This major industrial and commercial center is well known for its rich coal fields. It is also famous for educational and research institutes like the Indian School of Mines, Mining Research Stn. and National Fuel Research Inst.

Around Dhanbad

Jharia (6 kms.)

It one of the most important coalfields of the country and is shared by the states of Jharkhand and West Bengal. Nearby are series of the lake- reservoirs built as a part of the Damodar Valley Scheme. These lakes enhance the beauty of the region.

Maithon Dam (50 kms.)

It was designed for flood control and has a unique underground power station, the first of its kind in South Asia. The huge lake at Maithon covers an area of 65 sq. kms.

Topchanchi Lake & Bird Sanc. (37 kms.)

The lovely lake adjoining Maithan Dam and Panchet Dam is surrounded by hills and thick forests. A rich variety of birdlife can be seen here.

Tundi (Chark Khurd) (32 kms.)

It is well known for the hot springs.

Bokaro (86 kms.)

This major industrial center lies on the Dhanbad – Ranchi highway is known for the country’s biggest and the first indigenous (swadeshi) steel plant. Bokaro Steel City: The city’s foundation was laid in 1965, with the collaboration of the erstwhile USSR. Major coal fields are located nearby. The main attractions are Bokaro Ispat Pustakalaya, City Park and Jawaharlal Nehru Biological Park, etc.

Deoghar or the ‘Abode of Gods’ is one of the most important Hindu pilgrim centers of the country and a fine health resort of Jharkhand.

Baidyanath Temple or Baijnath Dham: The ancient temple of Lord Baijnath (Shiva) enshrines one of the twelve Jyotirlingams, which is also the only kamanalingam – a lingam that has the power of fulfilling all the wishes of the devotees. A large number of pilgrims visit the temple, especially during the month of ‘Shravan’ (July – Aug.). Devotees offer meetha dahi (sweet curd) to the presiding deity.

Other important shrines at Deoghar complex are of a Sandhya, Mansa, Ma Bagla, and Ma Sandhya. Nearby is the Siva Ganga or Mansarovar water tank. Other attractions are Naulakha Temple, Ramkrishna Mission School, Bawanbigha rose Garden, Jugal Mandir, Lila Mandir, and Kundeshwari temple. There are also many attractive spots ideal for picnics and excursions around Deoghar.

Danmantic Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand and the erstwhile summer capital of Bihar nestles at an altitude of 2,140 feet in the heart of the charming Chhotanagpur plateau. The bracing climate and lush landscape teeming with wonderful waterfalls have made the beautiful town a popular health and holiday resort. It is also an important place for the study of tribal ways of life. It has some industrial complexes.

Ranchi Hill and Lake: The ‘Ranchi Hill’ dominating the skyline of the town is crowned by a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. At the base of the hill is the pristine Ranchi Lake, which was excavated in 1842, Colonel Onsely, British agent Boating facilities are available.

Tagore Hill: The 300 f. high hill is named after poet and Nobel laureate, Rabindra Nath Tagore, who is said to have penned many poems here.

Gonda Hill & Rock Gardens: This another attractive hillock of the town is set on the Kanke road, about 4 kms. from the G.P.O. The popular big lake called Kanke Dam is at the foot of the Gonda Hill near the Albert Ekka Chowk.

Other interesting sites are – Digambar Jain Temple, Rani Sati Temple, and Tribal Research Institute & Museum.

Around Ranchi

Angrabadi

This temple complex amidst scenic surroundings has shrines of Lord Ganpati, Ram Sita, and Hanuman, and Shiva.

Hathia Dam (12 kms.)

Popular picnic and excursion point.

Mutta Muggar Breeding Centre & Birsa Zoological Park (23 kms.)

This crocodile breeding center and zoo are worth visiting.

Jagannathpur Temple & Hill (10 kms.)

This sacred hill-top temple of Lord Jagannath was built in 1691. The annual Rath Yatra held here in June/ July attracts a large number of devotees.

