Rajgir, ‘the royal palace’, 12 km south, was the venue for the first Buddhist Council. The Buddha spent five years at Rajgir after having attained enlightenment, and many of the remains at Rajgir commemorate various incidents, the hill of Gridhrakuta being perhaps the most important, as this is where the Buddha delivered most of his sermons. Bodhgaya is the spot where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment, with the Mahabodhi Temple marking the precise location. Bihar’s Buddhist circuit has modest back-up facilities by way of accommodation, international dining and surface transport. (For those interested in the Buddhist circuit, it may be worthwhile to note that Sarnath, in Uttar Pradesh, close to Varanasi, is an important part of the circuit, and has been beautifully developed. Besides the excavated sites, a museum here houses several Buddhist icons, among them the Ashoka Lion, India’s national emblem).

Patna
the imperial city

Patna once called Pataliputra the capital of Bihar,is among the world's oldest capital cities with unbroken history of many centuries as imperial metropolis.

A very fertile arched stretch of land along the bank of the Ganga, the history and heritage of modern day Patna go back well over two millennia. Like Delhi, Patna too had been the regal seat of governance for successive kingdoms since ancient times. And to this day, it is the capital city of the state. As each ruler ascended in power and established dynastic glory, he gave his capital a new name. Thus the ancient Kusumpura metamorphosed through Pushpapura, Pataliputra, Azeemabad and now into Patna, a continuous history ranging from 6th century BC to present times – a record claimed by few cities in the world. It was Ajatshatru the Magadha king who first built a small fort in Pataligram on the bank of the Ganga in 6th century BC, which later blossomed into the ancient glory still to be seen in the neighbouring archaeological sites at Kumrahar. Bhiknapahari, Agamkuan, Bulandi Bagh and Kankar Bagh. Pataliputra dominated the political fortunes of the whole of north India between 6th century BC and 5th century AD, a fact established by archaeological excavations. After a temporary eclipse, in 16th century Sher Shah Suri returned the city to its former glory and established the present Patna. After the decline of the Mughals, the British too found Patna a convenient regional capital and built a modern extension to this ancient city and called it Bankipore. It was in Gandhi Maidan in this area that Mahatma Gandhi held his prayer meetings.

Altitude : 53 metres.
Temperature (degree C) : Summer - Max. 43, Min. 21; Winter - Max. 20, Min. 6.
Rainfall : 120 cms.
Clothing : Summer - Cottons, Winter - Heavy Woollens.
Best Season : October to March.

TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION

• Air : I.A flights connect Patna with Bombay, Calcutta, Delhi, Lucknow, Ranchi.
  Fare:- Calcutta-Patna Rs.1370 (Y), Rs.1697 (C).
• Rail: Patna is connected by rail to Bombay, Calcutta, Guwahati, Ranchi, Varanasi.
  Fare:- Calcutta-Patna Rs.564 (AC-2A), Rs.423 (I), Rs.135 (II).
• Road: By road Patna to Nalanda-90 km, Rajgir-102 km, Pawapuri-90 km, Gaya-172 km Bodhgaya-179 km, Raxaul-210 km, Ranchi-335 km, Muzzafarpur-72 km, Sasaram- 152 km, Vaishali-56 km, Calcutta-653 km, Delhi-997 km.
• Bus : Regular direct bus services connect Patna to Calcutta, Rajgir, Nalanda, Pawapuri, Vaishali, Gaya-Bodhgaya, Ranchi, Raxaul, Muzzafarpur, Sasaram.
  Fare : Calcutta (Babughat) - Patna Rs.80-100/-.
• Local Transport : Auto Rickshaw, Cycle Rickshaw, Tonga, Bus and Unmetered Taxi.
• Conducted Tour : B.S.T.D.C. operates the following tours from B.S.T.D.C.,  C/O Paryatan Bhavan, Birchand Patel Path, Patna - 800 001,
  1) Patna City Tour : Everyday except Monday, from 0800 hrs to 1700 hrs. Rs.50/-
  2) Rajgir-Nalanda-Pawapuri : Everyday, from 0800 hrs. to 2000 hrs. Fare: Rs.75/-

WHAT TO SEE

Kumrahar
Archaeological findings in this area establish Patna’s claim to over a thousand years of political glory -. 600 BC to 600 AD, and then again, 16th century onwards, spanning the rule of several dynasties. Very little of this grandeur remains though, except the remnants of a huge Mauryan hall supported by 80 sandstone pillars dating back to 400 – 300 BC.

Golghar
Alarmed by the famine of 1770, captain John Garstin built this huge granary for the British army in 1786. The massive structure is 29 m high and walls 3.6 m wide at the base. The stairway winding around this monument offers a magnificent panoramic view of the city and the Ganga flowing by.

Har Mandir Takht
It was in Patna, far from Punjab, where Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs who consolidated the warrior sect, was born in 1660. The Har Mandir Takht, one of the four sacred shrines of the Sikhs, stands at this holy site, The original temple was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh and contains belongings of the Guru and Sikh holy texts. As a sign of reverence, it is also called Patna Sahib by the Sikhs.

Martyrs’ memorial
A memorial to seven freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives in "Quit India" movement of August 1942, it is a modern sculpture facing the Secretariat where they were shot in their attempt to hoist the national flag.

Pathar ki Masjid
Adjacent to’Har Mandir Sahib, this beautiful mosque was built by Parwez Shah, son of Jehangir, when he was the governor of Bihar. Situated on the bank of the Ganga, it is also called Saif Khan’s mosque, Chimmi Ghat mosque and Sangi Masjid.

Sher Shah Suri Masjid
Sher Shah Suri built this mosque in 1545 to commemorate his reign. Built in Afghan architectural style, it is one of the many beautiful mosques in Bihar and a landmark in Patna.

Khuda Baksh Oriental Library
A magnificent one man collection of rare Arabic and Persian manuscripts, Rajput and Mughal paintings, assortment of old books and new books from the university of Cordoba, Spain, it is one of the national libraries of India now.

Patna museum
The museum contains a First World War cannon, metal and stone sculpture of Maurya and Gupta periods, Buddhist sculpture, terra-cotta figures. The famous Didarganj Yakshi of 3rd century BC and a 16 m long fossilised tree are some of its special possessions.

Jalan museum
Built at the old site of Sher Shah’s fart, it has an excellent collection of jade, Chinese paintings, Mughal glass and silver filigree carvings. It is a private collection and visitors need prior permission.

Sadaqat Ashram
It is the headquarters of Bihar Vidyapeeth, a national university. India’s first President Dr.Rajendra Prasad lived here after his retirement and there is a small museum here displaying his personal belongings.

Maner
About 29 km from Patna, Bari Dargah, is the cenotaph of the Sufi Saint Hazrat Makhdoom Yahiya Maner. The tomb of his disciple Shah Daulat is also here. It is an important pilgrimage place for Muslims during the annual urs.

Other places of interest near Patna
Padri ki Haveli - an 18th century catholic church.
Biological Park – a zoo cum botanical garden.
Patna Yoga Vidyalaya. Patna School of Yoga – famed for excellence of Yoga teaching.
Quila House (Museum), Laxmi Narayan Temple, Pathar-Ki-Masjid, Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park, Rajendra Mueusm, Gandhi Museum.

EXCURSIONS

Maner 29 kms, Sasaram 148 kms, Sonepur 25 kms, Vaishali 56 kms, Nalanda 90 kms, Rajgir 102 kms, Gaya 174 kms, Bodhgaya 179 kms.

TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE

1. Bihar State Tourist Information Centre, Fraser Road, Patna. Tel : 25295.
2. Government Of India Tourist Office, Room No. 151, 162 Tourist Bhavan, Birchand Patel Path, Patna. Tel : 226721.
3. Bihar Tourist Information Centre, 26-B Camac Street, Calcutta 700016 Tel: 247-0821.

Vaishali

Vaishali today is a small village surrounded by banana and mango groves and  rice fields. But excavations in the area have brought to light an impressive historical past. The epic Ramayana tells the story of the heroic King Vishal who ruled here. Historians maintain that one of the world's first democratic republics with an elected assembly of representatives flourished here in the 6th century B.C. in the time of the Vajjis and the Lichhavis. And while Pataliputra, capital of the Mauryas and the Guptas, held political sway over the Gangetic plain, Vaishali was a rich centre for trade and industry.

Historically important, Vaishali, on the left bank of the Gandak river, is spiritually supreme : Lord Buddha visited this place frequently and at Kolhua, close by, preached his last sermon. To commemorate the event, Emperor Ashoka, in the third century B.C. erected one of his famous lion pillars here. A hundred years after the mahaparinirvana of the Buddha - Vaishali hosted the second great Buddhist council. Two stupas were erected to commemorate this event.
Jainism, too, has its origins in Vaishali, for in 527 B.C., Lord Mahavir was born on the outskirts of the city, and lived in Vaishali till he was 22. Vaishali is then twice blessed and remains an important pilgrim centre for both Buddhists and Jains, attracting also historians foraging for the past.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Altitude : 52 metres
Temperature : (Max./Min.) Summer 44 Deg C/21 Deg C Winter 23 Deg C/6 Deg C
Rainfall 120 cms
Best Season : October to March

TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION

• Air : The nearest airport is Patna 56 km connected by Indian Airlines to Bombay, Calcutta, Delhi, Ranchi and Lucknow.
• Rail : Hajipur (35 km) on the North Eastern Railway is the nearest railway station
• Road : Vaishali is connected by road to Patna (55 km), Muzaffarpur (36 km) and Hajipur (35 km).
• Bus Services: Regular bus services connect Vaishali to Patna via Lalgunj, Hajipur and Muzaffarpur.
• Local Transport : Only tongas and cycle rickshaws are available.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Ashoka Pillar at Kolhua; Buddha Stupa I; Buddha Stupa II; Raja Vishal Ka Ghar; Coronation Tank; Museum; Bawan Pokhar Temple and Harikatora Temple; Miranji Ka Durgah; Kundupur (4 km).

SPECIAL INSTITUTIONS

The Jain Prakrit Institute offers a place of study for researchers interested in Jainology an Prakrit, one of the spoken languages of Northern India in ancient times.

EXCURSIONS

Visitors must return to Patna (55 km) to undertake any excursions they may wish to organise.

INFORMATION CENTRES

Tourist Information Centre, Tourist Bungalow, Vaishali.

Baidyanath Dham (Deoghar)

Baidyanath Dham situated in the Santhal Parganas of Bihar, is a very important piligram Centre. It's famous for the Hindus for the temple of Shiva-Baidyanath and the place is a popular holiday Centre.

Temperature (deg C) : Summer - Max 36.9, Min 23; Winter - Max 27.7, Min 7.4.
Best Season : October to February.

HOW TO GET THERE

• Rail : The nearest Railway Station is Baidyanath Dham (Deoghar) which is a terminal station of a 7 kms branch line orignating from Jasidih Jn.
• Road : By road Baidyanath Dham (Deoghar) to Calcutta 373 kms, Giridih 112 kms, Patna 281 kms, Dumka 67 kms, Madhupur 57 kms, Shimultala 53 kms etc.
• Bus : Long distance buses connect Baidyanath Dham with Bhagalpur, Hazaribagh, Ranchi, Tatanagar, Gaya etc.
• Local Transport : Unmetered Taxis, Scooters, Cycle Ricksaws are available.

PLACES OF INTEREST AND EXCURSIONS

Baidyanath Temple; Nandan Pahar; Naulakha Mandir; Satsang Ashram; Tapovan.
Basakinath Temple (42 kms) : Famous for Shiva Temple.
Harila Joria (8 kms) : Famous for Shiva Temple.
Trikut (16 kms) : Sources of the River Mayurakshi.

MISCELLANEOUS

Shopping Centres : Bihar State Handloom Emporium; Santhal Parganas Gramodyog Samittee; Santhal Parganas Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan.

Yoga Institution : Balanand Ashram Yogashala, Karnibagh.

Information Centre:
1) Tourist Information Centre, Government of Bihar, Station Road. Tele : 208.
2) Tourist Information Centre, Government of Bihar, 26-B, Camac Street, Calcutta- 700 016. Tele : 247-0821.

