Bihar

Quick Facts

• Capital: Patna
• Largest City: Patna
• Official Languages: Hindi, Urdu
• Formation: 22 March 1912
• Nicknames: “Land of Enlightenment”
• Borders: Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Nepal
• UNESCO Sites: Mahabodhi Temple, Nalanda Mahavihara

Contents

1. History & Heritage
2. Geography & Climate
3. Top Places to Visit (Handpicked)
4. Festivals
5. Cuisine – What to Eat
6. Arts, Handicrafts & Culture
7. Adventure & Wildlife
8. How to Reach
9. Best Time to Visit
10. Sample Itineraries
11. Famous Personalities

History & Heritage

Bihar is the cradle of ancient civilizations, home to Magadh, Maurya, and Gupta empires. It is a birthplace of Buddhism and Jainism, and holds immense historical significance.

• Nalanda University: One of the world’s oldest universities.
• Patliputra: Ancient capital of Maurya Empire.
• Bodh Gaya: Where Buddha attained enlightenment.

Geography & Climate

Bihar lies in the fertile Indo-Gangetic plain, divided into North and South Bihar by the Ganga River.

• Rivers: Ganga, Kosi, Gandak, Son.
• Climate: Humid subtropical; hot summers, cold winters.

Top Places to Visit (Handpicked)

1. Bodh Gaya: Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhi Tree.
2. Nalanda: Ancient Nalanda University ruins.
3. Rajgir: Hot springs, Vulture’s Peak.
4. Patna: Golghar, Patna Museum.
5. Vaishali: Birthplace of Lord Mahavira.
6. Vikramshila: Ancient Buddhist learning center.
7. Kesaria: Tallest Buddhist stupa in India.

Festivals of Bihar

• Chhath Puja: Sun worship festival.
• Sonepur Mela: Famous cattle fair.
• Makar Sankranti: Kite flying and celebrations.
• Sama Chakeva: Mithila cultural festival.

Cuisine – What to Eat

Bihari cuisine is known for its earthy flavors and traditional sweets.

• Staples: Litti Chokha, rice and dal.
• Sweets: Khaja, Thekua, Tilkut.
• Specials: Bihari kebabs, sattu paratha.

Arts, Handicrafts & Culture

• Madhubani painting (Mithila art).
• Stone and wood carvings.
• Traditional folk dances like Jat-Jatin.

Adventure & Wildlife

• Valmiki Tiger Reserve safari.
• Nature treks in Rajgir hills.
• Boating on Ganga ghats.

How to Reach

• By Air: Jay Prakash Narayan Airport (Patna).
• By Rail: Patna Junction and other major stations.
• By Road: NH 31, NH 30 connect Bihar to other states.

Best Time to Visit

October to March is ideal for exploring historical and spiritual sites.

Sample Itineraries

4 Days – Bodh Gaya & Nalanda

• Day 1: Patna sightseeing.
• Day 2: Bodh Gaya tour.
• Day 3: Nalanda & Rajgir.
• Day 4: Return via Vaishali.

5 Days – Mithila & Cultural Tour

• Day 1: Patna → Darbhanga.
• Day 2: Explore Mithila art villages.
• Day 3: Sonepur Mela / festivals.
• Day 4: Rajgir hills.
• Day 5: Return.

Famous Personalities

• Chanakya: Ancient philosopher and strategist.
• Jayaprakash Narayan: Freedom fighter and leader.