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Tourist places in Gaya

Introduction

Gaya, one of the oldest districts of the state, was created on October 3, 1865. The place is of utmost religious importance for Buddhists as well as Hindus. It was at a distance of 14 km from the district HQ that about 2500 years back, Siddhartha Gautama, a wandering prince from the neighbouring Himalayan kingdom, attained enlightenment to become Lord Buddha.

For the Hindus too, the place is very important as it is associated with the final salvation of the soul. The performance of the ‘pindadaan’ rituals is mandatory for the salvation of souls. The Vishnupad temple, located here, is a very important shrine. The district is divided into four subdivisions, 24 blocks, and 31 police stations.

Places of Interest

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Mahabodhi Temple
Mahabodhi Temple,the seat of Buddha’s enlightenment, is located at Bodh Gaya. Also located here are the Great Buddha statue, Thai Monastery, Tibetan Temple having a mega Dhamma Chakra, Muclind Sarovar and Maya Sarovar.
Dhungeshwari

Dhungeshwari, six km to the south-east of Gaya town, is the place where Buddha spent six years in meditation and it was here that the Buddhist philosophy of ‘madhyam marg’ or middle path dawned on Buddha. Kurkihar Another place associated with Buddha at a distance of 15 km from Gaya town.

Vishnupad Temple

Vishnupad Temple, in Gaya town, is the seat of final salvation. Though the temple is exclusively opened for the Hindus, there is a non-Hindu gate facilitating the entry of non-Hindus up to a certain point outside the temple sanctum. Patharkatti Located at a distance of 25 km from Gaya town, the place is known for its stone products crafted by sculptors of unbelievable skill. Dharmaranya or Lo-Thu-Kaba Flanked on both sides by the rivers Mohane and Niranjana, three km away from the Sujata stupa in Bakaraur, is the unique site of Dharmaranya, mentioned in Hindu and Buddhist legends. As the name suggests, it is a place in jungle which has its roots in Dwapar age. It is said that Yudhisthir after the Mahabharata war had performed yajna for purification from sins. According to Tibetan Buddhists, Lord Buddha meditated here for six years under the Peepul tree. It is a belief that this was also the site of the hermitage of Uruvela Kashyap, who had become a disciple of the Buddha.

FAIRS & FESTIVALS

‘Pitripaksha’ the annual festival of souls. The fortnight-long festival begins on ‘Anant Chaturdashi’ in September every year during which lakhs of Hindus visit Gaya to offer ‘pindadaan’ for salvationof their ancestral souls. ‘Pindadaan’ is offered here throughout the year, though.

Annual Urs

Annual Urs of Makhdum, a Sufi saint of the area, is held in the last week of ‘Shaban’ month of Islamic calendar.

Bauddha Mahotsav

The three-day cultural event is organised every year at the Kalchakra Maidan of Bodh Gaya.
The Mahotsava begins on January 14.
Museum, South Church Road, Gandhi Maidan
Timings: 10.30 am to 4.30 pm
Entry free
Monday closed

HOW TO REACH

Gaya is connected by direct rail link to cities like Delhi,Kolkata,Mumbai, Patna.It is 18 km to the south of the GT Road and the link road branches out of the GT Road at a place called Dobhi.

Gaya has an international airport linking it with Colombo, Bangkok and Thimpu. Many chartered planes land at the Gaya airport during tourist season.

The Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation (BSTDC) runs a bus service between Patna and Bodh Gaya. The BSTDC bus leaves Patna (near Hotel Kautilya) at 7 in the morning and 2 in the afternoon. The fare is Rs 60 per person. There is also an inter-city train service between Gaya and Patna. More than half a dozen EMU trains ply between Gaya and Patna.

Private taxis are available at the Gaya railway station. Rate is negotiable.
By Air:
By Rail:

Nearest railhead

Gaya.

By Road:

Connected by good roads with all major cities of India.

Where to Stay:

Hotel Ajatshatru, Near Gaya railway station

Phone: 2434584, Fax: 2434202
Tariff ranging from Rs 300 to Rs 900
Heritage Inn, in the middle of Gaya town
Phone: 2431009
Email: heritageinngaya@yahoo.com
Tariff ranging from Rs 600 to Rs 2500
Hotel Sujata, Bodh Gaya
Phone: 2200761, Fax: 2200515
Email: hoteLsujata@yahoo.com
Website: www.hotelsujata.com
Tariff ranging from Rs 2,800 to Rs 4,200
Lotus Nikko Hotel, Bodh Gaya
Phone: 2200700, Fax: 2200788
Email: lotusnikko_bodhgaya@yahoo.com
Tariff ranging from Rs 3,800 to Rs 8,500
Royal Residency, Bodh Gaya
Phone: 2200181, Fax: 2200367
Email: rrbodhgaya@gmail.com
website: www.theroyalresidency.net
Tariff ranging from Rs 6,000 to Rs 8,500
BSTDC’s Tourist Complex,
Siddharth Vihar, Bodh Gaya
AC & non-AC rooms are available Tariff (Oct-March): Rs. 800 (AC), Rs. 600 (non-AC);
Apr-Sept: Rs. 700(AC), Rs. 500 (non-AC)
Buddha Vihar (Dormitory)
Tariff: Rs. 150 per bed (Attached bath)
Sujata Vihar (Dormitory)
Tariff: Rs. 75 per bed (Common bath)
Phone: 2200445, Fax:2200127

In Emergency, Contact, STD Code: 0631 District Magistrate: 2420005 (Off), 2420008 (Res)
Superintendent of Police: 2420003 (Off), 2420004 (Res)

Medical Emergencies

,Contact, STD Code: 0631 Civil Surgeon: 2420009 (Res)
Dr. A.N.Rai (Physician): 2433426
Dr. Pandey Rajeshwari Prasad (Surgeon): 2423009
Dr. Manju Sinha (Gynaecologist): 2422190
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).