Conducted Tours : Department of Tourism, Government of Bihar operates local sight-seeing tour to Tapavan, Naulakha etc. during season.
Timing : From 1400 hours to 1600 hours.
Other tours (1) Ushri Falls (Giridih), (2) Rajgir-Nalanda- Pawapuri-2 (3) Messanjore-1

Gaya

Bihar has some of the most sacred Buddhist and Hindu shrines. Gaya is one of the most important pilgrimage places for the Hindus. It is believed that a Hindu will reach heaven if his last rites are offered under the celebrated ’Akshayabat’ or immortal banyan tree, standing in the yard of Vishnupad temple. Believed to be built on the footsteps of Vishnu, the grand temple was renovated by Ahalyabai, queen of Indore.

Around Gaya

Brahma - Yoni, Ramshila, Pretishila – beautiful hills.

Deo – 20 km from Gaya, Surya temple here is the site of famous Chhath puja in November. Kurkihar - ancient habitation with ruins. Presumed to be the Kukkutapadagiri mentioned by Hiuen Tsang in 7th century.

Barabar caves – 40 km from Gaya, earliest Buddhist rock cut caves. Sasaram – 123 km from Gaya, tombs of Sher Shah Suri, his father and son. There is a cave with Ashokan edicts and a Dargah on Chandan Pir Hill.

Pawapuri
In Pawapuri or Apapuri, 38 km from Rajgir and 90 km from Patna, all sins end for a devout Jain. Lord Mahavira breathed his last here and was cremated here. People took away not only the ashes but also the scooped out earth and thus a tank came into being. Now the famous Jalamandir marble temple stands at the site. There is another Jain temple here viz. Samosharan.

Parasnath hill
It is believed that 22’ tirthankars’ out of 24 attained salvation here and is one of the most sacred pilgrim centres for the Jains.

Call of the hills

The Chotanagpur plateau is one of the most beautiful areas in Bihar. Studded with hills 300 – 900m in altitude and covered with verdant virgin forests, this area of rivers, lakes, meadows and valleys is an ideal retreat of peace and beauty. Rich in wildlife, these forests are an anthropologist’s delight, since the ancient lifestyle of the tribes like Santhal, Ho, Munda, Oraon, Koi, Chero, Kharia, Paharia has remained essentially unaltered.

Ranchi
This erstwhile summer capital of Bihar is 676 m in altitude and is a beautiful hill station. There. are beautiful water falls around, with lilting names like Hundru, Jonha, Dasamghagh and Himi. Other landmarks are a Shiva temple on a hill top with Ranchi lake at the foot of the hill, and Morabadi hill and Tagore hill.

Hazaribagh
A small hill resort 93 km from Ranchi and 616 m above sea level, though having usual lakes and hills, is more famous for its wildlife sanctuary. Wildlife like bear, nilgai, sambar, chital, tiger, panther, kakar, etc. can be viewed from 10 watch towers. February – March and October – November are the best seasons for visiting here. Tilaiya dam 63 km away is a picnic spot.

Netarhat
Called the ’Queen of Chotanagpur’ this exquisite little hill station has fantastic sunrise and sunset. Situated 1127 m above sea level, it has beautiful waterfalls around, like Upper Ghagri and Lower Ghagri.

Palamau
A popular tourist resort 140 km from Ranchi. Betla National Park is nearby where gaur, chital, elephant, sloth bear, wild bear, sambar, nilgai, kakar, chinkara, mouse deer, dhole, tiger and panther can be seen. This is one of the Tiger Project Reserves. There are tree top towers, watch towers and ground level hideouts for professional photographers. February – March and October - November are the best seasons and excellent accommodation is available here.

Jamshedpur
It is one of India’s earliest planned cities and to this day beautifully maintained and managed, in spite of being an industrial township. Industrial giants like TISCO, TELCO are situated here. Surrounded by the Dolma hills, it has retained its hill station atmosphere.

Damodar Valley
Site of one of the earliest power projects, river Damodar is harnessed here in a massive network. Maithon. Panchet and Tilaiya are the major dams.

Dhanbad
This centre of coal mining and industries lies 171 km from Jamshedpur and is famous for the picturesque Topehanchi lake nearby. Bokaro Steel Complex is 47 km away.

Bhagalpur
Famous for its silk and a university town today, it has a long heritage of learning. The ruins of the ancient Vikramshila university is 42 km away. Rock cut temple at Colganj and Vishnu temple on a hill top are tourist attractions.

Monghyr
The little town has nothing to show today for its long history except a Mughal fort and a temple, but it was once the capital of the ancient Anga kingdom. The British conquered Bihar in the battle of Buxar at Buxar nearby. There is a sound and light show at Buxar recounting the story of Ramayana and history of India.

How to get there

Gaya is an important railway junction. There are bus services from all important towns of Bihar.

Where to stay

Many dharamshalas, modest hotels and rest house are available.

Bodhgaya

Bodhgaya is one of the sacred places for the Buddhists as well as for the Hindus. Here under the Bodhi Tree, Gautama attained supreme knowledge to become Budhha, the `Enlighted One'.

"The Buddha once lived here"

Lord Buddha the gentle colossus who founded the first universal religion of the world, worked and lived much of his life in Bihar though he was born in Kapilavastu, now in Nepal. Most of the major events of his life, like enlightenment and last sermon happened in Bihar. Significantly. the state’s name originated from ’Vihara’ meaning Buddhist and Jain monasteries, which abounded in Bihar.

Though the Buddha was born as a Sakya prince in the Terai foothills of the Himalayas, Buddhism as a religion was really born in Bihar and evolved here through his preaching and the example of his lifestyle of great simplicity, renunciation and empathy for everything living. Perhaps the present day life of trauma and tension reminds us of the other alternative that was always available to us, the Buddha’s way of life, gentle and simple.

Several centuries after Buddha’s passing away, the Maurya emperor Ashoka (234-198 BC) contributed tremendously towards the revival, consolidation and spread of the original religion. It is the monasteries Ashoka built for the Buddhist monks and the pillars erected to commemorate innumerable historical sites associated with the Buddha’s life, mostly intact to this day, that helped scholars and pilgrims alike to trace the life events and preachings of a truly extraordinary man.

