Bihar, one of the major states of
India derives it's name from the word Vihara, meaning monastery. Bordered on
the north by Nepal, on the east by West Bengal, on the west by Uttar Pradesh
and Chattisgarh, and on the south by Jharkhand, Bihar is famous as a
pilgrimage place.
A great religious center for Hindus, Jains and especially for the
Buddhists, Bihar is replete with a wide range of tourist destinations.
The seat of early Buddhism, Bihar boasts of places like Nalanda, the
ancient seat of Buddhist learning, Bodhgaya, the place where Lord Buddha
attained enlightenment and Rajgir which is venerated by both Buddhist and
Jains.
Patna : Set on the banks of holy
River Ganga, Patna is the most active and eventful place in Bihar. This
state capital is also the center for the political and the commercial
activities of the state. Patna has many tourist destinations of historical
and tourism importance. Patna also acts as a gateway to the historic sites
of Nalanda, Rajgir, Pawapuri, Maner, Gaya-Bodhgaya and Vaishali.