Tourist places in Saharsa

Introduction

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.

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).

Places To See in Aurangabad

Aurangabad district in Bihar is home to myriad tourist attractions. Magnificent temples, historical places and Islamic pilgrimage centers are located in the district. Excellent connectivity via road and efficient means of local transport has boosted up tourism in Aurangabad. As a result, the number of tourists visiting the place has increased considerably. Touring around the district will be a pleasant experience from October to March, which is considered the best time to visit Aurangabad. Read on to know about the places to see in Aurangabad.

Deo
Located 10-km to the southeast of Aurangabad, Deo is home to the well-known Sun temple. The 15th century old temple is believed to be built by Bhairvendra Sing, a Chandravanshi king of Umga. It is a 100-ft tall structure, with an umbrella-like top. The important custom of worshipping the Sun God and taking bath in its Brahma Kund dates back to the era of King Ayel. Every year, during Chhath festival, thousands of pilgrims gather in the premises of the temple to worship the Sun God.

Deo Kund
Deo Kund is an important historic place that forms one of the major tourist attractions in Aurangabad. Situated 10 km to the southeast of the border of Aurangabad and Jehanabad, Deo Kund houses an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Thousands of worshippers visit this temple during Shivratri. As per a legend connected to Deo Kund, Chyawan Rishi took shelter in this temple.

Umga
Umga is one of the famous tourist attractions in Aurangabad. Located 24-km to the east of the city, the pilgrim center houses a Vaishnava temple. In terms of its architecture, the temple bears resemblance to the Sun temple built at Deo. Square granite blocks are used to built the magnificent Vaishnava temple, which houses the deities of Lord Ganesha, Sun God and Lord Shiva. Archaeologists and historians will definitely find this temple a special place to visit.

Amjhar Sharif
Amjhar Sharif bears religious significance for being an important Islamic pilgrimage centre of Aurangabad. Located about 10 km away from Panchrukhia, on the Daudnagar-Gaya Road, Amjhar Sharif is abode of an ancient mazaar (grave) of a Muslim saint – Hazrat Saiyadana Mohammad Jilani Amjhari Quadri. Thousands of Muslims visit this pilgrimage center on the anniversary of the great saint, which is held in the first week of June. The holy hair of the saint is put on display on the occassion.

Pawai, Mali and Chandangadh
Migrants from Rajasthan played a crucial role during the medieval and modern periods of history of Aurangabad. Pawar, Mali and Chandangadh are locations where one can find the remains of old forts, whose princes are said to have come from Rajasthan. A visit to these places will prove to be highly adventurous for enthusiastic archaeologists.

Piru
Another tourist place in Aurangabad that bears some historical significance is Piru. Known as Pritikoota in the ancient times, it was the birthplace of Banbhatta, a legendary poet and the State Chronicler of King Harshwardhana.

Siris
Siris, yet another interesting tourist place in Aurangabad, was a pargana during the rule of Sher Shah and the Mughal Empire. Over the passing years, the place became the playground of King Narayan Sing and some unsung heroes of The Revolt of 1857. Siris also houses a mosque, which was built during the rule of Aurangzeb.

Tourist Places in Patna

Introduction
Patna, which in the ancient times was known as Pataliputra, is the capital of Bihar. The city is among the world’s oldest capital cities with unbroken history of many centuries as imperial metropolis.

The history and heritage of modern-day Patna go back well over two millennia. The city of Patna is a very fertile stretch of land along the bank of tbe river Ganga.

Places of Interest

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Patna Museum

Set up in 1917, the Patna Museum is one of the few grand museums in India, and is committed to offering a scientific vision to understand the evolution of history. As a repository of ancient glory, Patna Museum is, however, truly the cultural pride of Bihar.

This museum has the privilege of preserving the holy relic casket of Lord Buddha which contains his ashes and other materials discovered during the excavation of a stupa belonging to sixth century BC at Vaishali. Among the stone sculptures, a special mention must be made about the famous female figure of the Mauryan period, third century BC. Discovered at Deedarganj (Patna), the magnificent statue is popularly known as Deedarganj Yakshi. The museum also possesses the biggest collection of copper hoards discovered from various parts of Jharkhand and Bihar.

Museum opens: 10.30 am to 4.30 pm
Closed: On Mondays
Entry Fee: Rs 10
Special fee to see holy Buddhist relic: Rs 100
Phone: 2911190

Golghar

Golghar, an enormous granary, was built by Captain John Garstin for British army in 1786, after the terrible impact of 1770 famine. The massive structure is 29 m high and the walls are 3.6 m wide at the base. The winding stairway around this monument offers a brilliant view of the city and the Ganga flowing by. Entry is free.

Karpoori Thakur Museum

Bihar government has declared 1, Deshratna Marg, the official residence of former state chief minister the late Karpoori Thakur, a memorial museum to commemorate the life, achievements and philosophy of Late Thakur. The Jananayak Karpoori Thakur Smriti Sangrahalaya displays and preserves articles of daily use, clothes, documents, letters, diaries, writings and several other things that belonged to the former chief minister.

Entry: Free
Monday closed
Phone: 2222537

Martyr’s Memorial

The Martyrs’ Memorial is a memorial to the seven freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives during the Quit India Movement in 1942. The memorial is a modern sculpture facing the Bihar’s State Legislature building where they were shot while making an attempt to unfurl the national flag.

Jalan Museum

Jalan Museum at Patna City was built by Late Diwan Bahadur Radha Krishan Jalan in the year 1954. It is a private museum, and the collection of art objects – numbering about 10,000 – belongs mostly to the modern period. They include objects of stone, metal, ivory,glass and porcelains. The museum also contains impressive private antiques, including a dinner service that once belonged to George III,Napoleon’s bed, Chinese jade and Mughal silver filigree.
Entry: Prior permission is required.

Patthar-Ki-Masjid

Patthar Ki Masjid is situated on the bank of the Ganga. This beautiful mosque was built by Parwez Shah, son of Jehangir, when he was the governor of Bihar. It is also called Saif Khan’s Mosque, Chimmi Ghat Mosque and Sangi Masjid.

Folk Art Museum

This museum, set up in the year 1963, has on its shelves folk musical instruments, costumes and jewellery. It is located at Bharatiya Nritya Kala Mandir at Chhajjubagh. Its collection also includes terracottas and ceramic specimens dated between 500 BC and 500 AD.
Entry: Free

Gandhi Sangrahalaya

The Gandhi Sangrahalaya was set up near the Gandhi Maidan in the year 1967. It is one of a few institutions established by the authorities of the Gandhi Smarak Nidhi.The exhibits in the museum include photographs and documents etc concerning the life and achievements of Mahatma Gandhi. The Sangrahalaya has its own building on the bank of the Ganga.
Entry: Free
Phone: 2219339,2218260, 9430246317
Email: info@gandhisangrahalaypatna.org

Rajendra Smriti Sangrahalaya
The Rajendra Smriti Sangrahalaya was set up in 1963 in memory of Dr Rajendra Prasad, the first president of India, with his belongings of daily use and articles received as gifts and presents. The Sangrahalaya was started in the same building at Sadaqat Ashram, the Bihar head quarters of Congress party, in which’ Dr Prasad resided after his retirement from the office of the President till the end of his mortal life.
Entry: Free

Srikrishna Science Centre

A science museum was established in Patna in the year 1978 which was named as Srikrishna Science Centre after Bihar’s first chief minister Sri krishna Sinha. Located at Chhajjubaghon the south western corner of the Gandhi Maidan,it has been set up with an objective to benefit the public,particularly students of schoolsand colleges.This institution is a unit of the National Council of Science Museums, an autonomous body under the Governmentof India’sministry of culture.

Shaheed Suraj Narain Singh Museum
4, Beer Chand Patel Marg
Entry: Free
Opens: 10.30 am to 4.30 pm
Monday closed

Bihar Police Museum

This police museum is located on the northern side of the Jawaharlal Nehru Marg near the Patna Golf Club. It has a collection of old arms and ammunition, uniforms and other objects handled and used by contemporary police officials.

Planetarium

Indira Gandhi Science Complex is one of the major attractions in Patna. It is located on Bailey Road.
Entry: By ticket

College of Arts & Crafts

This college was set up on January 25, 1939 at Govind Mitra Road, Patna by late Radha Mohan. India’s first president Rajendra Prasad was the first member of the management committee of the college. In 1949, the Bihar government took over the college, and as government’s School of Arts & Crafts, it used to offer a five-year diploma course. In 1957, the school was transferred to its newly-constructed building at Vidyapati Marg in Patna. In 1972, it was renamed College of Arts & Crafts. On April 12, 1977, the college was handed over to Patna University and its diploma course was converted into a degree course. The college, located at a distance of nearly one km from Patna railway station, is an institution for advanced training in visual arts (creative and applied).

Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park

Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park is a famous zoo in the state. Of late, it has also become a favourite spot for joggers and walkers. Children can enjoy toy train ride, boating and elephant ride. There are a large number of animals and reptiles in the zoo.

The zoo remains closed on Mondays. One has to pay an entry fee though entry is free for joggers from 4.30 am to 7.30 am and 4.30 pm to 7 pm.

Clubs

Bankipore Club

Bankipore Club, the oldest in Patna, was founded on the bank of river Ganga at Patna in 1865. It is one of the oldest premier clubs in the country. It derives its name from ‘Bankipore’ or ‘Bankipur’ which was the name of the civil station of Patna district.

The Ganga flows beside it. Coconut and Christmas trees along with a sprawling lawn over looking the expanse of water flowing by provide a picturesque beauty to the club. The club provides a vast range of amenities. The old dancing hall with wooden floor, which is now often used to host wedding receptions, parties and other functions, was a hotspot in the years of yore.

The weekend cinema show is still a regular event in the club calendar. There are two lounges and two bars, including an open air bar called ‘Hawa Mahal’. Two canteens and an airconditioned restaurant provide a variety of dishes. There are separate rummy rooms for smok- ers and non-smokers, the latter being an airconditioned one. The bridge and billiards rooms too are airconditioned. With tennis and squash courts along with a swimming pool and table tennis tables, the Bankipore Club offers a variety of sporting facilities.

Housie is another weekend favourite event in this club which also has three well maintained visitors’ rooms for visitors to the city. The club is affiliated to over a hundred clubs and resorts. Members of outstation clubs affiliated to Bankipore Club can avail themselves of the Bankipore Club’s facilities when visiting Patna.

