The State of Bihar is located in northeastern India. It shares its geographical boundaries with Nepal, Bengal, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh. Discover why visiting Bihar is a great idea for your next vacation in India.

A destination rarely frequented by European holidaymakers, Bihar enjoys considerable popularity across Asia. For centuries, followers of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism have gathered at this site for pilgrimage purposes. A land of mystery where mysticism and reality blend together; ancient kingdom of Magadha, where ancient India reads like a book; a country of skilled craftspeople where tradition seeks understanding amid technological evolution. What grace in the architecture of its monuments, what touching fervor emanates from its rituals and festivals, what charm in the hospitality of its inhabitants! Do not hesitate to book your flight to Bihar. The birthplace of Buddhism promises you an unforgettable cultural and human experience.

History

Bihar was not always the impoverished state we know today. In antiquity, it was home to one of India's most powerful kingdoms – the Magadha kingdom – and played a leading role in the development of Buddhism and Jainism.

According to historical sources from India and Sri Lanka, King Bimbisara, who made Rajgir his capital, knew the founder of Buddhism as his intimate friend. It was here that Prince Siddhartha Gautama spent most of his adolescence. It was here, in the holy city of Bodh-Gaya, that his quest for wisdom found its fulfillment, when he ascended to nirvana or "supreme happiness". It was here, on a hillock that became the domain of vultures, that Gautama, receiving the title of Buddha, took refuge, fleeing the company of men to perfect his spiritual enlightenment. Finally, legend has it that Bihar was also the birthplace of Mahavira, the father of Jainism, and Sariputra, one of Buddha's great disciples.

In the early centuries, Bihar was an important economic, educational and cultural center in East Asia. Monks from Japan, Bhutan, China and Tibet visited the capital to draw upon the teachings of Buddha.

Bihar lost its sovereignty early with the arrival of Muslims. In the early sixteenth century, Afghan leader Sher Shah Suri brought the region under his control and contributed to its prosperity. By establishing the Grand Trunk Road in 1545, one of Asia's greatest historic roads, he made Bihar a wealthy trading city frequented by Pakistanis, Afghans and Indians.

During the reign of Akbar, the Mughal conqueror, Bihar was integrated into the territory of Bengal. Subsequently, the Nawabs of Bengal took control of the region, but in 1764, they were forced to yield to the British army at the Battle of Buxar. Bihar became a free state only in 1947, with the final dissolution of British India.

Today

In the midst of the twenty-first century, the Indian state of Bihar resists the call of capitalism. Religion is all-powerful, keeping inhabitants rooted in ancient times. In the streets, monks greet you with joined hands.

Two national icons compete for the attachment of Biharis: Buddha, the father of Buddhism, and Vishnu with his avatars. Agriculture is the leading revenue-generating sector. The gross domestic product is the lowest in all of India. In this very poor state, tourism emerges as a significant livelihood for local populations.

Travel agencies promote two types of tourism: religious tourism and nature tourism. The province holds the record for the quantity of monuments recalling the earthly life of Buddha. Munger is home to India's most famous yoga institutions.

Unfairly overlooked, Bihar offers much to discover. The region offers countless possibilities for excursions, nature exploration, activities and shopping.

Religious Heritage

True to what you would expect from a stay in India, Bihar offers several holy cities that captivate with a mystical and spiritual atmosphere. Memories of Buddha flourish everywhere. Among the notable places of worship are:

• the Mahabodhi Temple: inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2002, the temple is free to all visitors. It stands in the city of Bodh-Gaya, which popular belief holds welcomed Buddha's ascension to nirvana. The Diamond Throne, placed at the exact spot where Buddha attained enlightenment, is enshrined within it;

• the Bodhi tree;

• the Buddhist monasteries of Bodh-Gaya: near the Mahabodhi Temple, numerous monasteries invite exploration. Originating from various Buddhist countries, travelers will be delighted to discover a touch of Thailand, China, Japan or Tibet in the heart of India. Meditation sessions with monks or local students.

