This fort is situated at Daudnagar, on the eastern bank of the river Sone. It was founded by Doud Khan, governor of Bihar under the 17th century Mughal emperor Aurangazeb. Governor Doud is said to have stopped and taken rest at the place on his way back from a conquest, and fonded the town named after him. Later, Aurangazeb granted Daudnagar to him. There are an mosque and many ‘sarais’, built by Daud Khan as well his grandson Ahmed Khan, in the town.

Fairs & festivals
Deo Mahotsava is organised every year near the famous Deo Sun Temple. The two-day extravaganza is held in the month of February-March with artistes, local as well as those of national repute, showcasing their art during the fest. The Mahotsava is also listed in the state tourism calendar.
Jamhor,three km from Aurangabad’s Anugrah Narayan Road railway station,is the most sacrosanct place after Gaya for Hindus for offering ‘pindsdaan’ to their forefathers.The place is situated on the bank of river Punpun.

HOW TO REACH

Nearest Airport
Bodh Gaya International Airport
102 Km form Aurangabad
Jayaprakash Narayan International Airport Patna
126 Km form Aurangabad

By Rail: (Rail Route Map)

Nearest railhead
Anugrah Narayan Road
14 Km from the district HQ
Rafiganj
20 km From the district HQ

By Road:
Regular bus services-both private and government-from Patna.

Where to Stay:
Hotels, Rest houses and Dharmshalas in the Aurangabad Town.
J.K.Hotel Phone No : +91 94302 61426 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              +91 94302 61426      end_of_the_skype_highlighting,Ac Rooms (Rs.550)
Non-Ac Rooms (Rs.250 Single; Rs.350 Double)
Hotel Royal Phones No : +91 93045 01479 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              +91 93045 01479      end_of_the_skype_highlighting, +91 99313 67351 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              +91 99313 67351      end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Local Transport:
Auto rickshaws, Cycle-rickshaws, tangas.

In Emergency, Contact
District Magistrate: 06186-223167 (Off), 223168 (Res)
Superintendent of Police: 06186-223175 (Off), 223195 (Res)
Town Police Station: +91 94318 22231 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              +91 94318 22231      end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Medical Emergencies,Contact
Sadar Hospital: 06186-223183
Dr. Ramashish Singh (Physician): +91 94312 56220 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              +91 94312 56220      end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Dr. Anil Kumar Singh (Surgeon): +91 94312 78953 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              +91 94312 78953      end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Tourist Season
October – November as lakhs of devotees throng the Deo Sun Temple during the period to observe Chhath.
February-April when Dep Mahotsav is organised.

Clothing:
Light cotton in summer and woolen in winter (specially during November to January).

Tourist Places in Begusarai

Begusarai

Introduction

Carved out of the old Munger district and notified as a district on October 2, 1972, Begusarai is a major industrial centre of Bihar. Indian Oil Corporation’s Barauni Refinery, one of the country’s oldest oil refineries, is situated here.

Btraces back its history to the Buddhist period when it was called ‘Anguttarapa’, as mentioned in Buddhist literature ‘Majjhim Nikaya’. There have been evidences of continued habitation here since the Mauryan period. It was an important centre of administration, art and culture during the Pala period.

Places of Interest

Situated 5 km west of Begusarai town on National Highway 31 at a place called Ulao, this temple is more than a century old and is embellished with exquisite murals of rich Rajasthani Shekhawati Art of painting. The theme of the paintings is based on the Ramayana, the Mahabharata and other Hindu epics.

Panch Mandir Barauni Refinery

HERITAGE
Panch Mandir, another temple situated in close proximity to the Radhe Shyam Temple, is replete with Pala-era statues of various gods and goddesses and other artifacts of the same period. The Shivalinga in the temple also belongs to the Pala period.

Museums

The KP Jayaswal Radha Krishna Chaudhary Memorial Archaeological Museum, situated on the local G D College premises, has on display many statues and artifacts found during various archaeological excavations. There’s also a Government Museum at Lohia Nagar.

