📍 Munger, East Bihar, Bihar
A large wildlife sanctuary in the hills of southern Munger district, famous for its cluster of natural hot springs — among the hottest in Bihar at 52–65 °C. Dense forest shelters leopards, deer, wild boar and rich birdlife. The remote, unspoilt setting makes it a rewarding destination for wildlife and nature enthusiasts.
Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary spreads across the forested hills of the southern part of Munger district, in the Kharagpur range. It is best known for its natural hot springs — those at Bhimbandh are among the hottest in Bihar, with temperatures of roughly 52–65 °C, and the mineral waters are believed to have medicinal value.
The sanctuary shelters leopards, sambar and spotted deer, wild boar, and a wide variety of birds, set among streams, hills and dense forest. Its remoteness keeps it quiet and unspoilt, ideal for those seeking wildlife and solitude.
November to March, when the weather is pleasant and wildlife sightings are more frequent.
Forts & Palaces A historic riverside fort on the south bank of the Ganga, built across a rocky projection and once a stronghold of medieval rulers. It served as a base for Mir Qasim, the Nawab of Bengal, in the 18th century. Within its walls lie old gateways, palaces, tombs and colonialera buildings alongside fine views of the river.
A revered natural hot spring near Munger, linked in legend to Sita's fire ordeal (agni pariksha) from the Ramayana. The main warm spring is surrounded by cooler pools named Ram, Lakshman, Bharat and Shatrughna Kund. Its geothermal waters are believed to have healing properties, drawing pilgrims and visitors alike.
Rivers & Ghats A revered Ganga pilgrimage ghat near Barauni in Begusarai, believed to be the tapobhumi of King Janaka of Mithila. Every year it hosts a monthlong Kalpvas Mela on the riverbank, drawing thousands of devotees for ritual bathing and austerity. It is also the birthplace of the great Hindi poet Ramdhari Singh 'Dinkar', adding literary pride to its spiritual fame.
Wildlife & Sanctuaries Asia's largest freshwater oxbow lake and Bihar's first Ramsar site, a shimmering wetland near Manjhaul in Begusarai. In winter it hosts tens of thousands of migratory waterbirds along the Central Asian Flyway, with over 200 bird species recorded. A paradise for birdwatchers and photographers, best explored by boat at dawn.
