The sacred river Ganga, cutting Bihar from west to east, bestowed Bihar with such fertility that a host of political and cultural civilisations flourished at different times in history. The name 'Bihar' is derived from 'Vihara', meaning monastery.
The state has been a major religious centre for Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. Lord Buddha attained enlightenment at Bodhgaya sitting and meditating under the Bodhi tree. The Mahabodhi temple of the place is visited by devotees from all over the world in large numbers. A descendant of the original Bodhi tree still flourishes in Bodhgaya.
Nalanda had the renowned Buddhist university in the 5th century AD. The ruins of Nalanda are still a captivating sight. At Vaishali, Lord Mahavira was born and Lord Buddha delivered his last sermons and announced his Mahaprayan. Rajgir is where both Lord Mahavira and Lord Buddha spent considerable period of their lives. Pawapuri, sacred to followers of Jain community is the place where Lord Mahavira had breathed his last.
The list does not end there. Champaran in north Bihar figures prominently in the freedom struggle of India. It is from here that Mahatma Gandhi launched a strong movement against Britishers. Aurangabad in south Bihar is another place of historical importance. Vikramshila has the ruins of a Buddhist university and Sasaram has the tomb of Afghan emperor Sher Shah Suri.
Patna, the capital city of Bihar and birth place of tenth Sikh Guru, Govind Singh also holds a lot of promises for tourists. The best buys of Bihar include decorative pieces made out of stone and bead-jewellery. Local handicraft and handloom products are also very attractive. Tilcoot-a kind of sweet, is famous all over the state.
Bihar can be reached easily by air, rail and road. Travelling to the various tourist destinations within Bihar is also a hassle free affair. It is true that Bihar had failed to develop her infrastructure adequately in the past hampering the growth of tourism sector. However, things have vastly improved now. On the north, Bihar shares international boundary with Nepal.
To its east and west are the states of West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh. To the south of Bihar is the newly carved out state of Jharkhand. A state of tremendous religious importance, a tour to Bihar shall be a great spiritual awakening.
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