The Buddha attained enlightenment in Bodhgaya, under the Bodhi tree, 10 km from Gaya. the ancient Hindu pilgrimage centre. The tree from the original sapling still stands in the temple premises. It is the most important Buddhist pilgrimage centre as Buddhisrn was born here.

The magnificent Mahabodhi temple in Bodhgaya is an architectural amalgamation of many centuries cultures and many heritages that came to pay their homage here. The temple definitely has architecture of the Gupta and later ages, inscriptions describing visits of pilgrims from Sri Lanka, Myanmar and China between 7th and 10th century AD. It is perhaps still the same temple Hiuen Tsang visited in 7th century.

Altitude : 113 metres
Climate (deg c) : Summer- Max.47, Min.28; Winter- Max.28, Min.4.
Rainfall- 186 cms ( Mid. June to Mid. September ).
Best Season : October to March.

TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION

• Air : Nearest airport is Gaya 12 kms. However convienent airport is Patna.  Indian Airlines connect Patna to Bombay,Calcutta,Delhi,Ranchi & Lucknow.
  Fare : Calcutta - Patna Rs.1697/- (C), Rs.1370/- (Y).
• Rail: The nearest railhead is at Gaya, 12 kms.
  Fare : Calcutta - Gaya Rs.485 (A/C-2A), Rs.380 (I), Rs.132 (II).
• Road: Bodh Gaya is connected by road to Gaya 12 kms, Nalanda 62 kms, Rajgir 46 kms, Patna 152 kms, Varanasi 215 kms, Calcutta 482 kms.
• Bus Services: Daily bus services connect Bodhgaya with Gaya, Patna, Nalanda, Rajgir, Varanasi etc.
• Local Transport : Cycle Rickshaws, Tongas, Auto Rickshaws are available.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Mahabodhi Temple, Animeshlocan Chaiyata, Mohanta's Monastery, Ratnagar,  Archaeological Museum, Tbetan Monastery, Thai Temple & Monastery, International Buddhist House & Japanese Temple, Buddhist Monastery of Bhutan, The Burmese Temple, The Chinese Temple & Monastery.

EXCURSIONS

Dungeshwari 12 km, Muchalinda Lake 3 km, Gaya 12 km, Majadha University 3.2 km.

TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES

1. Government of Bihar Tourist Office, (Opposite The Mahabodhi Temple), Bodh Gaya, Tel : 26.
2. Government of India Tourist Office, Room No. 151, 162 Tourist Bhawan, Birchand Patel Path, Patna. Tel : 226721.

Nalanda

Founded in the 5th centuary A.D. Nalanda is known as the ancient seat of learning. World's most ancient University lies in ruins which is 62 kms from Bodhgaya and 90 kms south of Patna. Emperor Ahoka built many monastries, temples and Viharas here.

Though the Buddha visited Nalanda several times during his lifetime, this famous centre of Buddhist learning shot to fame much later, during 5th-12th centuries. Hiuen Tsang stayed here in 7th century and has left detailed description of the excellence of education and purity of monastic life practiced here. In this first residential international university of the world, 2,000 teachers and 10,000 students from all over the Buddhist world lived and studied here. The Gupta kings patronised these monasteries, built in old Kushan architectural style, in a row of cells around a courtyard. Ashoka and Harshavardhana were some of its most celebrated patrons who built temples and monasteries here. Recent excavations have unearthed elaborate structures here. Hiuen Tsang had left ecstatic accounts of both the ambiance and architecture of this unique university of ancient times. An international Centre for Buddhist Studies was established here in 1951. Nearby is Bihar Sharif, where an annual urs is celebrated at the Dargah or tomb of Malik Ibrahim Baya. Baragaon, 2 km away has a sun temple, famous for Chhath puja. To be visited are Nalanda museum & Nava Nalanda Mahavihar in addition to the great ruins.

Altitude : 67 metres.
Temperature (deg C) : Summer- Max. 37.8, Min. 17.8; Winter- Max.27.8, Min.10.6
Rainfall : 120 cms (June to September)
Best Season : October to March.

TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION

• Air : The nearest airport is at Patna 89 kms. Indian Airlines connect Patna to Calcutta, Ranchi, Bombay, Delhi and Lucknow.
  Fare : Calcutta - Patna Rs.1697/- (C), Rs.1370/- (Y).
• Rail : Though Rajgir (12 kms) is the nearest railway station to Nalanda yet the nearest convenient railheadis at Gaya 65 kms.
  Fare : Calcutta - Rajgir Rs.564 (AC-2A), Rs.425 (I), Rs.159 (II). Calcutta - Gaya Rs.485 (AC-2A), Rs.375 (I), Rs.142 (II).
• Road : Nalanda is connected by good road with Rajgir 12 kms, Bodh Gaya 50 kms, Gaya 65 kms, Patna 90 kms, Pawapuri 26 kms, Bihar Sharif 13 kms etc.
• Local Transport : There are no taxis available in Nalanda. Cycle rickshws and tongas are the only modes of transport.

WHAT TO SEE

Hieun Tsang Memorial Hall, The Nalanda University Complex, Swarajpur Baragon. The Nalanda Museum (Opens 1000 to 1700 hours. Closed on Friday.)

Lauria Areraj
A 11.5 m high Ashokan column was erected here in 249 BC. The polished sandstone pillar has six edicts on it. The site is 30 km from Motihari.

Lauria Nandangarh
This site, 23 km from Bettiah and 14 km from Shikarpur, has the famous lion pillar erected by Ashoka. The 8.5 m polished sandstone column also has an edict engraved on it. Nearby there are the remains of Nandangarh Stupa, believed to contain the ashes of the Buddha.

EXCURSION

Bihar Sharif 13 kms, Gaya 65 kms, Bodh Gaya 50 kms, Rajgir 12 kms.

Rajgir

46 kms from Bodhgaya, Rajgir is sacred to the memory of the founders of both Buddhism and Jainism. Rajgir today is vestiges of a legendary and historical remains like the cyclopean wall and the marks engraved in rocks.

