Bihar Tourism by District

Sundarnath Dham

Deo Sun Temple, Aurangabad

An ancient temple dedicated to Surya, the Sun God, and one of Bihar's most important centres for Chhath Puja. Unusually, the temple faces west towards the setting sun rather than the rising sun, and rises as a striking 100ft shikhara. During Chhath, lakhs of devotees gather here to worship the sun across the fourday festival.

Kanwar Taal (Kabartal) Bird Sanctuary

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.

Simaria Dham, Ganga Ghat

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.

Vikramshila Ruins

Vikramshila was one of the two greatest Buddhist universities of ancient India, alongside Nalanda, founded by the Pala king Dharmapala in the late 8th century. It was a leading centre of Tantric Buddhism and produced renowned scholars such as Atisha Dipankara, who carried Buddhism to Tibet. Its imposing cruciform stupa and grid of monk cells, set beside the Ganga, make it a quiet, evocative heritage site.

Ajgaibinath Temple, Sultanganj

An ancient Lord Shiva temple perched dramatically on a rock island in the middle of the Ganga at Sultanganj. It is the starting point of the famous Shravani Mela, when saffronclad Kanwariyas collect holy Ganga water here and carry it on foot to Baidyanath Dham in Deoghar, about 100 km away. The rock is carved with ancient sculptures and inscriptions.

Darbhanga Raj / Rambagh Palace

The historic fort and palace complex of the Darbhanga Raj — one of the largest zamindari estates of British India. Set within walled grounds, it includes the old Ram Bagh Palace along with Anand Bagh and Nargona palaces. A symbol of Mithila's royal heritage, its grand architecture reflects the wealth and cultural patronage of the Maharajas of Darbhanga.

Kusheshwar Asthan Bird Sanctuary

A seasonally flooded wetland in Darbhanga's Kusheshwar Asthan block, fed by overflow from the Kamla river. Each winter it becomes a refuge for thousands of migratory birds flying in from Mongolia and Siberia, including several threatened species. Notified in 1994, it is one of North Bihar's important havens for waterfowl.

Kesaria Stupa

Kesaria is often described as one of the tallest and largest Buddhist stupas in the world, its huge terraced brick dome rising dramatically from the plains of Champaran. Believed to mark the spot where the Buddha, on his final journey, gave his alms bowl to the Licchavis, it dates back to the Mauryan and later Gupta and Pala periods. Its sheer scale and peaceful rural setting make it an aweinspiring, uncrowded destination.

Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya

The holiest site in Buddhism — the exact spot where Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment and became the Buddha, beneath the sacred Bodhi Tree. A UNESCO World Heritage Site with a soaring 55 m pyramidal tower and a deeply peaceful, meditative atmosphere drawing pilgrims from across the world.

Vishnupad Temple, Gaya

One of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites in Bihar, enshrining a 40cm footprint of Lord Vishnu (Dharmasila) imprinted in basalt rock. Gaya is the foremost centre for Pind Daan — ancestral rites for the salvation of departed souls — drawing lakhs of devotees, especially during Pitru Paksha. The present 30 m octagonalspired temple was rebuilt by Rani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore in 1787 on the bank of the Falgu river.

Sujata Stupa

Just across the Falgu river from Bodh Gaya, the Sujata Stupa honours the village girl Sujata, whose offering of milkrice ended the Buddha's years of extreme fasting and set him on the middle path to enlightenment. This large ancient brick stupa marks the traditional site of her house and is a serene, lesscrowded spot within the Bodh Gaya pilgrimage circuit. It offers a peaceful rural counterpoint to the busy Mahabodhi complex.

Mangla Gauri Shaktipeeth, Gaya

An ancient Shakti Peeth atop the Mangalagauri hill (Bhasmakoot Parvat) in Gaya, counted among the eighteen Maha Shakti Peethas. The goddess is worshipped in the symbolic form of a breast, believed to be the spot where part of Sati's body fell. The present eastfacing temple dates to 1459 CE and is mentioned in several Puranas, making it a deeply venerated pilgrimage site.

Gaya Ji Pind Daan & Pitrapaksha Mela

Gaya is India's foremost site for Pind Daan — the Hindu ritual of offering homage to departed ancestors. During the annual Pitrapaksha Mela, lakhs of pilgrims gather to perform Shraddha at the Falgu river and worship at the historic Vishnupad Temple, making it one of the most significant ancestralrite pilgrimages in the country.

