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Vaishali

State

Vaishali, situated 55 Km from the capital city Patna, is an important destination for Buddhists as Lord Buddha preached his last sermon here before he died in Kushinagar around 483 BC. the place is equally significant for Jains as this is also the birthplace of Mahavira. Vaishali prospered and became the center of trade and commerce during the period when Pataliputra was the capital and many Stupas, pillars and other Buddhist buildings were built. At present, these stupas and pillars, especially the Ashoka Pillar, are the main attraction in Vaishali.

History

The history of Vaishali is very ancient, and finds mention in the Indian classic Mahabharata, as well as in Buddhist and Jain tradition.

Vaishali derives its name from King Vishal of the Mahabharata age. Even before the advent of Buddhism and Jainism, Vaishali was the capital of the vibrant republican Licchavi state since before the birth of Mahavira (c. 599 BC), which suggests that it was perhaps the first republic in the world, similar to those later found in ancient Greece. In that period, Vaishali was an ancient metropolis and the capital city of the republic of the Vaishali state, which covered most of the Himalayan Gangetic region of present-day Bihar state, India. Very little is known about the early history of Vaishali. The Vishnu Purana records 34 kings of Vaishali, the first being Nabhaga, who is believed to have abdicated his throne over a matter of human rights and believed to have declared: "I am now a free tiller of the soil, king over my acre." The last among the 34 was Sumati, who is considered a contemporary of Dasaratha, father of the Hindu god, Lord Rama.

Numerous references to Vaishali are found in texts pertaining to both Jainism and Buddhism, which have preserved much information on Vaishali and the other Maha Janapadas. Based on the information found in these texts, Vaishali was established as a republic by the 6th century BC, prior to the birth of Gautama Buddha in 563, making it the world's first republic.

In the republic of Vaishali, Lord Mahavira was born. Gautama Buddha delivered his last sermon at Vaishali and announced his Parinirvana there. Vaishali is also renowned as the land of Ambapali (also spelled as Amrapali), the great Indian courtesan, who appears in many folktales, as well as in Buddhist literature. Ambapali became a disciple of Buddha.

Accessibility

By Air: The nearest airport is Patna, 56 Km.

By Rail: Hajipur on the North Eastern Railway is the nearest railway station, 35 Km.

By Road: Vaishali is well connected by road to Patna (56 Km), Muzzaffarpur (36 Km) and Hajipur (35 Km).

Shopping

Bihar although has rich tradition of art and craft, Vaishali the site of an ancient civilization, it offers little for shopping in Vaishali.

A hundred kilometer or so from Vaishali, Madhuban is a place famous for painting. The skilled artisans of this area practise a school of painting that is known for its style, motifs and colors. The Madhubani paintings have already earned worldwide fame.

Accommodation

Although Vaishali is an interesting destination with lot of historical interest, there are not plenty of hotels in Vaishali. Vaishali does not have any deluxe hotel, but a number of good accommodation options are available. You may stay at Tourist Bungalow (Ambapali Vihar) and Youth Hostel which offer A/C and Non A/C rooms and other contemporary facilities.

In fact Vaishali lies close to other major destinations in Bihar, like Patna, Bodhgaya from where one can easily visit the destination in a day long excursion. Naturally very few tourists look for hotels in Vaishali.

Still if you need there are a few Tourist Bungalows, which are run by the state government. The accommodation available in the area is chiefly economy class and moderately priced offering decent arrangements.

Except for the Government run hotels in Vaishali, there is a Youth Hostel also where basic amenities are available.

Attractions

Vaishali Mahotsava
Vaishali Mahotsava is an important festival of Vaishali which is held to celebrate the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir. It is celebrated on the full moon day of Hindu month 'Vaisakh', usually falls in mid- April.

Sonepur Fair
Just 35 kms away Sonpur is situated on the confluence of the river Ganga and Gandak. The town is host to one of Asia's biggest cattle fair which starts from full moon day of Hindu month 'Kartik' (October - November). Millions of visitors come to this fair which lasts for almost a fortnight. During the Sonepur Fair, Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation offers Swiss Cottages with attached baths in the temporarily erected Tourists Village.

Location

55 kms from Patna, Bihar

Topic

Heritage

Termperature

Summer 32-40°C, Winter 19-30°C

Best time to visit

October to March

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Sitamarhi

State

Sitamarhi, situated in the middle ganges plateau on the western banks of the Lakhandai river, is the mythological birthplace of Sita, and the spiritual centre of many sages and saints. The place is a rare combination of alluring natural vistas, fashionable structures and enlivening sacred shrines.
At present, Sitamarhi is a much acclaimed pilgrim centre where tradition and mythology synchronizes beautifully.

Accessibility

Air

The nearest airport to Sitamarhi is the Jaiprakash Narayan International Airport in Patna, which is at a distance of 139 km away. This airport is well connected to other airports in the country like Delhi International airport. Taxi cabs are available from Airport to Sitamarhi and it cost about Rs 1,700.

Rail

Sitamarhi railway station is on Raxaul-Darbhanga rail route. Few trains stop at this station. The major nearby railhead is at Raxaul. It is well connected to all major railway stations in India.

Road

Sitamarhi is well connected to all cities in and around Bihar by state owned transport services. Some private deluxe buses also operate between Patna and Sitamarhi, charging about Rs 300 per head.