Rajagriha in Patna district was the ancient capital city of the Magadha kings. The Buddha often came here to retreat at the Jivkamaravana monastery in a beautiful orchard. One of his most devoted and prosperous devotees, surgeon Jivaka also lived here. The rich merchant community here soon became the Buddha’s followers and built many structures of typical Buddhist architecture. The Buddha converted the Mauryan king Bimbisara, one of his most celebrated followers at the Griddhakuta hill, where he delivered many of his sermons as well. The Japanese have built a Stupa on top of the Ratnagiri hill, linked by a ropeway. After the Buddha reached ’parinirvana’ his followers met at the Saptaparni cave in Rajagriha, the first Buddhist Council ever held. It was here that the teachings of the Buddha were penned down for the first time. Rajgir is also an important place of pilgrimage for the Hindus and Jains. Other places to be visited are Bimbisara ka jail, Jarasandha ka akhara, Venuvana, Karand tank, Maniyar math, Swamabhandar cave, Pippala cave, Viswa Shanti Stupa, the famous hot water springs and ruins of an old fort.

Temperature (deg C): Summer- Max. 45, Min. 20; Winter- Max. 28, Min. 6.
Rainfall : 186 cms (Mid-June to Mid-September)
Best Season : October to March.

TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION

• Air : The nearest airport is at Patna 101 kms. Indian Airlines connect Patna to Calcutta, Bombay, Delhi, Ranchi and Lucknow.
  Fare: Calcutta-Patna Rs.1697 (C), Rs.1370 (Y).
• Rail: Though Rajgir itself is the railway station yet the nearest convenient railhead is at Gaya 34 kms.
  Fare: Calcutta-Rajgir Rs.564 (AC-2A), Rs.425 (I), Rs.159 (II). Calcutta-Gaya Rs.485 (AC-2A), Rs.375 (I), Rs.142 (II).
• Road: Rajgir is connected by road to Patna 102 kms, Nalanda 12 kms, Gaya 34 kms, Pawapuri 38 kms, Bihar Sharif 25 kms etc.
• Bus : Regular buses are available from all the above said points to Rajgir.
• Local Transport: Taxis and Buses and Tongas are available.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Ajatashatur's Fort, Amaravana (Mango Garden), Venuban, Bimbisara's Jail, Swarna Bhandar, Cyclopean Wall, Griddhakuta (Vulture's Peak), Saptparni Cave, Pippala Cave (Watch Tower), Jain temples, Karnada Tank, Maniyar Math.

EXCURSIONS

Bihar Sharif- 25 kms, Nalanda- 12 kms, Sawarajpur Baragaon, Gaya- 34 kms, Bodh Gaya- 50 kms, Kundalpurr- 18 kms.

Pawapuri: 38 kms. Pawapuri is also known as Apapuri, is a sacred Jain pilgrim centre. Jalmandir, a marble temple in the centre of a big lotus tank, is the biggest attraction here. Other places of interest here are Samosaran and Naya mandir. It was here thet Mahavir delivered his last sermon and was also cremated.

Ranchi

Ranchi is picturesquely situated in the valley of Chotanagpur at an altitude of 2140 feet (654.5 metres) above sea level. It is well known for its scenic attractions waterfalls, salubrious climate, glades, barren rocks and verdant hillocks. It has a number of industrial field. Ranchi is also a central place for the study of tribal ways of life.

Temperature (deg C) : Summer- Max 37.2, Min 20.6; Winter- Max 22.3, Min 10.3.
Rainfall : 1530 mm (61.2 inches) annual.
Best Season : September to May.

TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION

• Air : Ranchi is connected by regular Indian Airlines services with Calcutta, Patna, Bombay and New Delhi.
  Fare : Calcutta - Ranchi : Rs.1007/- (Y).
• Rail : Ranchi is on the South Eastern Railway and is directly connected with Calcutta, Patna, Rourkela etc.
  Fare : Calcutta - Ranchi Rs.463 (AC-2A), Rs.353 (I), Rs.145 (II).
• Road : Ranchi is situated on National Highway No.23 & 33 and there are nets of good roads around it. Ranchi is directly connected by regular bus services with all the main places in the state and also outside the state.
  Fare : Calcutta - Ranchi Rs.100/-

PLACES OF INTEREST

Ranchi Hill, Tagore Hill (Moradabad Hill) 4 kms, Kanke Dam 4 kms, Ranchi Lake, Tribal Research Institute & Museum, Heavy Engineering 11 km, Hatia Dam 12 kms, Jagannath Temple 10 kms, Mental Hospital 9 kms.

EXCURSIONS

Hundru Falls (320 ft.) 45 kms, Johna Falls (140 ft.) 40 kms, Dassamghagh Falls (144 ft.) 34 kms, Hirni Falls 75 kms, Netarhat 156 kms.

TOURIST INFORMATION

Tourist Information Centre, Govt.of Bihar, Court Compound Circular Road, Ranchi. Tel : 20426.
Tourist Information Centre, Govt. of Bihar, 26-B, Camac Street, Calcutta 700 016, Tel : 247-0821.

Hazaribagh

Nestling in low hilly terrain, at an average altitude of 1800 ft. (615 metres) this 183.89 sq. kms National Park has an abundance of wild animals, i.e. wild Boar, Sambar, Nilgai, Chital, Sloth Bear, tiger and Panthar. The 1970 census has established the presence of 14 tigers, 25 Panthers and 400 Sambars.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Area of the park :
Altitude :
Temperature (deg C): Summer- Max. 41.1, Min. 19.4; Winter- Max. 25.5, Min. 7.
Clothing :
Best Season : October to March.
Languages spoken :
STD Code :

HOW TO GET THERE

• Air : The nearest airport Ranchi (91 kms) is connected with Calcutta, Patna, Lucknow and Delhi by regular Indian Airlines service.
  Fare: Calcutta - Ranchi (Tue,Thu,Sun) Rs.1197 (Y).
• Rail: Nearest railway station is Koderma which is 59 kms away or alternately one can apporach the National Park from Hazaribagh Road railway station (67 kms) on the Howarh-Delhi Grand Chord line.
  Fare: Calcutta- Hazaribagh Road Rs.450 (AC-2A), Rs.330 (I), Rs.115 (II) Calcutta- Koderma Rs.500 (AC-2A), Rs.370 (I), Rs.125 (II)
• Road: Hazaribagh town is connected by road to Ranchi 91 kms, Dhanbad 128 kms, Gaya 130 kms, Patna 235 kms, Daltonganj 198 kms, Calcutta (via Asansol-Govindapur-Barhi) 434 kms.
• Bus : The Hazaribagh National Park is 19 kms from the Hazaribag town. Regular bus services connect the town with Koderma, Hazaribagh Road rly station, Patna, Gaya, Ranchi, Dhanbad, Dalotongunj and other nearby places.
• Internal Transport: Unmetered Taxis, Auto Ricksaws, Cycle Ricksaws and Taxis are available for the park from the Hazaribagh town. The approximate charges for car is Rs.160 for bothway journey.

