Bask in Bihar, the land of the Buddha and Mahavira that offers you multiplicity of history, architecture, eco-tourism, tribes, wild life, mines, minerals, fairs and festivals, art and crafts and an offbeat cuisine. Home to artists of the world-renowned Madhubani paintings, Bihar offers you spiritual holiday tourism at the site of enlightenment of the founder of Buddhism.

The Vajrasan or Diamond Throne, lying between the Bodhi Tree and the temple, the actual spot where Buddha sat in meditation and attained supreme knowledge, is spectacular. A gilded Buddha smiles upon you from a niche in the wall of the temple, and his footsteps that are carved in stone hold flower offerings from devotes. An atmosphere of serenity and peace pervades in the atmosphere, and it is most likely that the strains of 'Budham Sharanam Gachhami' will be echoing in your mind on your way back from the trip.

A holiday at the sacred town of Bodh Gaya is a unique experience. Not only because Lord Buddha attained Nirvana enlightenment here, but because Bihar is also a land of great antiquity and glorious history. If you are seeking greater insight into the Buddhist circuit or the tourism scenario of the state, you must visit Bodhgaya, also referred to as Buddhagaya. Here you must visit the Mahabodhi Temple, which is considered the most sacred Buddhist pilgrim place. It was under this blessed peepal tree that the founder of Buddhism attained supreme knowledge and evolved from Gautam, the prince of Kapilavastu to Lord Buddha. The temple is a highly frequented tourist spot, given the fact that Buddhism is today followed by almost one third of the total population of the world.

Buddhism has somehow defined tourism in Bihar (the name Bihar is taken from Vihara - the residential complexes of Buddhist monks). Places like Nalanda, Rajgir, and Lauriya Areraj are closely linked with the times and life of Buddha and his followers. But, Bihar was also a great religious melting pot. The state was a birthplace of Mahavir - 23rd tirthankar of Jainism and the religion started here from Bihar only. Famous Hindu pilgrimage sites like Gaya and Areraj are as much famous as any other Hindu pilgrimage site in India. Come to Bihar and experience why India is considered as the spiritual guru of the world.

Bihar at a glance:
Date of formation:
Capital: Patna
Area: 94,163 sq km
Districts:
Cities & Towns: 130
Roads:
National Highways ( km):
Population: 82,998,509; Male 43,243,795; Female 39,754,714.
Projected Population as on 1st March 2008 (000'): 93,823
Languages:
Literacy: 47.0%; Male 59.7%; Female 33.1%. State with Lowest Literacy Rate.
Climate: