What is the primary spiritual significance of Bihar?

Bihar is the birthplace of two major world religions: Buddhism and Jainism. Bodh Gaya is where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment under the sacred Bodhi Tree, and Pawapuri is the place where Lord Mahavira attained Nirvana.

Who are the current Chief Minister and Governor of Bihar?

The Chief Minister of Bihar is Shri Nitish Kumar, and the Governor is Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar.

Which UNESCO World Heritage Sites are in Bihar?

Bihar has two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya, and the Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara (Nalanda University Ruins) at Nalanda.

What is the best time to visit Bihar for tourism?

The best time to visit Bihar is during the cooler winter months, from October to March, when the weather is comfortable for sightseeing at Bodh Gaya, Rajgir, and Nalanda.

What is the local food specialty of Bihar?

The most famous traditional dish of Bihar is Litti Chokha, made of whole wheat flour balls stuffed with roasted chickpea flour (sattu) and served with mashed vegetables (chokha) and clarified butter (ghee).

Bihar Tourism — The Cradle of Indian History &

Official Name

State of Bihar

Capital City

Patna (Ancient Pataliputra)

Coordinates

25.5941° N, 85.1376° E

State Animal

Gaur (Mithun)

State Symbols

House Sparrow (Bird), Peepal (Tree), Kachnar (Flower)

State Governance

Administrative Leadership

The modern administration guiding Bihar's development, public policy, and constitutional governance.

Shri Nitish Kumar

Hon'ble Chief Minister

Bihar's longest-serving Chief Minister, leading the state executive since 2005. Prominent advocate of social development, female literacy campaigns, and infrastructure mobilization.

Shri Rajendra Arlekar

Hon'ble Governor

The constitutional head of state since February 2023. Promotes cultural conservation, higher education reforms, and state-level social initiatives, representing Goa's distinguished political legacy.

Chapter I

The Soul of Bihar

"An ancient soil where clay tablets tell stories of enlightened gurus and sovereign laws."

Bihar represents the cradle of civilization in the eastern plains of the Indian subcontinent. Nourished by the perennial flow of the sacred River Ganges and its tributaries, the alluvial soil of this region has sustained communities since the Neolithic era. It was in the dense forests of ancient Magadha that philosophers questioned the material world, leading to profound spiritual declarations that changed the course of global humanity.

The name 'Bihar' itself derives from the Sanskrit word Vihara, meaning Buddhist monasteries. This historical etymology reflects the core identity of the land: a sanctuary of contemplation, scholarship, and spiritual transformation. Today, Bihar is a vibrant mosaic of traditional agrarian life and accelerating modernization, where the shadows of ancient stupas overlook modern developmental corridors.

Chapter II

The Past: Chronicles of Magadha

"Timeline of subcontinental empires, spiritual awakenings, and ancient institutions."

Bihar's history is the foundation of Indian classical history. From the early iron age assemblies of Vaishali—the world's first republic—to the extensive borders of the Maurya and Gupta empires, this region served as the political and intellectual capital of India for nearly a millennium.

c. 563 – 483 BCE

Awakening of Gautama Buddha

Prince Siddhartha Gautama renounces his palace, wanders to Bodh Gaya, and attains supreme enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree, founding Buddhism.

c. 322 – 185 BCE

The Mauryan Hegemony

Chandragupta Maurya and Chanakya establish Pataliputra as the imperial capital. Emperor Ashoka the Great carves his edicts of peace and dhamma across Asia.

c. 450 – 1197 CE

Nalanda Mahavihara

Founded during the Gupta era, Nalanda becomes the world's premier residential university, attracting ten thousand scholars from China, Korea, and Tibet.

c. 1540 – 1545 CE

Reign of Sher Shah Suri

Sher Shah Suri defeats the Mughals, constructs the Grand Trunk Road, introduces the silver Rupee currency, and builds his architectural masterpiece at Sasaram.

1917 CE

Champaran Satyagraha

Mahatma Gandhi launches his first civil disobedience movement on Indian soil in Champaran, mobilizing peasants against forced indigo cultivation.

Read Deep-Dive State History →

Chapter III

The Districts of Bihar

An administrative and geographical index of Bihar's 38 sovereign districts, detailing local capitals, literacy profiles, and offbeat travel coordinates.