Hundru Falls (28 kms.)

Subarnarekha river plunges from a height of about 320 feet over here, creating one of the most picturesque waterfalls. Other important falls are Dassam Falls (40kms.), Jonha Falls or Gautamdhara (34 kms.), and Hirni Falls (70 kms.), etc.

Mc Cluskieganje (40 kms.)

The tiny idyllic hamlet amidst lush forests lies on the N. H. 47, was originally set up for the Anglo – Indians, during the 1950s. Today, this cool haven with a colonial ambiance has perfect settings for a quiet holiday.

Ratu (17kms.)

It was the scat of the erstwhile Maharaja of Chhotanagpur and is now well known for the Durga Puja’ and ‘Rath Yatra’ celebrations. Bhorra, the origin point of the river Koel is located nearby.

Sun Temple, Bundu (39 kms.)

This magnificent shrine located on the Tata Road near Bundu was built in the form of a huge chariot by the Sanskrit Vihar. Ornately carved 18 wheels and seven life like horses pulling the chariot are noteworthy.

Vaishali, an important archaeological site on the left bank of the Gandak river is yet another major Buddhist and Jain pilgrim center of Bihar. The town is said to be named after the legendary king Vishal, whose heroic deeds are mentioned in the epic Ramayana. It is believed that Vaishali is one of the first republics of the world, as democracy prevailed here as early as 6th century B.C., during the time of the Vajis and the Lichchavis. Lord Buddha is said to have preached his last sermon at Kolhua, located nearby. During the sermon, he hinted at his impending departure from the mortal world. Emperor Ashoka erected a huge pillar at the site to commemorate the event. About a hundred years after the Mahaparinirvana of the Buddha, the second great Buddhist council was held here to discuss the ten points of Vinaya, the rule of conduct under dispute. Two stupas were erected to commemorate this event. Jainism, too, has its origins in Vaishali, as Lord Mahavir was born on the outskirts of the city in 527 B.C. and lived in Vaishali till he was 22. Vaishali is also famous for Amrapali, the beautiful dancer, and courtesan. Lord Buddha is said to have accepted the invitation of Amrapali and went to her residence with his Bhikku Sangha to take their meals. Amrapali offered Buddha a mango orchard and became a Bhiksu (nun), under the influence of Buddha.

Abhiskek Pushkarn (Coronation tank): The waters of the sacred tank are believed to be used for the anointing of the newly elected representatives to the Vaishali parliament during the time of the Lichchavis. The Lichchavi stupa was located nearby. ament,

Ashokan Pillar: The 18.3 meter high Lion Pillar was erected by emperor Ashoka besides a brick stupa at Kolhua, to commemorate the last sermon of Lord Buddha. The highly polished pillar is a single piece of red sandstone, surmounted by an inverted lotus-shaped capital crowned by a life-size figure of a lion facing north – the direction which Buddha took on his last voyage. The stupa was originally built by emperor Ashoka and later enlarged during the Kushan period. It is surrounded by a cluster of votive stupas with a small temple amidst them. Nearby are remains of a monastery and a tank where Buddha resided during his visit to Vaishali.

Bawan Pokhar Temple: This ancient shrine dating back to the Pala period is set on the northern bank of Bawan Pokhar. It has beautiful images of several Hindu deities.

Buddha Stupa: The sacred ashes of Lord Buddha, received by the Lichchhavis were enshrined here in a stone casket. These were found during archaeological excavations, buried in the relic chamber along with a terracotta head of Buddha, which is now preserved in the National Museum at Delhi. The relics of the stupa are located near the museum and are protected by a circular tin shed amidst a small park.

Choumukhi Mahadeva: The four-headed (Choumukhi) Shivalinga of Lord Shiva is carved out of black basalt rock and was recovered while excavating a reservoir.

Kundalpur (4 kms.): Lord Mahavir, the 24th Jain Tirthankara was born here about 2,550 years ago. It is believed that Lord Mahavir spent the first 22 years of his life here. A commemorative plaque marks the sacred site.

