Discover Bihar: 5 ancient wonders that still take travellers’ breath away

Bihar, often overlooked on the tourist map, is one of those places where history breathes through every stone and monument. Mighty dynasties, timeless ruins, and stories are etched into temple walls, whereas each of these places offers a window into a bygone era. Beyond the clichés of modern travel, this destination promises travellers a rendezvous with living history. If this has you intrigued, here are five ancient wonders that continue to captivate visitors and leave them awe-inspired even today.

One of the most sacred sites in Buddhism where Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment beneath the Bodhi tree around 2,500 years ago. This site was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with architecture that is considered to date back to the period of the Gupta Empire even though the founder was Ashoka. The temple has a central spire that is surrounded by smaller stupas and ancient railings. A major pilgrimage destination for the followers of Buddhism, travellers will witness rituals, chants, and meditative practices going year-round. The most unique fact about this temple is that it has a tree that is believed to be a descendant of the Bodhi tree.

The world’s first residential university that led to the establishment of other modern institutions of modern learning. Travellers will witness monastery ruins, lecture halls, temples, and libraries which were once home to thousands of students and teachers. This university was established in the 5th century CE by the Gupta king Kumaragupta I. This ancient site has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many sculptures have also been unearthed here which consist of copper plates, artworks, inscriptions, seals, and many more objects. Travellers should visit the spot for a glimpse into our country’s rich cultural heritage and spiritual past. Many famous scholars from all over Asia have studied here in the past.

Established to celebrate the 2554th birth anniversary of Buddha and foster global Buddhist connections by the Bihar government. This park is located near Patna Junction and features the Pataliputra Karuna Stupa which houses sacred relics of the Buddha gifted by Buddhist countries such as Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Japan, and South Korea. Here, travellers will also find a meditation centre, a museum with artefacts of Buddhism, and sacred Bodhi trees which were received from Mahameghavana Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, and Bodh Gaya, planted in the garden. Travellers will witness a tranquil environment surrounded by lush greenery, a space for learning, reflection, and cultural events.

One of the five takhts in Sikhism, this place holds great religious significance and is also the place where the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, was born. A beautiful white marble gurudwara which will definitely leave you speechless with a golden dome and intricate artwork. This gurudwara is also a centre of Sikh pilgrimage and hosts a lot of large gatherings on the occasion of Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti and Baisakhi. Devotees visit to seek blessings and immerse themselves in the teachings of Sikhism.

The tallest and largest Buddhist stupa in the world, built by King Ashoka and located in East Champaran. It is considered, according to Buddhist traditions, that this stupa honours the Buddha’s final journey and also his compassionate teachings to the Lichchhavis. This is certainly an architectural marvel showcasing Bihar’s Buddhist heritage. Archaeological excavations have revealed several relics, sculptures, and inscriptions, making it a must-visit for history buffs and pilgrims alike.