Formerly a place of learning. Monks and visitors from all over the world used to travel to Nalanda to see its Buddhist sites and monuments. Nalanda flourished under the control of numerous emperors, including Buddhist ones, and this is when the province rose to prominence. The city is home to the remains of a former educational hub that is now known as Nalanda University, which enrolls 10,000 international monk students in addition to its 2000 faculty members.
On your Nalanda sightseeing trip, you will also view a number of historic stupas, monasteries, temples, and chaityas that are said to have been constructed by the Gupta Kings, Ashoka, and Harshavardhana. On their holiday, they can explore the historical and architectural structures of Nalanda. Here is all the information you need about the places to see in Nalanda to make your vacation special.
Here are 10 things to do in and around Nalanda:
1. Nalanda University
In South Bihar, there is a UNESCO World Heritage Site called Nalanda University. Its beginnings may be traced back to the third century and it is one of the oldest colleges in the world. Originally, it was known as Nalanda Mahavira.
A large “Vihara” is referred to as “Mahavira” in Sanskrit (Buddhist Monastery). It is recognized as one of the greatest and oldest institutions ever recorded in history and is situated about 85 miles from Patna.
Both the earliest Indian epics and Hiuen Tsang’s travelogues make mention of it. The Gupta kings constructed several monasteries in the traditional Kusan style. Emperors Harshavandhana and Ashoka also supported this university by erecting a few temples, viharas, and monasteries for it. In March 2016, former president Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam proposed the concept of restarting the university.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Entry Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM
How to Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Patna Airport (89 km)
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Nalanda Railway Station (5 km)
- By Road: Well-connected by road with regular bus and taxi services from Patna
Travel Experience:
- Historic Significance: Visit the ruins of the ancient Nalanda University, a premier learning center in ancient times.
- What to See: Explore the remains of stupas, temples, and lecture halls.
3 Days Bodhgaya Rajgir and Nalanda Tour
2. Nav Mahavidya of Nalanda
If you enjoy history, you should know that the Bihar government published this wonderful location in Nalanda in 1951. The location displays historic tradition to the contemporary world.
Built as a contemporary Buddhist center, it now offers instruction in the Buddha faith and the old Pali writing system. This is one of the top attractions in Nalanda for explorers and history aficionados.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Entry Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM
How to Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Patna Airport (89 km)
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Nalanda Railway Station (5 km)
- By Road: Well-connected by road with regular bus and taxi services from Patna
Travel Experience:
- Historic Significance: Learn about the nine disciplines of study that made Nalanda famous.
- What to See: Discover the various sites associated with these ancient fields of knowledge.
3. The Great Stupa
This stupa, which Ashoka constructed in the third century, is located among the remains of Nalanda University. The pyramid-shaped building is surrounded by beautiful sculptures and a set of steps.
One of the most well-known buildings in Nalanda and a well-liked tourist destination is the Great Stupa.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Entry Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM
How to Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Patna Airport (89 km)
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Nalanda Railway Station (5 km)
- By Road: Well-connected by road with regular bus and taxi services from Patna
Travel Experience:
- Historic Significance: Visit the massive structure built by Emperor Ashoka.
- What to See: Admire the intricate carvings and the panoramic view from the top.
4. Rajgir
This charming village is situated in Bihar’s Nalanda district and is encircled by five hills in a lush valley. The town is well known for its hot spring, which is thought to have therapeutic qualities. The town, which is now a collection of temples and monasteries, served as Magadha Mahajanapada’s former capital.
One of India’s oldest educational institutions, this naturally fortified location is also believed to be mentioned in the Mahabharata. This is one of the best locations in Nalanda to visit if you want a tranquil and calm atmosphere.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Entry Fee: Varies by attraction
Opening Hours: Varies by attraction
How to Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Patna Airport (100 km)
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Rajgir Railway Station (3 km)
- By Road: Well-connected by road with regular bus and taxi services from Patna and Nalanda
Travel Experience:
- Historic Significance: Explore the ancient capital of the Magadh kingdom.
- What to See: Visit attractions such as Vishwa Shanti Stupa, Hot Springs, and Venu Vana.
5. Nalanda Surya Mandir
This temple, which is dedicated to the Sun God, is located close to Nalanda University and has the shrines of numerous Buddhist and Hindu deities.
An additional five feet tall statue of Goddess Parvati is housed in the temple. This temple holds the well-known Chatth Puja twice a year, which is greatly anticipated. Many worshippers offer their devotion to God at this location in Nalanda.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Entry Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 6 AM to 6 PM
How to Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Patna Airport (89 km)
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Nalanda Railway Station (5 km)
- By Road: Well-connected by road with regular bus and taxi services from Patna
Travel Experience:
- Cultural Significance: A revered temple dedicated to the Sun God.
- What to See: Observe the unique architecture and participate in local festivals.
6. Museum of Archaeology in Nalanda
The museum houses historical artifacts from Nalanda University and provides a glimpse into that civilization. The museum is one of the top locations to visit in Nalanda and contains a wide variety of items, including statues and other art displays.
