Bihar, India Travel Guide

Explore the rich heritage, spiritual landmarks, and natural beauty of Bihar, India. Discover ancient ruins, pilgrimage sites, and vibrant cultural festivals.

Bihar, located in the eastern part of India, is a state rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. From ancient ruins and religious sites to serene rivers and vibrant festivals, Bihar offers a unique blend of experiences for tourists. The state is the birthplace of Buddhism and Jainism, and it houses many important pilgrimage sites like Bodh Gaya, where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. Nalanda, one of the world's oldest universities, is also located here, attracting history buffs from around the globe. The Ganges River flows through Bihar, adding to its natural beauty. The picturesque landscapes and lush green fields make for a perfect backdrop for a relaxing vacation. The state is also known for its vibrant festivals like Chhath Puja, where devotees gather to worship the sun god with great fervor. The local cuisine, with its unique flavors and traditional recipes, is another highlight that shouldn't be missed. Visiting Bihar provides a chance to explore ancient monuments, engage with local traditions, and enjoy the natural scenery. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a spiritual seeker, or a nature lover, Bihar has something to offer for everyone.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Bihar.

Visit Bodh Gaya early in the morning to avoid crowds and experience the peaceful atmosphere.
Try local dishes like Litti Chokha and Sattu Paratha for an authentic taste of Bihari cuisine.
Attend Chhath Puja if visiting in October-November to witness one of the most important festivals in Bihar.
Hire a local guide when visiting historical sites like Nalanda and Rajgir for a deeper understanding of their significance.
Take a boat ride on the Ganges River in Patna for a scenic and serene experience.

Top City Travel Guides in Bihar

The cities of Bihar, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Varanasi

Darjeeling

Patna

Ranchi

Siliguri

Destinations in Bihar

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Himalayan Mountains

Explore Bihar: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Top Attractions & Sightseeing in Bihar

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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All Attractions

Bihar Museum

Discover Bihar's ancient past and rich cultural heritage at the Bihar Museum, home to fascinating artifacts and interactive exhibits.

4.5

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

Experience a nostalgic ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site offering breathtaking Himalayan views and a journey through history.

Barabar Caves

Explore India's oldest rock-cut caves: a journey into Mauryan architecture, artistry, and ancient religious traditions.

4.4

Buddha Smriti Park

Find serenity in the heart of Patna at Buddha Smriti Park, a spiritual haven with towering stupas, meditation spaces, and historical Buddhist relics.

4.4

Best landmarks in Bihar

Top-rated picks

Best Landmarks

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Gandhi Maidan

Explore Gandhi Maidan, Patna's historical landmark and city park, where rich history meets vibrant local culture in a serene setting.

4.3

Buddha Smriti Park

Explore the serene beauty of Buddha Smriti Park, a tranquil memorial park in Patna dedicated to the teachings of Buddha, ideal for reflection and relaxation.

4.4

Golghar

Explore the iconic Golghar in Patna, an architectural marvel that offers stunning views and a glimpse into Bihar's rich history.

4.2

Bihar Museum

Explore the treasures of Bihar's history at Bihar Museum, a cultural gem in Patna showcasing artifacts, art, and heritage.

4.5

Best restaurants in Bihar

Top-rated picks

Best Restaurants

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Bansi Vihar Restaurant

Experience authentic South Indian vegetarian cuisine at Bansi Vihar Restaurant in Patna – where every dish tells a story.

4.1

Pind The Revolving Restaurant

Experience culinary excellence with panoramic views at Pind The Revolving Restaurant in Patna.

4.0

Aasman Restaurant

Experience exquisite modern Indian and Thai cuisine at Aasman Restaurant in Patna with breathtaking city views.

4.1

Basant Vihar

Experience authentic South Indian vegetarian cuisine at Basant Vihar in Patna - where tradition meets taste.

4.1

Best bars in Bihar

Top-rated picks

Best Bars

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The Soda Fountain & Milk Bar

Experience the rich flavors of Patna at The Soda Fountain & Milk Bar, your go-to spot for delectable food and delightful treats.

3.7

Lounge Before Wicket

Experience the fusion of relaxation and fine dining at Lounge Before Wicket in Patna, where every meal is a celebration of flavors.

4.1

Arabian Sheesha The Lounge

Discover Arabian Sheesha The Lounge in Patna: Where Relaxation Meets Local Culture with Exquisite Hookahs and Flavorful Cuisine.

4.0

Oasis Restaurant

Experience the vibrant flavors of India at Oasis Restaurant, a culinary haven in Patna, perfect for tourists and locals alike.

3.7

Best nightclubs in Bihar

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Best Nightclubs

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Gaya Club

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Gaya Club, where music, dance, and delicious drinks come together for an unforgettable evening in Bihar.

4.0

Ara Club

Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Ara Club, Arrah's premier destination for music, dancing, and unforgettable memories.

