Things to Do in Bihar

1. Attend the Chhath Festival: Celebrated just a week after the auspicious festival of Diwali, Chhath Pooja is one of the very famous festivals in Bihar. Spanning over four days, this festival is dedicated to the Sun God and to worship him, rigorous rituals are followed.

Attend this festival around the months of October or November and experience the whole city turn into a big lively temple. During this time, you can watch the locals taking a bath in ganges while performing pooja. Visiting the ghats in the evening and taking part in the prayers is truly considered one of the best things to do in Bihar.

2. Witness and take part in the Madhubani Art: Indian art and crafts have been a diverse affair and almost every region/state has its own art style. The Madhubani Art, also known as the “Mithila Painting” is done using various equipment, many of which are fingers, palms, and even matchsticks.

The art includes the use of some eye catching geometrical patterns and shapes filled with diverse colours and pigments. You can easily take part in Madhubani art classes and try your hand at this unusual style of painting.

Location: Mithila Art Classes, East of Babu Sahib Chowk, near Bollywood Dance School, Ward No.6, Madhubani, Bihar, 847211
Price: INR 1500 to INR 2000 for one session
Timings: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

3. Elephant Safari in Valmiki Nagar: Experience a serious rush in adrenaline as you follow the lush green trails in Valmiki Nagar while riding an elephant. Cross the gushing streams, feed the little babies and if you are lucky enough, you might also get a chance to bathe them.

Apart from this, the elephant safari will provide you with a once in a lifetime chance to gaze at various other wild animals. Whether you are a wildlife enthusiast or a peace seeker, this experience is going to baffle each kind of traveller.

Location: Valmiki Nagar, Betiah, Bihar
Price: INR 750 to INR 1500 per person

4. Visit the Birthplace of Sita - Sitakund: The hot springs of Sita Kund have become one of the most famous and popular tourist attractions of Bihar. Considering the age old stories according to the holy book of “Ramcharitramanas”, this was the place where the goddess gave “Agnipariksha”.

Along the hot spring, a temple was made more than a hundred years ago where prayers and festivals are observed. Visiting this holy spot and indulging in poojas and aarti is considered to be one of the best things to do in Bihar.

Location: Sitakund, Nankar, Bihar

5. Admire the Architecture of Navlakha Palace: The Navlakha Palace, also known as the Rajnagar Palace is located in the Rajnagar town of Bihar. Built by the maharaja of Darbhanga, Raja Rameshwar Singh, the palace dates back to the nineteenth century.

The architecture of the temple is famed for its intricate carvings and its indestructible foundation which saved it from various earthquakes and other natural calamities. Visiting this palace will provide you with a chance to admire the brilliance of ancient Indian craftsmanship.

Location: Navlakha Palace Campus, Rajnagar, Bihar 847236
Timings: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

6. Seek blessings at Jalmandir: Considered to be one of the holiest places among Jainism, Jalmandir is the place where lord Mahavira took his Samadhi back in 500 BCE. There is a lake around the temple which is believed to have originated naturally just the day after samadhi.

A white marble temple has been built here which is open for all. You can visit here and seek blessings at the temple and attain nirvana. Visiting Jal Mandir and indulging in prayers is counted among some of the most famous things to do in Bihar.

Location: Pawapuri, Bihar 803115
Timings: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM & 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM

7. Take part in the Sonepur Fair: Experienced around the months of November and December, the Sonepur Fair is considered to be one of the best things to do in Bihar. Originally a cattle fair, this event has become a global affair, attracting tourists from various corners of the world.

From small food stalls to shops selling souvenirs, one can enjoy various entertainment options here. Other than these, one can witness various cattle groups, finely groomed to attract the buyers. From animal dances to other fun events, one can take part in various entertainment options here.

Location: Sonepur, Bihar
Timings: 21 November to 22 December

8. Trekking in Rajgir: While opting for trekking in Rajgir, you will be rewarding yourself with a chance to climb the oldest cyclopean wall. You will be guided all the way up by a professional guide till you reach the desired stop.

