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Tourist places in Rohtas

Introduction

Sasaram, the headquarters town of Rohtas district, is steeped in history. It is an important railway station between Mughalsarai and Gaya. The station has a stoppage of all the important trains. The Grand Trunk Road also passes through the town.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Tomb of Sher Shah
The magnificent mausoleum of Sher Shah in the town is one of the noblest specimens of Pathan architecture in India. It stands in the middle of a tank.

Rohtas Fort

One of the most interesting places in Bihar is the ancient hill fort situated on Kaimur hills, some 1490 ft above sea level. It is 70 km away from Sasaram.

Tomb of Hasan Khan Suri

In the centre of the historical town is the mausoleum of Hasan Khan Suri, the father of Emperor Sher Shah (1538 AD).The tomb consists of an octagonal hall surmounted by a large dome and is surrounded by an arcade which is crowned on each side by three small domes.

Tomb of Salim Shah

In the middle of a large tank, about half a mile to the north-west of Shershah’s tomb, is situated the tomb of his son, Emperor Salim Shah.

Tomb of Alawal Khan

Outside the town to the south is the tomb of Alawal Khan. Khan was the officer in charge of the building of Sher Shah’s mausoleum and took advantage of his position to appropriate the finest stone for his own tomb.

Mundeshwari Mandir

Mundeshwari temple is one of the oldest Hindu monuments in Bihar. It is located on the summit of an isolated hill, seven miles north west of Bhabhua, the headquarters town of Kaimur district. Kaimur is adjacent to Rohtas. The nearest railway station is Bhabhua Road. The temple is in the shape of an octagon. Octagonal ground plan for a temple is rather rare.

HOW TO REACH

By Air:

Nearest Airport
Jaiprakash Narayan International Airport, Patna (147kms) Gaya International Airport, Gaya (About 125 kms)

By Rail:

Nearest railhead
Sasaram

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

Where to Stay:
Hotel Sher Shah, a unit of Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation, Phone: 221267 AC rooms and restaurant facility available
Hotel Gopal Deluxe, Phone: 224366
Hotel Jaya, Phone: 221277
Hotel Vijay, Phone: 222323

Emergency, Contact

District Magistrate: 222226 (Off), 222224 (Res), 9431632414 (Mobile)
Superintendent of Police: 253204 (Off), 253205 (Res), 9431822978 (Mobile)

Medical Emergencies,Contact Anjani Arogya Institution: 221215
Civil Surgeon: 222039
Chauhan Fracture Nursing Home: 222101
Gayatri Nursing Home: 222488

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).

Tourist places in Saran

Introduction

Prior to bifurcation of Siwan and Gopalganj districts in 1992, Saran district with its HQ at Chhapra was one of the biggest and oldest districts of Bihar. The meaning of the word “Saran” corresponds to “asylum” or “refuge” in English. Chinese traveller Xuanzang also refers to Saran in his memoirs.
By 1666, the Dutch established their trade in saltpetre at Chhapra. Prior to 1905, Saran was part of Bengal, Orissa and Assam. It continued to be part of Orissa till 1936.

Places of Interest

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Sonepur

Situated at the confluence of holy rivers Ganga and Gandak, the place is important because it was here that Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva are said to have resolved the fight between Gaj (elephant) and Grah (crocodile). World famous Harihar Kshetra Mela, organised every year at this place, has been the centre of attraction for domestic and foreign visitors for years. The place is about 50 km east of Chhapra town, 10 km west of Hajipur town and about 30 km south of Patna. It is well connected by road and rail.

Aami

It is the place where Maharaja Daksha and King Surat practised asceticism. This place has been famous for the temple of goddess Durga. It is located 28 km east of Chhapra town and about 50 km west of Patna. The nearest railway station is Dighwara.

Chirand

It is situated 10 km east of Chhapra, the district HQ of the Saran district, and the same distance south off the Sonepur-Chhapra road. The discovery of the neolithic culture in 1970 in the Ganga valley was very significant as till then no neolithic signs had been found in course of archaeological excavations in northern India. In Chirand, we have for the first time a neolithic complex in low-lying plains with monsoon climate. ‘Bangali Baba Ka Mathia’ here is an added attraction.

Silhouri

Situated about 26 km north of Chhapra, this is the place where Indra and Yamraj took a test of King Shivi. The nearest railway station is Marhoura on Chhapra-Thawe rail route.

Revelganj

It is situated on Chhapra-Gazipur National Highway. There are several temples located between eight and thirteen km from Chhapra. Srinath Temple is one of the important places. On the eve of Kartik Purnima, a month-long fair, Godhna Semaria Mela’, is organised here every year.