Agreat place for networking, where business mixes merrily with pleasure. And, you bet, it surely makes a heady cocktail.

Location: In the heart of the city, near Patna District Magistrate’s office
Entry: Only for members

Patna Golf Club

The beginning of the Patna Golf Club is traced to the lease grant of 165 acres of land, west of the Government House (now called Raj Bhawan), to the South Bihar Gymkhana Club by the then government of the province of Bihar and Orissa in 1916. The club was kept alive by a handful of persons from the city’s upper echelons of society even after the British left. Several top mercantile houses chipped in to sustain and develop the club. By April 1968, twenty-five people formed a small organisation with a membership fee of Rs 10 per month. The group included Prem Seth, whose son Vikram was to later pen ‘A Suitable Boy’, a best selling novel about a Patna story.

A boundary was erected to make it an independent adjunct to the Patna zoo. A club house with approach road also came up, and the golf course was redesigned to cover 18 holes.

The club is currently spread over 102 acres of greens which, lying in the midst of the city, also provides a lung to Patna. Now the club has over 500 members. The club house is very popular among members and their families who can be seen enjoy the winter sun or chilling out in the spacious bar in the evenings. The food served at the club house is among the city’s I best, it is Bihar’s most happening club now. Events: New Year’s Day, Christmas, special sponsored.
cultural events
Entry: Only for members
location: Bailey Road
Phone: 2287089

New Patna Club

With the establishment of the high court at Patna in 1917, the English judges and English-educated barristers took the initiative to set up a new club (patna already had Bankipore Club) where there would be no segregation and the Indian and the English, virtually all being judges and lawyers of the Patna High Court, would be able to mingle and socialise without any ethnic complexes.

On New Year’s Day in 1918, judges E P Chapman and F Roe, Mazharul Haque, Syed Sultan Ahmed, Syed Hasan Imam, P R Das and Sachchidanand Sinha met Sir Edward Albert Gait, the then lt Governor of Bihar and Orissa, and within a fortnight a plot of land extending from the present Beer Chand Patel Path, then called Gardiner Road, was selected and leased out for the club on an annual rental of Rs one. But the plot was less than required. Sir Sultan Ahmed then came forward to help by surrendering a large portion of the land from the compound of his Sultan Palace adjoining the club land.

This club was named New Patna Club. Duly registered in March 1918, the club was formally established the following year, 1919. It was essentially an evening club where people activated .the day’s club life with a game of tennis in the afternoon. This was followed by the arrival after sunset of members fond of billiards, bridge. A quiet drink in the bar and perhaps dinner rounded off the evening well spent.

The lush green grass courts of New Patna Club were to even host a Davis Cup tie between India and Pakistan later. The club house has lounges and a family room too. The well-stocked bar and the sprawling lawns, tennis courts and the large swimming pool, which was added later, add to the beautiful ambience of this club. It has also emerged as a favourite venue to host wedding receptions in this fast-expanding city where open space is now at a premium. New Patna Club is affiliated to 63 top clubs across the country.

Events: Regular cultural shows, special programme during festivals
Location: Beer Chand Patel Path, opposite MIller school
Entry: Only for members
Phone: 2222245
Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Public Library

Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Public library has put the city of Patna prominently on the global intellectual map. It is a unique repository of the past heritage, preserved in the form of manuscripts written on paper, palm leaves, deer skin, cloth and sundry materials. At the same time, it has a modern face, housing over 2.S lakh books in Arabic, Persian, Urdu, English and Hindi besides a few in German and French, also in punjabi, Japanese and Russian.

It is administered by a governing board, of which the governor of Bihar is ex-officio head. The government of India’s ministry of culture provides funds for the maintenance of this library.

Over the last few decades, the library has grown considerably. It has now a collection of over 21,000 manuscripts in different languages – Arabic, Persian, Urdu, pushto, Sanskrit and Hindi. The list of eminent visitors to the library is unending. The library also has a collection of about 40 Sanskrit manuscripts, written on palm leaves; some are in ‘Mithilakshar’ also. Three of these are unique in significance, including one which is a five-century-old collection of ‘Upanishadas’.

It has also a copy of Lord Byron’s ‘Ode to Napoleon’, wherein two additional stanzas have been added in what is considered to be Byron’s own handwriting. There is also a diary of Napoleon Bonaparte.

Library opens: 9.30 am to 5 pm
Reading room opens: 8 am to 8 pm
Closed: On national holidays and Fridays
Entry: Free
Phone: 2300209 (Library), 2301507 (Director)
Fax: 2300315
Email: kblibrary.nic.in

Kumhrar

Kumhrar, the site of the ancient city of Pataliputra, lies five km away from Patna railway station. Archaeological findings in this area establish Patna’s claim to over a thousand years of political glory – 600 BC to 600 AD. The place contains the ruins of the ancient city. Very little of this grandeur remains though, except for the remains of a huge Mauryan Hall supported by 80 sandstone pillars dating back to 300 BC.

Maner

Manersharif is situated in the extreme northwest of Danapur sub- division, about 32 km west of Patna on the Patna-Ara highway. Manersharif is the most important and oldest centres of Sufis in Bihar. Tombs of several Sufi saints, including the mausoleum of Shah Daulat, a contemporary of Akbar and Jehangir, are located here.

In the early ages, Maner was a centre of learning and it is said that grammarian Panini, and also I Bararuchi, lived and studied here.

Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation has a guest house at Maner.