Son of The Soil

Famous Hindi poet, Rashtrakavi Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, belonged to Simaria village in the district. There’s a bust of the poet installed in the village to commemorate his contributions to the Hindi literature. The Dinkar Jayanti Samaroh Samiti, of which the Begusarai district magistrate is the ex-officio head, organises a Dinkar anniversary function at the Dinkar Bhawan in Begusarai town every year on September 23. Literary doyens of Hindi from across the country attend the function at which two Hindi litterateurs are feted.

Fairs & Festivals

The month-long Simaria Mela, organised on the bank of river Ganga at Simaria Ghat during October-November every year, draws thousands of devotees from Bhutan and Nepal. The devotees stay in thatched houses and take a dip in the river as there’s a widespread belief that a dip in the Ganga during the period washes all sins. The atmosphere becomes supremely religious during the period, and the festivities end with Chhath festival. 

HOW TO REACH 

Distance from Patna: 120 km

By Air:(Air Route Map)

Nearest Airport
Jaya Prakash Narayan International Airport, Patna Private and state transport buses as well as taxis are available from Patna, Muzaffarpur, Bhagalpur and all other important towns of the state.

By Rail: (Rail Route Map)

Nearest Railway Stations
Begusarai Jn is situated on the Barauni-Katihar section of ECR.
Barauni railway station is situated 15 km away from the district HQ.
Hathidah railway station is situated about 20 km away from the district HQ.

By Road:
Connected by good roads with all Indian cities.

Where to Stay:
Guest Houses: The state government, Barauni Refinery, Barauni Thermal Power Station and the Barauni Sudha Dairy have their own guest houses.

Hotel Yuvraj, Barauni, STD Code : 06243 Phones : 265524/264780
AC rooms and suites available with tariff ranging from Rs 1,500 to Rs 3,500
Hotel Samrat, Barauni, STD Code : 06243 Phone : 265534
AC and non-AC rooms available for Rs 180 to Rs 700
Hotel Blue Diamond, Begusarai, STD Code : 06243 Phone : 242181
AC rooms and suites available with tariff ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 1,500
Motel Sayonara, Begusarai, STD Code : 06243 Phone : 244078
Non-AC rooms available with tariff ranging from Rs 325 to Rs 500

WHERE TO EAT

Chilly’s, Tahiti Resort, NH 31
Phone: 244786
Celebrations, NH 31
Phone:243776
Ahaar Utsav, Barauni Refinery Township
Phone: 274289
Swayamprabha Restaurant, Motel Sayonara, near Begusarai railway station
Phone: 244078
Jubilee Dhaba, NH 31
Phone: 245973/274269

Local Transport:
Auto rickshaws, Cycle-rickshaws, tangas.

In Emergency,Contact, STD Code : 06243
District Magistrate: 212285 (Off), 200584 (Res)
Superintendent of Police: 213015 (Off), 200519 (Res)

Medical Emergencies,Contact, STD Code : 06243
Dr. M.N. Roy (Surgeon): 212849
Dr. Nalini Ranjan Singh (Ortho): 212877
Dr. Ramashraya Singh (Surgeon): 217281
Dr. K.K.Singh (Physician): 213630
Dr. Binay Kumar (Physician): 218440
Dr. Dinesh Prasad Singh (Physician): 212189
Sadar Hospital: 210002

Tourist Season
October-March as the Simaria Mela is held during the period. Besides, this is the time when Kawar Lake remains abuzz with migratory birds. The temperature is also comfortable except during the period between December-end and mid- January when it’s cold.

Clothing:
Light cotton in summer and woolen in winter (specially during November to January).

Ancient temples in Bihar

Vishnupada Temple
The Vishnupada Mandir is the 220 year old temple in Gaya, India. It is a Hindu temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

This temple is located along the Falgu River, marked by a footprint of Lord Vishnu known as Dharmasila, incised into a block of basalt. The Bhumihar Brahmins have been the traditional priests at Vishnupad Mandir in Gaya as Gayawar Pandas and in the adjoining districts like Hazaribagh.[3] Several legendary saints as Ramanujacharya, Madhvacharya, Sankaradeva and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu have visited this shrine.