Brahmayoni Hill, Gaya

A sacred hill rising to the south of Gaya, reached by a flight of around 424 steps and crowned by temples with sweeping views over the city. Named after a natural cleft on its summit revered as the 'yoni' of Brahma, it is an important site for pind daan during the Pitrapaksha Mela. The Buddha is also traditionally said to have preached here.

Pretshila Hill, Gaya

A sacred hill north of Gaya whose name means 'Hill of Spirits,' crowned by the Ahilya Bai temple built by Maratha queen Ahilya Bai Holkar in 1787. At its base lies Brahma Kund, where pilgrims bathe before performing pind daan for their ancestors. The summit offers wide views over the Gaya landscape.

Gautam Buddha Wildlife Sanctuary

A rugged forest sanctuary in the hills of southern Gaya district, straddling the Bihar–Jharkhand border. Its sal woodlands and thorn forests shelter leopards, sloth bears, nilgai, deer, wolves and a wealth of birdlife. Established in 1976, it is a quiet, offbeat retreat for nature lovers exploring beyond Bodh Gaya.

Nagi–Nakti Bird Sanctuaries

A pair of manmade reservoir wetlands in the Jhajha hills of Jamui, together recognised as Ramsar sites in 2024. In winter they draw over 20,000 birds, including one of the IndoGangetic plain's largest gatherings of barheaded geese and redcrested pochard. Rare visitors such as the critically endangered Baer's pochard make this a prized destination for serious birdwatchers.

Barabar Caves

The Barabar Caves are the oldest surviving rockcut caves in India, hewn from solid granite during the Mauryan period in the 3rd century BCE. Famous for their astonishing mirrorlike polished interiors and remarkable echo, several were dedicated by Emperor Ashoka and his grandson Dasharatha to the Ajivika sect. Their stark beauty is said to have inspired the 'Marabar Caves' of E. M. Forster's novel A Passage to India.

Mundeshwari Devi Temple, Kaimur

Considered one of the oldest functional Hindu temples in India, the Archaeological Survey of India dates it to around 108 CE. This unusual octagonal stone shrine on the Kaimur plateau is dedicated to Goddess Mundeshwari (a form of Durga) and Lord Shiva, and is a prized example of early Nagarastyle architecture. It is famed for a bloodless animalworship ritual where offerings are 'sacrificed' by touch alone.

Telhar Kund Waterfall

A dramatic waterfall in the Kaimur hills where water plunges around 80 metres into a deep rocky gorge, framed by dense forest. Reached along the scenic Bhabua–Adhaura road, it is a hidden gem for nature lovers and trekkers seeking solitude. The viewpoint offers sweeping views of the falling water and surrounding valley.

Karkatgarh Waterfall

A wide, multitiered cascade on the Karmanasa river, roughly 100 feet high and up to 300 feet across, near the Bihar–Uttar Pradesh border. The pools below are a natural habitat for crocodiles, and Bihar is developing the area as a crocodile conservation and ecotourism site. Its forested setting in the Kaimur hills makes it a peaceful, scenic getaway.

Kaimur Hills & Rohtas Plateau

The eastern end of the Vindhya range, where the Kaimur hills and Rohtas plateau rise about 2,000 feet above the plains in a sweep of forest, waterfalls and dramatic viewpoints. The plateau town of Adhaura and its surrounding forests are a cool, scenic retreat. The region hides ancient rock art, wildlife and several of Bihar's best waterfalls.

Gogabil Bird Sanctuary

A tranquil oxbow lake in the Amdabad area of Katihar, flanked by the Mahananda and the Ganga. Gogabil is Bihar's first Community Reserve and, in 2025, became a Ramsar site of international importance. In winter its yearround waters draw flocks of migratory ducks, geese and waders, making it a rewarding spot for birdwatchers in the state's far east.

Navlakha Palace, Rajnagar

The grand, nowruined royal palace of the Darbhanga Raj at Rajnagar, near Madhubani, built by Maharaja Rameshwar Singh in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Spread over a huge estate with palaces and temples, it once rivalled the finest architecture of its time. Devastated by the 1934 Bihar–Nepal earthquake, its majestic ruins still evoke Mithila's royal grandeur.

Madhubani: Mithila Painting Region

The heartland of Madhubani (Mithila) painting, a centuriesold folk art tradition of the Mithila region carried on largely by women. Recognised with a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2007, the art comes alive in villages like Jitwarpur and Ranti, where you can meet artists, watch them work and buy authentic paintings direct from their makers.

