Welcome to the sacred land of Vaishali, where history, spirituality, and culture intertwine to create a tapestry of timeless significance. In Bihar, India, Vaishali is a place of great historical and religious importance. It’s a land where Lord Buddha preached, Ashoka left his indelible mark, and ancient relics whisper stories of a bygone era.
In this blog, we embark on a journey through the best tourist places in Vaishali, unearthing the secrets of its rich heritage and the tranquillity it offers to those who seek it. Join us as we explore the wonders of Vaishali, a destination that bridges the past and the present, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts, spiritual seekers, and travellers in pursuit of serenity.
Here are the top 10 places to visit in Vaishali:
1- Ashoka Pillar
Address: Ananda Stupa, Shanti Marg, Kolhua, Bihar 844128
The Ashoka Pillar in Vaishali is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. The Mauryan emperor Ashoka erected it in the 3rd century BC to mark where Gautama Buddha gave his last sermon.
The pillar is made of polished red sandstone over 18 meters tall. It is surmounted by a bell-shaped capital decorated with elephants, lions, and bulls. The pillar is also inscribed with edicts from Ashoka, which promote peace, non-violence, and compassion.
The Ashoka Pillar in Vaishali is a significant historical and religious monument. It is a testament to the rich heritage of Vaishali and the important role that the city played in the spread of Buddhism.
The pillar is located in the village of Basarh, about 10 kilometers from the town of Vaishali. It is easily accessible by road and rail. The pillar is a popular tourist destination and is visited by people from all over the world.
2- Buddha Stupa I and II
Buddha Stupa I and II are two large Buddhist stupas near the Ashoka Pillar in Vaishali, Bihar, India. The stupas are believed to contain the relics of Gautama Buddha.
- Buddha Stupa I is the larger of the two stupas and is about 60 meters in diameter. It is believed to contain the relics of Gautama Buddha’s skull and other bones.
- Buddha Stupa II is smaller than Buddha Stupa I and is about 40 meters in diameter. It is believed to contain the relics of Gautama Buddha’s hair and nails.
The stupas were built in the 5th century BC by the Licchavi kings, who ruled Vaishali then. The stupas are made of brick and are topped with a harmika, a small dome-shaped structure. The stupas are also decorated with carvings of Buddhist symbols, such as the wheel of dharma and the lotus flower.
3- Vishwa Shanti Stupa
Vishwa Shanti Stupa is a Buddhist peace pagoda in Vaishali, Bihar, India. It was built in 1971 by the Japan Buddha Sangh and the Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Order. The stupa is located on a hilltop and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
The stupa is made of white marble and is about 125 feet tall. It is topped with a golden lotus flower and four golden Buddha statues, one facing each cardinal direction. The stupa is also decorated with carvings of Buddhist symbols, such as the wheel of dharma and the lotus flower.
Vishwa Shanti Stupa is a symbol of peace and harmony. It is a place where people from all walks of life can come together to pray for peace in the world.
4- Lion Pillar
The Lion Pillar in Vaishali is a pillar topped by a lion’s statue. It is believed to have been erected by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC. The pillar is located in the village of Kolhua, about 5 kilometers from Vaishali.
The pillar is made of red sandstone and is about 18 meters tall. The lion statue is about 2 meters tall and is carved in a sitting position. The pillar is also inscribed with edicts from Ashoka, which promote peace, non-violence, and compassion.
The Lion Pillar in Vaishali is a significant historical and religious monument. It is a testament to the rich heritage of Vaishali and the important role that the city played in the spread of Buddhism.
5- Ananda Stupa
The Ananda Stupa is a Buddhist stupa in Vaishali, Bihar, India. It is dedicated to Ananda, the chief disciple of Gautama Buddha. The stupa is located about 10 kilometers from the town of Vaishali.
The stupa is made of brick and is about 30 meters in diameter. It is topped with a harmika, a small dome-shaped structure. The stupa is also decorated with carvings of Buddhist symbols, such as the wheel of dharma and the lotus flower.
The Ananda Stupa was built in the 5th century BC by the Licchavi kings, who ruled Vaishali then. The stupa is believed to contain the relics of Ananda, who is said to have died in Vaishali.
Ananda Stupa is a significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists from all over the world. It is also a popular tourist destination and is visited by people from all walks of life.
6- Abhishek Pushkarn (Coronation Tank)
Abhishek Pushkarn is a large pond located in Vaishali, Bihar, India. It is believed to have been used for the coronation of kings during the Maurya Dynasty. The pond is about 1 kilometre long and 500 meters wide. A brick barrier surrounds it, with several small temples and shrines on its banks.
The Abhishek Pushkarn is a popular tourist destination and is visited by people from all over the world. It is also a significant pilgrimage site for Jains and Buddhists.
7- Kutagarshala Vihara
Kutagarshala Vihara is a Buddhist monastery located in Vaishali, Bihar, India. It is believed to have been built in the 5th century BC by the Licchavi kings, who ruled Vaishali then. The monastery is located about 3 kilometers from the town of Vaishali.
The monastery is made of brick and is about 100 meters in length. It is divided into two main sections: the temple and the courtyard. The main temple is where Buddhist monks would gather to pray and meditate. Monks would gather in the courtyard to discuss religious matters and socialize.
8- Nepali Temple
The Nepali Temple in Vaishali, Bihar, India is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is built in the Nepali architectural style and was constructed in the 18th century by Matbar Singh Thapa, a general from Nepal.
The temple is made of red sandstone and is about 30 meters tall. It has a main sanctum sanctorum where an idol of Lord Shiva is enshrined. In front of the sanctum sanctorum is a courtyard where devotees worship. The temple has an outer wall decorated with beautiful carvings of Nepali architecture.
