Things to do & places to visit in Bihar, India

Bihar #26 destination in India 2023. The average rating score is 4.41 based on 8.305 traveler reviews, of 215 attractions. Timezone: Asia/Kolkata, current date and time: Friday, May 03, 2024, 3:51.

Bihar Weather Statistics view more »

General weather summary in May

106°F - 80°F

Temperature Highs - Lows

Really hot with a gentle breeze

Feels like

Chance of rain

31.0 millimeters

Amount

11.0 mph

Wind speed

35%

Humidity

13.4

Daylight length

5:01 AM

Sunrise

6:24 PM

Sunset

83%

Cloud cover

Sleeveless shirt

What to wear

Top things to do (18)

Top destinations in Bihar 40

See more 28 destinations »

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Mahabodhi Temple (1.020 reviews)
- Excellent and spiritually uplifting
Friday: 5:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites

Mahabodhi Temple is one of the ancient and most important shrines of India. Located at Bodhgaya, Mahabodhi Mahavihara Temple is easily accessible from the major towns and cities of Bihar. The nearest airport is located at Patna that lies at a distance of 96 kms from Gaya. The holy town Bodh Gaya or Gaya has its own railway station. The town is also connected with major cities by network of roads. The literal version of Mahabodhi Temple is the Great Awakening Temple. See more..
5.0 Bodhi Tree (527 reviews)
- Banyan Tree under which Gautam Buddha Attained Enlightment
Points of Interest & Landmarks

The Bodhi tree at Bodhgaya is directly connected to the life of Buddha, who attained enlightenment while meditating under this banyan tree. The bodhi tree is situated adjacent and backside of the temple. As informed by our guide, the present tree is probably the 4th generation banyan tree. The tree is presently barricaded and one can see the tree through the fencing. A golden podium has been built under the tree. The entire place is neatly maintained. Generally, visitors spent some quiet time here either meditating or just sit back. See more..
4.5 Hanuman Mandir (371 reviews)
- Calm place in a busy area
Friday: 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM Religious Sites • Monuments & Statues

Located opposite the Patna Junction Railway Station Mahaveer Mandir has two statues of Hanuman ji on a same pedestal. Very calming atmosphere outside. Medical camp for senior citizens was taking place and BP and sugars were being checked. Also langar was being arranged and food being provided outside A very pleasant and calm place contrasting with the hustle bustle outside See more..
4.5 Great Buddha Statue (369 reviews)
- Landmark of Bodhgaya
Monuments & Statues

This 80 feet high stone sculpture of lord Buddha at 'meditation' pose is one of the landmark of Bodhgaya. The statue was constructed in the year 1989 and since then attracts the tourists visiting Bodhgaya. Situated on a Street with few other temples at a corner of the small town, this is also not far away from the Mahabodhi Temple and a must see for all. See more..
4.5 Takht Sri Harmandir Sahib Ji (343 reviews)
- Harmandir Sahib, Golden Temple
Religious Sites

This is the world's biggest kitchen. They serve more than 1000 devotee a day. Please eat your Prasad here. They serve in clean plates. You can ask more if you want, chapati, two types of gravy and sweet. Food simply delicious. Must try Langar at Golden Temple. See more..
4.5 Nalanda (251 reviews)
- Visit to Nalanda in February 2020
Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins • Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites

Nalanda was quite interesting although tiresome, coming from Gaya or Bodh Gaya. The car journey took about 4 hours from Bodh Gaya. It takes one through some rolling hills that are panoramic. There is a nice Shanti Supa on the way on top of a hill with a statue of Lord Buddha. One also passes through Rajgir, which was a great seat of learning prior to 5th century AD. The Nalanda University campus that seems to have existed till 12th Century for about 1500 years was completely destroyed by the invaders from West Asia, much like the Bamian statues of Buddha more recently. What is left is maintained by the Archaeological Society of India very nicely. It is a great place to spend about 1-2 hours contemplating about the age gone by. It also shows a high degree of aesthetic taste on the part of the Buddhist Monastic order. See more..
4.5 Thai Monastery (191 reviews)
- Bit of Thailand in Budh Gaya
Religious Sites

The Thai monastery is a living testimony to the fact that Budh gaya is truly an international Buddhist landscape in India. Thai monastery is situated closer to the Archaeological Survey museum. Just enter the premises and you will get a feeling that you are in Bangkok rather than in India. Most of the time the temple is empty with priests as it happens beyond the Buddhist chanting hours. You will enjoy the architecture, statue style and frescoes of Thai Buddhists. Many devotees who come from India and abroad who have not been to Thailand will definitely enjoy the monastery. No entrance fee and you may cover it in 15 minutes . See more..
4.5 Buddha Smriti Park (190 reviews)
- Nicely maintained place
Friday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Parks