1. Araria

Situated in the northern part of Purnia division, bordering Nepal. It has rich agricultural plains fed by the Kosi river canal systems.

• Area: 2,830 km²
• Key Crops: Paddy, Jute, Maize
• Offbeat: Raniganj Vriksh Vatika

2. Arwal

Carved out of Jehanabad district to expedite development. Sits on the banks of the Sone river, known for its fine sand reserves.

• Area: 638 km²
• Key Crops: Wheat, Paddy, Pulses
• Offbeat: Sone River Sunset Points

3. Aurangabad

The land of the Sun Temple. Located in the Magadh division, it features historical stone carvings and rich medieval forts.

• Area: 3,305 km²
• Key Crops: Paddy, Wheat, Mustard
• Offbeat: Deo Sun Temple & Umga Hills

4. Banka

Lies in the southeastern region. Famous for Mandar Hill, which holds immense religious significance in Hindu cosmic mythology.

• Area: 3,020 km²
• Key Crops: Rice, Maize, Lentils
• Offbeat: Mandar Hill & Papaharini Tank

5. Begusarai

The industrial capital of Bihar, situated on the northern bank of the Ganges. Home to India's premier fresh-water oxbow lake.

• Area: 1,918 km²
• Key Crops: Maize, Oilseeds, Wheat
• Offbeat: Kanwar Lake Bird Sanctuary

6. Bhagalpur

Known globally as the Silk City due to its centuries-old Tussar silk weaving industries. Sits beside the Ganges delta system.

• Area: 2,569 km²
• Key Crops: Paddy, Maize, Silk Cocoons
• Offbeat: Vikramashila Ruins & Dolphin Sanctuary

7. Bhojpur

Headquartered at Arrah. Famous for its rich Bhojpur linguistic heritage, historical temples, and agricultural yields.

• Area: 2,395 km²
• Key Crops: Wheat, Paddy, Sugarcane
• Offbeat: Aranya Devi Mandir & Jagdishpur Fort

8. Buxar

The historic battleground where the British East India Company secured Diwani rights in 1764. Lined with scenic ghats.

• Area: 1,703 km²
• Key Crops: Paddy, Wheat, Pulses
• Offbeat: Ramrekha Ghat & Katkauli Memorial

9. Darbhanga

The heart of Mithila culture. Renowned for its rich musical traditions, grand royal palaces, mango orchards, and ponds.

• Area: 2,279 km²
• Key Crops: Mango, Makhana (Foxnuts), Paddy
• Offbeat: Darbhanga Fort & Shyama Kali Temple

10. East Champaran

Headquartered at Motihari. Celebrated for its revolutionary history and the world's tallest Buddhist stupa at Kesaria.

• Area: 3,968 km²
• Key Crops: Sugarcane, Paddy, Lentils
• Offbeat: Kesaria Stupa & Gandhi Memorial

11. Gaya

The international spiritual capital. Renowned for Buddhist pilgrimage centers and Hindu Shraddha karma rituals along Falgu river.

• Area: 4,976 km²
• Key Crops: Paddy, Wheat, Til (Sesame)
• Offbeat: Mahabodhi Temple & Dungeshwari Caves

12. Gopalganj

Located in the Saran division, it shares borders with Uttar Pradesh. Highly known for sugarcane processing and local temples.

• Area: 2,033 km²
• Key Crops: Sugarcane, Wheat, Mustard
• Offbeat: Thawe Durga Temple

13. Jamui

Rich in minerals, forests, and hills. It is home to ancient Jain shrines, forest reserves, and the pristine Nagi Dam.

• Area: 3,098 km²
• Key Crops: Maize, Paddy, Pulses
• Offbeat: Nagi-Nakti Bird Sanctuary & Lachhuar

14. Jehanabad

Located in the Magadh division. Famous for the oldest rock-cut caves in India, carved during the Mauryan period.

• Area: 931 km²
• Key Crops: Paddy, Wheat, Oilseeds
• Offbeat: Barabar Hills & Lomas Rishi Cave

15. Kaimur

Headquartered at Bhabua. Famous for its rugged Kaimur hills, wildlife tracts, waterfalls, and the ancient Mundeshwari Temple.

• Area: 3,332 km²
• Key Crops: Paddy, Wheat, Lentils
• Offbeat: Telhar Kund & Mundeshwari Temple

16. Katihar

Lies in eastern Bihar, featuring a major railway junction. Known for jute processing, marshy wetlands, and migratory routes.

