Bihar

Introduction

Bihar's antiquity is evident from its name, which is derived from the ancient word "VIHARA" (monastery). It is indeed a land of monasteries. Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, Muslim and Sikh shrines abound in this ancient land where India's first major empires rose and fell. Bihar is the place where the ruins of the worlds' earliest university slumbers in the void of time. The passage of Ganga, flowing wide and deep enrich the plains of Bihar before distributing in Bengal's deltoid zone.

Among all Indian states, Bihar is the one most intimately linked to the Buddha's life, resulting in a trail of pilgrimages which have come to be known as the Buddhist circuit. The Buddhist trail begins at the capital city, Patna, where a noteworthy museum contains a collection of Hindu and Buddhist sculptures as well as a terracotta urn said to contain the ashes of Lord Buddha.

Important places of tourist interest are Rajgir, Nalanda, Vaishali, Pawapuri (where Lord Mahavira breathed his last and attained Nirvana), Bodh Gaya, Vikramshila (ruins of Buddhist University of higher learning), Gaya, Patna (ancient city of Patliputra), Sasaram (tomb of Shershah Suri) and Madhubani (known for famous Madhubani Paintings).

Tourist Attraction

• List of Hotels in Bihar (External website that opens in a new window)
• List of Tour Operators & Travel Agents (External website that opens in a new window)
• Tourist Offices (External website that opens in a new window)
• Arrival of VOLVO Luxury Buses (External website that opens in a new window)
• Map of Bihar (External website that opens in a new window)

Wildlife Sanctuaries

Valmiki National Park

Valmikinagar is located nearly 100 kms from Bettiah in the northernmost part of the West Champaran district, bordering Nepal. It is a small town with scattered inhabitation, mostly within the forest area and a railroad station in the district of West Champaran close to the railhead of Narkatiyaganj. The park is bounded by the Royal Chitwan National Park of Nepal in the north and the river Gandak on the western side with the Himalayan Mountains as backdrop.

One can see Tiger, Sloth Bear, Wolf, Deer, Serow, Leopard, Python, Peafowl, Chitals, Sambars, Nilgais, Leopards, Hyenas, Indian Civets, Jungle cats, Hog deer, Wild dogs One horned rhinoceros and Indian bison often migrate from Chitwan to Valmikinagar.

Bhimbandh Sanctuary

Bhimbandh Wild Life Sanctuary is located in the south west of Munger District. The forest covers an area or 681.99 sq.km. It is situated at a distance of 56 km from Munger, 20 km from Jamui Railway Station and 200 km from Patna Airport.

This forest is located in the famous Kharagpur hill range, south of river Ganga and is surrounded on all sides by non-forestry areas inhabited by dense population. The vegetation of these forests is very rich where Sal, Kend, Semal and other trees grow side by side the hilly terrain, protecting from the suns rays the forms and humble creepers which grow below.

A host of animals such as Tiger, Leopards, Sloth Bear, Nilgai, Sambhar, Barking deer, Wild Beer, four horned Antelope use to abide by in these forests. In the valley portions and at the foothills are several hot springs of which the finest are at Bhimbandh, Sita Kund and Rishi Kund. All the hot springs maintain nearly same temperature round the year, and seasonal fluctuation of discharge is also nominal.

Rajgir Sanctuary

The Rajgir Sanctuary is located at 2 km from Rajgir Railway Station and 105 km from Patna Airport. The Sanctuary is stretched in an area of 35.84 sq.km. The Sanctuary area is full of small hills an undulating land. There are number of hot water springs in the area. Sulphur content in hot water is quite high.

Among the wildlife found in the Sanctuary the notable ones are Leopard, Hyena, Barking Deer, and Nilgai etc. The birds, which have been identified, are peafowl, jungle fowl, partridge, black and grey quails, hornbill, parrot, dove, myna etc. Wild bear is very common to this area.

In addition to the Sanctuary there is a Bamboo Park (Venuvana). This was originally a park of King Bimbisara. The Forest Department constructed beautiful Deer Park with Cheetals, Nilgais and Sambhars. To add to all other beautiful places of historical importance there is an Arial Ropeway that provides the link with a hilltop Buddhist Stupa built by the Japanese.

The Sanctuary offers very good facilities for boarding and lodging provided by the State Government's Tourism, Forest and Public Works Departments.

Kaimur Sanctuary

The Kaimur Wild Life Sanctuary is located in the District of Kaimur under DFO Shahabad Division. Area of the sanctuary is 1342 sq.km, which is mainly confined to hills and undulating ground. Black bucks, Nilgai, Chinkara, Tiger, Leopard, Hyena, Wild boar, sloth bear etc are the common species found in these forests. The Sanctuary is well connected by rail and road. Nearest railway stations are Sasaram, Dehri-on-Son, and Bhabhua. Other important tourist places in the adjacent area are Mausoleum of Sher Shah at Sasaram Dhuan Kund (a natural water fall), Karkat Gadh etc.

Gautam Buddha Sanctuary

The Sanctuary is located at a distance of 20 km from Gaya and 60 km from Bodh Gaya. The area of the Sanctuary is 259 sq.km situated on either side off the NH2. The forest of the sanctuary is located on the hill and undulating tracts lying north of the hilly terrain which is an extension of Chhotanagpur plateau. Among the wild Life found here are Tigers, Leopards, Hyenas, Sloth Bear, Wolf, Wild Dog, Wild Boar, Sambhar, Spotted Deer and Nilgai etc.

Udayapur Sanctuary

Udaipur Wild Life Sanctuary is located in the district of West Champaran about 15 km from Bettiah. It covers an area of 8.87 sq.km. Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Nilgai, Wolf, Jungle Cat etc are found in the forest.

Kabar Jheel Bird Sanctuary

The Kabar Jheel (Lake) Bird Sanctuary is located 22 km north west of Begusarai. Area of the sanctuary is 63.11 sq.km. This Lake is formed through the meander of River Burhi Gandak that supports about 59 types of migratory birds and 106 residential species as well as 31 species of fishes.

Gogabil Bird Sanctuary

This Sanctuary is situated at a distance of 26 km from Katihar and is spread over on an area of about 217.99 km. By virtue of its global, national and regional significance the State Government has declared Gogabil Bird Sanctuary as a closed area. This wetland is rich in aquatic flora and fauna and is a fascinating wintering ground for the migratory birds.

Source: National Portal Content Management Team, Reviewed on: 19-02-2010