Raja Vishal ka Garh: The excavations at this huge mound with a circumference of about one kilometer revealed a structure with a nearly 2 meters high wall and a 43 meters wide moat around it and is thought to be an ancient parliament house. Over seven thousand representatives of the federal assembly gathered here to legislate and discuss the problems of the day.

Vishwa Shanti Stupa (World Peace Pagoda): It lies on the south bank of the Coronation Tank and is the sixth stupa in the series to be erected in India by Buddha Vihar Society.

Vaishali Museum: The museum lies near the Coronation tank and exhibits some of the archaeological finds and regional handicrafts.

Vaishali Mahotsava: The festival held on the full moon day of the month of “Vaisakh” (mid-April) celebrates the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir.

Around Vaishali

Muzzafarpur (35 kms.)

It is one of the oldest and largest trade centers of Bihar and is popularly known as “Lychee Kingdom”, for its delicious lychee fruit. There are also some historical sites associated with the Lichchavi kingdom, dating back to the 6th century B.C.

Nalanda, the ancient Buddhist center, literally means the place that confers the lotus. It was visited by Lord Buddha and Lord Mahavira, but came into prominence after the 5th century A.D., as a leading center of learning in the world. Emperor Ashoka and Harshavardhana were some of its most celebrated patrons. Nalanda, the world’s first residential international university imparted teachings on philosophy, literature, medicine, and Buddhism besides philosophies of Brahmanism and Jainism. Hieun Tsang and Fa-Hien, the great Chinese pilgrims and scholars visited Nalanda. According to Hieun Tsang, the university had 2,000 teachers and 10,000 students from all over the Buddhist world, who lived and studied here. There were massive libraries well stocked with a very rich collection of books on Hinayana, Mahayana, Brajyana Buddhism, and other religious sects. The university also imparted the knowledge of sculptural art and some of the finest specimens of Indian sculptural art were created here. The great world University was invaded and brutally destroyed by the Turkish raider, Bakhtiar Khalji in 1235. An International Centre for Buddhist Studies was established here in 1951.

Nalanda University Ruins Archaeological Complex: This excavation area of about 14 hectares has relics of beautiful red brick structures and gardens. The buildings are divided by a central walkway that extends in the south-north direction. The Viharas (monasteries) are to the cast of this central alley, while the Chaityas (temples) are in the west. The Vihara-1 is perhaps the most interesting with its cells on two floors built around a central courtyard where steps lead up to what must have been a dais for the professors to address their students. Nalanda’s main temple Temple No. 3 is an enormous pyramidal mass rising to a height of31 meters.

Nalanda Archaeological Museum: It lies opposite the entrance to the ruins of the university and exhibits artifacts excavated from the region.

Nava Nalanda Mahavihara: This new institute is engaged in the study and research of Pali literature and Buddhism. Several students from abroad come here to study.

Hieun Tsang. Memorial Hall: It commemorates Hieun Tsang, the great Chinese scholar, and traveler, who also studied and taught at Nalanda.

Around Nalanda

Bihar Sharif (13 kms.)

It was the capital of the Muslim governors of Bihar between the 13th and 16th centuries and became an important center of culture and learning under their patronage. Today, it is well known for the tomb of Makhdum Shah Sharif-ud-din, a Muslim saint of the 14th century. A large number of devotees visit the sacred site.

Rajgir, the capital of the Magadh Mahajanpad (State) before the foundation of Patliputra is named after Raj Griha, literally meaning the “Royal Palace”. The town sprawls in a valley amidst scenic surroundings and is one of the most important tourists and Buddhist pilgrim centers in India. Lord Buddha is said to have spent several years here. During his stay, he delivered sermons and proselytized Mauryan emperor Bimbisar, at Griddhakoota hill. Rajgir is reverently mentioned in great epics – Ramayana and Mahabharata. It is also a sacred site for the Jains and Hindus. Lord Mahavira, the 24th Jain kara and founder of Jainism, meditated and delivered his first sermon here. The hills around Rajgir are dotted with beautiful Jain shrines. The town is also an excellent health and winter resort. The hot water ponds here possess curative properties, which help in the cure of many skin diseases.

