About Nalanda

Country: India | State: Bihar

Ideal Trip Duration: Full Day

Nearest City to Nalanda: Patna (92 Kms)

Best Time to Visit Nalanda: October to March

Peak Season: November to February

At a distance of 12 km from Rajgir, 25 km from Bihar Shariff, 80 km from Bodhgaya, 92 km from Patna, 138 km from Vaishali, 145 km from Muzaffarpur, 205 km from Darbhanga, 230 km from Dhanbad, 252 km from Ranchi, 290 km from Purulia, 316 km from Varanasi, 318 km from Sarnath, 436 km from Prayagraj, and 624 km from Lucknow, Nalanda is an ancient city situated in the northeast Indian state of Bihar. It is one of the popular places of heritage in Bihar and among the must include places in the Buddhist Circuit of India that also includes Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, and Lumbini.

Nalanda is one of the greatest centers of learning in the ancient kingdom of Magadha (modern-day Bihar) in India. The city houses one of the world's oldest and finest residential universities which itself was an architectural masterpiece. Nalanda was initially a prosperous village that ran past the route of Rajgriha (modern Rajgir) which was then the capital of Magadha. It is said that the Jain Tirthankara, Mahavira, spent 14 rainy seasons at Nalanda. Gautama Buddha too is said to have delivered lectures in this area and one of his two chief disciples, Sariputra, was born in the area. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Though the Buddha visited Nalanda several times during his lifetime, this famous center of Buddhist learning shot to fame much later, during the 5th-12th centuries AD. The 17th-century Tibetan Lama, states that the Mauryan emperor, Ashoka, built a great temple at Nalanda at the site of Sariputra's chaitya during the 3rd century BCE. However, Nalanda obtained significant fame during the Gupta era, according to the seal found in the name of King Kumaragupta. His successors expanded the empire by building many more monasteries and temples. Post Gupta period, Nalanda flourished under the reign of emperor Harsha. But the place suffered a big blow under the rule of the Pala dynasty when it was plundered and destroyed by the Muslim Mamluk Turkish kings. Later in 1915, the Archaeological Survey of India studied the site and excavated 6 temples and 11 monasteries.

The rich past of Nalanda can be ascertained by the fact that scholars from Tibet, China, Turkey, Greece, and Persia and students from far and wide came here to seek knowledge. Nalanda shone on the world map after the Chinese traveler Hieun Tsang came here in the 7th century. The Nalanda University has 'viharas' or monasteries, and 'chaityas' or temples. In addition to this, the complex houses a charming little museum, which has a collection of several original Buddhist stupas, Hindu and Buddhist bronzes, coins, terracotta jars, a sample of burnt rice, etc. Although in ruins, the entire complex presents a pretty picture and is flocked by tourists day in and day out. Besides, Hiuen Tsang Memorial Hall, The Great Stupa, Pawapuri, and Kundalpur are some prominent places to visit in Nalanda.

Patna Airport is the nearest airport which is about 90 km from Nalanda. Patna is well connected by flights with all the major cities of India like Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi, Lucknow, Kolkata, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Varanasi. Nalanda Railway station is well connected by Rajgir, Danapur, Kolkata, and Delhi. About 12 km, Rajgir Railway Station is the major railhead that has well-connected trains from Danapur, Fatuha, Gaya, Bakhtiyarpur, Tilaiya, and Howrah. Nalanda is connected by a good road with Rajgir, Bodh Gaya, Patna, Pawapuri, and Bihar Sharif.

There are very few options available in Nalanda to stay. Rajgir is the nearest town that has several accommodation options ranging from budget to standard, and luxury for tourists to stay and explore the nearby places. There are some roadside stalls and eateries near the university & museum that serve veg snacks.

October to March is the best time to visit Nalanda when the climate is pleasantly cool and perfect to explore Nalanda. Besides, one can also visit the ancient city of Nalanda during monsoons as the city receives irregular rainfall. The occasional rains seem to add a natural shade to the city as it appears washed and fresh in this season. Avoid visiting summers as it is quite hot and it becomes really difficult to explore the city under the scorching heat of the sun.

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Other Info
Internet Availability: Average
STD Code: 06112
Languages Spoken: Magadhi, Hindi, Maithili & English
Major Festivals: Buddha Jayanti, & Chhath Puja
Notes/Tips:
None

How to Reach Nalanda

By Air

Nearest Airport: Patna - Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Airport (90 Kms)

By Train

Nearest Train Station: Nalanda Railway Station (0 Kms)
Rajgir Railway Station (12 Kms)

By Bus

Nearest Bus Station: Nalanda Bus Stand (1 Kms)

Top 10 Places to Visit in Nalanda

Heritage

#1 of 10 Places to Visit in Nalanda

At a distance of 3 km from Nalanda Railway Station, and 14 km from Rajgir, Nalanda University is an ancient site located in Nalanda, Bihar. Also known as Archaeological Ruins of Nalanda, it is one of the stunning UNESCO World Heritage sites in India, and among the must include places in Nalanda Tour Packages.