• Area: 3,057 km²
• Key Crops: Jute, Maize, Paddy
• Offbeat: Gogabil Lake Wetlands

17. Khagaria

Bounded by major rivers (Ganges, Gandak, Bagmati). Highly prone to seasonal changes, making it a rich alluvial belt.

• Area: 1,486 km²
• Key Crops: Maize, Wheat, Bananas
• Offbeat: Katyayani Mandir (River Confluence)

18. Kishanganj

The only tea-producing district of Bihar, sharing borders with West Bengal and Nepal. Receives the highest rainfall in the state.

• Area: 1,884 km²
• Key Crops: Tea Leaves, Pineapple, Jute
• Offbeat: Mahananda River banks & local Tea Gardens

19. Lakhisarai

Established around the historic Kiul river basin. Renowned for archaeological sites of the Pala dynasty and massive Shiva shrines.

• Area: 1,228 km²
• Key Crops: Pulses, Wheat, Paddy
• Offbeat: Ashokdham Temple & Indrapeeth ruins

20. Madhepura

Part of the Kosi division. Rich in local folk histories, agro-processing mills, and the legendary Singheshwar temple complex.

• Area: 1,788 km²
• Key Crops: Paddy, Jute, Oilseeds
• Offbeat: Singheshwar Sthan Shiva Temple

21. Madhubani

The homeland of the world-famous Madhubani art. Famous for its rich ponds, Sanskrit universities, and handloom fabrics.

• Area: 3,501 km²
• Key Crops: Makhana, Paddy, Mangoes
• Offbeat: Saurath Sabha & Kapileshwar Temple

22. Munger

Sits on the bank of the Ganges. Globally famous for the Bihar School of Yoga, gun-making heritage, and warm mineral springs.

• Area: 1,419 km²
• Key Crops: Wheat, Maize, Pulses
• Offbeat: Munger Fort & Bhimbandh Hot Springs

23. Muzaffarpur

The Lychee capital of India. Located on the bank of the Burhi Gandak river, it is highly prominent for trade and local craft works.

• Area: 3,172 km²
• Key Crops: Shahi Lychee, Paddy, Garlic
• Offbeat: Garibnath Temple & local Lac factories

24. Nalanda

The intellectual center of ancient India, containing the UNESCO ruins of Nalanda University, hot springs of Rajgir, and Pawapuri.

• Area: 2,355 km²
• Key Crops: Potato, Onion, Paddy
• Offbeat: Nalanda Ruins & Ghora Katora Lake

25. Nawada

Lies in southern Bihar on the border of Jharkhand. Known for scenic hills, waterfalls, and mineral deposits.

• Area: 2,494 km²
• Key Crops: Wheat, Paddy, Sugarcane
• Offbeat: Kakolat Waterfall & Sekhodeora Ashram

26. Patna

The metropolitan capital and ancient site of Pataliputra. Center of politics, history, and transport corridors in Bihar.

• Area: 3,202 km²
• Key Crops: Wheat, Paddy, Pulses
• Offbeat: Takht Patna Sahib & Kumhrar Ruins

27. Purnia

One of the oldest administrative districts in eastern India. Known for rich jute trade, historic colonial clubs, and temples.

• Area: 3,229 km²
• Key Crops: Jute, Maize, Banana
• Offbeat: Puran Devi Temple & Jalalgarh Fort

28. Rohtas

Headquartered at Sasaram. Famous for the tomb of Sher Shah Suri, the massive Rohtasgarh hill fort, and waterfalls.

• Area: 3,851 km²
• Key Crops: Paddy, Wheat, Sesame
• Offbeat: Sasaram Tomb & Rohtasgarh Fort Complex

29. Saharsa

Part of the Mithila cultural zone. Bounded by Kosi river basin, featuring deep cultural heritage and local lake parks.

• Area: 1,687 km²
• Key Crops: Paddy, Jute, Makhana
• Offbeat: Tara Sthan temple (Mahishi)

30. Samastipur

Located on the bank of the Budhi Gandak. Famous for the historic Pusa Agricultural University and spiritual sites.

• Area: 2,904 km²
• Key Crops: Tobacco, Wheat, Turmeric
• Offbeat: Vidyapati Nagar & Pusa Research Campus

31. Saran

Headquartered at Chapra. Home to Chirand, the first neolithic archaeological site in the Gangetic valley, and Sonepur fair.