Chhapra Town

Dharmanath temple, Peerbaba Ka Mazar, Ramkrishna Mission Ashram and Parwati Ashram are some of the important places of the town.

SONS OF THE SOIL

Among the celebrities and freedom fighters, India’s first president Dr Rajendra Prasad, Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan, Maulana Mazharul Haque, Bhikhari Thakur, Padmashree folk singer Vindhyavasini Devi all belong to Saran.

HOW TO REACH

By Air:

Nearest Airport
Jaiprakash Narayan International Airport, Patna (77 kms) Gaya International Airport, Gaya (About 174 kms)

By Rail:

Nearest railhead:
Chhapra is well con-nected by road and rail. Chhapra Junction is one of the important stations of North Eastern Railway.

Buses ply regularly from Patna, Hajipur and Muzaffarpur to Chhapra. Roads are in good condition. It’s a two-hour drive from Patna.

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

Where to Stay:
Hotel Ramdoot, Hotel Coffee House, Hotel Guru Mahima, Hotel Plaza and Hotel Rajasthan are some of the important hotels at Chhapra where rooms are available at moderate rates.

WHERE TO EAT: Mac-Ronalds, Zayaka, Dejee and Nakshtra are some of the important eateries of Chhapra town.

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

Tourist Season:
October to March.

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

Tourist places in Sitamarhi

Introduction

Formely a subdivision of Muzaffarpur district, Sitamarhi was inaugurated as a district on December 11, 1972 by the then Bihar chief minister Late Kedar Pandey. Situated on the Indo-Nepal border, its population is around 25 lakh.

Sitamarhi is said to be the birthplace of Hindu goddess Sita, also revered as Janaki. The legend has it that the King of Janakpur (in Nepal, 60 km from here), ploughed the land here to get rid of a devastating drought, and it was in the course of the ploughing that he stumbled upon an earthen pot out of which Sita emerged. Hence, the place came to be known as Sitamarhi.

Places of Interest

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

One can visit the famous Janaki, Shiva and Parvati tem ples at Haleshwar Sthan, seven km from Sitamarhi, the dis- trict HQ town. Devotees as well as tourists visit these temples and the latter go on to see the famous Janakpur Dham in Nepal. The two cattle fairs – one on Navami during Navaratra in September-October and the other on ‘Vivah Panchami’ in the winter are held annually and attract thousands of visitors.HOW TO REACH

By Air:

Nearest Airport
Janakpur Dham, 60 km north; Patna, 150 km south.

By Rail:

Nearest railhead
Sitamarhi is situated 60 km north of Muzaffarpur and 70 km away from Darbhanga. It is well connected with road and is also on the railway map.

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

Where to Stay:
Private Hotels, Rest houses and Dharmshalas at Sitamarhi.Hotel Sitayan,
STD Code: 06226, Phone: 250605
Hotel Kishore, Phone: 06226-253288
Hotel Raj Kumar, Phone: 06226-250347

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

In Emergency, Contact, STD Code: 06226
District Magistrate: 250515 (Res), 250439 (Off)
Superintendent of Police: 250421 (Res), 250526 (Off)

Medical Emergencies,Contact, STD Code: 06226
Dr. R.A.Sharma: 250499
Dr. Sita Ram Singh: 251330
Dr. Sanjay Singh: 254700
Dr. Renu Chatterjee: 254650

Tourist Season:
October to March.

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

TOURIST PLACES IN BIHAR

Bihar offers to the discerning tourist a variegated wealth of our ancient civilization, history and culture and religion that India stands for. The ruins of ancient capitals and learning centres and the religious sites, which are dotted over the tourist map of Bihar, remain the major draw for the people who visit Bihar.

Bihar lies steeped in history as a mute witness of rise and fall of some of India’s important dynasties – the Mauryas, the Guptas, the Palas. The world’s earliest university flourished here between the 5th to the 11th century, the remains of which is the biggest of the tourist attractions in Bihar.

The holy places of the Buddhist religion in Bihar form a circuit, which is renowned across the world as the most important among the tourist attractions in Bihar. And some important sites of Hinduism, Jainism and Sikhismare also located within Bihar. Among the major tourist attractions in Bihar, following are must visits :

    * Nalanda: This renowned Buddhist University was founded in the 5th century by the Gupta emperors. There were thousand of teachers and students from all over the world and its fame continued to spread far and wide until the end of the 12th century.

    * Rajgir: This forest clad small hill grit town of today was once the the capital of the Magadh Mahajanpad (State). Lord Buddha spent many years here and delivered sermons. It was also the venue for the first Buddhist Council.