Founded by Kumaragupta during the 5th century, Nalanda University stands out as the most ancient university of the Indian Subcontinent, and one of the oldest universities in the world. Historical sources indicate that the University had a long and illustrious life which lasted almost continually for 800 years from the 5th to the 12th century CE. Nalanda obtained significant fame during the Gupta era, according to the seal found in the name of King Kumaragupta.

Post Gupta period, Nalanda flourished under the reign of emperor Harshavardhan of Kannauj. The growth and the popularity of the university continued until the 9th century, after which its gradual decline started .....

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Heritage

#2 of 10 Places to Visit in Nalanda

At a distance of 3 km from Nalanda Railway Station, and 14 km from Rajgir, Sariputra Stupa is an ancient Buddhist stupa located inside the Nalanda University Ruins complex in Nalanda, Bihar. Also known as Great Stupa, it is one of the must-visit places in Nalanda.

Sariputra Stupa, also known as the Nalanda Stupa is one of the remarkable excavations present amongst the ruins of Nalanda University. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is the most important monument in Nalanda and stands as a testament to its rich cultural heritage. Built-in the 3rd century BC by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka, in the honor of Buddha's follower Sariputra. Sariputra became a celebrated Arhat after he was able to attain salvation following Buddha's footsteps.

The Stupa contains the bones of Sariputra, one of the two chief disciples of Gautam Buddha. The stupa is shaped like a pyramid at the top. The multiple flights of stairs surrounding the stupa, lead to its top. Seven layers of construction explain .....

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Museum

#3 of 10 Places to Visit in Nalanda

At a distance of 3 km from Nalanda Railway Station, and 14 km from Rajgir Railway Station, Nalanda Archeological Museum is a museum situated in the ancient city of Nalanda, Bihar. Located just opposite to Nalanda University Ruins, it is one of the popular archaeological museums in India, and among the top places to visit in Nalanda.

Established in 1917, the Nalanda Archaeological Museum is one of the most prestigious site-museums of the Archaeological Survey of India. It houses antiquities found from the excavated site of Nalanda Mahavihara, one of the oldest universities in the world. Later on, few objects collected from the neighboring villages of Nalanda, and Rajgir too were added to the treasures of this museum. The museum boasts of a rare and beautiful collection of bronze statues, copper plates, manuscripts, stone inscriptions, pottery, coins, and images of various Gods & Goddesses. The majority of the sculptures excavated from Nalanda have been carved on Basalt stone but some .....

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Heritage

#4 of 10 Places to Visit in Nalanda

At a distance of 2 km from Nalanda University Ruins, and 5 km from Nalanda Railway Station, Hiuen Tsang Memorial Hall is a historical monument situated in Nalanda, Bihar. Situated on the banks of Surajpur Lake, it is one of the most attractive tourist places in Nalanda.

The construction of the Hiuen Tsang Memorial Hall was started in 1957 by Pt Jawahar Lal Nehru and was completed in 1984. The memorial was built in the memory of Hiuen Tsang, a popular Chinese traveler who had come to study Buddhism and mysticism at the Nalanda University in 633 AD and stayed here for 12 years. Tsang traveled around the country and also visited Takshila for further studies on Buddhism. The memorial was built at the very place where he used to learn yoga from his teacher Acharya Shil Bhadra.

Hiuen Tsang Memorial Hall is a distinct reminder of the architectural style of the Nalanda University. Built-in typical Chinese style, the memorial is an awesome place to understand the life and times of .....

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Pilgrimage

#5 of 10 Places to Visit in Nalanda

At a distance of 2 km from Nalanda University Ruins, and 5 km from Nalanda Railway Station, Kundalpur Digambar Jain Temple is a sacred place situated at Kundalpur near Nalanda, Bihar. Located just outside Nalanda, it is one of the important pilgrimage places for the Jains, and among the must include places in Nalanda Packages.

Kundalpur is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Mahavira, the 24th and last of Jain Tirthankaras. Tirthankar Mahavir was born about 2600 years ago at this place. The father of Mahavir was King Siddartha and his mother Trishala was the daughter of King Chetaka of Vaishali. Mahavir is said to have spent the first 22 years of his life at Kundalpur. Also, it is the place of birth of Gautam Swamiji who was the first disciple of Lord Mahavira. Being the birthplace of Lord Mahavira, Kundalpur is an important pilgrim destination for Jain devotees.

A grand temple with beautiful spires has been built here to mark the birthplace with a four and a half feet tall .....

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Pilgrimage

#6 of 10 Places to Visit in Nalanda

At a distance of 1 km from Nalanda University Ruins, and 4 km from Nalanda Railway Station, Sun Temple is an ancient Hindu temple situated at Surajpur Baragaon near Nalanda in Bihar. It is one of the 12 Suryadhams in India and among the popular places to visit in Nalanda.