• Area: 2,641 km²
• Key Crops: Potato, Wheat, Paddy
• Offbeat: Chirand Archaeological Site

32. Sheikhpura

One of the smallest districts of Bihar. Dominated by rocky ridges, local stone quarrying, and old hill shrines.

• Area: 689 km²
• Key Crops: Paddy, Pulses, Wheat
• Offbeat: Giri Hinda Hill & Sheikhpura Fort ruins

33. Sheohar

The smallest district in Bihar by area, carved out of Sitamarhi to streamline flood management and public policy.

• Area: 349 km²
• Key Crops: Paddy, Wheat, Maize
• Offbeat: Devangan Shiva Temple

34. Sitamarhi

The sacred birthplace of Goddess Sita. Lined with historical temples and stepwells celebrating the Ramayana epoch.

• Area: 2,294 km²
• Key Crops: Paddy, Wheat, Sugarcane
• Offbeat: Janaki Mandir (Punaura Dham)

35. Siwan

Located on the border of Uttar Pradesh. Birthplace of India's first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, and home to ancient stupas.

• Area: 2,219 km²
• Key Crops: Sugarcane, Wheat, Maize
• Offbeat: Ziradei & Don Stupa Ruins

36. Supaul

Bounded by the Kosi River. Extremely fertile plains known for local agro-industrial projects and sun temples.

• Area: 2,425 km²
• Key Crops: Paddy, Jute, Wheat
• Offbeat: Dharahara Sun Temple

37. Vaishali

Headquartered at Hajipur. Famous as the capital of the Licchavis, the world's first republic, and birthplace of Lord Mahavira.

• Area: 2,036 km²
• Key Crops: Banana, Paddy, Maize
• Offbeat: Ashokan Lion Pillar & Relic Stupa

38. West Champaran

Headquartered at Bettiah. The largest district in Bihar, home to the Valmiki Tiger Reserve and dense sub-Himalayan forests.

• Area: 5,228 km²
• Key Crops: Paddy, Sugarcane, Jute
• Offbeat: Valmiki Tiger Reserve & Someshwar Fort

Chapter III.b

Divisional Administration

Bihar is divided into 9 administrative divisions, each headed by a Divisional Commissioner to coordinate development, land revenue, and law enforcement.

1. Patna Division

The political and administrative nerve center of the state, covering the south-central Gangetic plains.

Districts: Patna, Nalanda, Bhojpur, Buxar, Rohtas, Kaimur

2. Tirhut Division

Located in northwestern Bihar, Tirhut is one of the largest divisions, rich in agriculture and sugar processing.

Districts: Muzaffarpur, West Champaran, East Champaran, Vaishali, Sitamarhi, Sheohar

3. Saran Division

Situated in western Bihar, bordered by Uttar Pradesh. The division is deeply agrarian and rich in river confluences.

Districts: Saran, Siwan, Gopalganj

4. Darbhanga Division

The heartland of Mithila culture and language. Famous for wetland cultivation (Makhana) and classical arts.

Districts: Darbhanga, Madhubani, Samastipur

5. Kosi Division

Named after the Kosi River. This northeastern division has highly fertile river plains but faces seasonal inundations.

Districts: Saharsa, Supaul, Madhepura

6. Purnia Division

Covering the far-eastern part of the state. Purnia has a rich jute production industry and borders West Bengal and Bangladesh.

Districts: Purnia, Katihar, Araria, Kishanganj

7. Bhagalpur Division

The smallest division by number of districts. Famous for historical university ruins and premium silk clusters.

Districts: Bhagalpur, Banka

8. Munger Division

Lies on the southern bank of the Ganges. Features dense forests, mineral springs, yoga schools, and historic forts.

Districts: Munger, Begusarai, Lakhisarai, Sheikhpura, Jamui, Khagaria

9. Magadh Division

The historical cradle of early Indian dynasties. Center of global Buddhist and Jain pilgrimage corridors.

Districts: Gaya, Aurangabad, Nawada, Jehanabad, Arwal

Chapter III.c

Agricultural Geography & Seasons

Bihar's agrarian economy is governed by three primary crop-planting cycles, sustained by the monsoon floods of North Bihar and the canal networks of the Sone and Kosi rivers.