Begu Hajjam’s Mosque

Begu Hajjam’s Mosque is located in Patna City (old city) region. It lies on the roadside to the east of Khajekalan Ghat. This mosque was originally built by Alauddin Hussain Shah, founder of Hussaini dynasty in Bengal (1489) and was repaired and renovated in 1646 by a barber named Begu Hajjam, who gave his name to it.

Phulwari Sharif

Phulwarisharif, seven km from Patna, is another important centre of the Sufis.The ‘Khanqah Mujeebia’, founded in the 18th century by Pir Mujib, still commands a large popular following. It has been always a favourite abode of Sufi saints in various times. Sacred hair of the beard of Hazrat Muhammad Saheb is preserved here in the ‘Bari Khanqah’ that attracts thousands of his followers. Abig fair is held here every year.

Meetan Ghat

‘Khanqah Munimia’ at Meetan Ghat in Patna City (old city) is another 18th century Sufi centre which still attracts many. A beautiful double-storied mosque was built by Mughal Prince Azim on the bank of the river Ganga at Meetan Ghat in Patna City that was called Azimabad during the reign of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. Every year, after five days of Eid festival, an Urs Chiraga is held here for which many people assemble at this place.

Mangal Talab

‘Khanqah Emadia’ at Mangal Talab in Patna City is a branch of the ‘Khanqah Mujeebia’, and has a history of about a century. An Urs is held here annually when thousands of people assemble and pay their respect to their beloved Sufi saint. A large number of tourists, including pilgrims from Pakistan and Bangladesh, visit these Sufi sites.

Mahatma Gandhi Setu

Gandhi Setu is Asia’s longest road bridge. Situated across the river Ganga, it connects Patna with Hajipur.

Old Opium Warehouse

The Old Opium Warehouse is located on the bank of river Ganga at Gulzarbagh. This opium warehouse was constructed by the East India Company and is now used as the government printing press. Visitors can enter the three buildings where opium was packaged before being sent by boat to Kolkata during pre-independence days.

CHURCHES OF DANAPUR

Churches of Danapur Cantonment have stood as silent spectators to the happenings’ around for over two centuries. St Lukes Church and St Stephen’s Church were built in the mid- dle of the 18th century at Danapur Cantonment, some 10 km from Patna. Britishers raised six regiments at Danapur during 1756 to 1825 and, as such, the place became a home to a good number of British officers owing allegiance to the Church of England. Establishment of churches here, thus, became inevitable.

St Luke’s Church

St Luke’s Church is one of the oldest churches in Bihar. Spread over an area of one acre, its construction started in April 1827 and it was completed in 1830. The church, known for its marvellous carvings on the wooden sheets, was originally a big hall with the sitting capacity for 400 people. Plaques installed on the walls record the history of the Cantonment. The British Retreat in Kabul and the First War of Independence in 1857 come alive on these plaques, dedicated to the memory of Lt A S Bechar who fell victim to the bullets of mutineers in Lucknowon October 9, 1857.

St Stephen’s Church

St Stephen’s Church is another church in Danapur Cantonment. It was completed in 1854 under the supervision of Italian priests. The earthquake of 1934 badly damaged its walls. Its furniture, pews and lectern date back to 1885. A unique feature of this church is its Baptismal font, which is made of wood. Every artistic piece bears the symbol of the Cross. The brass flower pots and candelabra here are 137 years old. During the first war of independence in 1857, sisters of St Joseph with children took shel- ter in this church to save their lives. They stayed in the church till August 1857. However, Mother Josephine and her sister Mathide Koch died during their confinement.

HOW TO REACH

Patna is well connected by airways, roadways and railways to other parts of the country. Air: There are direct flights to and from Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai and Ranchi. Railway: All important trains to and from all major stations of the country have stoppages in Patna. Road: All-weather motorable roads connect Patna with the rest of Bihar. There are regular inter-state and intra-state bus services.

By Air:

Nearest Airport

Jayaprakash Narayan International Airport, Patna Gaya International Airport, Gaya (97 kms).

By Rail:

Nearest railhead
Patna Junction; Danapur Junction; Patna Sahib Junction.

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

Where to Stay:
Kautilya Vihar, Beer Chand Patel Path, Patna. Ph: 2225411, 2216219; Fax: 2236218
Hotel Patliputra Ashok, Birchand Patel Path, Ph : 2224207/2505270-76
Hotel Samrat International, Fraser Road, Patna. Ph : 2220560-68, 2221856
Hotel Maurya, Fraser Road, Patna, Ph : 2203040-59
Hotel Chanakya, Birchand Patel Path, Ph : 223141/2223142, 2222167 .
Hotel Mamta, Dak Bunglow Chowk, Patna Ph: 2221311, 2230411
Hotel President, Fraser Road, Patna, Ph : 2209200-05, 2209203-04
Hotel Rajasthan, Fraser Road, Patna, Ph: 2225102-03
Hotel Magadh, Station Road, Patna, Ph: 2321278/9939766231
Hotel Windsor, Exhibition Road, Patna, Ph : 2203250/9204275699
Hotel Sarvodaya, am Nanda, Rajendra Path, Patna, Ph : 2322411-13
Hotel Satkar International, Fraser Road, Patna, Ph : 2220551, 2220556
Nirvana Cottage, B-Block, White House, Budh Marg, Patna,
Ph : 2237117/9835047633/9334023322

BSTDC HOTEL:

Kautilya Vihar, Beer Chand Patel Path, Patna
3 km from Patna airport, 1 km from Patna railway station
Phone: 2225411,2216219; Fax: 2236218
AC/non-AC rooms and dormitory available