3.8

SAH DARBAR

Dive into Khajauli's lively nightlife at Sah Darbar, a night club where music, dance, and local culture come together for an unforgettable evening.

3.3

Taj Star Club

Discover the electrifying nightlife at Taj Star Club in Roh, Bihar – where music, dancing, and unforgettable memories await!

4.2

Best shops in Bihar

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Best Shops

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Chitralekha Shopping Mall

Explore a vibrant shopping experience at Chitralekha Shopping Mall in Bettiah, where fashion meets tradition for all ages.

4.9

Patna One Plaza

Discover the ultimate shopping and entertainment experience at Patna One Plaza, the city's premier mall for all your retail and dining needs.

4.0

V2 Mall

Discover V2 Mall in Patna, a lively shopping haven offering diverse fashion, delectable dining, and exciting entertainment options for every visitor.

3.8

APR City Center Mall

Experience shopping, dining, and entertainment at APR City Center Mall, a vibrant hub in Gaya, Bihar, perfect for tourists and locals alike.

4.1

Explore Bihar on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Bihar, mapped for you.

Bihar Essentials

Bihar is well-connected by air, rail, and road. The primary international airport is Jay Prakash Narayan Airport in Patna, the state capital. Domestic flights also connect Patna with major Indian cities. Bihar has an extensive railway network with Patna Junction and Gaya Junction being major railway hubs. The state is also accessible by road through national highways connecting it to neighboring states.
Within Bihar, transportation options include buses, auto-rickshaws, and taxis. State-run and private buses operate between cities and towns. Auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws are commonly used for shorter distances within cities. For a more personalized experience, taxis and car rentals are available. Rail services are also a convenient option for traveling between major cities and towns.
The official currency in Bihar is the Indian Rupee (INR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities, but it is advisable to carry cash for transactions in smaller towns and rural areas. ATMs are available in urban centers, but it is prudent to withdraw sufficient cash before traveling to remote areas.
Bihar is generally safe for tourists, but it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid isolated areas, especially after dark, and be cautious with your belongings in crowded places. Areas such as Patna and Gaya are popular with tourists, but always stay vigilant. Some regions may have higher crime rates, so it is advisable to check local advisories before traveling.
In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Major cities like Patna have well-equipped hospitals and medical facilities. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For police assistance, visit the nearest police station or contact tourist police units that are available in popular tourist areas.
Fashion: Do dress conservatively, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, and remove your shoes before entering temples. Public Transport: Do be respectful and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a 'Namaste' by joining your palms together. Eating & Drinking: Do try local cuisine and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality as it is considered impolite.
To experience Bihar like a local, visit the bustling markets in Patna and taste street food such as litti-chokha. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share their culture. Don't miss important historical sites like the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya and the ruins of Nalanda University. For a unique experience, take a boat ride on the Ganges River in Patna or participate in local festivals such as Chhath Puja.

When is the best time to visit Bihar?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Bihar

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Bihar. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- Helloनमस्ते
  [Namaste]
- Goodbyeअलविदा
  [Alvida]
- Yesहां
  [Haan]
- Noनहीं
  [Nahin]
- Please/You're welcomeकृपया/स्वागत है
  [Kripya/Swagat hai]
- Thank youधन्यवाद
  [Dhanyavaad]
- Excuse me/Sorryमाफ कीजिए/क्षम करें
  [Maaf kijiye/Ksham karen]
- How are you?आप कैसे हैं?
  [Aap kaise hain?]
- Fine. And you?ठीक हूँ। और आप?
  [Theek hoon. Aur aap?]
- Do you speak English?क्या आप अंग्रेजी बोलते हैं?
  [Kya aap Angrezi bolte hain?]
- I don't understandमुझे समझ नहीं आया
  [Mujhe samajh nahin aaya]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseकृपया मेन्यू दिखाइए
  [Kripya menu dikhaiye]
- I don't eat meatमैं मांस नहीं खाता/खाती
  [Main maans nahin khata/khati]
- Cheers!सुखद भोजन!
  [Sukhada bhojan!]
- I would like to pay, pleaseकृपया, मैं भुगतान करना चाहूंगा/चाहूंगी
  [Kripya, main bhugtaan karna chahunga/chahungi]
- Help!मदद!
  [Madad!]
- Go away!दूर जाओ!
  [Door jao!]
- Call the Police!पुलिस को बुलाओ!
  [Police ko bulao!]
- Call a doctor!डॉक्टर को बुलाओ!
  [Doctor ko bulao!]
- I'm lostमैं खो गया/गई हूँ
  [Main kho gaya/gayi hoon]
- I'm illमैं बीमार हूँ
  [Main bimaar hoon]
- I'd like to buy...मैं खरीदना चाहूंगा...
  [Main kharidna chahunga...]
- I'm just lookingमैं बस देख रहा/रही हूँ
  [Main bas dekh raha/rahi hoon]
- How much is it?यह कितने का है?
  [Yah kitne ka hai?]
- That's too expensiveयह बहुत महंगा है
  [Yah bahut mehnga hai]
- Can you lower the price?क्या आप कीमत कम कर सकते हैं?
  [Kya aap keemat kam kar sakte hain?]
- What time is it?कितने बजे हैं?
  [Kitne baje hain?]
- It's one o'clockयह एक बजे हैं
  [Yah ek baje hain]
- Half past (10)साढ़े (10)
  [Saade (10)]
- Morningसुबह
  [Subah]
- Afternoonदोपहर
  [Dopahar]
- Eveningशाम
  [Shaam]
- Yesterdayकल
  [Kal]
- Todayआज
  [Aaj]
- Tomorrowकल
  [Kal]
- 11
  [1]
- 22
  [2]
- 33
  [3]
- 44
  [4]
- 55
  [5]
- 66
  [6]
- 77
  [7]
- 88
  [8]
- 99
  [9]
- 1010
  [10]
- Where's a/the...?कहाँ है ...?
  [Kahan hai ...?]
- What's the address?पता क्या है?
  [Pata kya hai?]
- Can you show me (on the map)?क्या आप मुझे (नक्शे पर) दिखा सकते हैं?
  [Kya aap mujhe (nakshe par) dikha sakte hain?]
- When's the next (bus)?अगली (बस) कब है?
  [Agli (bus) kab hai?]
- A ticket (to ....)एक टिकट (.... के लिए)
  [Ek ticket (.... ke liye)]