Nicely maintained place, whenever I use to have some time in my hand during my transit time. I use visit this place. It is close to Patna railway station & Hunuman Mandir See more..
4.5 Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park (187 reviews)
- Time Killer!
Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Parks

visited several times with quite few friends it was a good time killer. its quite huge and well maintained with proper cleaning. little disturbance of couples miss behaves in public. See more..
4.5 Nalanda University Ruins (164 reviews)
- Great experience
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Great Historical place to visit . Ideal seasons are in winters Nov to Feb . Guides are amply available,hire one to understand the historical value the place holds . A museum exists nearby , worth a visit for an hour . Kamla Babu is a great guide whom we had hired . Paid him about 1000 for a two hour service which was very much worth it . Adequate shops selling eatables available nearby . Spend time inside the ruins and do adequate photography. See more..
4.5 Vishwa Shanti Stupa (133 reviews)
- Attractive Stupa in Hill Top
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites

Vishwa Shanti Stupa is a large white stupa, built in marble in Rajgir. Statues of the Buddha are mounted on stupa in four directions. It also has a small Japanese Buddhist temple with a large park. It is located on the top of Ratnagiri Hills, Ropeway is available to reach the top of the Hill. Ropeway has facility of open single seater and cabin cart. We booked ticket for cabin @ Rs. 80, the journey was enjoyable with fantastic views of hills. From Ropeway station to Shanti Stupa, there are few steps, several small stalls are available on both sides of stairs selling different souvenir items, junk jewellery, cold drinks, snacks etc. We visited the place in the end of Mar’22 afternoon, when it was very hot and humid, even walking barefooted was difficult in marble floor. The big white Shanti Stupa looks attractive, we also visited the nearby the Buddhist temple to spend some quiet time. It is also a good place for some photo ops. See more..
4.5 Royal Bhutan Monastery (129 reviews)
- SEE BHUTAN IN BODHGAYA
Religious Sites

its REALLY A BEAUTIFUL TEMPLE MADE IN BHUTANESE STYLE.WALL PAINTINGS,Furnitures QUITE RESEMBLES the dragon kingdom. I t has statues of Buddha,Padmasambhava and Chenrezig.A LL STATUES BEAUTIFULLY MADE AND PAINTING IN WALL DEPICT STORIES OF BUDDHA AND HIS Story of birth garden is beautiful.Must go to morning and evening prayer time as it is very spiritual and ideal for meditation. See more..
4.5 Indosan Nippon Japanese Temple (101 reviews)
- Beautiful Temple in Bodh Gaya Town. (It is not 15 kms from Bodhgaya as mentioned above)
Religious Sites

Indosan Nippon Japanese Temple is situated on Buddha Road, Bodh Gaya town, Bihar ( It has been wrongly mentioned by trip adviser team that this temple is 15 km from Bodh Gaya Center. In fact it is 15 kms away from Gaya Town which is different from Bodhgaya Town,) This temple is an outstanding example of the Japanese architecture and deep rooted Buddhist preaching. This Temple has been carved out from wood with Buddhist preaching and looks like a Japanese shrine. It has many exquisite Japanese paintings narrating events form the life of Gautam Buddha. Constructed in 1972, it is one of the most well maintained temples. It is among the most frequented shrines of the region. As an initiative to preserve and spread Buddhism and Buddha’s preaching, the Japanese have funded this shrine. Nearby attractions include Great Buddha Statue, Chinese temple, Bodhi tree, Mahabodhi Temple, and Tibetan Monaster. Open in morning and evening hours, it has no entry fee. Photography is permitted. See more..
4.5 Eco Park (Rajdhani Vatika) (76 reviews)
- Eco love
Parks

It's an awesome place for weekends hangouts , picnics and little bit of adventurous activities like sliding , rock climbing etc. Here you can take boats on rent for boating in a lake with good view of ECO! and enjoy It is a large park with awesome fountains , food stalls , adventure places , children's area and many more beautiful things and extra creative things...Here wheelchair accessible car park or entrance also available.It's a really good place for kids , youngs , Adults , senior citizens. Best Place for spend quality time with your friends & family or loved ones.It is located in peaceful porshe area that's why you will feel fresh. Entry pass ₹20 for adults and ₹10 for children. If you are single you will feel jealous because you can easily find here many couple kissing in open. So,better to go with someone with opposite sex. Park is good. There is also water pool and a small park attached with it is for children. There is many shops to eat. Canteen of park is also nice. See more..
4.5 Pawapuri (71 reviews)
- Mahavir’s Nirvana place
Religious Sites

This is the place where Mahavir the originators of Jain religion attained his Nirvana in 5th century before Christ. This is the most important place of pilgrimage for Jains. The temple is located in the middle of an artificial lotus filled lake. The complex is well maintained. Photography is prohibited. See more..
4.5 Rajgir (67 reviews)
- Enchanting After a Scary Ropeway Ride
Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins

Steep Ascent in a single air scary Ropeway was quite an experience. Initially, we were scared but soon started enjoying it. Reaching the Buddha stupa and the surrounding view was really great. The dome has glistening golden statues on all the four sides and there is a beautiful monastery cum museum adjacent to it. Worth the visit and the enthralling experience. See more..
4.5 Root Institute (61 reviews)
- A Peaceful Meditation Place in Bodhgaya
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Religious Sites • Educational sites

A Buddhist centre in the Tibetan tradition located in Bodhgaya, India, providing a tranquil haven for the study and practice of philosophy & meditation, we also serve Bodhgaya and surrounding villages through our three social service projects. See more..
4.5 Griddhakuta Peak (55 reviews)
- Place where the Buddha spoke heart sutra and other sutras
Mountains

This peak can be climbed in less than one hour from Rajgir. There is also a ropeway but that goes to a different nearby hill. It is shaped like a vulture's beak if you see it from a certain angle, hence the name vultures peak The atmosphere at the top is amazing and very conducive to meditation. Many devotees come in the peak season to meditate. There is a small shrine where the buddha used to sit and meditate, on base of the hut on the peak. There is also another ananda hut a little distance away. Below the peak there are ruins of a mauryan era monastery, a few caves notably those of Shariputra and Maudgalanya, lots of Tibetan prayer flags and so on. Those caves are also good for worshipping and meditating. One nice way to gain some merit by cleaning the place, if it is dirty. Some people who come do not know the significance of the place and treat it as a picnic spot, especially in off season. Better to come early in the morning when its cool and easier to climb. See more..
4.5 Cankamana (49 reviews)
- Footsteps of Lord Buddha
Hiking Trails

Cankamana is one of the most sacred shrines, situated towards the northern side of the Mahabodhi Temple. It is considered to be the pathway that was used by Buddha during his third week of meditation. This is also considered the spot where Buddha practiced walking meditation, and thus it is known as Cankamana. The spot denotes the footsteps of Buddha carved out as lotuses in Black stone. These footsteps are decorated beautifully with flowers. The devotees visit the spot and chant in praise of Buddha, which creates a soothing atmosphere. We visited the place in the evening after the sunset, the pathway was decorated with flowers and candles, which appeared to be very pleasing and serene. See more..
4.5 Patan Devi Temple (48 reviews)
- Where Patna derives its name from
Friday: 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM Religious Sites

It is one of the Shakti Peeths. Like any major hindu temple, it is frequented by pilgrims from all over the country to seek the divine blessings. The place becomes really crowded during dushera and there is no parking space. See more..
4.5 Mangla Gauri Temple (44 reviews)
- Maha Shaktipeeth
Points of Interest & Landmarks

The Mangla Gauri temple is among the eighteen maha shaktipeeth, it is believed that a part of the body of Sati fell here according to mythology. It is an ancient temple, located on a small hillock, couple of stairs to be climbed. Mangalagauri is worshiped as the Goddess of benevolence. The temple complex was clean and also houses temples of Maa Kali, Lord Ganesha, Lord Hanuman and Lord Shiva. We visited the temple on a Sunday morning and stood in the ordinary line. Though the que was not big, but it was moving too slow. Later we booked VIP pass @ Rs. 250 for early darshan. The main temple is not very big, too many devotees were trying to enter the main temple for puja and darshan at a time, creating some difficulties for others, crowd management by the temple committee may ceto rtainly be improved. The approach road to the temple was narrow and dusty. Overall, a blissful visit and darshan of Mata Mangala Gouri. See more..
4.5 Bihar Museum (44 reviews)
- A Modern Museum Under Development
Spent 2-3 hours History Museums

This is one of modern museum buildings in India, architecture and the quality of construction are excellent—a rear thing in India. Only a few galleries are open. I understand collection is being shifted from the old Patna Museum to this building. Visit has to start with a short film on the museum itself. Though still being populated; its has many priceless collections pictures of which are attached to this review. It is locate in the heart of Patna, capital of Bihar state. A must visit place. Only drawback is that they do not have guides or audio guides. See more..
4.5 Hiuen Tsang Memorial Hall (43 reviews)
- A memorial with museum and exhibition to xuanzhang
Points of Interest & Landmarks

This is built in traditional Chinese style. It has quite a few things inside the memorial A statue of hiuen tsang xuanzhang in standing pose, carrying sutras The memorial hall, in Chinese architecture An exhibition of his travels and writings, inside the hall A bell with heart sutra in Sanskrit and Chinese An epitaph to huien tsang A map of his travels Copies of his writings in Chinese It's a mustvisit for those interested in Indian history, Buddhism, and Chinese civilization. It's beautifully maintained. The exhibition is very comprehensive and a lot to learn Entry is rupees 10 for Indians It's about three km from nalanda ruins See more..
4.5 Shershah Suri’s Tomb, (42 reviews)
- Pinnacle of 'octagonal tomb' architecture.
Historic Sites

