Places to Visit in Nalanda
Welcome to the timeless land of Nalanda, where history, heritage, and spirituality converge in a mesmerizing tapestry of culture. Nestled in the heart of Bihar, India, Nalanda is a treasure trove of ancient wisdom and a cradle of knowledge. It’s a place that echoes with the footsteps of scholars, where centuries-old ruins whisper tales of intellectual excellence. In this blog, we embark on a journey through the best tourist places in Nalanda, unveiling the secrets of its illustrious past and its present charm.
Here are some of the top tourist places in Nalanda:
1- Nalanda University Ruins
The Nalanda University Ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Nalanda, Bihar, India. Nalanda University was once one of the world’s largest and most prestigious universities, and its ruins are a testament to its former glory.
The university was founded in the 5th century AD and flourished for over 700 years. It was a center of learning for Buddhism, Hinduism, and other religions, and attracted students from all over Asia. The university was also a major center of intellectual and cultural exchange.
The Nalanda University Ruins are a vast complex that covers an area of over 200 hectares. The ruins include the remains of lecture halls, libraries, dormitories, temples, and monasteries. The ruins are also home to several archaeological artifacts, such as sculptures, coins, and pottery.
The Nalanda University Ruins are a popular tourist destination and a must-see for anyone interested in Indian history and culture. The ruins are a reminder of Nalanda University’s former glory and its role as a major center of learning and culture in the ancient world.
Here are some tips for visiting the Nalanda University Ruins:
- The ruins are open seven days a week from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- The admission fee is ₹25 for adults and ₹10 for children.
- The best time to visit the ruins is during the winter (October to March), when the weather is pleasant.
2- Hsuan Tsang Memorial Hall
The Hsuan Tsang Memorial Hall is a museum dedicated to the Chinese Buddhist monk Hsuan Tsang, who studied at Nalanda University in the 7th century AD. The hall is located in Nalanda, Bihar, India, near the ruins of Nalanda University.
The Hsuan Tsang Memorial Hall was built in 1984 by the governments of India and China. The hall houses a statue of Hsuan Tsang and a museum with exhibits on his life and work. The museum also houses several artifacts that Hsuan Tsang collected during his travels in India.
Hsuan Tsang was a renowned Buddhist scholar and traveler. He studied at Nalanda University for over 10 years and learned from some of the most eminent Buddhist scholars of his time. After his studies at Nalanda, Hsuan Tsang traveled back to China and translated several Buddhist scriptures into Chinese. His translations helped to spread Buddhism in China and made him one of the most influential figures in the history of Chinese Buddhism.
The Hsuan Tsang Memorial Hall is a popular tourist destination and a must-see for anyone interested in the life and work of Hsuan Tsang. The hall is also a great place to learn about Buddhism’s history and Nalanda University’s role in spreading Buddhism throughout Asia.
3- The Great Stupa
The Great Stupa in Nalanda, Bihar, India, is a large Buddhist stupa located near Nalanda University’s ruins. The stupa was built in the 5th century AD and is one of the largest stupas in India. It is believed to have been built to commemorate the Buddha’s visit to Nalanda.
The Great Stupa is a pyramid-shaped structure that is over 50 meters tall. It is made of brick and is covered in white plaster. The stupa is surrounded by a railing decorated with carvings of animals and other figures.
The Great Stupa is a popular tourist destination and a must-see for anyone interested in Buddhism or Indian history. The stupa is a reminder of Nalanda’s former glory as a major centre of learning and culture.
4- Kundalpur
Kundalpur is where Mahavira, the 24th and last Tirthankara of Jainism, is said to have attained enlightenment. The town is home to several Jain temples and monasteries, including the Mahavir Mandir, which houses a 15-foot-tall statue of Mahavira.
If you are interested in Jainism, Kundalpur is a must-visit destination. The town is a place of peace and tranquility, and it is a great place to learn about Jainism and the life of Mahavira.
5- Nav Nalanda Mahavihara
The Nav Nalanda Mahavihara is a modern university in Nalanda, Bihar, India. It was established in 1951 under the auspices of India’s first president, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, to revive the ancient seat of learning at Nalanda.
The Nav Nalanda Mahavihara is a multidisciplinary university focusing on Buddhist, Hindu, Jain, and other Indian religions and cultures. The university offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in arts, science, and humanities.
The Nav Nalanda Mahavihara is an international university with students from India and worldwide. The university has many renowned scholars and teachers contributing to Buddhist studies and other Indian religions and cultures.
The Nav Nalanda Mahavihara is a vital effort to revive Nalanda University. The university is helping to preserve and promote Nalanda’s ancient heritage, and it has the potential to become an essential educational and cultural center for India and the world.
Getting to Nalanda
There are a few ways to get to Nalanda, Bihar, India:
By train: Rajgir Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Nalanda, about 12 kilometres away. Trains from Delhi, Patna, Gaya, and other major cities in India halt at the station. From the station, you can hire a taxi or rickshaw to Nalanda.
By bus: There are regular buses from Patna to Nalanda. The bus ride takes about 2-3 hours.
By taxi: Taxis are available from Patna and other major cities to Nalanda. The taxi ride takes about 2-3 hours.
By air: The nearest airport is Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narayan International Airport in Patna, located about 100 kilometers from Nalanda. Taxis and buses are available from the airport to Nalanda.
Once you arrive in Nalanda, you can get around on foot, bicycle, rickshaw, or taxi.
Plan Your Visit to Nalanda
Here is a possible itinerary for a 2-day visit to Nalanda, Bihar, India:
Day 1:
- Arrive in Nalanda and check into your hotel.
- Visit the Nalanda University Ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Have lunch at one of the many restaurants in Nalanda.
- Visit the Hsuan Tsang Memorial Hall, a museum dedicated to the Chinese Buddhist monk Hsuan Tsang, who studied at Nalanda University.
- Have dinner at one of the many restaurants in Nalanda.
Day 2:
- Visit the Great Stupa, a large Buddhist stupa located near Nalanda University’s ruins.
- Visit the Nav Nalanda Mahavihara, a modern university dedicated to studying Buddhist studies and other Indian religions and cultures.
- Have lunch at one of the many restaurants in Nalanda.
- Visit the Kundalpur Jain Temple, a Jain temple that is located about 12 kilometers from Nalanda.
- Have dinner at one of the many restaurants in Nalanda.
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 Nalanda. If you are interested in religion, you could spend more time visiting the religious sites in Nalanda. And if you are on a tight budget, you could eat at less expensive restaurants or pack your lunches.