Mahabodhi Temple

Mahabodhi Temple
The Mahabodhi Temple (Literally: “Great Awakening Temple”) is a Buddhist temple in Bodh Gaya, the location where Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, attained enlightenment. Bodh Gaya is located about 96 km (60 mi) from Patna, Bihar state, India. Next to the temple, to its western side, is the holy Bodhi tree. In the Pali Canon, the site is called Bodhimanda,[1] and the monastery there the Bodhimanda Vihara. The tallest tower is 55 metres (180 ft) tall.


Maner Sharif
Maner Sharif is located 25 kilometres (16 mi) west of Patna on NH 30. It is the popular medieval site in Bihar. Maner enjoys position of one of the chief spiritual centers in India. Maner Sharif houses two very popular Muslim tombs:

    * One of Makhdoom Yahya Maneri known as the Bari Dargah.
    * Onother of Shah Daulat or Makhdum Daulat, popularly called Chhoti Dargah.

Wildlife Tour Bihar

Bihar Wildlife Tourism is one of the most promising tourisms offers best of wildlife sanctuaries and Tiger Reserves. India has wildlife Sanctuaries and Wildlife Reserves galore in which Wildlife in Bihar has an important place. Bihar Wildlife Tourism offers exodus of Wildlife National Park, wildlife sanctuary and Wildlife Safari. BBT provides best of Bihar Wildlife tour Packages to palate your taste buds for experiencing best of Wildlife Travel. 

With 21 wildlife sanctuaries and 2 wildlife national parks including Tiger Reserves Bihar marks to be the best in the country for witnessing the wonders of the nature. Huge area gives ample space for the creatures to thrive in natural habitats. The state Government has taken special initiatives to take proper care of the Wildlife and maintain the fragile ecosystem. Bihar wildlife sanctuaries are very renowned because they are home to some endangered species whose number has increased in the recent few years. Rajgir Wildlife Sanctuary and Valmiki Wildlife Sanctuary are the most famous of all the sanctuaries in Bihar.
Apart from hundreds of species of resident birds, there are similar numbers of migratory birds coming every year during winters and could be a dream come true experience for the bird watchers. 

Rajgir Wildlife Sanctuary 

Rajgir Wildlife Sanctuary is one of splendid sanctuaries covers an area of around 34 sq km. It is quite less than other sanctuaries of India, but this makes it even more interesting because the number of animals here is not less than any other sanctuaries of India. Leopards, Nilgai, Barking deer, and Hyena are the most common of all and could be seen easily. There are many more sanctuaries nearby like the Gautam Buddha Sanctuary in Gaya and Koderma Wildlife Sanctuary. These are main attractions of Wildlife tour Packages offered by BBT.

Bhimbandh Sanctuary

Bhimbandh Sanctuary covers an area of 682 sq km and situated close to Bhagalpur. This is well-known for the splendid bird life than land animals. Nearly 106 varieties of resident birds could be seen here. During the migration season (winters) the number of birds shoots up because these come from Central Asia and make nests here. Land animals like Tigers, panthers, wild boars, smabar, chitals and nilgai are could be seen in this sanctuary.

Valmikinagar Wildlife Sanctuary

The Valmiki Wildlife National Park is situated within the premises of Valmiki Sanctuary situated in the West Champaran district of Bihar. Right adjacent to the sanctuary is the famous Valmiki Ashram. The bacKEYWORD DESCRIPTIONrop of eastern Himalayas making it amazingly beautiful destination for the tourists to visit. Even if one does not see any wildlife would not return dissatisfied. Flora here contains extensive savannah lands and marshy lands. Being one of the Tiger Reserves, Tigers are one of the main attractions of the park. Other animals are leopars, nilgai, Sambars, hyenas, civets, jungle cats and many more. Wildlife tour Packages offered by BBT let you capture special moments with these species.

Betla Wildlife Reserves

It is 25km from Daltonganj and 175km from Ranchi and is easily accessible by road. The best time to visit Betla is October-November and February-March. Besides other tourist cottages one can opt for Ban Vihar or the Rest Houses for accommodation.