    * Bodhgaya: Lord Buddha meditated under a pipal tree here and attained enlightenment. The tree is called “Bodhi Tree”. A descendant of the same tree, still flourishes here. Gaya is also an important Centre of Hindu Pilgrimage where people go to pray for the salvation of their ancestors.

    * Patna: Today’s capital city was also the capital of ancient Bihar – Pataliputra. The history dates back to 2 millennia. In around the city there are many places, worth a visit.

    * Vaishali: The city finds its mention in literature as old as the Ramayana. The second Buddhist council took place here. The place remains twice blessed by virtue of the birth of Jain prophet Lord Mahavira here in 527 BC. Historians also maintain that the world’s first elected assembly of representatives was formed here giving birth to a republic in 6th century.

    * Vikramshila: Excavations have unearthed the ruins of Vikramshila University founded by King Dharampala.

    * Pawapuri: Here Lord Mahavira breathed his last around 500 B.C. and was cremated. It is said that the demand for his ashes was so great that a large amount of soil was removed from around the funeral pyre, creating the water tank. Today here stands a marble temple, the “Jalmandir”, later built in the middle of the tank.

Among other tourist attractions in Bihar there are Harminder Sahib, State Museum, Martyr’s Memorial, Sher Shah’s mausoleum etc.

Patna

Patna is the Capital of Bihar and replete with several not-to-be-missed tourist attractions. Shershah Masjid, built in 1545 by Sher Shah Suri, an Afghan chieftain, is the oldest mosque in India and unique piece of architecture in Patna. Kumhrar is an ancient garden that provides a key to the great Mauryan Empire and its capital, Pataliputra. One can still see some remnants – a large pillared assembly hall, a Buddhist monastery, parts of Anand Bihar, and some clay figures at the site.

The Har Mandir Temple, also referred to as Patna Sahib, is the second most important pilgrimage of the Sikhs next only to the Golden Temple of Amritsar. The Gurudwara is built with immaculate white marble and is an aesthetic piece of art. Miss not to see the Golghar which is a unique single dome structure and an architectural marvel. Sanjay Gandhi Zoological Park is a great favorite with the local residents and a prized tourist attraction. It is also home to a picturesque collection of flora and fauna and a tempting golf course. You must not fail to drive on Gandhi Sethu, Asia’s longest roadway bridge – the pride of Patna.

Nalanda

Nalanda is a great tourist destination in Bihar. The Nalanda University was one of the greatest centers of Buddhist learning in ancient times and erudite scholars from far-flung corners came here. The architectural remains of Nalanda, the world’s oldest university, indicate to us that the university was a stately structure with lofty walls and a massive gate. It had eight separate compounds and ten temples with many meditation halls and classrooms. There were also many scenic lakes and parks. The commodious library was a nine storied building and the University attracted pupils and scholars from Korea, Japan, China, Tibet, Indonesia, Persia and Turkey. Though the Buddha visited Nalanda several times during his lifetime, this famous center of Buddhist learning shot to fame much later, during 5th-12th centuries. The other important attractions of Nalanda are the Hiuen Tsang Memorial Hall, the Surya Mandir, the Nalanda museum, and the Nav Nalanda Vihar. The present day ruins of its temples and monasteries creates an astounding impression of the sublime and ordered life of meditation and spiritual wisdom that prevailed here.

Bodhgaya

Bodhgaya, situated on the bank of river Niranjana, is the holiest site for the followers of Buddhism and it is a place of great historical and religious significance as Lord Buddha reportedly meditated under a pipal tree here and attained enlightenment. The tree is called Bodhi Tree and a descendant of the same tree, still flourishes here and draws a host of pilgrims as also the Mahabodhi Temple that stands testimony to the miracle. Bodhgaya houses an Archaeological Museum and many serene and sublime monasteries built by devotees from many Buddhist countries. The chief attractions of Bodhgaya include an 80 ft Statue of the Buddha, Lotus Tank, Buddha Kund, Rajayatana, Brahm Yoni, Chinese Temple & Monastery, Burmese Temple, Buddhist Monastery of Bhutan, International Buddhist House & Japanese Temple, Thai Temple & Monastery and Tibetan Monastery.

Vaishali

The time-honored Vaishali city finds mention in Ramayana and it is believed that the second Buddhist council took place here. The place has tremendous religious significance as it is here that the Jain prophet Lord Mahavira was born in 527 BC. It is also here that Lord Buddha preached his last sermon and announced his ensuing Nirvana. The other tourist attractions are the Vishwa Shanti Stupa, the Ashoka pillars, and many magnificent Buddhist and Jain structures. Vaishali is an adorable place surrounded by banana, mango, thick groves and rice fields.