Amaravana /Jivekarmavan Gardens: It was the seat of the royal physician Jivaka, who is said to have treated the wound of Lord Buddha here.

Ajatasatru’s Fort: It was built during the 6th century B.C. by Ajatasatru, the king of Magadha. The 6.5 sq. meter stupa is also believed to have been built by him.

Bimbisara Jail: King Bimbisara was imprisoned here by his son Ajatashatru. Bimbisara is said to have chosen the site for his incarceration, as from here he could see Lord Buddha climbing atop the Griddhakuta hill to do his meditation.

Chariot Route Marks: The strange marks cut deep into the rock are believed to be of Lord Krishna’s chariot when he visited Rajgir during the epic Mahabharata period.

Cyclopean Wall: The relics of the wall, which once encircled the town can be seen at the exit of Rajgir to Gaya. It is one of the few remnants of pre-Mauryan structures.

Griddhakuta Hill & Shanti Stupa: Lord Buddha set in motion his second wheel of law at Guriddhakuta Hill. He delivered many sermons from here and his teachings were first recorded in writing at this sacred site. The Buddha Sangha of Japan built a huge Shanti Stupa (Peace Pagoda), atop the hill to commemorate the event. The stupa can also be reached by an aerial ropeway.

Hot Sulphur Springs (Saptdhara): It lies at the base of the Vaibhava hills and has bathing places for men and women. The water is said to have curative powers. The springs are Pippala Cave, also known as “Jarasandh ki Baithak”.

Saptaparni Cave: The first Buddhist Council was convened hereafter by the Mahaparinirvana of Lord Buddha.

Other places of interest are – Jarashand ka Akhara, Karanda Tank, Swarna Bhandar, Veerayatan Jain Temple and Venuvan Vihar, etc.

Around Rajgir

Kundalpur (18 kms.)

The Digambar Jains believe that it is the birthplace of Lord Mahavira, the founder of Jainism. A Jain temple and two lotus lakes mark the sacred site.

Pawapuri(35 kms.)

Pawapuri, also known as Apapuri (a sinless city) is one of the most important Jain pilgrim centers. Lord Mahavira delivered his last sermon and breathed his last over here around 500 B.C. His cremation site is marked by the beautiful Jalamandir temple, built in white marble. It is said that devotees not only took away the ashes of the Lord but also removed a large amount of soil around the funeral pyre, which created the water tank. Samosharan is another splendid shrine at Pawapuri.

Swarajpur-Baragaon (18 kms.)

The lake with its temple of Sun God, comes to life, twice a year in “Vaisakha” (Apr-May) and “Kartika” (Oct.-Nov.) during the Chhath Puja or Sun Worship.

Bodh Gaya (once Uruvela village) is the most important and sacred Buddhist pilgrim center in the world. It was here that Gautama (Prince Siddharth) finally attained nirvana under the bodhi (banyan) tree and became Buddha, the enlightened one. Siddhartha Gautama was born in 566 BC in Lumbini Nepal), as a Sakya prince of Kapilvastu. He renounced the royal heritage and faced hardships in search of the Truth’ – the causes of human suffering. Some of the most important events associated with his life, like enlightenment and the last sermon, happened in Bihar and thus the State is regarded as the ‘cradle’ of Buddhism. Today, Bodh Gaya is an international center for Buddhism and has temples and monasteries built by various countries like China, Japan, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Thailand, Taiwan, Korea, Bhutan, and Nepal.