With the help of the various objects kept here, the Museum demonstrates Pala Art in particular. The museum displays statues made of stucco, copper, stone, and terracotta in addition to those etched in basalt stone.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Entry Fee: ₹5 for Indians, ₹100 for foreigners
Opening Hours: 10 AM to 5 PM, closed on Fridays
How to Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Patna Airport (89 km)
- By Train: Nearest railway station is Nalanda Railway Station (5 km)
- By Road: Well-connected by road with regular bus and taxi services from Patna
Travel Experience:
- Educational Value: Houses artifacts from the ancient university and surrounding areas.
- What to See: View sculptures, coins, manuscripts, and other historical items.
7. Memorial Hall for Hiuen Tsang
The Hiuen Tsang Memorial Hall, one of Nalanda’s most well-liked tourist attractions, was created in honor of a well-known Chinese traveler who had arrived to study Buddhism and mysticism at Nalanda University.
Numerous documents found in the memorial hall serve as significant historical resources for Buddhist literature. This attraction is one of the top Nalanda vacation spots out of all the available destinations.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Entry Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM
How to Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Patna Airport (89 km)
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Nalanda Railway Station (5 km)
- By Road: Well-connected by road with regular bus and taxi services from Patna
Travel Experience:
- Historic Significance: Dedicated to the Chinese traveler and scholar Hiuen Tsang.
- What to See: Learn about Hiuen Tsang’s travels and contributions to Buddhist scholarship.
8. Surajpur Baragaon
The Surajpur Baragaon, which lies north of Nalanda and is noted for having a lake and a temple honoring the sun deity, is located there. This location, one of the oldest and most well-liked attractions, is frequented by many pilgrims during the Chatt Puja.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Entry Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 6 AM to 6 PM
How to Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Patna Airport (85 km)
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Nalanda Railway Station (12 km)
- By Road: Well-connected by road with regular bus and taxi services from Nalanda and Patna
Travel Experience:
- Cultural Significance: Known for its ancient Sun Temple and scenic beauty.
- What to See: Visit the temple and enjoy the tranquil environment.
9. Pawapuri
One of the best locations to visit in Nalanda is Pawari, a sacred site for Jains that is located in the Nalanda district of Bihar. Since Lord Mahavir is thought to have been interred here about 500 BC, this Nalanda tourist destination has acquired significance.
It is known that the sacred pond at the location was constructed by removing a layer of dirt and gathering the Lord’s ashes. Devotees travel from all over the world to visit the Jalmandir Temple, which was later constructed in the middle of the pond.
One of the most important pilgrimage sites in India is Pawapuri. Pawapuri means “a town without sins” in Sanskrit. The Jal Mandir or Water Temple in Pawapuri, which is devoted to Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, marks the location of his cremation.
The temple was constructed by Mahavira’s older brother, King Nandivardhan. It is one of the five important temples in Pawpuri where the foot imprint of Mahavira known as the “Charan Paduka” is revered.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Entry Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 6 AM to 6 PM
How to Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Patna Airport (90 km)
- By Train: Nearest railway station is Nalanda Railway Station (15 km)
- By Road: Well-connected by road with regular bus and taxi services from Nalanda and Patna
Travel Experience:
- Religious Significance: A revered Jain pilgrimage site where Lord Mahavira attained Nirvana.
- What to See: Visit the Jal Mandir situated in the middle of a lotus pond.
10. Surya Mandir | Sun Temple
An ancient Hindu temple named Sun Temple may be found at Surajpur Baragaon, Bihar, close to Nalanda, at a distance of 1 km from the Nalanda University Ruins and 4 km from the Nalanda Railway Station. It is one of the top attractions in Nalanda and one of the 12 Suryadhams in India.
Surya Mandir in Baragaon, also known as Surajpur Temple, is devoted to the Sun God. The temple houses numerous Buddhist deities in addition to some gorgeous Hindu gods and goddesses. The five-foot-tall statue of Goddess Parvati is the most beautiful of all the statues. The temple’s proximity to a lake enhances its splendor and gives it an enchanting appearance. This holy place is revered greatly by the people and is a well-known Hindu pilgrimage spot in Nalanda.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Entry Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 6 AM to 6 PM
How to Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Patna Airport (85 km)
- By Train: Nearest railway station is Nalanda Railway Station (12 km)
- By Road: Well-connected by road with regular bus and taxi services from Nalanda and Patna
Travel Experience:
- Cultural Significance: Dedicated to the Sun God, attracting devotees from all over.
- What to See: Participate in the Chhath Puja festival and observe the temple’s architectural beauty.
The temple is most well-known for its twice-yearly “Chhath Puja” celebrations, which take place during the Hindu months of Vaishakha and Kartika. Many incurable ailments, including leprosy, are said to be cured by taking a bath in this Sun Pond and paying homage to Lord Bhaskar in the temple, according to local belief. People go from all over the nation, as well as from every part of Bihar, to do Chhath puja because of the location’s historical, mythical, and religious significance.
To get the most out of your trip, visit these locations in Nalanda.
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