Other attractions of Bihar

Sasaram houses the grand and beautiful mausoleum of Sher Shah, the man known for building the Grand Trunk Road across the whole of North India and the mausoleum is located in a romantic lake and resembles a floating structure. Make sure not to miss Pawapuri, where Lord Mahavira breathed his last around 500 B.C. and was cremated. Today you can see a marble temple, the “Jalmandir”, later built in the middle of the tank. Rajgir is a well-known pilgrimage destination for followers of different faiths – Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism alike. The small hill grit town is covered with lush green forest which considerably enhances the beauty of the place. The Swarna Gufa, Griddhakuta Parvat, hot springs, and the Vishwa Shanti Stupa are some of the chief tourist attractions here.

Northern Bihar – Sitamarhi and Sonepur

Northern part of Bihar is dominated by Sitamarhi and Sonepur. Other towns of Northern Bihar are Madhubani, Balmiki Nagar and Muzaffurpur. There are some great tourist spots in this region. You can visit Sitamarhi if you are interested in learning hindu mythology. This place is a cultural extravaganza. The festivals and rituals that take place here are most sought-after by the public. You can spend a day or two offering your worship to the almighty. The picturesque location of these temples helps you feel relaxed through the journey.

If you have a couple of more days in hand, visiting Sonepur is not a bad idea. The Sonepur Mela that is held every November is a visual treat for any tourist. The cattle fair is a huge even in this part of Bihar and people come from all over the world to watch it.

Southern Bihar – Bodhgaya and Nalanda

The Southern part of Bihar is dominated by religious destinations like Bodhgaya and Nalanda. Bodhgaya is a major Buddhist shrine close to capital city of Patna. The travel to this place is quite beautiful. Tourists swarm in throughout the year to capture a glimpse of the birthplace of Buddhism. To spend a day or two in this part of Bihar will be an enjoyable and a learning experience for any tourist.

Nalanda is another very important place in southern Bihar. If you are travelling from Patna, it takes you a day to travel. The ruins of Nalanda University are very popular because of the historical significance of the ancient Buddhist learning centres.

Other attractions include the Hiuen Tsang Memorial Hall, Nalanda Museum, Nav Nalanda Vihar and the Surya Mandir. The tourists visiting this part of Bihar hardly miss these places. You can spend a day or two to take a look at the museum, libraries and the temples. There is scope for some shopping too in southern Bihar. You can bring home some exotic handicrafts, paintings and photographs.

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 Spots in Darbhanga

Details of Tourist Places, Religious Places and its importance

Ahilya Asthan

It is famous historical temple, situated about 3 Kms. South of Kamtaul Railway Station in Jale Block. This place is known as Ahilya gram. There is a well known in the Ramayan about Ahilya. According to Ramayan when Lord Ram was his way to Janakpur his feet touched a stone and it turned into a woman who was non-else but Ahilya. Her husband Gautam Rishi cursed the Ahilya to fun into stone. The temple is dedicated to Ahalya, wife of Gautam Rishi. Large fairs are held every year on the occasion of Ramnavami in the Hindi month of Chaitra and Vivah Panchami in Agrahayan. There are various other temples and mosques in the village.

Brahmpur

The village is situated about 8 kms. away from Kamtaul and 19 kms. south east of Jogiara. The village is noted for the Gautam Kund and a temple of Gautam Rishi, which are located very close to it. According to the Puranic tradition Lord Brahma appeared before Gautam Rishi at this place after the chastity of his wife, Lord Indra and Chandrama had violated Ahalya. The village derives its name from this occurrence. In regard to the Gautam Kund, it is believed that God Brahma himself created the tank by piercing the earth with seven arrows, so that Gautam might not have to travel a long distance for bathing in the Ganga. Kamtaul. The village is a rail head in Jale block. The village has a Khadi Gamodyaog centre and a Khadi store. It is the rail head for visitors to Ahalyasthan and Gautamsthan.

Chhaprar

The village is situated in Bahadurpur block, at a distance of about 10 Kms. from District Headquarter. It has a temple of Lord Mahadeva on the bank of the Kamla River around which fairs are held on the occasion of Kartik and Maghi Purnima.
Dekulldham. The village falls in Biraul block and is noted for is large temple of Lord Shiva. Devotees congregate here every Sunday. A large annual fair is held on the occasion of Shivaratri.

Kusheshwar-asthan

It is an important religious place, situated about 16 Kms. east of Singhia and 22 Kms. northeast of Hasanpur Road railway station on the Samastipur, Khagaria Branch line of North Eastern Railway. It is noted for the temple of Lord Shiva known as Kusheshwarasthan. Pligrims visit this place all the year round for worship. The origin of this temple is traced to the epic period.