Sher Shah's tomb is a must-visit for anyone interested in architecture, or for that matter, history in general. The tomb is built in the octagonal style, and is one of the best such specimens in the subcontinent. Sasaram is well connected by rail, so getting there is hardly an issue. One should visit the tomb with atleast 2-3 hours at hand. Also, there are two other monuments nearby worth mentioning - The tomb of Hasan Shah, Sher Shah's father, and the tomb of Islam Shah, his son. The tomb of Islam Shah is an entirely hidden and forgotten tomb, rarely visited. Ideal for the adventurous kind. Read more about it here: http://thespeakingarch.com/islam_shah_tomb/ See more..
4.5 Jal Mandir (40 reviews)
- Tourism
Religious Sites

The Jal Mandir meaning Water Temple, also known as Apapuri, in Pawapuri, meaning a town without sins, in the Indian state of Bihar, is a highly revered temple dedicated to Lord Mahavira, the 24th Thirthankara (religious preacher of Jainism) and founder of Jain religion, which marks the place of his cremation. Mahavira attained Nirvana (salvation) in Pawapuri in 528 BC. The temple has been built within a tank filled with red coloured lotus flowers.It is said that the temple was built by King Nandivardhan, Mahavira’s elder brother. It is one of the five main temples in Pawpuri, where the “Charan Paduka” or foot impression of Mahavira is deified. See more..
4.5 Metta Buddharam Temple (38 reviews)
- Small but excellent place of vibrations
Spent < 1 hour Religious Sites

This temple can be reached at the entrance of Bodh gaya.. enquire about Sujatha bypass road and reach there.. on the left side, you could see the temple standing with its Pure white color seen at a distance.. Neat provisions were made for keeping your shoes. take 10 to 15 steps and you could see Buddha sitting Majestically with a smile in his lips and mercy in his face.. Dont miss this place.. See more..
4.5 Pandu Pokhar (33 reviews)
- Family get together.
Friday: 9:00 AM - 7:30 PM Spent More than 3 hours Parks

We introduce our “RESIDENTIAL CAMPING PITCH” located inside PANDU POKHAR-a nature park spread across 22 acres of land parallel to the foothills of Rajhara Hills in Rajgir, Bihar. Surrounded by nature, it comprises of a suite, 2 air conditioned deluxe dormitory rooms (each room having a capacity to accommodate 6 pax), 3 air conditioned deluxe dormitory tents (each tent having a capacity to accommodate 6 pax) and 2 air conditioned deluxe family tents (each tent having a capacity to accommodate 4 pax). Our Camping Pitch is located in lush green surroundings where we offer you the best stay among nature and you’ll feel at home straight away, whichever accommodation you choose. INDRAPRASTHA (Suite Room) VIPULACHAL & VAIBHAVGIRI (Deluxe Dormitory Room) SONGIRI, UDAIGIRI, RATNAGIRI (Deluxe Dormitory Tents) RAJGRIHA& RAJHARA (Deluxe Dormitory Family Tents) The Camping Pitch can comfortably accommodate 46 to 50 pax for corporate events, school excursions and other social and family gatherings. See more..
4.0 Golghar (258 reviews)
- Historical spot in Patna
Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings

Gol Ghar is a popular tourist place in Patna. Situated Ina park it is a dome shaped building. Actually built as a granary for the British Garrison stationed there in 1780s, it stands tall. The views from the top are said to be awesome but nownclimbing the building is prohibited. It serves as a nice picnic spot and many families and kids come over to spend evening See more..
4.0 Jim Corbett National Park (213 reviews)
- Jim Corbett - Bijrani Zone
Spent More than 3 hours National Parks

First of all, I want to thanks team TravelGleam Wild for their immaculate planning and the knowledge about the Corbett Tiger Reserve. I visited Corbett with my family with Tiger in my mind and my wish came through when we sighted a tiger in Bijrani zone. This was on our wishlist for a long time and we decided to go on a Good Friday long weekend. We had a good family time where we relaxed, had meals together and some nice evenings to enjoy together as well. Lastly, Sourabh (9958993316 , 9899954675) from Travelgleam Wild was amazing and booked Bijrani zone for us at the last moment as per the current sighting update, and that evening was one of the best for us in the wild. Thanks Travelgleam Wild !! See more..
4.0 Vishnupad Temple (191 reviews)
- My experience at Gaya
Religious Sites

Good pligrimage place, Budha Gaya also good. One should learn from Budusit that one should maintain silence when we enter inside the temple we beleive. I got a very good hotel for stay and a good auto driver for local rodes. See more..