• the Vishnupada Temple: while passing through Gaya, do not miss this eighteenth-century Hindu temple to see with your own eyes the footprint of Vishnu sculpted into the rock;

• The Akshya Vat: this banyan tree, where the myths of Hinduism and Buddhism become one, is rendered immortal by Sita, the wife of Rama. It stands a few meters from the Vishnupada Temple;

• the Janki Temple: completed 100 years ago, the Janki Temple was built in memory of the goddess Sita. It is located in the heart of Sitamarhi, her birthplace;

• the Gádhrakúta: also called Vulture Peak, the Gádhrakúta is one of India's most important sacred sites, renowned as Buddha's favorite retreat. This mountain pass at 400 meters dominates the city of Rajgir. By climbing a staircase carved into the cliff face, tourists will reach two natural caves where Buddha would meditate during the rainy season and spread his teachings.

• The Venuvana Vihar: built around the fifth or sixth century BCE, the Venuvana - literally the bamboo forest monastery - was a gift that King Bimbisara granted to Buddha so he could meditate without constraint, far from the tumult of the world. It is the second most famous site in Rajgir after the Gádhrakúta. You must not miss the Kalanda Pool, where the Awakened One performed his ablutions.

• The Vishwa Shanti Stupa: standing 38 meters high, this stupa is locally referred to as "the pagoda of world peace". A magnificent testament to Japanese architecture in Bihar.

• the Chotti Dargah Sanctuary: crowds of visitors pay homage to this sanctuary where the body of Sufi saint Shah Daulat rests, some to implore a blessing, others to admire the delicately carved walls of the mausoleum or the equally beautiful ceiling bearing inscriptions from the Quran. The Choti Dargah is an architectural jewel of Patna.

Remarkable Places of Interest

Bihar is not merely an endless succession of Buddhist temples. Other interesting places deserve a visit.

• the Patna Museum: a walk through the museum is an introduction to Bihar's captivating and turbulent history;

• the Golghar;

• the Patna City Palace;

• the prehistoric caves of Barabar;

• the ancient ruins of Nalanda: before being plundered by Afghans in the twelfth century, Nalanda was a renowned university center. Built according to a geometric plan, the site features ruins of stupas, temples and monasteries;

• the Nalanda Archaeological Museum: located a few steps from the university center. Tourists will be delighted to discover an important collection of Mauryan and Gupta cultures.

Activities Not to Miss

• Soak up the cultural atmosphere of India at the Sonepur Fair, the world's largest livestock fair;

• Photograph the Diamond Throne, placed at the spot where Buddha attained enlightenment;

• Visit the monasteries of Bodh-Gaya, which Hindu devotees frequent in pursuit of perfect happiness;

• Attend a Chhau dance, an artistic movement in its own right in Bihar;

• Treat yourself to a wellness break at one of Bihar's yoga institutions;

• Taste local specialties: litti chokha (a complete meal), tilcoot, Dal Pitha (a dish of spiced and sweet rice balls), khaja (a croissant made from wheat flour and sugar syrup), etc.;

• Enjoy the Chatth Festival, a Hindu Vedic celebration dedicated to the sun and dawn;

• Purchase handicrafts: hand-painted "Madhubani" paintings, cotton, wool or fine silk woven articles, pearl or stone jewelry, wood carvings…

Climate

In Bihar, the tourism sector experiences a high season and a low season.

The high season corresponds to winter, which begins in October and ends in March. Temperatures are cool and pleasant, ranging from a minimum of 8°C to a maximum of 10°C. Rainfall is rare during this time of year, which is the best time to plan your vacation in Bihar.

The low season runs from June to September, when Bihar receives few visitors due to heavy rainfall brought by the monsoon. However, nature lovers prefer this season because vegetation blooms with a thousand colors.

Summer is generally considered a dead season for tourism operators. From March to June, the weather warms, ranging between 24°C and 42°C. It is not recommended to visit Bihar during the height of summer.

Reaching Bihar is not a difficult task, given the presence of communication infrastructure that connects the province to the outside world. To visit this destination, travelers have a choice between plane, bus or train.

• by air: Bihar has two major airports with international scope: Jay Prakash Narayan Airport, located in the capital Patna, and Bodh-Gaya Airport, also called Gaya Airport, which is located southwest of Gaya. Daily flights connect Bihar to major destinations such as Delhi, Mumbai, Lucknow and Kolkata;

• by road: Bihar is connected by highway to the capital Delhi and other Indian cities;

• by rail: rail traffic is very active in Bihar. Trains can serve major cities as well as small villages. The main railway stations are located at Patna, Gaya and Bhagalpur.