A Romantic Honeymoon in Bihar

Tuesday, November 21, 2023: Exploring Patna

Start your honeymoon journey in the capital city of Bihar, Patna. In the morning, visit the iconic Golghar, a granary dating back to the British colonial era, and enjoy panoramic views of the city from its top. Spend the afternoon wandering through the ancient ruins of Kumhrar Park, where you can see the remains of the ancient city of Pataliputra. As the evening sets in, take a romantic boat ride on the Ganges River and witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at the Gandhi Ghat.

• Golghar: Estimated cost - INR 50, Estimated time spent - 1 hour
• Kumhrar Park: Estimated cost - INR 20, Estimated time spent - 2 hours
• Ganga Aarti at Gandhi Ghat: Free, Estimated time spent - 1 hour

Wednesday, November 22, 2023: Exploring Nalanda and Rajgir

Embark on a day trip to Nalanda and Rajgir, two historically significant towns near Patna. Start your morning by exploring the ancient ruins of Nalanda University, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its architectural brilliance and rich history. Afterward, head to Rajgir, the ancient capital of Magadha, and visit the famous Venuvana Vihara, a beautiful bamboo grove where the Buddha spent time meditating. In the afternoon, take the ropeway to the top of Ratnagiri Hill and visit the Peace Pagoda for breathtaking views. Wrap up your day with a visit to the hot springs at the foothills of Vaibhava Hill.

• Nalanda University: Estimated cost - INR 50, Estimated time spent - 2 hours
• Venuvana Vihara: Estimated cost - INR 30, Estimated time spent - 1 hour
• Ratnagiri Hill and Peace Pagoda: Estimated cost - INR 100, Estimated time spent - 2 hours
• Hot springs at Vaibhava Hill: Estimated cost - INR 50, Estimated time spent - 1 hour

Thursday, November 23, 2023: Exploring Bodh Gaya

On your final day, visit the sacred town of Bodh Gaya, one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world. Begin your morning by witnessing the serenity of Mahabodhi Temple, where Lord Buddha is believed to have attained enlightenment. Spend the afternoon exploring the peaceful Japanese-built monasteries and the magnificent 80-feet tall Great Buddha Statue. In the evening, take a stroll in the beautiful gardens surrounding the temple complex and reflect on the spiritual journey of the day.

• Mahabodhi Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Estimated time spent - 2 hours
• Japanese Monasteries: Estimated cost - Free, Estimated time spent - 1 hour
• Great Buddha Statue: Estimated cost - Free, Estimated time spent - 1 hour

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While Bihar offers numerous tourist attractions, if you're looking for off the beaten path experiences, consider visiting the ancient city of Vaishali, where Lord Buddha delivered his last sermon. Explore the archaeological site of Lauriya Nandangarh, housing the Ashokan Pillar, and embrace the spirituality of Kesaria Stupa, one of the tallest Buddhist stupas in the world. Embrace the local culture by trying traditional Bihari cuisine, especially the beloved Litti-Chokha, a scrumptious delicacy made with roasted wheat balls and spicy mashed potatoes.

For checking hotel and flight prices, you can visit Kayak.