Bihār's Unmissable Heritage

Bihar showcases India’s ancient roots through its diverse architectural heritage. This collection features the UNESCO-listed ruins of Nalanda University and the Mauryan remains at Kumhrar. It spans religious history with the Jain Jal Mandir in Pawapuri, the ancient Mundeshwari Temple, and significant Buddhist stupas and Japanese temples in Rajgir and Bodh Gaya. Strategic defense is represented by the massive Rohtasgarh Fort, while the Tomb of Sher Shah Suri stands as a masterpiece of Indo-Islamic funerary architecture.

Bihār's Unmissable Heritage — Map

Photo Dharma / CC BY 2.0

A

Nalanda

Nalanda was a renowned Buddhist mahavihara in ancient and medieval Magadha, eastern India.

Pyule / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Kumhrar Excavation Park

Kumhrar or Kumrahar is the area of Patna where remains of the ancient city of Pataliputra were excavated by the Archaeological Survey of…

PP Yoonus / CC BY-SA 4.0

C

Tomb of Sher Shah Suri

The tomb of Sher Shah Suri is a mausoleum located in Sasaram, in the Indian state of Bihar.

Abhinav Walker / CC BY-SA 4.0

D

Munger Ganga Bridge

Srikrishna Setu Munger Ganga Bridge, is a rail-cum-road bridge across the Ganges, at Munger in the Indian state of Bihar.

E

Rohtasgarh Fort

Massive hill fort on the Kaimur Plateau dating back to the 7th century. It features impressive gates, palaces, and temples, serving as a strategic stronghold for the Suri and Mughal dynasties.

F

Vishwa Shanti Stupa

Large white pagoda on Ratnagiri Hill in Rajgir. Built by the Japanese Buddhist community, it features four gold-colored statues of Buddha representing birth, enlightenment, teaching, and death.

G

Busshinji Japanese Temple

Zen Buddhist temple in Bodh Gaya featuring traditional Japanese architecture. It serves as a center for meditation and displays Japanese-style Buddhist art.

H

Indosan Nipponji Temple

Japanese-style temple in Bodh Gaya established in 1972. The structure resembles a traditional pagoda and contains detailed paintings depicting the life of Buddha.

I

Jal Mandir

White marble Jain temple located in the center of a large water tank in Pawapuri. It marks the site where Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, attained Mahaparinirvana.

Vkumarv / CC BY-SA 4.0

J

Mandar Parvat

Mandar Parvat, also known as Mandar Hill is a small mountain situated in Bounsi, Banka district under Bhagalpur division of state of Bihar.

K

Mundeshwari Temple

Ancient stone temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Shakti on Mundeshwari Hill. Dating to 625 CE, it is considered one of the oldest functional Hindu temples in India.

L

Bhagwan MuniSuvratnath temple

Jain temple in Rajgir dedicated to Lord Munisuvratnath, the 20th Tirthankara. It is a significant pilgrimage site situated within the historic hilly landscape of the region.