The water logged fourteen villages of Kuseshwarasthan block covering an area of 7019 acres and 75 decimals, due to their greater ecological, faunal, floral, geomorphological and natural importance has already been declared as Kuseshwarasthan Bird Sanctuary under Wild Life Protection Act 1972 (as amended upto 1991). The following table shows the names and status of some important migratory birds seen in Kusheshwarasthan Bird Santuary and their native countries.

Names and Status of Important Migratory Birds seen in Kusheshwarasthan Bird Sanctuary
Serial Number	Species	Status
1.	Dalmatian pelican (Pelicanus erisups)	Endangered, International Council of Bird Preservation (ICBP), Bird Red Data Book estimates only 665-1000 pairs in the world.
2.	Indian darter (Anlinga rufa)	Species in fered to decreasing all over the country.
3.	Bar-headed goose	A threatened species due to hunting, egg collecting, habitat loss.
4.	White winged wood duck (Cairiva scutulata)	Included in ICBP Red Data Book. Threatened by hunting and habitat loss
5.	Marbled teal (Marmaronetta anqustirostris)	Listed in Red Data Book V
6.	Baers Pochad (Aythya baeri)	Listed in Red Data Book V. Threatened by hunting and habitat loss . Due to wellenddrainage for agriculture.
7.	Siberian Crane (Grus leuogranus)	Western population of this species is on the verge of extinction. About 2000 birds exist in eastern population.
8.	Indian Skimmer (Rynchops albicollis)	Comes to wetland plains of India during winter from Bangladesh.
9.	Oriental qoosander (Merqus qoosander)	Endangered due to hunting and habitat loss.

Native Countries of Migratory Birds :Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, Afghanistan, China, Pakistan, Mongolia & Siberia and others.

KUSHESHWARASTHAN BIRD SANCTUARY AREA

Introduction

Wet land areas of Darbhanga district in general andKusheshwarasthan block (Biraul Sub-division) in particular is the WINTER CAPITAL of approx 15 rare and endangered species of MIGRATORY BIRDS. The WINGED GUESTS coming from over eight countries swarm the vast water bodies spread in approx 8100 hects. during winter between November and March.

Location: Longitude: 85 degree 40′ -86 degree 25′ East, Latitude: 25 degree 53′ – 26 degree 27′ North

Height from sea level: 49 meters.

Approx 45 Kms East of Darbhanga Town.

Santuary Area: 6700 hects Chour Area, 1400 hects of Low land area. No. of Ponds/Chours – 202 govt. 412 Private.

Name of Birds

Local Name:- Lalshar, Dighouch, Mail, Nakta, Gairi*, Gagan*, Silli, Adhani, Harial, Chaha, Karan, Ratwa, Gaiber (White and Black)

Biological Names:- Dalmation pelican, Anlinga rufa (Indian darter) Barheadedgoose, Cariva Scutulata, (White wing wood duck), Marmaroneta (Marbled teal), Baers Pochad, Sibrian Crain, Indian Skimmer, Oriental Goosanderek. (* Rarely Seen)

Sanctuary Area in Biraul Sub-Division (In Hect.)

Blocks Name	Area	Cultivable Area	High Land Area	Mid Land Area	Low Land Area	Chour Area
1	2	3	4	5	6	7
Biraul	20994	16600	1000	3000	2500	2750
Ghanshyampur	25649.08	19993	2000	2500	3000	3750
Kusheshwarasthan	23792.01	16000	600	600	1400	6700

Mahinam-Mahadeo-sthan

It is temple of Lord Shiva situated at a distance of about 5 Kms. from the Darbhanga-Biraul pucca road. Large annual fairs are held here on the occasion of Kartik and Maghi Purnima.

Makranda

Situated about 5 Kms. south of Manigachhi railway station, the village is known for its old temple called Baneshwaristhan.

Newri

The village likes about 13 Kms. west of the block head quarters at Biraul and contains the remains of an ancient fortress associated with Raja Lorick.

Nawadah Durga-sthan

It is famous temple of Goddess Durga Located on the Majkora Nawadah Road. The place is visited by hundreds of devotee’s everyday. The Dussehra festival is celebrated here with great enthusiasm.

Raghopur

The village is situated about 5 Kms. south of Sakri railway station. It is noted for its earthen mound, known as Sheosingh-garh, which is believed to cover the ruins of a building, built by Raja Shiva Singh.