Mahabodhi Temple: The sacred temple complex set amidst lush lawns, marks the site where Buddha attained enlightenment or spiritual illumination. The original temple at this site was built by emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century B.C. It was rebuilt during the 7th century A.D., by the Pala kings of Bengal. The shrine was rediscovered in 1883, by eminent archaeologists and is now a World Heritage Site of UNESCO. The present structure is a blend of architectural styles of different periods and cultures, but the style of the Guptas and later stages is evident. The exquisitely carved 54 meters high pyramidal spire of the main temple dominates the landscape. The main sanctum enshrines a golden image of Lord Buddha in a sitting posture. The entire courtyard of the temple is studded with a large number of beautiful stupas, in different sizes and built during the past 2,500 years.

Bodhi Tree: Lord Buddha is said to have attained nirvana while meditating under this sacred tree. It lies towards the left in the Mahabodhi Temple Complex. The tree was destroyed and replanted at least five times. The present tree grew from a sapling brought from the Bodhi tree at Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka, which was planted by Emperor Ashoka’s son Mahinda, who took a sapling from the original tree to Sri Lanka, on one of his missions to propagate the teachings of Lord Buddha. The holy tree is surrounded by small, but beautifully carved votive stupas and chaityas.

Vajrasana: The ‘seat of stability’, a red sandstone platform beneath the Bodhi tree marks the site where Buddha is believed to have sat in meditation gazing east. It probably dates back to šrd century B.C. In 1993, the then Sri Lankan president Ranasinghe Premadasa gifted a golden canopy and a golden railing around the Vajrasana as a gift from the people of Sri Lanka.

Animesh Lochan Stupa: It is believed that Buddha spent the second week after enlightenment over here.

Ratnagarh Chaitya: Lord Buddha spent one week here to attain Abhidhamma Naya (deep meditation), a higher mode of exposition.

The Ratnachakarma or Jewel Walk: The third week after pious enlightenment was spent here by Buddha in meditative perambulations. The sacred site is marked by a recently made brick platform with 18 lotus flowers representing the footsteps of Buddha mark the sacred spot.

Bodhisarovar: The sacred pond lies to the west of Bodhi temple. It is said that Buddha bathed here before going into the meditation under the bodhi tree.

Japanese Temple: The beautiful pagoda-shaped shrine with a splendid image of Lord Buddha, is set amidst a well laid out garden.

Thai Temple & Monastery: This brightly colored shrine has gold lacquered tiles and a sloping roof, ending in curled dragons. It has a huge image of Lord Buddha.

Muchalinda Lake: The sixth week was spent here by Lord Buddha.

Archaeological Survey of India Museum: This fine museum exhibits a rich collection of Buddhist and Hindu relics, terracotta seals, scriptures, and railings/pillars dating back from the Ist century B.C. to 11th century A.D.

Magadh University: The prestigious international university is well known for its studies in history, culture, and philosophy.

Shaivite Monastery: It lies near the Mahabodhi temple and has a cluster of four temples amidst lush surroundings.

Around Bodh Gaya

Deo (32 km)

It is famous for the beautiful temple of Sun God and ‘Chhat’ festivities (Oct./Nov).

Gaya (12 kms.)

This important Hindu pilgrim site lies between the Pretshilla and Ramshila Hills, on the banks of river Phalgu. Gaya along with Varanasi and Allahabad is regarded by Hindus as the three most sacred sites for performing the funeral rites. Hindus offer oblation here for the salvation of their ancestors. Gaya also has a large number of Buddhist temples. According to legends, a completely fatigued Lord Buddha rested here under a tree and was offered food by a condemned lady named Sujata. To everybody’s surprise, Buddha accepted her offerings and after consuming the food, he assumed a divine glow and realized the ‘Supreme Truth’, that neither extreme self-indulgence nor is self-mortification ever required. What is needed is to follow the Middle Path. The Sujatha Sthan or Durgeshwari Temple built here marks this important event in the life of Buddha. Other attractions are Vishnupad Temple, on the banks of river Phalgu, Pretshila Hill, and Brahma Kund.