History of Bihar

The region of Bihar, historically known as Magadha, played a crucial role in the early history of India. It was the birthplace of two major religions: Buddhism and Jainism. The kingdom of Magadha rose to prominence under the rule of the Haryanka dynasty around 600 BCE and later under the Maurya and Gupta dynasties. The capital cities of Rajgir and Pataliputra (modern-day Patna) were centers of political, cultural, and economic activities in ancient India.
The Mauryan Empire, founded by Chandragupta Maurya in 321 BCE, was one of the greatest empires in ancient India. The empire reached its zenith under Emperor Ashoka, who ruled from 268 to 232 BCE. Ashoka embraced Buddhism after the bloody Kalinga War and played a pivotal role in spreading Buddhism across Asia. His edicts, inscribed on pillars and rocks, can still be seen in Bihar, with the most famous being the Ashoka Pillar at Vaishali.
The Gupta Dynasty, which ruled from around 320 to 550 CE, is often referred to as the 'Golden Age' of India due to advancements in science, literature, and the arts. The period saw the composition of classical Sanskrit literature, including works by Kalidasa, and significant achievements in mathematics and astronomy by scholars like Aryabhata. The ruins of Nalanda University, one of the world's earliest residential universities, reflect the scholarly pursuits of the era.
Bihar is a significant destination for Buddhist pilgrims due to its association with the life of Gautama Buddha. Bodh Gaya, where Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, is one of the most revered sites in Buddhism. Other important Buddhist sites in Bihar include Rajgir, where Buddha delivered some of his most important sermons, and Vaishali, where he gave his last sermon. The Mahabodhi Temple Complex in Bodh Gaya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Nalanda University, established in the 5th century CE, was a renowned center of learning and attracted students from various countries, including China, Korea, Japan, Tibet, Mongolia, Turkey, Sri Lanka, and South-East Asia. The university offered studies in a wide range of subjects, including theology, grammar, logic, astronomy, metaphysics, medicine, and philosophy. The ruins of Nalanda, excavated in the 19th century, provide a glimpse into the ancient educational practices and architectural brilliance.
During the Mughal period, Bihar was an important administrative region and saw the construction of several architectural marvels. The city of Patna, known as Azimabad during Mughal rule, was a thriving center of trade and commerce. Sher Shah Suri, the founder of the Suri Empire, who briefly interrupted Mughal rule, was born in Sasaram, Bihar. He is remembered for his administrative reforms and the construction of the Grand Trunk Road, which passes through Bihar.
Under British colonial rule, Bihar experienced significant political and social changes. The region was a major center for the indigo plantation industry, which led to widespread exploitation and hardships for the local peasantry. The Champaran Satyagraha of 1917, led by Mahatma Gandhi, was a major movement against the oppressive indigo plantation system. This movement marked Gandhi's first active involvement in Indian mass politics and set the stage for the larger Indian independence movement.
After India gained independence in 1947, Bihar underwent several administrative changes, including the creation of the state of Jharkhand in 2000. Despite facing challenges such as poverty and political instability, Bihar has made significant strides in recent years in terms of education, infrastructure, and economic development. The region continues to be a vibrant tapestry of culture, tradition, and historical significance.