Shyama Temple Shyama Temple is just one KM west of Darbhanga Railway Station. It is situated in the picturesque and peerless Lalit Narayan Mithila University. In fact it is private graveyard of Darbhanga Raj Royal family and temples have been build upon the graveyard of the ancestors of the Royal family. Shyama Temple is one of them. It was built in 1933. A huge statue of Goddess Kali is enshrined in this temple. This temple is famous not only for its grand our beauty and lively men but also for the faith that people here get there in desire fulfilled if they worship with holy heart.

Sati Asthan

Sati Asthan is situated in the famous graveyard of Subhankarpur, which is about one km west of Darbhanga Maharaji bridge. Maharaj Rameshwar Singh who was also a great Tantrik used to visit here daily in mid night for his Tantra Sidhi. Late Pandit Harinandan Mishra father of Late Lalit Narayan Mishra, Ex, Railway Minister, Government of India, also held in this premises. Now a days people use to visit this place on every Monday and Friday.

Manokamna Temple

Manokamana Temple is situated in the University Campus just beside Nargauna Palace. This temple has constructed with the Marvel. In fact it is a Hanuman temple where a little but most beautiful statue of Hanuman is build of marvel. A lot of crowd came to visit this place every day.

Malechchhed Mardani Temple

Malechchhed Mardini temple is one km south west of Darbhanga Railway station. It is temple of the Godden who destroy the faints. This temple is of utmost importance for Shakti people.

Kankali Temple

Kankali temple is two km north west of Darbhanga Railway station in the premises of Qila of Darbhanga Mahraj. This temple is of utmost importance for Shakti people.

Kaitholic Church It was old type of Baungla Church established in 1891 where training is to given to Christen Pandit.. It is just situated one km north form the Darbhanga Railway Station. This building was demolished in the earthquake of 1897 and later on it was constructed. The pray was started in this building from 25 December 1991. The name of this church is Holy rosary Church. A lot of crowds were assembled on every Friday. Here Christmas festival is organized between Dec 25-31 and Anand Mela is organized on October 7 on each and every year. In the front of Church a most attractive symbol of Isamashi is also situated.

Bhikha Salami Majar
It is situated at one km southeast from Darbhanga Railway station on the bank of Gangasagar pond. A fair is to be organized between 12th and 16th day during the Ramzan.

Masjid at Darbhanga Tower

It is situated at two km west from the Darbhanga Railway Station and just neat at Darbhanga Tower. It is the most attractive and religious place for the Islam religion. A crowd people are assembled on every Friday for pray their Namaj.

The Mazar of Makhdoom Baba
It is situated at two km northwest from Darbhanga Railway Station and just between the both universities. It is the very popular secularism place. Here daily people from Islam religion as well as Hindu religion assemble for offering their prayers.

Maharaja Laxmiswar Singh Museum

Maharaja Laxmiswar Singh Museum was established on 16th September 1977. It is situated just west south of Darbhanga Railway Station. This Museum can be visited every day except Monday. Its opening and closing time is 10.00 AM and r.30 PM respectively. There is no entry fee.

Brief History

Royal family of Darbhanga is well known for its love and affection with art and culture. Prince Subheshwar Singh gifted the invaluable and immemorial items and Durlabh Kalakritiya in order to establish this museum. The then District Magistrate of Darbhanga Shree Ramashankar Tiwari had also played an important role in the establishment of this museum. This unique museum is situated on the eastern bank of Mansarover Lake.

Salient features

There is rare collection of a number of objects and weapons made of Gold, Silver, Tusker teeth all collection has been scientifically organized and placed into eight different chambers.

Hall Number 1: This hall is known as Raj Singhasan Kash. Royal throne of Maharaj Rameshwar singh jee has been placd in this Hall. This throne is symbol of Power, wealth and dignity of the royal family. It is made of gold, silver and precious stones. Besides royal throne, silver made Palang(BED), Nalki and a number of other such items has also been placed in this hall which are pleasant memory of yester years of royal family. Royal throne and Silver Bed are unique examples of Sculptural excellence.

On the basis of design and decoration the Royal throne can be divided into five parts.

It is made of wood, which is square in shape. The beauty of this part is pasting of flowers leaves and its finder brines made of ivory. The shape and size of this flower and leaves are so accurate that it looks like natural.
Just above it there is a six-inch plate of silver all round the throne elephants of small size are shown on it. Although it is small in size but very natural in its look.
Just above silver plate there are elephants an each corner of the throne at the distance of two feets. There are hole in the back of these elephants. Most probably silver rod would have been used to decorate the throne as per desire.
All round he throne there are square gold and silver plates a which various types of animals has been shown in their different natural possess. Group of elephants playing in water, roaring lions, Panther climbing on the tree. Fighting bull and running deer are some of them.
Precious stones were presented at every angles of the throne. The monogram of royal family FISH is in the middle of the throne.