Restaurants:

DosaPlaza,Biscomaun:3240755
Boliywood Treat, Maurya Arcade: 2203040 Roti, Boring Road: 9334651612
Mamata Regency(with bar), FraserRoad: 2225888
BuddhaVihar,PatnaJunction: 2204555
NalandaVihar,PatnaJunction: 2206444
Hotel Samrat International: 2220590
MarwariAwas Griha (pure veg): 2220625
Amrapali Restaurant, Beer Chand Patel Marg: 2229272
Madira (with bar), Fraser Road: 2220590

Motels:

Mamata (with bar), Bakhtiarpur, 40 km from Patna

Guest Houses:

There are several government owned and private guest houses where rooms are available at affordable rates:

CircuitHouse,BeerChand PatelMarg,Patna
NHInspectionBungalow,near Patnaairport
Zoo Guest House, inside Patna zoo
State Guest House (for WIP guests)
Central public sector undertakings including NTPC, NHPC, PGCILhavetheir own guest houses in Patna
Bihar State Electricity Board Guest House, Patel Nagar
Bihar State Legislature Guest House, Legislature complex
IPS Officers’ Mess, BaileyRoad
SBI Guest House, Bank Road
Patna Youth Hostel, Fraser Road (only for members)

Cultural Centres:

Kalidas Rangalaya, near Gandhi Maidan
Premchand Rangshala, Rajendra Nagar
Bharatiya Nritya Kala Mandir, Chhajjubagh
South Indian Cultural Association (Bharati Mandapam), Vidyapati Marg
Open AirTheatre, Bharatiya Nritya Kala Mandir
S KMemorial Hall, Gandhi Maidan
Anjuman Islamia Hall, Ashok Rajpath
Ravi Bharati Institute, Kurji
IMA Hall, Gandhi Maidan
Vidyapati Bhavan, Opposite Patna Museum
Rabindra Bhavan,Beer Chand PatelMarg
lala lajpat Rai Bhavan, Chhajjubagh
lady Stephenson Hall, near Patna Museum

Emergency, Contact

Bihar Director General of Police: 2217833 (Off), 2268168 (Res), 9431602301 (Mobile)
IG of Police, Patna: 2219406 (Off), 2233323 (Res), 9431822950 (Mobile)
Senior Superintendent of Police, Patna: 2214318, 2219717 (Off), 2320047, 2321467 (Res), 9431822967 (Mobile)
Superintendent of Police (City), Patna: 2219423 (Off), 2219041 (Res), 9431822969 (Mobile)

Medical Emergencies, Contact Rajeshwar Nursing Home, Kankerbagh: 2367206
Kurji Holy Family Hospital, Digha: 2262540, 2262516
Alok Nursing Home, Khajanchi Road: 2302244, 2302245
Magadh Nursing Home, Rajendra Nagar: 2691515, 2691500, 2690046
Getwell Hospital, Raja Bazar: 2286530, 2289309
Jeevak Heart Hospital, Rajendra Nagar overbridge: 2365814, 2345895
Hai Medical Research Centre, Raja Bazar: 2295533, 2295981
Heart Hospital, Kankerbagh: 2367997, 2356202

Local Transport:
Regular city buses run within the municipal area of Patna You can hire auto-rickshaw or taxi from the airport, railway station and bus stand, please bargain hard.
Most popular mode of conveyance in the city is autorickshaw. For any information and assistance, contact Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation (BSTDC)’ Hotel KautilyaVihar,BeerChand PatelMarg,Patna(Phone: 2225411, 2216219 Fax: 2236218)

Tourist Season:
October to March.

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

Tourist Places in Rajgir

Rajgir was the place where Lord Buddha spent twelve long years in meditation. Literal meaning of Rajgir is ‘house of the king.’ It was the capital city of Magadha Empire till the time of Lord Buddha. Only in later phase Ajatshatru established his capital at Pataliputra which was strategically located. Rajgir is located at the distance of around forty six kilometers from Bodh Gaya, another Buddhist pilgrimage.

Rajgir is equally important and relevant for Buddhists, Jainas and Hindus. Mahavira had spent some time at this spot before getting Kevalya. Mahavira, the twenty fourth tirthankar of Jain sect, had spent around fourteen long years meditating. It makes Rajgir a popular pilgrimage for Jainas too.

Rajgir was the venue for first Buddhist Council. The council was held at Saptparni caves. There was a famous monastery at Jivkamaravana and Lord Buddha often visited this monastery out of love and affection. The development and popularity of Buddhism among local population, particularly among trading class was immense and they helped Rajgir become the center of Buddhist activities. Famous surgeon and Buddhist follower Jivaka lived here and contributed towards the growth of Buddhism.

Rajgir has many tourist attractions including of Griddhakuta hill, the place which saw the conversion of Magadha king Bimbisara to Buddhism. Other places such as the Jail of Bimbisara, Gym of Jarasandha, Venuvana, Karand tank, Maniyar math, Swamabhandar cave, Pippala cave, newly constructed Viswa Shanti Stupa are some major tourist attractions at Rajgir. Rajgir houses some twenty six temples of Jain sect in its hill area and one need to be good in trekking to reach to them.

Rajgir is part of Buddhist Tourist Circuit and is linked with other Buddhist pilgrim destinations which are relevant for Buddhists across the globe. Rajgir is just ten kilometres away from Nalanda, another Buddhist pilgrim destination of great relevance. King Bimbisar donated a monastery to Lord Buddha for his residence at Rajgir called Venuvana Vihar. Remnants of that construction can be seen even today.