Uchaith Bhagwati Temple

A revered Shakti shrine near Benipatti in Madhubani, home to an unusual headless form of Goddess Durga (Chhinnamastika). Local tradition holds that the great poet Kalidasa was blessed with knowledge and wisdom here. A Siddhapeeth drawing devotees and seekers, it is especially crowded during Navratri and Durga Puja.

Munger Fort

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.

Sita Kund Hot Spring, Munger

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.

Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary & Hot Springs

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.

Baba Garibnath Dham, Muzaffarpur

One of the oldest and most revered Shiva temples of North Bihar, often called the 'Deoghar of Bihar'. The shrine centres on a selfmanifested Shivalinga, discovered — as legend tells — when a woodcutter's axe struck it and it began to bleed. It becomes a sea of devotees during the Shravani Mela, when Kanwariyas offer Ganga water to Baba Garibnath.

Nalanda University Ruins

One of the world's oldest residential universities, Nalanda flourished from the 5th to the 12th century CE and once hosted thousands of monks and scholars from across Asia. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, its vast redbrick ruins of monasteries, temples and the towering Sariputta Stupa evoke the golden age of Buddhist learning. Walking its neat rows of monk cells and lecture halls is a moving journey into India's intellectual past.

Rajgir

Cradled by seven hills, Rajgir was the first capital of the mighty Magadha empire and a place sacred to Buddhists, Jains and Hindus alike. The Buddha spent many rainy seasons here preaching on Gridhakuta (Vulture's Peak), and Mahavira too taught in these hills. Today its hot springs, cyclopean walls, ropeway and glass bridge make it one of Bihar's most rewarding destinations.

Vishwa Shanti Stupa & Ropeway, Rajgir

Perched on Ratnagiri Hill, this gleaming white marble peace pagoda is one of Rajgir's most iconic sights, offering sweeping views over the surrounding hills. Built by the Japanese Buddhist NipponzanMyohoji order, its four golden Buddha statues face the cardinal directions in serene calm. Reaching it by the singleseat chairlift ropeway is a memorable experience in itself.

Pawapuri Jal Mandir

Pawapuri is one of the holiest sites in Jainism, the place where Lord Mahavira attained Nirvana (moksha) and was cremated. The exquisite white marble Jal Mandir rises from the centre of a serene lotusfilled tank, reached by a long walkway across the water. The tank is believed to have formed where devotees took away soil after Mahavira's cremation, making it a deeply revered pilgrimage.

Nalanda Archaeological Museum

Set right beside the Nalanda ruins, this museum houses the finest antiquities excavated from the great ancient university. Its galleries display exquisite stone and bronze images of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas, terracotta plaques, seals, coins and inscriptions spanning the Gupta and Pala periods. It is the perfect complement to a visit to the ruins, bringing the site's scholarly and artistic legacy to life.

Brahmakund Hot Springs, Rajgir

A famous cluster of sacred hot springs at the foot of the Vaibhavgiri hills in Rajgir, fed by streams known as the Saptdhara. Brahmakund, the hottest at around 45 °C, is revered by Hindus who believe the waters can cure ailments. The springs have drawn pilgrims for over two thousand years, set amid a landscape sacred to Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism alike.

Kakolat Waterfall

One of Bihar's most famous and highest waterfalls, plunging about 150–160 feet from the Ektara hills into a natural pool below. A hugely popular picnic and bathing spot, it draws large crowds during the summer and monsoon. Legend links it to a curse laid on a king who was reborn as a serpent here, freed only by the touch of the Pandavas' waters.

Bihar Museum, Patna

Bihar's flagship stateoftheart museum, spread across a sprawling lowrise campus designed by Japanese and Indian architects. Its galleries trace the region's history from prehistory through the Mauryan and Gupta ages, and its star exhibit is the exquisite Didarganj Yakshi, one of the finest examples of Mauryan polished sandstone sculpture.

Mahavir Mandir, Patna

One of the most visited Hanuman temples in North India, standing right beside Patna Junction. It is among the busiest and richest temples in Bihar, famous for its Naivedyam (Tirupatistyle laddoo prasad). The temple trust funds hospitals and social causes, and set an example by appointing a Dalit priest alongside the traditional one.

Bari Patan Devi Temple, Patna

One of the 51 revered Shakti Peethas, where the right thigh of Goddess Sati is believed to have fallen. Located in the Maharajganj area of Old Patna, the temple enshrines three blackstone deities — Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati. It is widely held that the very name 'Patna' derives from Patan Devi, making it deeply tied to the city's identity.