Hall Number 2: Hall of Metallic artifacts: A number of attractive artifacts have shown in this hall and among these unique globe made of copper and circular shield are can be of attraction. In these two artifacts important events of Ramayana, Mahabharata and Krishna-Leela has been reflected.

Hall Number 3: Hall of stone idols and artifacts:

Statue made of marble and other stone made artifacts have been shown in his hall. A circular table made of a single piece of marble is treat to watch. A number of women have been inscribed one it in Greek – style. The clothes hair and physique of there women reflects the clear impact of greekan style. Just like greekan style the clothes are transparent and its fold are such that it seems it has been blown up by air. The curly hair looks very natural.

Hall Number 4 & 5: Ivory Hall. There is a unique collection of the artifacts made of ivory. Mat, Net, flowers, leaves and a lot of other things, made of ivory, are just superb in its presentation. A spulse made of ivory is so lively that visitors get mazes after seeing it. Beside this Ivory mad lions and sofa-set also attract the visitors very much.

Hall Number 6: Hall of weapons. Weapons of the various kings have been shown in this hall.

Hall Number 7 & 8: Hall of wooden artifacts. These two halls painting wooden artifacts have been shown in so natural that it works like metal.

Chandradhari Museum, Darbhanga

This museum was established on 7 December 1957 on the north bank of Mansarowar Lake. Late Chandradhari Singh of Ranti Dyordhi (Madhubani) donated all the artifact and other rare objects. It was shifted in double story building in 1974. There is no entry fee for visiting the Museum. It remains open for public on everyday except Monday. On the basis of arrangement and materials of the Museum it can be devided into eleven type of Halls.

Aims of the Museum

To collect, to preserve and to display the artifacts of historical, archaeological and cultural importance of the region in the public interest as well as to educate the students through the exhibited materials.

Galleries

On the basis of arrangement and materials of the Museum, it is divided into eleven gallery. Short description of same very important gallery are below:-

Glass Gallery In this gallery beautiful objects of Baljium cutting glass are displayed.

Textile Gallery Traditional dress of Mithila as well as dress of Royal family have been shown in this Gallery.

Miniature Painting Gallery

In this gallery rare miniature paintings of different styple and school are displayed. Among these the paintings of Krishna leela with Gopies, based on Geet Govind of Jaidev are peerless. Besides this the miniature paintings of Mughal Kings and their queens in Mughal style are also of much importance.

Modern Paintings

Water colour paintings of modern style based on Ramayan and Mahabharta theme such as “Raja Janak Darbar” and “Mahabharta War” can be seen here.

Stone Sculpture Gallery

Sculptures in black Basalt stone of Hindu and Buddha religion have been shown in this gallery. Most of the sculpture belongs to the 8th & 9th century A.D.

Wood Gallery

Various types of wood objects having floweral design and inlay work are displayed in this gallery.

Mother of Pearls Gallery

In this gallery several types of beautiful exhibit made art of mother of pearls can be seen. A replica of Taj Mahal, made of mother of perals on a single piece of tuch stone is an unique one.

Natural History Gallery

Royal Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Bear and different types of horns of deer have been displayed in this gallery.

Ivory Gallery

Various types of beautiful icons and objects of ivory are displayed in this gallery.

Brass Gallery

Statues in brass, brought from Rajnagar of Madhubani District have been shown in this gallery. These statues are of Nepalese and Tibetan style.

Special Gallery

Eak mukhi Rudraksha Garlands of semi preceious stones, Mico paintings, Ancient and Modern Coins Flowers pots of Zade stone, Ivory etc are beautifully arranged and displayed.

Strong Room

In this room ring of preceious stones, Gold coins, Pancha Janya Sankh, Dakshina Vartaya sonkh, Shree chakra etc are will preserved.

Library

This museum has its own small library, having different types of historical and cultural books along with same manuscripts.

Sikki Nirmit Tajmahal in Chnadradhari Museum, Darbhanga

Bansbriksha of Darbhanga Maharaj

Darbhanga town Darbhanga town attained the status of a city (population 1 lakh and above) in 1961. Darbhanga is the seat of the Maharaja of Darbhanga. Laheriasarai that is the seat of district and divisional administration is a part of the Darbhanga town. The Raj area is a well developed and beautifully laid-out complex of palaces, temples, offices, parks, gardens and ponds. There are a number of palaces built by the successive Maharajas, important among them being Nargauna Palace, Anandbagh Bhawan and Bela Palace. A number of buildings are in the use of Sanskrit University and L.N.Mithila University. The old Raj Library has been taken over by the Mithila University. The Maharajas of Darbhanga have traditionally been very great patrons of art and literature and through their magnificence have always provided encouragement to the scholars of Maithili and Sanskrit. Mahesh Thakur who founded the Raj was a renowned scholar of Sanskrit. Emperor Akbar who was very much impressed by Raghunandan Jha, a scholar and disciple of Mahesh Thakur, conferred the estate upon him.

