Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the newly built Nalanda University campus in Bihar's Rajgir, on June 19, bringing the ancient site of Nalanda under public interest once again. Each year, thousands of tourists from around the globe visit Bihar for its Buddhist teachings and history, with Nalanda being one of the main tourist hotspots. Nalanda, home to ancient university ruins, is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its rich history, culture, civilisation, monasteries, and wildlife sanctuaries.
After inaugurating the new campus, PM Modi also visited the ruins of Nalanda Mahavihara. If you are planning to explore one of the most esteemed destinations, situated around 95 km from Patna, here are a few spots you must not miss:
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Nalanda University Ruins (Nalanda Mahavihara):
Renowned as the world’s first international residential university, Nalanda Mahavihara was founded in the 5th century CE by Emperor Kumargupta. Nalanda flourished like no other institution for more than 7 centuries, nourishing the world with its valuable manuscripts. However, in the 12th century, it was destroyed by invader Muhammad Khilji. Despite this, what remains today is its historical significance along with tales of its glorious past.
The wreckage of this learning site was first discovered by a Scottish surveyor, Francis Buchanan, in 1812, and since then, it has been a fascinating place for historians and archaeologists.
As mentioned by the Chinese traveller Hiuen Tsang, who was a student at the university, it was the epicentre of philosophy, theology, metaphysics, grammar, astronomy, medicine, and Buddhist scriptures. It is said that the university was a hub of diversity where students from several Asian countries like China, Korea, Japan, Tibet, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, and the whole of Southeast Asia came for education.
Visitors can explore the remains of several monasteries, libraries, classrooms, and hostels, which once housed more than 10,000 students.
Hiuen Tsang Memorial Hall
Located near the ancient Nalanda University ruins, this memorial hall was inaugurated in honour of the Chinese scholar and traveller Hiuen Tsang also known as Xuanzang. He came to Nalanda in the 7th century to study Buddhism and stayed here for 12 years. Later, he became a teacher at Nalanda Mahavihara. During his stay, Tsang collected several documents that are a major source of history and are well preserved in the memorial hall, situated just 1.3 km away from the ruins. Construction of this memorial hall began in 1960 and was completed in 1984.
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Rajgir Wildlife Sanctuary
Rajgir Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Pant Wildlife Sanctuary, is home to a variety of wild animals including mammals, such as chital, Indian crested porcupines, jungle cats, birds, reptiles, and Indian bullfrogs. The sanctuary's landscape is surrounded by five mountains: Ratnagiri, Vipulgiri, Vaibhagiri, Songiri, and Udaygiri, offering breathtaking natural views. Apart from these, the Glass Bridge Walk and Nature Safari also attract tourists.
Nalanda Archaeological Museum
Established in 1917, this prestigious archaeological site contains antiques from the excavated site of Nalanda Mahavihara, supposedly the earliest university-cum-monastery complex. Nalanda flourished during the 5th–12th centuries under the patronage of the Gupta, Maukhari, and Pala rulers. In addition to artefacts from Nalanda Mahavihara, the museum includes objects from nearby villages such as Nalanda and Rajgir. For history enthusiasts and those curious about the ancient glory of Nalanda, this museum is a must-visit destination.
Other Attractions
Apart from its rich history and ancient educational institute, Nalanda is also known for its hot springs, Griddhakuta Hill, and natural retreats like Venuvan and Pipala Cave. Bihar remains a centre of Buddhist and Jain studies, attracting people from all over the world who seek to learn more about these religions. You can spot numerous structures there that tell stories of Jainism and Buddhism in India and around the world.
Visitors can explore various sites such as Kunadlpur's Jain Mandir and beautiful Ghora Kotra Lake surrounded by lush green mountains on three sides. Vishwa Shanti Stupa, also known as the Peace Pagoda, is a highly recommended place as it represents Lord Budha's different life periods from birth to enlightenment and death. Located at the highest point of Ratnagiri hill, at an altitude of 400 m in Rajgir, it offers a serene and divine atmosphere.
Best Time To Visit
As Bihar is located in the northern region of India, it experiences warm and humid weather for almost half of the year. The best time to visit Nalanda is between October and March to avoid the extreme heat.
How To Reach
Nalanda is a renowned district of Bihar and is well-connected to other states of India. Here you can reach by air, road or railway.
- By Air: The nearest airport is in Patna, 89 km away. Indian Airlines connects Patna to Kolkata, Ranchi, Mumbai, Delhi, and Lucknow.
- By Rail: Though Rajgir (12 km) is the nearest railway station to Nalanda, the most convenient railheads are at Gaya(95) and Patna(90).
- By Road: Nalanda is connected by good roads to Rajgir (12 km), Bodh Gaya (110 km), Gaya (95 km), Patna (90 km), Pawapuri (26 km), Bihar Sharif (13 km), and other nearby locations. You can opt for bus services or self-drive to enjoy a road trip.
The Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation also organises trips to Nalanda, Rajgir, and other places from its headquarters at Tourist Bhawan in Patna. You can choose to travel with them for a well-organised experience.
Nalanda is undoubtedly a treasure trove of India's ancient heritage, and a visit to this archaeological site offers a memorable experience!