Tourism Sector of Bihar

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Tourism Sector of Bihar

Tourism has been boosted by the establishment of the Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation. The rich culture and heritage of Bihar are evident from the innumerable ancient monuments that are dotted everywhere in the state. Bihar is home to several tourist attractions and is visited by large numbers of tourists from everywhere on the planet. Around a total of 6 million tourists visit Bihar each year from the world.

Bihar in eastern India is one of the oldest inhabited places within the world with a history going back 3000 years.

Aim:

  • Its main aim is to commercialize all the tourist resources of Bihar.
  • Tourist Information Centers, Hospitality services, Heritage Hotels, Wildlife Sanctuary, and National Parks etc. have been developed.

Buddhist Tourism in Bihar:

  • Kesaria Stupa is the highest stupa in India measured from the base in East Champaran.
  • Bodh Gaya
    • It is the most important Buddhist pilgrimage site
    • It was earlier known as Uruvela
    • On the banks of river Niranjana, Buddha attained his enlightenment and the tree that sheltered him is known as Bodhi Tree
    • Mahabodhi Temple was designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site
    • Buddha statue – a huge Buddha Statue in sitting posture
  • Vaishali
    • Buddha delivered his last sermon here.
    • 2nd Buddhist Council was convened by King Kalashoka
  • Patna
    • Its ancient name is Patliputra.
    • It was the capital of many famous ruling dynasties like Mauryas and Guptas
    • 3rd Buddhist Council was convened by King Ashoka in 250 B.C.
    • Ajatshatru had built up the fort in Patliputra
    • Udayin had set up Patliputra town.

Jain Tourism in Bihar:

  • Vaishali – It is the birthplace of Lord Mahavir Jain
  • Pawapuri
    • Lord Mahavira breathed his last here.
    • Jal Mandir – spectacular marble temple in the middle of a lotus pond stands marvellously on a rectangular platform
    • Samosharan Temple – Lord Mahavira delivered his last teaching here

Sikh Tourism in Bihar:

  • Patna
    • 10th Sikh Guru Gobind Singh was born here.
    • Sri Harmandir Sahib Takht Gurudwara is located here.

Sufi Tourism in Bihar:

  • Maner Sharif
    • It was also an important centre of learning
    • Tomb of Makhdum Daulat and Yahiya Maneri is located here
    • The ceilings have carved inscriptions from Koran
  • Phulwari Sharif
    • Khankah Muzibia was founded by Hazrat Pir Muzibullah Quadri
    • The sacred hair of beard of Paigamber Hazrat Mohammad is preserved here.
    • A meal is held here every year.
    • Sangi Masjid located here constructed by Humayun
  • Bihar Sharif
    • Choti Dargah of Hazrat Makhdum Saiyad Shah Ahmed Charampose
    • Around the tomb of Saint Ibrahim Bayu, 10 smaller tombs are also built.

Hindu Religious Sites in Bihar:

  • Sita Kund in Munger – after proving her chastity, Sita bathed in the pool which absorbed her heat
  • Ahirauli (Buxar)
    • A temple of Devi Ahalya, the wife of Rishi Gautam
    • She was transformed into stone by the curse of her husband and was redeemed only when lord Rama visited the place.
  • Singheshwar Sthan in Madhepura is considered the abode of Lord Shiva.
  • Sitamarhi
    • Janki Temple is situated here.
    • It is considered the birthplace of SITA.

 

Ecological Sites in Bihar:

  • Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary in Bhagalpur, stretching from Sultanganj to Kahalgaon. It is the only protected area for Gangetic Dolphins.
  • Kakolat Waterfalls – in Nawada district near Jharkhand border which has a fall of 160 ft.
  • Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary – Kaimur, Bengal Tigers are also found here. Other important sites in it are:
    • Karkat waterfall
    • Telhar waterfall
    • Anupam Lake
  • Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary – Munger, located south of Ganga. It has several hot springs like Sita Kund and Rishi Kund. It is more famous for birds than land animals.

Secular Sites in Bihar:

  • Didarganj Yakshini is the most treasured possession of the Patna Museum
  • Eighty Pillared Hall of Magadhan empire in Kumhrar (Patna)
  • Golghar in Patna was built by Captain John Garstin under the order of Lord Warren Hastings.
  • Khudabaksh Library, one of the largest libraries of Asia, is located in Central Patna
  • Mauryan pillars at Lauriya Nandangarh, Rampurva, and Lauriya Areraj
  • Nalanda hosts the famous ancient University
  • Qila-i-Rohtas in Rohtas district built by Sher Shah Suri in 1541
  • Rajgir – was the ancient capital of the Magadha Empire

 

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