Golghar, Patna

A striking beehiveshaped granary built by the British in 1786 as a state grain store to guard against famine. Its two external spiral staircases of 145 steps each lead to the top, offering sweeping views of the Ganga and the Patna skyline. One of the city's most recognisable colonialera landmarks.

Takht Sri Patna Sahib

One of the five Takhts (supreme seats of authority) in Sikhism and the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru, born here in 1666. A magnificent white marble Gurudwara draws pilgrims from across the world, especially during Prakash Utsav celebrations. A deeply revered spiritual and historical landmark of Patna City.

Maner Sharif

A revered Sufi pilgrimage centre west of Patna, home to two famous shrines — the Bari Dargah of the 13th–14th century saint Makhdoom Yahya Maneri, and the elegant Chhoti Dargah of Makhdum Shah Daulat. The Chhoti Dargah, completed in 1616, is a fine Mughalera mausoleum set beside a large tank, drawing devotees of all faiths.

Kumhrar (Pataliputra Ruins), Patna

The archaeological remains of ancient Pataliputra, capital of the mighty Mauryan Empire under Chandragupta and Ashoka. The star attraction is the excavated 80pillared hall of polished sandstone from Emperor Ashoka's era. A key site for understanding one of the world's great early cities, set in a peaceful landscaped park.

Agam Kuan, Patna

An ancient, unusually deep well believed to date to the Mauryan era and associated in legend with Emperor Ashoka. Its brickandwoodringed shaft descends far below ground and is steeped in folklore. Adjacent stands the popular Shitala Devi temple, making it both an archaeological curiosity and a living place of worship.

Patna Museum (Jadu Ghar)

One of India's oldest museums, established in 1917, and affectionately called 'Jadu Ghar' (House of Magic) by locals. Built in a graceful IndoSaracenic style, it holds tens of thousands of artefacts spanning Bihar's ancient, medieval and modern past, including a Buddha relic casket and rare stone and bronze sculptures.

Gandhi Maidan & Gandhi Sangrahalaya

Gandhi Maidan is one of India's largest public grounds, a historic stage for freedommovement rallies and public gatherings in the heart of Patna. On its edge stands the Gandhi Sangrahalaya, a museum that tells the story of Mahatma Gandhi's life and his deep connection with Bihar through photographs, documents and models.

Buddha Smriti Park, Patna

A serene urban park built to mark 2,554 years since the Buddha's birth, located right beside Patna Junction. Its centrepiece is the tall Karuna Stupa (Stupa of Compassion), which enshrines sacred Buddha relics, surrounded by landscaped gardens, a meditation centre and a museum — an oasis of calm in the busy city.

Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Library

One of the world's most renowned repositories of Oriental manuscripts, opened to the public in 1891. A National Importance institution, it safeguards thousands of rare Arabic and Persian manuscripts and Mughal and Rajputera miniature paintings, making it a treasure house for scholars and history lovers alike.

Shaheed Smarak (Martyrs' Memorial), Patna

A moving memorial to seven young students who were shot dead by British police on 11 August 1942 while trying to hoist the national flag over the Secretariat during the Quit India Movement. The bronze statues, sculpted by Devi Prasad Roychoudhury, stand outside the Bihar Secretariat as an enduring tribute to their sacrifice.

Sabhyata Dwar & Ganga Riverfront, Patna

Sabhyata Dwar, or 'Civilization Gate', is a striking 32metre sandstone arch on the banks of the Ganga, built to celebrate Bihar's ancient heritage and civilizational legacy. Set beside the Samrat Ashok Convention Centre and the developing Ganga riverfront (Marine Drive), it is a favourite spot for evening strolls and photographs.

Ganga Riverfront & Ghats, Patna

Patna's long Ganga waterfront strings together historic ghats where the city meets its river. Gandhi Ghat, famed for its evening Ganga Aarti, marks the spot where Mahatma Gandhi's ashes were immersed. The new JP Ganga Path, Patna's 'Marine Drive', now runs for over 20 km along the river, making the ghats, sunsets and Chhath celebrations easy to enjoy.

Jalalgarh Fort

A more than 300yearold ruined fort north of Purnia, built by the region's Mughalera rulers to guard against invasions from the Nepal frontier. This large quadrangular fortress once housed thousands of soldiers behind its high walls and strong gates. Now overgrown and atmospheric, it is a State Protected Monument set amid the plains of northeast Bihar.