Other than the wall, the Rajgir Hills are also accessible through various other hiking trails, which are not only thrilling, but are loaded with various dramatic passages. Overall, a hiking trail here will let you enjoy some of the most energetic moments, including jumping over sloppy trails and using ropes to climb small distances.

Location: Patna, Bihar
Timing: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Price: INR 4000 to INR 5000 per person

9. Visit Kakolat Waterfall: Gushing from a height of 160 feet, the Kakolat Waterfall is one of the most scenic waterfalls in Bihar. The major fact which lures visitors towards the waterfall is the surrounding medicinal plants. The mineral rich water of this gushing stream has made it possible for these plants to grow, thus adding more beauty to this location.

Reaching here is an adventure in itself as you will have to traverse through various thrilling paths to finally reach this hidden gem.

Timing: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Price: INR 2400 to INR 3000 per person

10. Enjoy serenity at the Vulture Peak: Standing at an elevation of 400 metres above sea level, the Vulture peak is a go to place amidst hiking enthusiasts. Other than being an activity spot, this place comes under the list of some of the holiest places in Bihar.

It was here where lord Buddha preached the Lotus Sutra. You can easily climb its terrains and reach the top to enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding greens. Other than the rolling hills, this location will also let you enjoy the beautiful scenery of the sunset, making this one of the most famous things to do in Bihar.

Location: Holy Eagle Peak, Rajgir, Bihar

11. Visit the Sher Shah Suri Tomb: Built in the memory of Sher Shah Suri, a Pathan from Bihar who defeated a Mughal Emperor, this tomb dates back to 1545 AD. This imposing structure is an excellent example of the combination of Indian and Afghani architecture and by visiting here, you will be treating yourself with beautiful sights of carvings and paintings.

Since the tomb lies in the middle of an artificial lake, you will find numerous spots to click some memorable pictures.

Location: J P Nagar, Laxkariganj, Sasaram, Bihar 821115
Entry Fee: INR 5 for Indians and INR 100 for tourists
Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM

12. Uncover history at Vikramshila Ruins: Once a very important site of learning in India during the Pala Empire period, the Vikramshila has been turned into ruins by the times gone by. According to the stories, the local king got angry with the degrading quality of knowledge in Nalanda, thus built his own university where rich and poor learned together.

Visiting here, you will find numerous walls and pillars loaded with carvings and paintings which are no less than a marvel. Visiting here and uncovering the history is considered to be one of the best things to do in Bihar as you will get knowledge of various historical happenings.

Location: Vikramshila, Antichak, Bihar
Entry fee: INR 5 to INR 100 per person
Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

13. Birdwatching at Kanwar Lake Bird Sanctuary: All the nature enthusiasts and birding fanatics can visit this and enjoy the view.

Being a home to more than 60 species of local as well as migratory birds, this bird sanctuary has been a go to spot for the locals as well as tourists. The most famous aspect of this spot is the lake, due to which numerous birds are attracted, which further makes spotting them an easy affair. All these facilities and aspects makes birdwatching here one of the most interesting things to do in Bihar.

Location: Begusarai district, Bihar, India

14. Visit the Barabar Caves: Claiming to be the oldest rock cut caves in India, the Barabar caves are considered to be dating back to 322 BCE to 185 BCE. Exhibiting the brilliance of Indian rock-cut architecture, these caves are still standing without any diverse changes or breakage.

Inside the caves lie numerous small passages( walls of the caves are covered with ancient carvings and paintings). The caves were made in such a way that it would become difficult for attackers to identify, thus can still be seen covered with large rocks and boulders. Visiting here and indulging in some photography is considered to be one of the best things to do in Bihar.

Location: Barabar Hill Road, Barabar, Sultanpur, Bihar 804405
Timings: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM

15. Take a religious tour to Bodhgaya: Considered to be one of the most peaceful places in Bihar, the small town of Bodhgaya is counted as a very famous pilgrimage among Buddhism.

This place is believed to house the “Bodhi Tree” under which Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment. The whole town of Bodhgaya has six such sites and all of which attract tourists, especially the Buddhists from all corners of the world. You can visit the Lotus Pond, the Sculpture of Buddha, the Bodhi Tree and many other scenic spots to enjoy a religious tour of this location.

16. Visit the Thai Monastery: One of the most exquisite monasteries in Bihar, the Thai Monastery will give you a feel as if you are in Thailand itself. With its gated architecture and colourful exterior, this monastery becomes a go to spot for locals and tourists alike. Reflecting the culture and aura of Thailand, this monastery is mostly known for its architecture.

Upon your visit here, you can sight many photography enthusiasts clicking pictures of monks who are busy in meditation. Inside and around the monastery lies a beautifully manicured garden where you can plan a picnic or just roam around for evening walks.

17. Hike to Telhar Waterfall: Follow the scenic trail to the Telhar Waterfall and get delighted by the wonderful scenery that awaits you. The waterfall lies in the close vicinity of the Durgavati River, thus you will be delighted with some joyous sounds of the gushing waters.

The stream of water which falls down creates a shallow pool where you can indulge in swimming as well. However, visiting this waterfall is an adventure in itself as you have to traverse through some scenic as well as dramatic terrains to finally reach the location.

Location: Bhabhua - Adhaura Rd, Karar, Bihar 821102
Timings: 5:00 AM to 5:00 PM

1. Kayaking in Ganga: One of the most thrilling things to do in Bihar is taking part in Kayaking. Various trails of Ganga offer a perfect opportunity to try hands on this adventure while making sure that you follow all basic safety rules and guidelines.

2. Paramotoring: Experience the cool breeze and enjoy a panoramic scenery as you soar high upto 500 metres in the sky. Take part in Paramotoring and give yourself a chance to witness the most adventurous activities to do in Bihar.

3. Follow the tiger trails: Visit the Valmiki Tiger Reserve and follow the footprints of a tiger while indulging in a tiger following tour. Trek along the narrow pathways as you follow the steps and experience the thrill and fear running through your spine.

4. Try Hands on Go Karting: Taste the thrill as you take part in this one of the best activities to do in Bihar. Compete with your loved ones on the racing tracks specifically made for the Go Karts.

5. Rafting: Experience the rush of adrenaline unparalleled to the other adventures as you take your raft in the waters of Ganges. Experience the different levels of rapids as you traverse through the turvy passages of water.

6. Trekking: The areas around Rajgir Hill are famous for offering some of the most scenic trails. On your way to the top of these hills, you will be provided with a plethora of scenic views as well as dramatic terrains.

7. Hot Air Ballooning: What can be more exhilarating than enjoying a birds eye view of the whole town from way above. By opting for a session of hot air ballooning, you will feel the rush of adrenaline as you soar high and high in the sky.

1. Heritage Tour of Vaishali: Dating back to 600 BC, Vaishali is a small town loaded with various historical marvels. Now turned into ruins, this was the place where Gautama Buddha delivered his last sermon. This place was also the birthplace of Lord Mahavira.

2. Gaya Heritage Walking Tour: Visit the town of Bodhgaya and traverse through various religious as well as historical spots related to Gautama Buddha. From the giant Buddha Statue to the Mahabodhi Tree, you will be covering various famous locations of this place.

3. Tour of Sasaram: Being a home to a 400 year old tomb, Sasaram is famed for being a very popular historical site. The location exhibits the beauty of Indo-Islamic architecture and various spots here act as a perfect backdrop for your pictures.

4. Saptaparni Cave Tour: Dating back to 600 BCE, this cave is famed for its dramatic terrains and unusual rock formations. A tour here will provide you with much required thrill and adventure.

5. Navlakha Palace Tour: Dating back to the nineteenth century, this historical fort is an art in itself. With intense carvings on the walls and big boulder like structures, the Navlakha Palace becomes a must visit among tourists.

1. Gaya Tour from Patna: Traverse your way towards Bodhgaya and marvel at the stunning architecture of various ancient Buddhist Buildings. Visit various holy temples on this tour and enjoy a hike to an unusual hill - “the hill of ghosts”.

2. Patna Maner Sharif and Phulwari Sharif Tour: Get a chance to marvel at the architecture of two famous tombs of Bihar - Maner Sharif and Phulwari Sharif. The tour will also let you enjoy the sight of various antiques put on an exhibit at these tombs.

