Bihar Pocket Guide – Culture, Caves, Heritage & Food!
If you think Bihar is just about UPSC toppers and Litti-Chokha… think again. This state is a full cultural universe — ancient universities, skywalks, tiger reserves, waterfalls, sacred temples, world-heritage sites and food that tastes like home.
Here’s your mini-guide to exploring one of India’s oldest cultural powerhouses
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World-Heritage Bihar (Magadh Region)
Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya – Where Buddha attained enlightenment
Nalanda Mahavihara – Remains of the world’s oldest residential university
Pawapuri Jal Mandir – A marble temple floating on a lotus lake
Good to know: November–February is the ideal time to visit these heritage spots.
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Rajgir Ridge – Glass Skywalks & Sacred Hills
Rajgir Nature Safari – India’s famous glass skywalk
Griddhakuta (Vulture Peak) – Ancient Buddhist sermon hill
Natural Hot Springs – Rejuvenating bath ghats
Good to know: Wear grip shoes — the skywalk can get slippery during winter mist!
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Wildlife & Rivers (Bhagalpur & Champaran)
Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary – Spot India’s national aquatic animal
Valmiki Tiger Reserve – Elephants, sal forests & Bihar’s only tiger reserve
Sikki Craft Villages – Home to golden-grass handmade crafts
Good to know: Dolphin-spotting is best between October–March.
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Rock-Cut Wonders & Ancient Forts
Barabar Caves – India’s oldest rock-cut caves
Rohtasgarh Fort – A massive hilltop fortress
Sher Shah Suri Tomb – Floating beauty in Sasaram
Good to know: Barabar Caves appear in E.M. Forster’s A Passage to India.
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Sacred Sites, Waterfalls & Hidden Lakes
Takht Sri Patna Sahib – A major Sikh pilgrimage
Dungeshwari Caves – Buddha meditated here before Bodh Gaya
Kakolat Falls – 150-ft waterfall with a natural pool
Kanwar Taal – Asia’s largest freshwater oxbow lake
Good to know: Kakolat Falls is perfect for a summer dip!
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