How to reach Rajgir

Rajgir, the place where Lord Buddha spent a significant part of his life, is a popular pilgrim destination for Buddhists across the world. The place also served as the meditation center for Lord Mahavir Jain, the twenty fourth tirthankar of Jain religion. Being the center for the growth and development of two popular religions Rajgir attracts a large number of visitors. Rajgir is a part of Buddhist Circuit and for that reason is well connected with other destinations.

By Rail
Rajgir railway station is linked with other cities by a whole range of trains. The place is well linked with Gaya and from Gaya you can board trains for Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, and Bangalore. After getting down at Gaya, which is just 34 kilometers away, you can hire taxis for Rajgir.

By Air
Gaya is the nearest airport from Rajgir. There are frequent flights from Gaya to other metro cities of India. You can get down at Gaya and from there board buses or taxis for Rajgir. Other than Gaya, Patna airport is another good option. Patna is well connected with other metro cities of India and some major cities of world.

By Road
Rajgir is linked with most of the cities of Bihar by road network. There are regular bus services from Patna, Nalanda to Rajgir. Other than buses run by State Tourism Department, some private tourist operators too have bus services of their own. You can hire taxis from these places for better and comfortable journey to Rajgir.Rajgir Weather:

Summer: Max: 44.5 ºC; Min: 20.5 ºC
Winter: Max 28 ºC; Min: 5 ºC
Rainfall: 214 cm annually
Best season: Oct-Feb
Clothing: Cotton clothes during summer and woolen during winters.

Rajgir the ancient capital of Magadha kings was once the epicenter of religious and political activities. Later on king Ajatshatru chose Pataliputra over Rajgir for Pataliputra was strategically located. Lord Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, spent a significant time here at Rajgir. He stayed and meditated and delivered many sermons to his disciples. Similarly Mahaivr Jain of Jain sect stayed and meditated at Rajgir.

Summer
As Rajgir is situated in tropical region the weather condition is typical of any tropical city. Summers are hot and humid. Temperature reaches at 45 degree Celsius. Wile traveling to Rajgir in summer, you must carry light cotton clothes.

Winter
Winter is the best season to visit Rajgir. Days are pleasing and nights a bit cold during winter season. You must carry warm woolen clothes while exploring Rajgir in winter.

Monsoon
Rajgir receives a lot of rain during Monsoon months. Rains bring freshness and the small hillocks become more picturesque and attractive during monsoon.

Rajgir Tourist Attractions

The ancient capital of Magadha, Rajgir is an important Buddhist and Jain pilgrim destination. Rajgir was the hotpot of political and religious activities in ancient India, still has relevance in modern times. Both, Lord Buddha and Mahavir Jain spent a significant portion of their lives at Rajgir. King Bimbisar even donated a monastery to Lord Buddha.

Rajgir has number of tourist destinations to see. Many of them are relevant and important for Buddhists and Jain followers and some are important for Hindus too. Gymnasium of Jarasandh and Bimbisar, Saptparni caves, Gridhkut hills, and Jivakameavan Gardens are major tourist attractions at Rajgir.

Gymnasium of Jarasandh
Jarasandh, a mythological fighter of Mahabharat, is said to have his gym at Rajgir. Legend tells us that Bhim had defeated Jarasandh in one of their duels. Though historically it can not be proved, local belief of the fact has to be accepted.

Ajatshatru Fort
Ajatshatru, who ruled Magadha, built a fort here. Other than that fort, there is one Stupa which is believed to have been built by Ajatshatru is a major attraction at Rajgir.

Shanti Stupa
Named for the mission of establishing world peace, the Vishwa Shanti Stupa is located at an altitude of 400 meter. Built in marble, the stupa is adorned by four statues of Lord Buddha from four side-corners. You can reach to the spot by ropeway.

Cyclopean Wall
The Cyclopean wall was meant for the fortification of the capital city of Rajgir. Earlier it was 40 Km long and encircled ancient Rajgir. The construction of the wall is of stones. This Pre-Maurayan structure is a major tourist attraction among tourists. Though not in existence in its glorious form, its traces are still there and boast the grandeur of its existence at some point of time.

Sonbhandar Caves
There are numerous folklores of mysteries associated with these caves. There are two halls inside the cave and as believed one of them served as guard room and another as treasure room. Local people are of opinion that some treasure from Bimbisar is still safe inside the cave. People try to get some clue from a non-deciphered inscription. Besides the treasure theory of Sonbhandar caves, the spot has great attraction for its historical links with Bimbisar of Magadha.

Venu Vana
Lord Buddha had become popular during his life time and had earned a good many disciples among whom some were rulers. One of such rulers was king Bimbisar of Magadha. Bimbisar, out of respect, donated a monastery to Lord Buddha which is called Venuvana Vihar.

Bimbisar Jail
Bimbisar, a staunch follower of Lord Buddha, suffered a lot from his own son, Ajatsatru. Ajatshatru imprisoned his father Bimbisar and asked him to choose the place of imprisonment. King Bimbisar chose this spot as from here he could see Lord Buddha everyday.

Jain Temples
Rajgir is as important for Jain followers as the Buddhists. In and around the Rajgir hill, there are 26 temples which can be reached by trekking on the mountain. Here comes the real test of your stamina to climb the peaks.