The town is noted for its trade in fish, mango and makhana. Among its educational institution are Chandradhari Mithila College, the Medical College, the Women’s College, The Engineering School and various other institutions.

Bodh Gaya or Bodhgaya

Bodh Gaya or Bodhgaya (Hindi :??????) 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. 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.

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.

Places of Interest in Vaishali

As long ago as the 6th century BC, Vaishali was the capital of a republic. it is credited with being the world’s first republic to have elected member of an assembly. Mahavira, the founder of jainism, was born here, and the Buddha preached his last sermon here. It also has a small musuem.

Regular bus services connect Vaishali to Patna (55 km). Nearest railheads are Hajipur (35 km) and Muzaffarpur (36 km). Nearest airport is Patna.

The Lion Pillar at Kolhua, was built by Emperor Ashoka. It is made of a highly polished single piece of red sandstone, surmounted by bell shaped capital, 18.3m. high. A life-size figure of a lion isplaced on top of the pillar. The pillar is well-preserved and intact. There is a small tank here known as Ramkund. One can also find a few dilapidated stupas in Vaishali.

‘By reinventing Bihar Tourism, we hope to give a boost to the tourism sector’

Vinay Kumar IAS, director, Department of Tourism, Government of Bihar spoke to Joy Roy Choudhury of the dept’s major plans

What are the major tourism infrastructure development projects being implemented in the state now?

For the first time, a comprehensive Tourism Policy has been formulated and is being implemented. Tourism has been accorded the status of industry in the state, and a Tourism Protection Force shall be in existence very shortly. Very serious and planned steps have been taken to build, improve and renovate infrastructure. Selection and training of tourist guides are under way. A Tourism Enterprise Survey has been conducted with the assistance of Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. Two more studies, namely, Visitor’s Motivation Survey and Visitor’s Expenditure Surveys, are under consideration. Buddhist circuit roads are to be converted into four-lane highways with the cooperation from the Japan International Cooperation Agency. There are also plans for empanelment of travel businesses and complete overhaul of Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation (BSTDC). Major infrastructure projects include creation of meditation and convention centres in Bodhgaya and Rajgir, development of circumambulatory paths in Bodhgaya and Rajgir, development and beautification of all tourist sites, creation of new sites, and development of tourism-related roads and wayside amenities.

How are you promoting the Buddhist circuit in the state?

The Department of Tourism intends to promote, among others, the Buddhist heritage, the Jain circuit, rural tourism, the Sufi circuit, Gangetic and eco-tourism. Bihar Tourism believes that Bihar is to the Budhhists what Saudi Arabia is to the Muslims.

We organised a two-day International Buddhist Conclave in Nalanda in February this year in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. Over 150 foreign delegates, mainly drawn from south-east and east Asian countries, were invited. We attend all major tourism events in the country and the London and Berlin events abroad. BSTDC has prepared special Buddhist packages which have been a hit. We hold Rajgir and Bodhgaya Festivals in the months of December and January which have become reputed. We are initiating negotiations with major airlines of Buddhist countries to bring regular and chartered flights to Bodhgaya. The Mahaparinirvana Express, run by the IRCTC, has been another powerful vehicle to bring tourists to the state.

The state government is advocating Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) to promote tourism in the state. Tell us about the major private-sector projects under implementation/on the anvil in the state.

As I mentioned earlier, tourism enjoys the status of industry in the state and by virtue of it all major policy concessions and exemptions are available to tourism ventures of the private sector. An important example of private-public partnership is the Ganga Cruise, which is quite popular among foreign tourists. Another such partnership in the making is setting up of star-category hotels on properties of BSTDC on long-term lease basis.

How are you planning to position the state as a favourable tourism destination for both domestic and foreign tourists?

Bihar currently receives about four and a half lakh foreign tourists every year. By reinventing Bihar Tourism, improving the infrastructure and building up the brand image, we hope to give a boost to the tourism sector.

Bihar Government has been trying hard to provide employment opportunities to the educated unemployed youths of the state. Selection and training of guides is one important initiative. Promotion of various tourism enterprises in hotel and restaurant businesses will be the main focus of the government.