Also known as Surajpur Temple, Surya Mandir in Baragaon is dedicated to the Sun God. The temple has some very beautiful idols of Hindu gods and goddesses along with many Buddhist deities. The most attractive one of al the statues being the five feet high idol of Goddess Parvati. The temple is located beside the lake which adds to the beauty of the temple and makes it look more enchanting. This sacred site holds immense importance among the locals and is a popular Hindu pilgrimage site in Nalanda.

The temple is best known for the celebration of 'Chhath Puja' which is held here twice a year in the Hindu months of Vaishakha and Kartika. People believe that by bathing in the Sun pond here and worshiping Lord .....

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Pilgrimage

#7 of 10 Places to Visit in Nalanda

At a distance of 13 km from Nalanda, and 21 km from Rajgir, Pawapuri, or Pawa is a sacred place located near Nalanda in Bihar. It is one of the prominent holy sites for Jains in India, and among the popular places to visit in Nalanda.

Pawapuri is considered as one of the major pilgrimage centers in India amongst Jain followers as it is the land where Lord Mahavira took his last breath in 527 BC. The name Pawapuri means a town without sins. Dedicated to Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, the Jal Mandir, or Water Temple in Pawapuri marks the place of his cremation. The temple was originally built by King Nandivardhan, the elder brother of Mahavira. It is one of the five main temples in Pawpuri, where the 'Charan Paduka' or foot impression of Mahavira is deified.

Jal Mandir is built in white marble within the water tank that measures 16.8 acres. The water surface of the lake is covered with lotuses. This architecturally elegant temple in the form of a 'Vimana' or chariot has .....

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Pilgrimage

#8 of 10 Places to Visit in Nalanda

At a distance of 16 km from Gaya, 85 km from Aurangabad, 113 km from Patna, 182 km from Muzzafarpur, 207 km from Dhanbad, 211 km from Ranchi, 244 km from Darbhanga, 245 km from Varanasi, 305 km from Durgapur, 318 km from Jamshedpur, 365 km from Prayagraj, 373 km from Bankura, and 469 km from Kolkata, Bodh Gaya is a Buddhist pilgrimage site located in the Gaya district of Bihar, India. It is one of the must include places in Buddhist pilgrimage tours in India and among the must-visit places as part of Bihar Tour Packages.

Situated on the banks of the River Niranjana, Bodh Gaya is revered by Buddhists all over the world as it is the place where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in 534 BC under the Bodhi Tree. The Mahabodhi Temple which houses the Bodhi Tree attracts hordes of visitors across the world and is now one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Bodh Gaya is one of the four important Buddhist pilgrimage sites of India's Buddhist Circuit, the other three being Kushinagar, Lumbini, .....

Distance (From Nalanda): 80 Kms
Trip Duration (From Nalanda - Including Travel): Full Day
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Heritage | Pilgrimage

#9 of 10 Places to Visit in Nalanda

At a distance of 12 km from Nalanda, 32 km from Bihar Shariff, 71 km from Bodhgaya, 103 km from Patna, 153 km from Muzaffarpur, 197 km from Darbhanga, 225 km from Dhanbad, 247 km from Ranchi, 295 km from Purulia, 310 km from Varanasi, 431 km from Allahabad, Rajgir is an ancient city in Nalanda district of Bihar. Known for its holy sites, it is one of the popular places of pilgrimage in India and among the must include places in Bihar Tour Packages.

Rajgir is a spiritual town set in a green valley and surrounded by rocky hills. The town finds its mention in the Mahabharata as the kingdom of Jarasandha, the arch-nemesis of Krishna and his Yadava clan. While the exact date of Rajgir's foundation is not known, ceramics dating to about 1000 BC have been found in the city. The famous 2500-year-old Cyclopean Wall (Cyclopean masonry) is also located in the city.

The city of Rajgir was the first capital of the kingdom of Magadha, until the 5th century BC when Udayin (460-440 BC), son .....

Distance (From Nalanda): 12 Kms
Trip Duration (From Nalanda - Including Travel): Full Day
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Heritage | Pilgrimage

#10 of 10 Places to Visit in Nalanda

At a distance of 35 km from Muzaffarpur, 55 km from Patna, 105 km from Darbhanga, 128 km from Nalanda, 145 km from Rajgir, 174 km from Bodhgaya, 182 km from Kushinagar, 233 km from Gorakhpur, 417 km from Shravasti, 505 km from Lucknow, Vaishali is a small district situated in the eastern Indian state of Bihar. Situated on the banks of Gandak River, it is one of the popular Buddhist Pilgrimage places in India and among the must include places in Bihar Tour Packages.

Vaishali or Vesali was once an ancient city and is now an archaeological site near Basarh. Vaishali is believed to have been named after King Vishal of the Mahabharata age. Gautama Buddha preached his last sermon before his death in c. 483 BC, then in 383 BC, the Second Buddhist council was convened here by King Kalasoka, making it an important place in both Jain and Buddhist religions. It contains one of the best-preserved of the Pillars of Ashoka, topped by a single Asiatic lion. Apart from Buddhists, Vaishali is revered .....

Distance (From Nalanda): 128 Kms
Trip Duration (From Nalanda - Including Travel): Full Day
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