Chariot Route Marks
The mysterious rock cut in the form of two parallel furrows deep into rock for about thirty feet are worth visiting. According to local beliefs, the cut is the path of Lord Krishna’s chariot. When Lord Krishna visited Rajgir owing to the power and force and speed of his chariot the root became like this. Another attraction at the place is a non deciphered script dating from the 1st to 5th century AD, engraved in the rock around the chariot marks.

Pippala cave
There are hot springs and above the hill is the cave Pippala in Vaibhava Hill. These caves are not man made but natural. These were, according to some historians, were used as watch towers and later housed monks.

Tourist Places in Bodh Gaya

Bodh Gaya or Bodhgaya is a religious place in Gaya district in the Indian state of Bihar. It is famous for being the place of Gautama Buddha’s attainment of Enlightenment.

Historically, it was known as the Bodhimanda (ground around the Bodhi-tree), Uruvela, Sambodhi, Vajrasana and Mahabodhi.

(1) The name Bodh Gaya did not come into use until the 18th century. The main monastery of Bodhgaya used to be called the Bodhimanda-vihara (Pali). Now it is called the Mahabodhi Temple.

For Buddhists, Bodh Gaya is the most important of the main four pilgrimage sites related to the life of Gautama Buddha, the other three being Kushinagar, Lumbini, and Sarnath. In 2002, Mahabodhi Temple, located in Bodh Gaya, became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

(2) The surrounding town, by contrast, is dusty, noisy and somewhat polluted, due in large part to a lack of proper administrative structural coordination and rampant local corruption.

(3) A new development plan has been proposed to “ensure a sustainable and prosperous future” for Bodh Gaya, but has become controversial because such a plan may require the relocation of whole neighborhoods.

Bodh Gaya is the place where Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment under the sacred Asvatta tree (later termed Bodhi Tree). Buddhists all across the world consider the place the most sacred and this has become a pilgrim destination for them. Buddhists from all over the world have built temples here in Bodh Gaya. Bodh Gaya is located about 13 km from Gaya, 90 kilometers away from Patna, and 450 km west of Kolkata.

Bodh Gaya houses a splendid and magnificent Mahabodhi temple and the temple has Bodhi Tree. Both the temple and the Bodhi Tree are sacred for Buddhists across the globe. The temple is an architectural amalgamation of many centuries, cultures, and heritages. While its architecture has a distinct stamp of the Gupta era, it has later ages inscriptions describing visits of pilgrims from Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and China between seventh and 10th century AD. It is perhaps still the same temple Hieuen Tsang visited in 7th century.

In the year 1953, Bodh Gaya revisited its glory. A new stupa with the help of Japanese governments’ donation was built in Gaya. Buddhists from Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Bhutan, Korea, and Japan often visit to Bodh Gaya. Now one can see many Buddhist monasteries in and around the complex. Tourism peaks during winter season.

How to Reach Bodh Gaya:

Bodh Gaya is included in four most important pilgrim destinations where a Buddhist has to visit in lifetime. Bodh Gaya is the place where Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment. Bodh Gaya today attracts tourists from all across the globe including of Korea, Japan, Singapore, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka. All the modern mode of transport connects the place with other places of the country. Easy accessibility makes this place a popular tourist destination.

By Rail:
A good railway network connects Bodh Gaya with other major cities of India. A whole range of trains is available to reach Bodh Gaya. Gaya is the nearest railhead to Bodh Gaya at the distance of 17 kilometers. Besides ordinary trains, Indian Railway has introduced a Bodh Gaya special ‘Buddha Parikrama Express’ specifically meant to cater Buddhist spiritual tourists. The train links all the important places relevant to Buddhists.

By Road:
Besides a good network or railway tracks, Bodh Gaya is well connected by roads to various cities of India. The main bus stand is near Sujata Bridge on the bank of Falgu River on the northeastern edge of the town. Gaya is the nearest transport hub which is connected with Grand Trunk Road and from where you can catch direct busses to reach Patna, Nalanda, Rajgir and Varanasi. Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation also runs buses from Patna- Bodhgaya route twice a day.

By Air:
Gaya is the nearest airport from Bodh Gaya. It is located at a distance of 17 kilometers. Various domestic airlines operate from Gaya to other metro cities of India. You can also land at Patna and board taxis and buses to reach Bodh Gaya which is around 135 kilometers from Patna.

Bodh Gaya Tourist Attractions:

Bodh Gaya, being the place where Gautam Buddha had learnt the eternal truth, is a popular tourist destination among Buddhists across the globe. There are a number of Buddhist monuments, temples and monasteries to see in Bodh Gaya.

Bodhi Tree
Contrary to general belief the existing Bodhi Tree is not the original Bodhi Tree under which Sidhartha Gautam had enlightenment. The existing tree is of fifth generation of original Bodhi Tree.

Gurpa
Gurpa is located forty kilometers from Bodh Gaya. Gurpa is a small village, albeit important for Buddhists. According to Buddhist literature Maha Kassap, the disciple of Lord Buddha realized that his death was nearing and he started moving toward the hill where he wanted to take his last breath.

Mahabodhi Temple
The fifty meter high Mahabodhi Temple was built during the rule of the Guptas in the 5th century. This temple is considered among the oldest in Indian sub-continent temples.

Pragbodhi
Pragbodhi is the place where Lord Buddha spent some time before attaining enlightenment. The place is evidence of Gautam Buddha’s efforts toward the eternal truth.

Bodh Gaya Weather:
The city of Bodh Gaya is located at an altitude of 24º 41′ 45” N. Latitude and 85º 2′ 22” E. Longitude. Let’s have a quick look at the weather and climatic conditions of Bodh Gaya.