Palamau Tiger Reserve

Palamau Tiger reserve is one of the most interesting sanctuaries in Bihar and spread over an area of nearly 1026 sq km. It is around 180 Km from Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand state. Palamau reserve is cut across by Koel River and many of its tributaries. However manmade water resources are the sources of survival for all these animals here and making it quite easy for tourists to sight some magnificent animals. Tigers, leopards, elephants, the Indian wolf, gaur and many more are regular visitors to the shores of these manmade lakes. Wildlife Travel galore offered by BBT let you cherish these special moments.

Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary

This Bird Sanctuary could bring the best Wildlife Travel moments of your life. It Is constituted by an amazing blend of two delectable lakes namely Pataura and Berhale that sum up together to occupy a cockling area that measures around 565 kilometers. Individually the lakes of Berhale and Pataura gobble up an area of 410 hectares and 155 hectares respectively. It is situated nearby the holy rivulet Ganga that adds to the beauty of the whole atmosphere created here. 

. The major attractions at the Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary are Gull, Jacana, Teal, Cormorant, Dabchick, Darter and others. The ones that spend most of their time on the banks satiated with huge quantities of mud are Wader, Lapwing, Plover, Wagtail, Egret, Heron, Ibis, Stork. Birds that explore the lush grasslands and open fields here include Blue Rock Pigeon, Lark, Bee-eater, Sparrow, Myna, Pipit, Bulbul other birds. 

. It houses an astonishing six varied taxonomic categories of Mynas are Pied Myna, Indian Myna, Bank Myna, Jungle Myna, Brahminy along with the extremely rare Grey-headed Myna. 

. Tern, Brahminy Kite, Fishing Eagle, Hawk and Vulture, House and Palm Swift, Swallow, Kingfisher, Drongo, Indian Roller and Parakeet and many more are the absolute opulence of predatory avian creatures. 

. Many migratory birds adore to spend some quality time here are Black-headed and Brown-headed Gull, Grey-headed Lapwing, Little-ringed Plover, Red and Green Shanks, Spotted Green Shanks, Common Sandpiper, Temmink’s Stint, Yellow and White Wagtail, Blue-throat, Western Swallow and others.

Tourist places in Motihari

Motihari

Introduction

Motihari is a town steeped in history.When the British carved out the district of Champaran from Saran in the later part of the 19th century. Motihari was made its headquarters. After the creation of West Champaran district with Bettiah as its headquarters in 1972, Motihari continued as the headquarters of truncated East Champaran. 
Motihari holds its eminence as the birth place of famous writer George Orwell,born Eric Arthur Blair,and of Mahatma Gandhi’s Champaran Satyagraha. 
Places in and around Motihari have had an older link:Buddhism.The world’s tallest stupa is at Kesaria,just an hour from Motihari. Motihari,thus,is a crucible of both the Gandhi and Buddhist circuits. 
A museum and a stone pillar are there to commemorate Mahatma Gandhi’s links with Motihari.Gandhiji’s courageous statment given before a magistrate is inscribed here on a stone.The 48-ft tall Chunar stone pillar stands exactly on the place where Gandhi was prouced before the court of the sub-divisional magistrate on April 18,1917 for violating prohibitory orders. 
Mahatma Gandhi’s first Satyagraha was experimented on the soil of Motihari in the Champaran district and,thus,Champaran has been the starting point of India’s independence movement launched by Gandhi.

Places of Interest

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Gandhi Sangrahalaya 
It has on display an array of photographs and relics of the Champaran satyagraha. 
  
Schools started by Gandhi 
The schools started by Mahatma Gandhi in the village of Barharwa Lakhensen and Madhuban are among other important sites of interest in the vicinity of Motihari. 
  
Kesaria 
There’s a stupa at Kesaria near Motihari which is said to be the tallest and the largest Buddhist stupa in the world.It was discovered in 1998 through excavation by the Archaeological Survey of India. 
 
The stupa’s height is 104 feet,which is far less than its reported original height.Yet,it is one ft taller than the famous Borobodur stupa in Java.Legend has it that Buddha,on his last journey,is reported to have spent a memorable night at Kesaria,where he reportedly made some historical revelations.These were later recorded in a Buddhist Jataka story 
  
Orwell’s birth place 
 
George orwell,one of the greatest writersof twentieth century and author of famous books like ‘Animal Farm’ and ‘Nineteen Eighty-Four’,was born in Motihari in 1903.His father Richard walmesley Blair was a deputy posted in the opium department in Bihar.The cottage,where the famous author was born,lies in the midst of the town.A plaque commemorating has birth place stands outside the house. 
  