Bhadai Crops (Autumn Harvest)

Sown in the pre-monsoon shower months of May and June, and harvested in the autumn months of September and October.

• Primary Crops: Autumn Rice, Maize, Jute
• Key Districts: Purnia, Katihar, Kishanganj

Aghani Crops (Winter Harvest)

The most important agricultural season of Bihar. Sown in the mid-monsoon months of July and harvested in the winter month of Aghrahan (November/December).

• Primary Crops: Winter Rice (Aman), Sugarcane, Sesame
• Key Districts: West Champaran, Gopalganj, Rohtas

Rabi Crops (Spring Harvest)

Sown in the post-monsoon winter months of October and November, and harvested in the warm spring months of March and April.

• Primary Crops: Wheat, Barley, Gram, Mustard, Linseed
• Key Districts: Patna, Bhojpur, Buxar, Nalanda

Horticulture & Cash Crops

Bihar has carved a premium niche in horticultural exports. The floodplains of Muzaffarpur are globally famous for Shahi Lychee (bearing a Geographical Indication tag). Similarly, northern Bihar's waterlogged clay soils yield premium quality Makhana (Foxnuts), catering to over 85% of global makhana consumption. The Ganga basin districts produce extensive mango crops, specifically the delicate Jardalu Mango of Bhagalpur.

Chapter IV

The Art: Traditional Geographies

"The lines and dyes that capture mythology, nature, and community pride."

Mithila's Sacred Art

Originating in the Mithila region of Bihar, Madhubani painting was traditionally done by women on freshly plastered mud walls using fingers, twigs, brushes, and matchsticks.

Characterized by geometric patterns, double-line borders, and vibrant natural pigments derived from flowers, leaves, and soot.

Production Stages

Preparing the base: Handmade paper coated with cow dung paste.
Outlining: Fine lines drawn with bamboo twigs and black soot.
Natural coloring: Red from hibiscus, yellow from turmeric, blue from indigo.
Mitigation of spaces: Filling entire gaps with repetitive lines or motifs.

Sujini Narrative Quilts

A traditional form of embroidery where old cotton saris are layered and stitched together. Unlike common running stitches, Sujini tells contemporary social narratives of rural women.

It acts as a canvas for expressing domestic challenges, environmental events, and folk legends.

Key Motifs

Suns and Moons: Symbolizing energy and cycles of time.
Mithila flora: Lotus leaves and local creepers.
Social stories: Women attending village councils, domestic scenes.
Folk deities: Images of local protective guardians.

Golden Grass of Bihar

Sikki grass is a wild golden-colored grass found in the wet, marshy fields of northern Bihar. Women harvest, dry, and weave it into beautiful utility items and decorative toys.

It is lightweight, organic, and incredibly durable, carrying GI (Geographical Indication) status.

Processing Flow

Harvesting: Collecting grass stalks during the monsoons.
Splitting & Dyeing: Splitting the grass and coloring it in water dyes.
Coiling: Weaving the grass around a sturdier local grass base.
Finishing: Trimming edges and adding beads for eyes or handles.

Patna Qalam Painting

One of the world's first independent schools of painting, Patna Qalam (or Patna School of Painting) flourished in Bihar during the 18th and 19th centuries as an offshoot of Mughal painting styles.

Unlike Mughal art, which depicted royal courts and battles, Patna Qalam focused on the daily life of common people—blacksmiths, fishmongers, festivals, and street markets. The paintings are notable for their clean brushwork and direct rendering without pencil outlines (Kajli Syahi).

Manjusha Art (Anga Scroll Painting)

Originating in the ancient Anga kingdom (modern-day Bhagalpur), Manjusha art is a unique form of sequential scroll painting centered entirely on the legendary folklore of Bihula and the serpent deity Bisahari.

Traditionally painted on boxes made of jute and paper (called Manjushas), this art form uses only three main colors: Pink, Green, and Yellow, each holding distinct spiritual meanings. It is characterized by thick black borders and snake motifs flanking every panel.

Chapter V

The Sights: Sacred & Sovereign

"Hover to reveal the essence of Bihar's major cultural coordinates."

Bodh Gaya

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Bodh Gaya

The place where Prince Siddhartha Gautama achieved enlightenment. Features the monumental Mahabodhi Temple and the sacred Bodhi Tree descendents.