District

Sitamarhi

Location

50 km from Darbhanga

STD Code

06226

Topic

Pilgrim

Termperature

Summer 27-47°C, Winter 5-28°C

Best time to visit

November to March

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Pawapuri

State

Pawapuri, also known as "Apapuri", is a very sacred Jain Pilgrimage center and is renowned as a
place where all sins end for a devout Jain. It was here that Lord Mahavira, greatest profounder of Jainism, had his last breath at this place and was cremated here around 500 B.C. Thousands of his disciples and devotees took away the ashes after his cremation here.

Pawapuri also has a rich cultural heritage and the Rajgir Dance Festival and the Chhath Puja are among the most popular festivals celebrated in this place.

Accessibility

By Air: The nearest airport is at Patna 101km.

By Rail: Pawapuri (Bahktiapur - Rajgir Line).

By Road: Biharsharif - 8Kms. Patna -87 Kms. Rajgir-31 Kms.

Topic

Pilgrim

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Madhubani

State

Madhubani, historically a focal point of Maithili culture, is situated about 26 km from Darbhanga town, and was part of the largest zamindari of India, Darbhanga Raj. 'Madhuban' literally means forest of honey, which can be found in abundance near this historic town. The place attained great popularity due to its immensely famous art, known today as Madhubani painting.

History

Madhubani was formerly a part of Darbanga district. In the year 1972, it was carved out as a separate district. Tharu tribe and Bhar were early inhabitants of this region. Videha kingdom also included a huge portion of Madhubani district. After the decisive Battle of Buxar in the year 1764, British rulers took over the control of Madhubani and other parts of Bihar. Madhubani district has played a great role in the freedom struggle of India.

Accessibility

Air

The nearest airport is at Patna from where regular flights are available to all important towns and cities across the country.

Rail

Madhubani Railways station is directly connected with Darbhanga junction.

Road

Madhubani is linked with Darbhanga district by National Highway 104.

District

Madhubani

STD Code

06276

Topic

Termperature

Summer 30-40°C, Winter 10-28°C

Famous For

October to May

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Kushinagar

State

Kushinagar, earlier known as Kushinar, is one of the most sacred sites for the Buddhists. It wis the place where Lord Buddha is said to have attained 'Mahaparnirvana', the freedom from the endless cycle of birth and rebirth at Kushinagar. The Mukutabandhana Stupa, which was built to hold the Buddha’s cremated remains is considered of great sanctity.

Kushinagar is one of the main four Buddhist pilgrimage sites related to the life of Gautama Buddha, other three are Lumbini, Bodh Gaya, and Sarnath.

History

Kushinagar was a celebrated center of the Malla kingdom of ancient India. At this location, near the Hiranyavati River, Gautama Buddha attained Parinirvana (passed away), and was cremated.

Many of the ruined stupas and viharas at Kushinagara date back to 3rd century BC to the 5th century AD when prosperity was at its peak. The Mauryan emperor Ashoka is known to have contributed to significant construction at this site.

Prior to its rediscovery in the nineteenth century, there was a silence of more than half a millennium at Kasia. Due possibily to violent invasions, Kushinagar lost its vitality and eventually was neglected. The notable Buddha Temple, when rediscovered, was covered in a 40 foot high mound of bricks surrounded by a dense thorny forest.

Excavations began in the late 1800s and many important remnants of the main site such as the Matha Kuar and Ramabhar stupa were unveiled.

Accessibility

Air

There is no direct air connection.

Rail

Nearest railway station is Gorakhpur : 51 km, which is the headquarters of North Eastern Railways and linked to important destinations. Some important trains to Gorakhpur are Bombay-Gorakhpur-Bandra Exp., New Delhi-Barauni-Vaishali Exp. Cochin-Gorakhpur Exp., Shaheed Exp, Amarnath Exp, Kathgodam Exp, (Kushinagar does not has a Railway Station, one has to go to Gorakhpur from where Kushinagar can be reached by road).

Road

Situated on National Highway No. 28, with frequent bus services, Kushinagar is well connected with other parts of the state. Some major road distances are: Gorakhpur-51 km, Lumbini-173 km, Kapilastu-148 km, Sravasti-254 km, Sarnath 266 km.

Topic

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Bhagalpur

State

Bhagalpur is popularly known as “Silk City of India” as it is renowned worldwide for the production of exceptional quality silk (famous for its Tussar Silk & Tussar Saree). It is supposed to have been concurrent to Patliputra or Patna and finds its mention in the Vedas and Ramayana as well. The city located in the planes of the Ganges river basin and is the third largest city of Bihar.

Bhagalpur is well-known for its sericulture, silk yarn manufacture and finally weaving them into products.

History

The city of Bhagalpur has a lot of mythological and historical significance. References of Bhagalpur can be seen in epics like Mahabharata, Ramayana as the kingdom of Anga, which was ruled by the charitable king Karna. The first railway line passed through Bhagalpur in 1861. Mount Mandar is situated around 52 Kms southwards of Bhagalpur. This hill is well known in Indian mythology. According to mythology, this hill was used by the Gods to churn the ocean, using the serpent "Vasuki" as a rope to get "Amrit". According to the puranas. Lord Vishnu, covered the demon Madhu with the hill after destroying him. This 800 foot granite hill is a popular picnic spot. The residents of Bhagalpur have been producing silk for hundreds of years. Fa Hein and Heun Tsang, the reknowned ancient Chinese travellers have made references to this city as one of the largest trade centers of eastern India. Bhagalpur also had a harbor on the river Ganga. This place is now Champanala, but it is referred to as Champanagar in history. Bhagalpur is the home of the first South Asian woman doctor, