Places to Visit in Nalanda: The old Nalanda University, a renowned centre of study in ancient times, is the reason Nalanda, a city in the Indian state of Bihar, is so well-known. Even though Nalanda’s institution is in ruins, there are still a lot of intriguing sites to explore.
Top 9 Places to Visit in Nalanda
If you’re looking for peace and spirituality, you can visit all the places in Nalanda through our great Bihar Tour Packages deal. The following are some noteworthy sights:
1. Nalanda Archaeological Museum
This museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts excavated from the Nalanda University site. It showcases sculptures, pottery, manuscripts, and other relics from the ancient period.
2. Nalanda University Ruins
Explore the archaeological ruins of the ancient Nalanda University, which was a prestigious Buddhist learning center. Though in ruins, you can still witness the grandeur and architectural brilliance of this ancient seat of learning.
3. Xuanzang Memorial Hall
Dedicated to the famous Chinese traveler and scholar Xuanzang (also known as Hieun Tsang), this memorial hall is built to honor his contributions to Buddhism. It contains statues, murals, and writings depicting his life and journey to India.
4. Surya Mandir
Located in the nearby town of Surajpur, the Surya Mandir is a beautiful sun temple dedicated to the Hindu deity Surya (Sun). It features intricate carvings and offers a serene atmosphere for worship and meditation.
5. Rajgir
About 15 kilometers from Nalanda, Rajgir is an ancient city with significant historical and religious importance. It was the capital of Magadha and holds attractions like the Gridhakuta Hill (where Buddha delivered many sermons), Vishwa Shanti Stupa (a peace pagoda), and hot springs.
6. Kundalpur
Located around 15 kilometres from Nalanda, Kundalpur is an important Jain pilgrimage site. It is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. The place is adorned with several Jain temples and attracts devotees from across the country.
7. Silao
A small town close to Nalanda, Silao is known for its rock-cut caves and temples. A popular destination are the Barabar Caves, which date to the Mauryan era. These ancient caves showcase remarkable craftsmanship and architectural excellence.
8. Griddhakuta Peak
Also known as Vulture’s Peak, this hill in Rajgir is where Gautam Buddha is believed to have delivered many of his important teachings. The location, which has expansive vistas of the surrounding countryside, has great religious significance for Buddhists. The climb may be a bit steep, but the reward at the top is well worth it.
9. Pawapuri
Situated around 35 kilometres from Nalanda, Pawapuri is a sacred Jain pilgrimage site. It is believed to be the place where Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, attained nirvana (liberation). The main attraction here is the Jal Mandir, a marble temple in the middle of a large pond.
These are some of the prominent places to visit in Nalanda. Your exploration of these locations will offer you a taste of the area’s rich spiritual, cultural, and historical heritage.