Explore Details →

Nalanda Ruins

Ancient Residential University

Nalanda Mahavihara

The extensive red-brick ruins of the world's first great residential university. A legendary center of Buddhist and scientific studies for seven centuries.

Explore Details →

Rajgir

Valleys of Peace & Kings

Rajgir

Nestled in a valley of five hills, Rajgir was the capital of the Magadha empire. Features the Vishwa Shanti Stupa, hot water springs, and sacred caves.

Explore Details →

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Chapter VI

The Spirit: Festivals & Flavors

"The purity of sun worship and the earthy delight of local grains."

Bihar's cultural calendar is dominated by Chhath Puja, an ancient Vedic festival dedicated to Surya (the Sun God) and Usha (the first light). Celebrated twice a year, it is unique because it involves praying to both the setting and rising sun, symbolizing the cyclicity of life. There are no idols, no priests, and no commercial display—only pure devotion along the river ghats.

Sonepur Cattle Fair

Held on Kartik Purnima at the confluence of Ganges and Gandak. It is one of Asia's largest cattle fairs, dating back to Emperor Chandragupta Maurya who bought war elephants here.

Pitrapaksha Mela, Gaya

A massive annual pilgrimage where ancestors are offered Pinda Pradaan rituals along the banks of the sacred Falgu river, bringing millions of pilgrims from across India.

Sama Chakeva & Madhushravani

Sama Chakeva celebrated in Mithila honors brother-sister bonds using clay toys. Madhushravani is a monsoon ritual celebrating ecology and marital bonds with traditional folk songs.

Bihula-Bisahari Puja

A popular festival in the Anga region (Bhagalpur) celebrating the folklore of Bihula saving her husband from snake bites. Expressed through Manjusha artwork.

The culinary heritage of Bihar is deeply organic, using local grains like sattu (roasted gram flour) and mustard oil to create hearty, temperature-resilient food:

Litti Chokha Whole wheat dough balls stuffed with spiced roasted gram flour (sattu), roasted over charcoal embers and dipped in melted cow ghee, served with mashed eggplant, tomatoes, and chilis.
Sattu Sharbat A natural health drink made of roasted gram flour mixed with water, roasted cumin seeds, black salt, chopped onions, and lemon juice. Highly nutritive and served as a heat-shield.
Silao Khaja A sweet made of multi-layered crisp dough sheets, sweetened with sugar syrup, which received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for its traditional production in Silao near Nalanda.

Chapter VII

The Journey: Travel Logistics

"Access points, ideal seasons, and regional weather patterns."

Bihar is exceptionally well connected via rail corridors and national highways. The capital city of Patna serves as the primary base for exploring the state's historical and spiritual centers.

How to Reach:

Air: Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport in Patna and Gaya International Airport.
Rail: Major junctions at Patna Central, Danapur, Gaya, and Mughalsarai (Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya).
Road: Clean national highways linking Varanasi, Kolkata, and Kathmandu.

Distance Matrix (From Patna Headquarters):