The imperial city of Patna sprawling on the banks of the sacred river Ganga is among the world’s oldest capital cities. With a continuous history of| over two millennia. It remained the seat of power for many dynasties and was known by different names like Kusumpura, Pushpapura, Pataliputra, and Azeemabad. Ajatshatru, the Magadha king first built a small fort in Pataligram, on the banks of the Ganga in 6th century BC. Pataliputra, one of the greatest cities of Asia dominated the political fortunes of the whole of north India between the 6th century B.C. and 5th century A.D. The city regained its lost glory in the 16th century, under the Afghan king Sher Shah Suri, who is said to have established the present-day Patna. With the decline of the Mughal power, the region fell into the hands of the British, who made Patna a regional capital and built a modern extension to this ancient city known as Bankipore.

Today, Patna is a fine blend of ancient traditions and modernity and is an important business center in eastern India. It is also the gateway to the Buddhist and Jain pilgrim centers of Bodhgaya, Nalanda, Vaishali, Rajgir, and Pawapuri.

Golghar: This huge beehive-shaped granary is the “icon’ of Patna and was built in 1786, by captain John Garstin for the British army after the famine of 1770. The massive structure is 125 meters wide at the base and gradually tapers up to a height of 29 meters. Its walls are 3.6 m wide at the base and have two external stairways that spiral upwards around the monument. The top of the dome affords a fine view of the city and the river Ganga flowing nearby.

Martyr’s Memorial: It commemorates the seven freedom fighters, who sacrificed their lives during the Quit India Movement of August 1942.

Har Mandir Takht: The sacred Sikh shrine (gurudwara) is regarded as one of the five Akal Takhts’ of Sikhism. Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs, was born here in 1660. The original structure was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab.

Patna Museum: It exhibits splendid metal and stone sculptures dating back to the Maurya and Gupta periods as well as 4 archaeological finds recovered from Nalanda.

Pathar ki Masjid: The beautiful mosque near Har Mandir Takht was built by Parwez Shah, the son of Mughal emperor Jehangir

Khuda Baksh Oriental Library: This magnificent library was established in 1900 and is one of the national libraries in India. It has an excellent one-man collection of rare Arabic and Persian manuscripts, Rajput and Mughal paintings. 25mm wide Koran and books from the Moorish University of Cordoba Spain.

Jalan Museum, Qila House: It was built on the foundations of Sher Shah Suri’s fort and houses an impressive private collection of antiques.

Sher Shah Suri Masjid: It was built in 1545. by Sher Shah Suri in the Afghan architectural style.

Sadaqat Ashram: It is the headquarters of Bihar Vidyapeeth, a national university. Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India. resided here after his retirement. A small museum here exhibits some of his personal belongings.

Agam Kuan or the Unfathomable well: This important archaeological relic is believed to be associated with Mauryan emperor Ashoka, the great.

Gandhi Setu: The 7.5 kms. long bridge over the river Ganga is one of the longest roadway bridges in the world.

Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park: It was established in 1969 and is now one of the 16 largest zoos in the country, housing more than 70 species of animals.

Modern Planetarium: This excellent planetarium at Indira Gandhi Science Complex, is one of the most important attractions of Patna.

Kumhrar (5 kms.): The archaeological site has relics of Patliputra, the glorious capital of Ajatasatru, Chandragupta, and Ashoka. Excavations have revealed the rich historical legacy of Patna, dating between 600 BC to 600 AD. Other worth visiting sites are – Bihar Institute of Handicrafts & Designs, Birla Mandir, Mahaveer Mandir, Nawab Shahid – ka – Magbara, Pachim Darwaza, etc.

Around Patna

Ara (55 kms.)

This home of ancient Jain temples is also known as the Jain City.

Maner (30 kms.)

The beautiful site is well known for the dargah of the 13th-century Sufi saint Hazrat Makhdoom Yahiya Maneri. The tomb of his disciple is located nearby. A large number of devotees visit the shrine during the annual Urs celebrations.