3. Patna-Rajgir Shanti Stupa Tour: Get a chance to take a ropeway towards the Stupa and enjoy the famous and most visited site of Gautama Buddha. Traverse through the prominent sites of Buddhism and feel the calm and peace in your surroundings.

4. Bihar Sharif Tour: One of the most famous activities to do in Bihar is to take up some religious tours and experience the local culture. The Bihar Sharif Tour will take you towards the dargah which is famous for housing evening azaan and various kawali sessions.

5. Ghora Katora Day tour from Patna: Start this one day tour from Patna and traverse towards the scenic abode of Ghora Katora. This lake is located amidst the hilly region and is shaped like a semi circular vessel, hence the name "Katora".

Bihar once was a centre of power, learning and culture due to the establishment of Maurya Empire and its Universities. In current days, Bihar has become a centre for the most famous religion - Buddhism due to the various religious sites which lie in its vicinity. Various Buddhist pilgrimage stop at Bodhgaya, a small town in Bihar.

The best time when you can plan a trip to Bihar is just after the Monsoons, i.e., from August to March. This is the time when temperature starts dropping and you can experience the best climatic conditions. To take part in its most famous celebrations, you can come over here just after Diwali and enjoy the carnival like vibes.

- By Air: Bihar has two major airports, one in Patna and one in Gaya. Both of these are well connected to the other corners of the country and one can avail direct flights easily.

- By Rail: Almost every city and town of Bihar has its own railway station which is well connected to other corners of the country. Bhagalpur, Gaya and Patna have the major junctions from where one can easily find running trains anytime.

- By Road: Various National as well as State highways connect Bihar to other states of India. Regular bus as well as cab services can be found at almost every bus stop of Bihar.

Bihar is known for being a centre of Buddhism in the current days for housing various religious Buddhist sites in Bodhgaya. Apart from this, Bihar was a centre of learning in the past decades and had various universities in its vicinity, remains of which can still be found.

To visit most of the major locations and to take part in almost all activities to do in Bihar, a 6 to 7 days long trip will be enough. The first few days can be spent exploring Patna and its surroundings.

One day can be dedicated to Gaya for visiting all the major Buddhist attractions and the remaining time can be dedicated to activities like shopping, water sports in the Ganges and street food tours.

Bihar is known for its flavoursome and calorie loaded dishes including Sattu Paratha, Litti Chokha, Bihari Kabab, Bihari Boti, Fish Curry, Posta Dana Ka Halwa, Pantua Jamun, Dal Peda, Parwal Ki Mithai, Khaja Peda etc.

1. Patna Market, Patna: Exhibiting the brilliance of age old crafting techniques, this market is the best stop if you wish to shop for antiques and decor items.

2. Mithila Village: This small town will let you shop for various souvenirs including the Madhubani Paintings which are drawn using geometrical items and other unusual supplies.

3. Handicraft Emporium: As the name suggests, this small shop in Patna, Bihar is known for the variety of handcrafted items it sells. From clothes to footwear and from decor items to handbags, numerous items can be shopped for here.

4. The Tribal Store: If you wish to shop for jewellery resembling the ones of the old tribals of Bihar, this boutique is for you.

1. Visit Barabar Caves: Plan a trip to the Barabar Caves and spend some time with your loved ones around its dramatic terrains. Do not forget to take numerous family pictures to memorise this moment.

2. Plan a trip to Bodhgaya: Nothing can be more fun and relaxing than planning a family trip to Bodhgaya and visit all the seven major Buddhist locations including the Bodhi Tree, Stupa and the monastery.

3. Visit Patna Planetarium: Let your little ones be fascinated by the fantastic scientific shows and events that take part in this Planetarium. You can also take part in many activities here like robot wars and space walks.

4. Picnic at Buddha Smriti Udyan: A place where the ashes of Buddha are kept has been converted into a very scenic and beautiful park known as the Buddha Smriti Udyan. You can come over here and plan a pleasant evening while relishing your favourite snack.