TOUR IN THE PARK

Trip to the park starts at 1700 hours from the Divisional Forest Office, West Division, Hazaribagh and it ends at 2200 hours. Rs.50 per head.

Reservation: Divisional Forest Officer, West Division, Hazaribagh.
Entry fees for vehicles inside the park: Bus (full)- Rs.75; Mini Bus- Rs.50; Station Wagon/Car/Jeep/Private Car- Rs.20; Motor Cycle- Rs.10 and Taxi- Rs.25.
Guide Service : No charges for guides provided with the tours.
Camera Fee : Nil.
Spot Light Fee: Rs.20 per trip.
Restriction : Fire arms are not allowed inside the National Park.

EXCURSIONS

Canari Hill (5 kms) : Cycle Rickshaws available from the Hazaribagh town.

Rajrappa Falls (89 kms): State Transport Bus operates daily an early morning service to this place from the town.

Suraj Kund (72 kms) : Hot spring. Buses are available from the town.

TOURIST INFORMATION

1) Tourist Information Centre, Government of Bihar, Hazaribagh, Tel: 2236.
2) Tourist Information Centre, Government of Bihar, 26-B, Camac Street, Calcutta- 700 016.

Palamau National Park (Betla)

Palamau has the distinction of being the forest where the world's first tiger census was enumerated in 1932. Large herds of Gaur & Chital are commonly seen. Elephants are present mostly after the monsoons upto the time when the water holes begin to dry up in March. Tiger, Panther, Sloth Bear, Wild Bear, Sambar, Nilgai, Deer are also permanent residents. Palamau National Park is now a part of one of nine tiger reserves in India under "Project Tiger".

GENERAL INFORMATION

Area : Total Area- 1026 sq.km., Buffer Zone- 813 sq.km., Core Area- 213 sq.km., Tourist Zone- 35 sq.km.
Established on : June 1974.
Altitude : 300 to 1140 metres.
Temperature (deg C): Summer- Max.47, Min.28; Winter- Max.23, Min.07.
Best Season : October to March.
Languages Spoken : Hindi, English.

TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION

• Air : Nearest airport Ranchi is 161 kms away from Betla. Daily Indian Airlines service connects Ranchi with Calcutta, Patna, Lucknow and Delhi.
  Fare: Calcutta-Ranchi (Tue,Thu,Sun) Rs.1197 (Y).
• Rail: The nearest railhead is at Daltonganj 25 kms from Betla. And the second nearest railway station is Ranchi 161 kms from Betla.
  Fare: Calcutta-Daltonganj Rs.700 (AC-2A), Rs.520 (I), Rs.175 (II). (approx) Calcutta-Ranchi Rs.555 (AC-2A), Rs.423 (I), Rs.154 (II).
• Road: Good motorable road connects Betla to Daltonganj 25 kms, Ranchi 171 kms, Patna 384 kms, Hazaribagh 190 kms, Netarhat 211 kms, Calcutta 575 kms.
• Bus : Regular direct bus services are available from Ranchi and Hazaribagh to Daltonganj via Khudia Morh from where Betla is 6 kms.

CONDUCTED TOUR

There are no regular tour but trip to sanctuary by jeep can be arranged, from the Director Tiger Project (Jail Compound) Daltonganj, Palamau, Tel: 350. Charges for jeep is Rs.10 per km. and entry fee Rs.100 (Capacity 6-8 person).Spotlights & guide are provided with the jeep. Charges for spotlight is Rs.25.
Timings :- 0500 to 1900 hours.

Entry fees for vehicles to National Park
Station Wagon - Rs.75 for 15 persons.
Car and Jeep - Rs.60 for 6 persons.
Bus - Rs.160 for 40 persons.

Facilities
There are 3 elephants of the Department of Tourism and one jeep of the ForestDepartment to take the tourists around the park with guide and spotlight. Five Watch Towers from where animals can be observed and photographs taken.

Dhanbad

Dhanbad is one of the most important industrial centres in India. In and around Dhanbad is the richest mineral wealth of India.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Temperature (deg C) : Summer Max- 22, Min- 08; Winter Max- 44, Min- 22.
Rainfall : 1418 mms (July to September).
Best Season : October to March.
Clothings : Summer - Cotton/Tropical; Winter - Light Woollen.
Languages Spoken : Hindi, Bengali and English.

HOW TO REACH

• Air : Dhanbad is connected by Vayudoot Service with Patna and Ranchi which in turn connected by Indian Airlines services with Calcutta and Delhi.
  Fare : Calcutta - Ranchi Rs.1007/- (Y).
• Rail : Dhanbad has an important railway station on Eastern Railway and is very well connected with Patna,Calcutta and other important Cities in India.
  Fare (approx): Calcutta-Dhanbad Rs.328 (AC-2A), Rs.236 (I), Rs.100 (II)
• Road : Dhanbad is very well connected by roads with important towns in Bihar.

WHAT TO SEE

Central Mining Research Station; Central Fuel Reaserch Institute; Directorate General of Mines Safety; Mining College.

EXCURSIONS

The collieries, various technical institutions and research centres of high order, attractives neighbourhood and the landscapes are the attractions of this industrial city.

• Topchanchi : 37 kms. This is a beautiful lake, surrounded by green hills.
• Jharia : Suburts of Dhanbad, is rich colliery centre & has entensive commerce.
• Sindri : 30 kms. Fertiliser & other factories & Bihar Institute of Technology.
• Maithon Dam : 52 kms. D.V.C Dam.
• Panchet Dam : D.V.C Dam.

TOURIST INFORMATION

1) Tourist Information Centre, Government of Bihar, Dhanbad - 826 001. Tele : 3291.
2) Tourist Information Centre, Government of Bihar, 26-B, Camac Street, Calcutta 700 016. Tele: 247-0821.