The Nepali Temple is an important religious and historical site in Vaishali. It is a significant place for the Nepali community, symbolising Vaishali’s rich history and culture.
9- Bawan Pokhar Temple
The Bawan Pokhar Temple is a Jain temple in Vaishali, Bihar, India. It is dedicated to Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. The temple is located in the center of a large pond, which is believed to be the site of Lord Mahavira’s birth.
The temple was built in the 12th century by the Pala dynasty. It is made of brick and stone and is about 20 meters tall. The temple has a main sanctum sanctorum where an idol of Lord Mahavira is enshrined. The sanctum sanctorum is surrounded by a courtyard where devotees worship.
10- Raja Vishal's Garh
Raja Vishal’s Garh is an ancient fort in Vaishali, Bihar, India. It is believed to have been built in the 6th century BC by the Licchavi kings, who ruled Vaishali then. The fort is located about 2 kilometers from the town of Vaishali.
The fort is made of brick and is about 1 kilometer in circumference. It has a moat that surrounds it and a large platform in the center. The platform is believed to have been used as a parliament house, where the Licchavi kings and their representatives would gather to discuss political affairs.
Excavations at the site have revealed artifacts dating back to the 6th century BC, including coins, jewelry, and pottery. These artifacts provide evidence of the fort’s existence and importance as a political and cultural center in ancient India.
Plan Your Vaishali Visit
Here is a possible itinerary for a 2-day visit to Vaishali, Bihar, India:
Day 1:
- Arrive in Vaishali and check into your hotel.
- Visit the Ashoka Pillar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic landmarks in Vaishali.
- Have lunch at one of the many restaurants in Vaishali.
- Visit the Buddha Stupa I and II, two large Buddhist stupas that are believed to contain the relics of Gautama Buddha.
- Have dinner at one of the many restaurants in Vaishali.
Day 2:
- Visit the Vishwa Shanti Stupa, a peace pagoda built in 1971 by the Japan Buddha Sangh and the Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Order.
- Have lunch at one of the many restaurants in Vaishali.
- Visit the Lion Pillar, a pillar topped by a lion’s statue. It is believed to have been erected by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC.
- Visit the Abhishek Pushkarn, a large pond believed to have been used for the coronation of kings during the Maurya Dynasty.
- Have dinner at one of the many restaurants in Vaishali.
This is just a suggested itinerary; you can customize it to fit your interests and budget. For example, if you are interested in history, you could spend more time visiting the historical sites in Vaishali. If you are interested in religion, you could spend more time visiting the religious sites in Vaishali.
Getting to Vaishali
There are a few different ways to get to Vaishali, Bihar, India:
By train:
- Vaishali is well-connected by train to major cities in India, such as Patna, Delhi, Kolkata, and Varanasi.
- The nearest railway station to Vaishali is Hajipur Junction, about 14 kilometers away.
- You can take a taxi or rickshaw from Hajipur Junction to Vaishali.
By bus:
- Regular buses are from Patna, Delhi, Kolkata, and Varanasi to Vaishali.
- The bus stand in Vaishali is located in the heart of the town.
By car:
- Vaishali is well-connected by road to major cities in India.
- You can drive to Vaishali from Patna, Delhi, Kolkata, and Varanasi.
- The journey from Patna to Vaishali takes about 1 hour.
By air:
- The nearest airport to Vaishali is Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport in Patna, about 60 kilometers away.
- You can take a taxi or bus from Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport to Vaishali.
Best Time to Visit Vaishali
The best time to visit Vaishali is during the winter months (October to March), when the weather is pleasant. Winter temperatures range from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius, which is ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
The summer months (April to June) in Vaishali can be very hot and humid, reaching 40 degrees Celsius. The monsoon season (July to September) brings heavy rainfall to Vaishali, making it difficult to get around and enjoy the outdoors.
Accommodation Options in Vaishali
There are several accommodation options in Vaishali, Bihar, India, to choose from. Here are a few of the most popular options:
- The Vaishali Inn:
The Vaishali Inn is a 3-star hotel located in the heart of Vaishali. It offers a variety of room types, including standard rooms, deluxe rooms, and suites. The hotel also has a restaurant, a swimming pool, and a fitness center.
- Hotel Central Square:
Hotel Central Square is a 2-star hotel near the Vaishali railway station. It offers a variety of room types, including standard rooms, deluxe rooms, and family rooms. The hotel also has a restaurant, a coffee shop, and a banquet hall.
- FabHotel Cloud 9 Shopprix Mall:
FabHotel Cloud 9 Shopprix Mall is a 3-star hotel near the Shopprix Mall in Vaishali. It offers a variety of room types, including standard rooms, deluxe rooms, and suites. The hotel also has a restaurant, a swimming pool, and a fitness center.
- Super OYO Townhouse 1239 Grand Inn:
Super OYO Townhouse 1239 Grand Inn is a 2-star hotel near the Vaishali railway station. It offers a variety of room types, including standard rooms, deluxe rooms, and family rooms. The hotel also has a restaurant, a coffee shop, and a banquet hall.
- Homestay Options:
There are also several homestay options available in Vaishali. Local families typically run these homestays and offer a more authentic experience of Vaishali culture.
- Budget Accommodation:
If you are on a tight budget, several budget accommodation options are available in Vaishali. These options include guesthouses, hostels, and dharamshalas.
When choosing accommodation in Vaishali, be sure to consider your budget, your interests, and your needs. Book your accommodation in advance if you are travelling during the peak season.