Areraj Temple 
A little away from Motihari lies the temple town of Areraj.The Shiva temple here is a popular pilgrim site.Also at Areraj lies an Ashokan pillar attracting tourists throughout the year. 
  
Lake Town 
Motihari has a picturesque lake-Motijheel-running through it.HOW TO REACH

By Air:

Nearest Airport
Motihari has a railway station. But it is advisable to travel to Motihari by road from Patna. Buses and taxis are available. The distance between Patna and Motihari is 160 km. 

By Rail: 

Nearest railhead
Motihari 

By Road:
A number of buses play between Patna and Motihari. 

Where to Stay: 
Hotels, Rest houses and Dharmshalas in the Motihari Town.
Aarti Hotel,Main Road,Phone: 06252-290664,09304255459
ACjnon-AC rooms are available for Rs 150 to Rs 1,000. Food is also served here.
Hotel Shakti,Chhatauni Road,Phone: 06252-235715
ACjnon-AC rooms available. Tariff ranges from Rs 250 to Rs 900.
Hotel Monica,Madhuban Chhawni Chowk,Phone: 09430255419
ACjnon-AC rooms available. Tariff ranges from Rs 250 to Rs 900.
Hotel Divya Raj,Madhuban Chhawni Chowk,Phone: 06252-241777 
ACjnon-AC rooms available. Tariff ranges from Rs 250 to Rs 1,400. 

Local Transport:
Auto rickshaws, Cycle-rickshaws, tangas. 

In Emergency,Contact:
District Magistrate: 06252-222695(Off) , 242800(Res) 9431811222 (Mobile)
Superintendent of Police: 222684(Off),232683(Res) 9431822988 (Mobile
Sub-Divisional Police Officer: 222923(Off),9431800068(Mobile) 

Medical Emergencies,Contact
Dr.Shambhu Saran(Cardiologist): 9431233077
Dr.Ashutosh Saran(Surgeon): 9431233123
Dr. Jasbir Saran(Gynaecologist): 9431434954
Dr Shekhar Verma (Dentist): 9431434954
Dr. J. N. Gupta(Physician): 9431233022 

Tourist Season
October to March. 

Clothing: 
Light cotton in summer and woolen in winter (specially during November to January).

Tourist places in Munger

Introduction

Munger district has a unique historical background. The areas falling under this district are considered a part of the first Aryan settlers’ midland. It has been identified with Modagiri, a place mentioned in the epic Mahabharat. It was the capital of a kingdom in eastern India near Bhanga and Tamralipta. There is also a mention of Modagiri in the ‘Digvijay Parva’ of the Mahabharata, which seems to be the same as Modagiri.

The first authentic historical account of the district finds a mention in the memoirs of Xuanzang who visited a part of this district towards the close of the first half of the seventh century AD. 
A copper plate known as the ‘Munger Plate’ was discovered in Munger way back in 1780. Mir Kasim conquered Munger and made it his capital till the army of East India Company captured Munger. MirKasim had to flee through a tunnel made along the bank of river Ganga near Kastharni Ghat.

Places of Interest

WHAT TO LOOK FOR 

Bihar Yoga Bharati


It is located within the Ganga Darshan Complex in Munger on a powerful energy centre, about 172 km from Patna. It is on the top of the hill overlooking the river Ganga. 
 
It was Swami Shivanand who first had the vision of a yoga university when he established the Yoga Vedanta Forest Academy in Rishikesh. Paramhansa Satyanand, who established the Ganga Darshan Complex in Munger, carried his inspiration forward. He has founded and established the Bihar Yoga Bharati, the yoga university, to preserve and regenerate yogic science. The university imparts comprehensive yogic education and offers MA, MPhil, PhD and DLitt. 
  
Munger Fort 
 
The most important of the monuments at Munger is the ancient fort, built on a rocky eminence projecting into the river Ganges that protects it from west and partly from the north, the other sides being defended by a deep moat. The rampart was provided with four gateways, one on each side, and with circular or octagonal bastions, at regular intervals, carrying the usual battlements. of the gates only the northern gate, called Lal Darwaza, is somewhat preserved, with some carved stones built into it, which originally belonged to some Hindu or Buddhist structure. 
  