Galudih

Galudih lies in small hills and attracts the tourist for its natural beauty with calm and quiet atmosphare. In the rainy season the hills, the jungles, the agricultural lands make Galudih green. Though the best season is July to March but actually tourist can visit Galudih throughout the year.

TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION

• Air : The nearest airport Calcutta is 248 kms from Galudih.
• Rail: Nearest railway stations Galudih, Ghatshila (8 kms) & Jamshedpur (44 kms) are directly connected by Indian rail with Galudih. Beter to get down at Ghatshila by 8011 Howrah-Rourkela Ispat express (4 hours journey from Howrah) and then to Galudih by auto-rickshaw.(30 minutes/Fare Rs.60)
• Road: By road Galudih to Calcutta-248 kms, Tatanagar- 44 kms, Ghatshila- 12 kms.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Suvarnarekha River: Suvarnarekha means the golden line. One can easily make a morning-walk using station-side road to reach the river. Barrage on the river is also an another attraction here. But the most interesting venture here is to cross the river by bullock-cart to reach the hilly village other bank of the river.

Satgurum: 15 kms towards the north-side of the tourist lodge its an another river here. Seven streams of the river encircle seven separate hills seven times, hence the river is named as Satgurum. Trecking to the hills through the jungle-path full of unknown trees and flowers are the best attraction here. Elephants may also be seen in the jungles.

EXCURSIONS

Tatanagar, Dimna Lake (Tatanagar), Jubili Park (Tatanagar), Burudihi Lake, Dharagiri, Jadugorar Jungle, Devi Rakshkhini Temple, Copper Mines, Ghatshila.

Giridh

32 kms from Madhupur, Giridh is now a District Town of Bihar. Regular Buses connect Giridh with Munger, Dhanbad, Bhagalpur, Koderma and other places. Usri falls is only 11 kms away from Giridh. Tongas are available as the main local transport here.

MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATIONS

Restaurants : Khalsa Hindu Hotel, Lakshmi Hotel, Sinha Hotel, Nandan Hotel, Padam Hotel.
Bar : Milan Bar
Club : Lions Club, Giridih Club.
Banks : United Bank of India,UCo Bank,Bank of India,State Bank of India.

Jamshedpur (Tatanagar)

This is the place where the foundation of Indian Steel Industry was laid in the end of the last century. Late Jamshedji was the founder of this city who founded Tata Iron and Steel Company at this site. This city is named after the founder and has two names Jamshedpur & Tatanagar. It is heavily industrialized but very clean and modern.

Climate : Tropical Max 46.7 C, Min 6.1 C.

TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION

• Air : Tatanagar is connected with Calcutta by Vayudoot Flights which in turn is connected to major cities in India.
• Rail : Tatanagar (Jamshedpur) is an important railway junction station on the South Eastern Railway and is connected directly to all the major cities of India, viz. Calcutta, Bombay, Patna, Ranchi, Puri etc.
  Fare (approx): Calcutta - Tatanagar Rs.328 (AC-2A), 236 (I), 94 (II).
• Road : Jamshedpur is connected by road with most of the major cities in India. Regular bus services are available from Jamshedpur to Ranchi 131 kms, Patna, Gaya, Calcutta 252 kms, Hazaribagh etc.
• Internal Transport : Mini Buses, Taxies, Auto Rickshaws and Cycle Ricksaws are available in all parts of the town.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Jubilee Park : This is 200 Acre Park with a mini golf course and a lake.

Dimna Lake : 8 miles from Jamshedpur nestling at the foot of Dalma hills.

Rivers Meet : The confluence of rivers Kharkai and Suberurekha is located.

Dalma Hills : North of Subarurenkha river it stretches from east to west by about 16 kms. It is accessible by Jeepable road.

Aditypur : An Industrial colony & Technical institute to train Engineers.

EXCURSIONS

Jaduquora : Located on Hata-Musabani road and is about 40 kms from Jamshedpur.

Musabani : 40 kms from Jamshedpur, Copper Mines are located.

Noamundi : 64 kms South West of Chaibasa. It is mining centre for Iron ores.

Ghatshila : 23 miles east of Jamshedpur, Ghatshila is the birth-place of late Bibhuti Bhushan Bandyapadhaya, a famous writer. Timber industries are situated here.

Water Falls

Durga Mahadeva : 4 miles of Tromundi has 6 water falls from a height of 50 ft.

Hirni falls : 42 miles north of Chaibasa on Ranchi - Chaibasa Road.
Accommodation : There is an Inspection Bunglow here.

Dasam falls : 62 miles from Jamshedpur on Tata - Ranchi Road.
Accommodation : Forest Deparment Bunglow is available here.

Forests

Kolhan Forest, Chaibasa Forest, Saranda Forest, Dalbhum Jungle, Porhat Forest.

TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE

Tourist Information Centre, Government of Bihar, C. Monument Road, Jamshedpur.

Tourist Information Centre, government of Bihar, 26-B Camac Street, Calcutta 700 016. Tel: 247-0821

Jasidih

29 kms. An Important Railway Junction for Baidyanathdham Trains.

Where To Stay

Jugal Kishore Dharamsala - Opposite Railway Station.

Restaurants : Dinabandhu Hotel, Janata Hotel, Railway Catering etc.

Banks : Allahabad Bank.

Netarhat

Popularly called the `Queen of Chhotanagpur' Netarhat is 154 km west of Ranchi Town. It is a plateau covered with thick forests situated at a height of 3,700 feet or 1128 metres. Generally people visit this place to enjoy the breath taking Sunrise and Sunset.

Temperature (deg C) : Summer - Max 30, Min 16; Winter - Max 10, Min 1.
Best Season : Throughout the year.

TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION

• Air : Nearest Airport Ranchi (154 kms) is connected by Indian Airlines flights with Bombay, Patna, Calcutta & New Delhi.
  Fare : Calcutta - Ranchi Rs.1007/- (Y).
• Rail: Nearest Railway Station is Ranchi 154 kms. Though Rajgir (12 kms) is the nearest railway station to Nalanda yet the nearest convenient railheadis at Gaya 65 kms.
  Fare : Calcutta - Rajgir Rs.564 (AC-2A), Rs.425 (I), Rs.159 (II). Calcutta - Gaya Rs.485 (AC-2A), Rs.375 (I), Rs.142 (II).
• Road : Nalanda is connected by good road with Rajgir 12 kms, Bodh Gaya 50 kms, Gaya 65 kms, Patna 90 kms, Pawapuri 26 kms, Bihar Sharif 13 kms etc.
• Local Transport : There are no taxis available in Nalanda. Cycle rickshws and tongas are the only modes of transport.

WHAT TO SEE

Hieun Tsang Memorial Hall, The Nalanda University Complex, Swarajpur Baragon.The Nalanda Museum (Opens 1000 to 1700 hours. Closed on Friday.)

EXCURSION

Bihar Sharif 13 kms, Gaya 65 kms, Bodh Gaya 50 kms, Rajgir 12 kms.

Shimultala

A popular Health Resort. Deoghar (55 kms) is connected by Bus.

Local Transport - Cycle Rickshaw, Tongas and Station Wagon.

WHAT TO SEE

Haldi Jharna - 3 kms, Soikitia - 3 kms, Lattu Pahar - 2 kms.

Tilaiya Dam

It is the first Dam and hydro -Electric power Station constructed by Damodar Valley Corporation across Barakar river in Hazaribag district. It is 1,200 ft.  long and 99 ft. high. It is situated in an ideal surrounding with a Reservoir  streching in 36 sq. kms. The main object is to control floods.The hydro -electric station produces only 4,000k. watt. The beautiful natural surroundings are the attraction to tourists . the main road from Barhi on G.T.road throughreservoir and the hillocks is picturesque.

How To Reach:

It falls on Patna - Ranchi Road . 17 kms. from Barhi and 194 kms. from patna .
Nerest railway station is Kodarma on Grand Chord line of the Eastern Railway
The distance from kodarma Railway Station is 19 Kms. Buses ply between Kodarma and Hazaribag through Tilaya Dam.

Places Of Interest

Hydro. Electric Power House.
Terrace Gardens on the hillock Deer Park.
Picnic Island with swimming corner approachable by motor beats available on hire.

Vihara

an ancient land

Like in many ancient civilisations Indian way of life was also clustered around its magnificent rivers. And, few rivers of the world have moulded the culture, economy and personality of the people evolving on their banks as the great river Ganga. Cutting straight across Bihar from west to east, the bounteous Ganga had made the region so fertile and plentiful that its natural prosperity nurtured to veritable fountainhead of political and cultural civilizations down the millennia. And, the unbelievable range and quantity of mineral wealth buried under the region certainly helped. To this day, the coal belt in Bihar is the mainstay of thermal energy in north India. Bihar has 41% of the total mineral wealth of India. Here, kingdom after kingdom rose and fell, leaving their indelible mark on history. Rival kings fought legendary battles, devastating the land and people. Yet, by some strange alchemy, the same land saw the birth or maturity of some of the most gentle and progressive religious teachers like the Buddha, Mahavira and Guru Gobind Singh. Then came the Muslims, ruling with panache for five centuries, to be eliminated in their turn by the ever expanding colonisation of the English, who ruled till the middle of this century. Bihar today is a quaint interface of the old and new.

Hallowed by the footsteps of the Buddha, the fertile plains remain rich in farm lands growing paddy, cotton, sugar cane, wheat, maize, barley, jute and fruit. Bihar’s modern visage sports some of India’s largest steel and mining industries.

Arts & crafts

Bihar has its usual assortment of rural handicrafts of hand painted wall hangings, wooden stools, miniatures in paper and leaves, stone pottery, bamboo and leather goods and appliqué work. But Bihar’s most famous indigenous art is Madhubani paintings. Originally humble expressions of the sheer creativity of the rural women, this village wall paintings now adorn gracious city homes and are exported. This art is a strict monopoly of the women of Mithila. Done in primary colours of natural origin on paper and cloth, they narrate mythological and religious events. However, the ancient designs in bright colours can still be seen on the mud walls in the districts of Champaran, Saharsa, Muzaffarpur, Vaishali, Darbhanga, Samastipur. Begusarai, Purnea, Bhagalpur and of course, Madhubani the trade centre for this unique art.

Wildlife sanctuaries

• Hazaribagh wildlife sanctuary – 107 km from Ranchi, February - March, October - November.
• Palamau tiger reserve - February - March, October – November. 180 km from Ranchi. Lawalong wildlife sanctuary - October - June, 100 km from Gaya.
• Mahuadanu wildlife sanctuary – November – June, 80 km from Daltanganj.
• Dalma wildlife sanctuary –October - June, 10 km from Jamshedpur.
• Rajgir wildlife sanctuary – October – June,102 km from Patna. -
• Topchanchi wildlife sanctuary – October – June, close to Dhanbad.
• Valmikinagar wildlife sanctuary - October - June, 100 km from Bettiah.
• Gautam Buddha wildlife sanctuary – 45 km from Gaya.
• Kabar Lake bird sanctuary – November – March, 22 km from Begusarai.

Fairs & Festivals

In the true spirit of its multi religious heritage, Bihar celebrates its many religious festivals and fairs of great local appeal. Like most ancient fairs in India, Sonepur fair is also steeped in mythology and folklore. Today, it is a fantastic cattle fair, perhaps the largest in Asia. The fortnight long fair is held on the full moon day of Kartik (November) and all manners of domestic and farm animals are bought and sold.

Buddha was born, attained enlightenment and passed away, all on the same full moon day of April/May, Thus, Vaisakhi Poornima, one of the most beautiful full moon nights in the year, is celebrated as Buddha Jayanti.

Bihar being a holy land for the Jains as well, two major Jain festivals are celebrated here - Mahavir Jayanti at Parasnath Hill in April and Deo Deewali, which commemorates the final liberation of Lord Mahavira.

Unique in Bihar is Chhath Puja, or worship of the sun god. Most famous one is at the sun temple in Baragaon near Nalanda, where new paddy, sweets and fruits are offered in worship. Traditional Indian festivals of Ramnavami, Dassehra, Diwali and Holi are also celebrated with great extravaganza in Bihar.