Tara Chandi Shaktipeeth, Sasaram

One of the revered Shakti Peethas dedicated to Maa Tara (a form of Durga/Shakti), nestled in a natural cave of the Kaimur hills near Sasaram. According to tradition, the right eye of Goddess Sati fell here. The tranquil hillside setting, with springs and rock outcrops, makes it both a sacred and scenic destination that fills with pilgrims during Navratri.

Rohtasgarh Fort

A vast, sprawling hill fort perched high on the Kaimur plateau above the Son river, spread over several kilometres. Rich in Hindu and later Mughalera history, it holds palaces, temples, mosques and gateways amid dense forest. Reaching it involves a steep trek, rewarding visitors with dramatic ruins and sweeping valley views.

Sher Shah Suri Tomb, Sasaram

The magnificent mausoleum of Sher Shah Suri, the great 16thcentury emperor who founded the Sur dynasty and built the Grand Trunk Road. This grand domed tomb of red sandstone stands dramatically on a stone plinth in the middle of an artificial lake, regarded as one of the finest examples of IndoIslamic architecture in eastern India.

Manjhar Kund

A scenic seasonal waterfall in the Kaimur Range near Sasaram, where water cascades over rocky steps into a deep natural pool. A popular monsoon picnic spot surrounded by forest, it lies close to its twin, Dhua Kund. The lush setting and cool spray make it a favourite weekend escape for the Rohtas region.

Dhua Kund Waterfall

A tall, dramatic waterfall in the Kaimur Range near Sasaram whose plunge throws up so much spray that it looks like rising smoke — hence the name 'Dhua' (smoke) Kund. It is a popular ecotourism and picnic spot best seen in the monsoon. Trekking, camping and birdwatching are possible in the surrounding forest.

Harihar Nath Temple, Sonepur

A rare temple where Hari (Vishnu) and Hara (Shiva) are worshipped together in a single Shivalinga — half Shiva, half Vishnu. Set near the sacred confluence of the Gandak and Ganga, it is traditionally believed to have been founded by Lord Rama on his way to Sita's swayamvar. Every year it anchors the famous Sonepur Mela, once among Asia's largest cattle and elephant fairs.

Sonepur Cattle Fair

One of Asia's largest and oldest cattle fairs, held every year on Kartik Purnima at the sacred confluence of the Ganga and Gandak rivers. This monthlong spectacle blends livestock trading, folk performances, handicraft stalls and a mass holy dip, drawing pilgrims and visitors from across India and beyond.

Punaura Dham (Janaki Janmasthan), Sitamarhi

Revered as the birthplace of Mata Sita, consort of Lord Rama. Tradition holds that when King Janaka ploughed a barren field, infant Sita emerged from the earth at this very spot. The complex houses the Janaki Janmasthali Mandir and the sacred Janaki Kund, and forms part of a 'sacred triangle' with Sitamarhi and Janakpur (Nepal). A grand redevelopment is underway to build a major Sita temple and pilgrim corridor.

Vaishali: Ashokan Pillar & Relic Stupa

Vaishali is celebrated as one of the world's earliest republics and a city deeply linked to both Buddhism and Jainism. The Buddha delivered his last sermon here and announced his approaching Nirvana, while Lord Mahavira is believed to have been born nearby. Its wellpreserved singlelion Ashokan Pillar and the ancient Relic Stupa make it a serene and historically rich pilgrimage.

Valmiki Tiger Reserve

Bihar's only tiger reserve and its sole national park, set in the Himalayan Terai forests along the Nepal border. Spread over roughly 900 sq km, it shelters Royal Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, wild elephants, gaur and hundreds of bird species. Jeep safaris from Manguraha and Gobardhana ranges offer a genuine wilderness experience in one of North India's richest, leastcrowded jungles.

Lauriya Nandangarh Ashokan Pillar

Lauriya Nandangarh preserves one of the finest and bestpreserved of Emperor Ashoka's polished sandstone pillars, standing tall since around 245 BCE and crowned by a single seated lion. The column still bears Ashoka's edicts inscribed in Brahmi script, a direct link to the Mauryan age. Nearby stands the great Nandangarh mound, one of the largest ancient stupa sites in the region.

Valmikinagar & Gandak Barrage

A scenic riverside town at Bihar's northern tip on the India–Nepal border, where the Gandak (Narayani) enters India. The Gandak Barrage, a major India–Nepal irrigation and power project, spans the river beside forested hills and the Triveni confluence. Gateway to the Valmiki Tiger Reserve, it blends nature, pilgrimage and crossborder scenery.