Bheembandh 

Inside the deep Kharagpur forest, 50 km away from the district HQ, there’s this scenic spot with a natural waterfall surrounded by hills from three sides. 
  
Red Fort 

It’s a historic fort, similar to the Red Fort of Delhi and Agra. It has original bricks and ancientstructurebut it is bereft of its original tower clock which got dismantled during the 1934 earthquake. 
  
Chandisthan 

It’s a small temple situated in the cave of a hillock on the northern flank of river Ganga, three km from the district HQ. A large number of devotees worship the eyeball that is fitted inside the temple and revere it as the eye of goddess Parvati. legend has it that this is the site where one of the eyes of Goddedss Parvati fell while her body was being carried by lord Shiva on his shoulder. Astrologers and tantriks from across the country gather here during Navaratra in September-October every year for meditation. 
  
Shaheed Bag

It is believed that the maximum number of freedom fighters who laid their lives during the 1942 movement belonged to Munger. Several young boys were killed at Tarapur by the Tommies while they were hoisting the Tricolour. There’s a Shaheed Bag inside the fort premises to commemorate the historic event. 
  
Peer Naph 

The body of an ancient Sufi fakir is believed to be buried on a hillock on the southern gate of Munger Fort. This place has been renovated and a magnificent mosque has come up there. It is known as Peer Napha Saheb’s mosque. Hundreds of persons pay their respect at this mosque, especially on Fridays. 
  
FAIRS& FESTIVALS 
  
Maaghi Purnima Mela

The fair is held at Sita Kund every year for a month, beginning on the Maaghi Purnima day. This fair is famous for sale of wooden furniture of all varieties at affordable prices. Traders from Katihar, Purnia and Saharsa in Bihar and UP and Assam participate in the fair along with their products. 

Shivaratri Mela 
 
It is an important fair. Elephants and horses are adorned with ancient attires and costumes. lakhs of people assemble here on Maha shivaratri to watch a special play based on the mythological marriage of lord Shiva with goddess Parvati. 

Sita-Kund 
 
It’s a hot water spring, the water of which cools only for an hour on the day of Maaghi Purnima. But no one knows at what time the water cools. This hot spring, six km from the district HQ, is now enclosed in a masonry reservoir and is visited by a large number of pilgrims every day, particularly during the full moon of Maagh.


HOW TO REACH 
  
By Air: 
  
Nearest Airport 
Jamalpur Junction is the main railway station from where Munger, the district HQ, is situated at a distance of six km. Buses, private taxis and three wheelers ply round the clock from Jamalpur to Munger. Munger is also connected by road to major cities of Bihar 

By Rail: 

Nearest railhead
Jamalpur 

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 Munger.
Hotel Raj, STD Code: 06152, Phone: 228731, 225376
Centre Point, STD Code: 06152, Phone: 220600
Sitaria Hotel, STD Code: 06152, Phone: 222508, 228209
Hotel Namita, STD Code: 06152, Phone: 228680
Murari Hotel, STD Code: 06152, Phone: 261289 

In Emergency, Contact, STD Code: 06152
District Magistrate: 222401 (Res), 222402 (Off)
Superintendent of Police: 222405 (Res), 222406 (Off)
Sub-divisional Officer: 222403 

Medical Emergencies,Contact, STD Code: 06152
Government Sadar Hospital: 220568
Sevayan Nursing Home: 220412
Dr. K.K.Bajpayee: 222888
Dr. Anirudh Prasad: 222334
Dr. Sunil Gupta: 226539
Dr. Rana Pratap Singh: 222853
Dr. Rupa Prasad: 222746, 222398
Dr. Sunil Kumar Singh: 222173, 221364
Dr. Jogendra Kumar: 9430449751
Dr. Sudhir Prasad: 222714
Dr. J.D.Singh: 222608
Dr. R.K.Gupta: 220177 
Dr. J.D.Singh: 222608
Dr. R.K.Gupta: 220177 

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).