Exploring Bihar: A 7-day Adventure

Monday, November 6: Arrival in Patna

Welcome to Bihar! Start your journey in the capital city of Patna. In the morning, visit the iconic Golghar, a granary with a stunning panoramic view of the city. Spend your afternoon at the Patna Museum, exploring its vast collection of ancient artifacts. In the evening, take a leisurely walk along the banks of the Ganges River, witnessing the vibrant Ganga Aarti ceremony.

• Golghar: Entrance fee – INR 20, Time spent – 1 hour
• Patna Museum: Entrance fee – INR 150, Time spent – 2 hours
• Ganges River: Free, Time spent – 1 hour

Restaurants

• Head to Moti Mahal Delux for a scrumptious breakfast serving a variety of Indian delicacies. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
• For lunch, try Pind Balluchi located near the city center, offering a diverse menu of North Indian cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about ₹400 per person.
• In the evening, dine at Biryani Mahal, known for its flavorful biryanis and kebabs. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.

Tuesday, November 7: Nalanda and Rajgir

Embark on a day trip to Nalanda and Rajgir. Start your morning in Nalanda, exploring the ancient ruins of Nalanda University, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon, visit the Griddhakuta Hill, where Buddha delivered many important sermons. Wrap up your day with a visit to the Vishwa Shanti Stupa in Rajgir, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding hills.

• Nalanda University: Entrance fee – INR 15, Time spent – 2 hours
• Griddhakuta Hill: Entrance fee – INR 10, Time spent – 1 hour
• Vishwa Shanti Stupa: Free, Time spent – 1 hour

Restaurants

• A popular breakfast spot in Nalanda is Cafe Renaissance, known for its delicious coffee and freshly baked pastries. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
• For lunch, head to Rajgir Food Court, a local favorite offering a variety of authentic Bihari dishes, including litti chokha and sattu paratha. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
• In the evening, enjoy a delightful dinner at Gargee's Restaurant in Rajgir, known for its extensive menu of Indian and Chinese cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.

Wednesday, November 8: Bodh Gaya

Journey to Bodh Gaya, one of the most sacred Buddhist sites. Begin your day with a visit to the Mahabodhi Temple, the place where Buddha attained enlightenment. Explore the Bodhi Tree and other significant temples in the vicinity. Spend the afternoon at Sujata Kuti and explore the Archaeological Museum. In the evening, enjoy a peaceful meditation session at one of the numerous meditation centers.

• Mahabodhi Temple: Free, Time spent – 2 hours
• Bodhi Tree and Temples: Free, Time spent – 2 hours
• Sujata Kuti: Entrance fee – INR 10, Time spent – 1 hour
• Archaeological Museum: Entrance fee – INR 5, Time spent – 1 hour

Thursday, November 9: Vaishali and Kesaria

Explore the historical sites of Vaishali and Kesaria. In the morning, visit Ashokan Pillar, marking the spot where Buddha preached his last sermon in Vaishali. Spend your afternoon at the Kesaria Stupa, the tallest and one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world. In the evening, stroll through the picturesque surroundings of Raja Vishal Ka Gadh, a historic fort complex.

• Ashokan Pillar: Entrance fee – INR 5, Time spent – 1 hour
• Kesaria Stupa: Entrance fee – INR 25, Time spent – 2 hours
• Raja Vishal Ka Gadh: Entrance fee – INR 10, Time spent – 1 hour

Friday, November 10: Patna City Tour

Explore the vibrant city of Patna in depth. Start your morning with a visit to the Patna Sahib Gurudwara, a prominent Sikh pilgrimage site. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in history at the Agam Kuan, an ancient well associated with Emperor Ashoka. Wrap up your day at the Patna Planetarium, enjoying fascinating cosmic presentations.

• Patna Sahib Gurudwara: Free, Time spent – 2 hours
• Agam Kuan: Entrance fee – INR 5, Time spent – 1 hour
• Patna Planetarium: Entrance fee – INR 60, Time spent – 2 hours

Saturday, November 11: Muzaffarpur

Discover Muzaffarpur, a city known for its rich cultural heritage. Start your day by visiting the Ram Chandra Shahi Museum, which houses a magnificent collection of ancient artifacts. In the afternoon, explore the ancient city ruins of Rajendra Prasad Ghat. End your day with a visit to Baba Garib Nath Dham, a popular Hindu temple.

• Ram Chandra Shahi Museum: Entrance fee – INR 50, Time spent – 2 hours
• Rajendra Prasad Ghat: Free, Time spent – 1 hour
• Baba Garib Nath Dham: Free, Time spent – 1 hour

Sunday, November 12: Departure from Bihar

As your memorable journey comes to an end, take some time to explore the local markets and pick up souvenirs. Say farewell to Bihar and depart for your next destination with beautiful memories of this culturally rich state.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

When in Bihar, don't miss the opportunity to visit the ancient city of Rajgir. Explore the historic ruins of the Rajgir Fort and the Venu Vana, a bamboo grove where Buddha spent many rainy seasons. Another hidden gem is Pawapuri, known for the sacred samadhi sthal (cremation site) of Lord Mahavira. Connect with the local people and experience the traditional Bihari cuisine, such as litti chokha and sattu parantha.

Before planning your trip, check out the prices for hotels and flights on Kayak to ensure a smooth and budget-friendly journey.