District	Headquarters	Area (km²)	Literacy	Travel Highlight & Specialty
Araria	Araria	2,830	53.53%	Raniganj Vriksh Vatika forest reserve, migratory bird sightings.
Arwal	Arwal	638	67.43%	Sone river sandbanks, offbeat peaceful riverside views.
Aurangabad	Aurangabad	3,305	70.32%	Deo Sun Temple, 15th-century stone structural heritage.
Banka	Banka	3,020	58.17%	Mandar Hill, site of Samudra Manthan (ocean churning) legends.
Begusarai	Begusarai	1,918	63.87%	Kanwar Lake Bird Sanctuary, Asia's largest oxbow lake (Ramsar site).
Bhagalpur	Bhagalpur	2,569	63.14%	Vikramashila Stupa ruins, Dolphin Sanctuary, Tussar silk weaving.
Bhojpur	Arrah	2,395	70.47%	Aranya Devi Temple, legacy of 1857 hero Veer Kunwar Singh.
Buxar	Buxar	1,703	70.14%	Battle of Buxar site (1764), Ramrekha Ghat, Katkauli memorial.
Darbhanga	Darbhanga	2,279	58.07%	Darbhanga Royal Palaces, Chandradhari Museum, Ahilya Asthan.
East Champaran	Motihari	3,968	55.79%	Kesaria Stupa (world's tallest Stupa), Gandhi Smarak Pillar.
Gaya	Gaya	4,976	63.67%	Vishnupad Temple, Bodh Gaya Mahabodhi Stupa, Falgu river ghats.
Gopalganj	Gopalganj	2,033	65.47%	Thawe Mandir (famous Durga temple), rich sugarcane fields.
Jamui	Jamui	3,098	59.65%	Jain Mandir Dharamshala, Nagi-Nakti Dam Bird Sanctuary.
Jehanabad	Jehanabad	931	66.80%	Barabar Caves, oldest rock-cut cave sanctuaries in India.
Kaimur	Bhabua	3,332	69.34%	Mundeshwari Temple (oldest functional temple), Telhar Kund waterfall.
Katihar	Katihar	3,057	52.24%	Gogabil Lake sanctuary, historic Gorakhnath temple.
Khagaria	Khagaria	1,486	57.92%	Katyayani Mandir, confluence of seven major rivers.
Kishanganj	Kishanganj	1,884	55.46%	Harishchandrapur Fort ruins, scenic tea estates of Bihar.
Lakhisarai	Lakhisarai	1,228	59.58%	Ashokdham Temple, historic Indrapeeth archaeological ruins.
Madhepura	Madhepura	1,788	52.25%	Singheshwar Sthan Shiva Temple, historic weekly cattle fair.
Madhubani	Madhubani	3,501	58.62%	Madhubani Painting origins, Kapileshwar Temple.
Munger	Munger	1,419	70.46%	Munger Fort, Bihar School of Yoga, hot springs of Bhimbandh.
Muzaffarpur	Muzaffarpur	3,172	63.51%	Shahi Lychee orchards, Garibnath Mandir, local lac bangles.
Nalanda	Bihar Sharif	2,355	64.43%	Nalanda University Ruins, Pawapuri Water Temple, Rajgir hills.
Nawada	Nawada	2,494	59.76%	Kakolat Waterfall, scenic forest hills of Rajauli.
Patna	Patna	3,202	70.68%	Patna Sahib Gurudwara, Kumhrar Maurya ruins, Bihar Museum.
Purnia	Purnia	3,229	51.08%	Puran Devi Temple, historical colonial club, banana fibers.
Rohtas	Sasaram	3,851	73.37%	Tomb of Sher Shah Suri, Rohtasgarh Fort, Tutla Bhawani falls.
Saharsa	Saharsa	1,687	53.20%	Tara Asthan Mahishi temple, Matsyagandha Lake.
Samastipur	Samastipur	2,904	61.86%	Vidyapati Nagar, Pusa Agricultural University research campus.
Saran	Chapra	2,641	65.96%	Chirand Neolithic archaeological site, Sonpur Cattle Fair.
Sheikhpura	Sheikhpura	689	63.86%	Giri Hinda hill temple, ancient rock structures.
Sheohar	Sheohar	349	53.78%	Devangan Shiva Temple, smallest district by area in the state.
Sitamarhi	Sitamarhi	2,294	52.05%	Janaki Mandir (Birthplace of Goddess Sita at Punaura Dham).
Siwan	Siwan	2,219	69.45%	Don Stupa ruins, birthplace of first President Dr. Rajendra Prasad.
Supaul	Supaul	2,425	57.67%	Dharahara Sun Temple, Kosi river project embankment trails.
Vaishali	Hajipur	2,036	66.60%	Ashokan Pillar, World's First Republic ruins, Relic Stupa.
West Champaran	Bettiah	5,228	55.70%	Valmiki Tiger Reserve, ashrams of Champaran, local wood crafts.

Destination	Distance (km)	Route via Highway	Est. Train Duration
Bodh Gaya	115 km	Gaya-Patna Highway (SH-1)	2h 15m (Jana Shatabdi)
Nalanda Ruins	85 km	Patna-Bakhtiyarpur-Biharsharif Highway	2h 00m (Rajgir Passenger)
Rajgir Valleys	95 km	NH-31 and SH-120	2h 10m (Budhpurnima Express)
Vaishali Republic	40 km	Mahatma Gandhi Setu / NH-22	1h 15m (via Road Transit)
Vikramashila (Bhagalpur)	235 km	NH-31 (Ganga North Bank)	4h 30m (Intercity Express)
Sasaram (Rohtas)	155 km	NH-19 and Ara-Mohania Road	3h 15m (Intercity Passenger)