Nalanda

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India /Bihar /Nalanda /Nalanda

Nalanda in Bihar represents a glitzy visage of Indian renaissance. A hot seat of knowledge and learning, Nalanda boast of a rich culture and tradition that has gained accolades world wide. This tiny village was the favourite place of Lord Buddha and Mahavira who had lived here for several years.There is a fabulous legend behind the name Nalanda, which narrates how this village got its name. It goes like this that the place where the monastery was going to be constructed was the abode of a serpent and while digging the foundation the serpent got injured. The clairvoyants of that time observed that the monastery that would have been constructed in that place would be renowned for a long. Later this Monastery turned to be a great institution of knowledge, whose unparallel credentials gave it a unique seat in the entire history of the nation.To the outside world, Nalanda still beckons the remains of this residential school of bygone eras. But it is not just the remnants of a great institution that Nalanda offers to its visitors. Apart from the ramparts of ancient monuments and Buddhist shrines, this historic place offers some of the popular pilgrim centers and holy spots.

Nalanda University, Nalanda

Nalanda University, Nalanda

Quick Facts-Edit

Category : Heritage

Time Zone: UTC + 5:30 Hours

Pincode: 803115

STD Code: 61194

Info Website: 

Best Time to Visit:  October – March

HistoryEdit

The history of Nalanda goes back to the times of Lord Mahavira and Lord Buddha in the 6th century. Various legends have been associated with the evolution of the name ‘Nalanda’. While some believe the name to have been derived from the terms ‘Nalam’ meaning ‘Lotus’ and ‘da’ that means ‘to give’, Hieun Tsang in his documents has suggested a ‘naga’ to have been the inspiration behind the name of the city. Nalanda is also famed for being the birthplace of Sariputra, an important follower of Lord Buddha.Nalanda has been an important center for Buddhism point of view, as Lord Buddha is said to have visited it many times. Various memoirs of Chinese travellers Hieun Tsang and Fi Han confirm them to have been a student at the then Nalanda University, which is the first university of its kind in the world.Emperor King Asoka, a great patron of Buddha is also closely associated with Nalanda. He is said to have built many temples here. It was during this time, i.e. 2nd century B.C. that the renowned alchemist and philosopher Nagarjuna studied and taught here.

Nalandaruins, Nalanda

Nalandaruins, Nalanda

Places to VisitAdd 

How to ReachEdit

By Air : Lok Nayak Jayaprakash airport at Patna is the nearest airport, which is 78 km away from Nalanda. This airport is connected to major Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata. Taxis are available from the airport to Nalanda and fare is about Rs 2,000 for a round trip.

By Train : Rajgir is the nearest railway station which is 12 km away from Nalanda. Regular train services are available from this station to all part of India like Delhi (Shramjeevi Exp). Taxis are available from the railway station and cost about Rs 300 to Nalanda.

By BUS : Nalanda is connected to other cities by state owned public bus services. Bihar Tourism and Development Corporation provide bus services from Patna to Nalanda, and also from cities like Bodhgaya and Rajgir to Nalanda. Tourist buses charge about Rs 400 from Patna to Nalanda.

By Taxi : Taxis and Auto rickshaws are easily available for moving about in the city.

By Other : N.A.

Top HotelsAdd

Budget  – Up to Rs. 800
  • IndoHokke Hotel ; Near Viraytan, Rajgir, Dist. Nalanda, Bihar, India. ; Ph – Doctor on call,Travel Desk, 24-hour front desk, 24-hour room service,Air conditioning, Laundry, Parking. ; Facilities – 06112-255245 / 06112-255034
Economy – Up to Rs. 801 to Rs. 1200
  • Suraj Hotel ; Bazar Samiti, Biharsharif H O, Nalanda – 803101. ; Ph – Non-smoking rooms,Dry cleaning/laundry, Travel Desk, 24-hour front desk,24-hour room service, Air conditioning,Laundry. ; Facilities – 91-98014-48235
Deluxe – Up to Rs. 801 to Rs. 1200
  • Bhaji Hotel ; Bazar Samiti, Biharsharif H O, Nalanda – 803101. ; Ph – Travel Desk, 24-hour front desk,24-hour room service,Air conditioning,Conference facilities,Elevators, Laundry,Parking. ; Facilities – 91-96082-30675

Top RestaurantsAdd

  • Elite Family Restaurant ;  Maghara Commercial Complex, Reliance Communications, Biharsharif H O, Nalanda-803101. ; M –  N.A. ; Food Serve :  N.A.

Must Eat FoodAdd 

Must Do ActivitiesAdd

Must ShopAdd

Nightlife (Pub / Disc / BAR)Add

SpaAdd 

FestivalAdd

Chatth Puja ; Venue:  N.A. ; Period :  November ; Details:  The people of Nalanda have immense faith in this festival. It is the main Hindu festival of the state. Chatth Puja is celebrated twice in a year. It is once celebrated in Chaitra (March) and second in Kartik (November). This festival is dedicated to the Surya Shashti, the Sun God.

Makar Sankranti ; Venue:  N.A. ; Period :  January ; Details:  Another beautiful festival of Nalanda, Makar Sankranti is celebrated with great rejoice. The festival signifies the beginning of the summer season and is also known as “Tila Sankranti”. It is a major harvest festival celebrated in various parts of India. Apart from a harvest, this festival is also regarded as the beginning of an auspicious phase in Indian culture.

Gajalaxmi Puja ; Venue:  N.A. ; Period :  September and October ; Details:  Gajalaxmi Puja is a very famous festival in Nalanda. It is celebrated every year in the month of September and October (Hindu Month of Ashwin).

Safety / WarningEdit

  • Beware of pickpockets as Nalanda is a major tourist city in India.
  • Avoid false saller, they may sale you fake items.

HelplineEdit

  • Ambulance : 102
  • Fire Brigade : 101
  • Police : 100

ItineraryEdit

N.A.

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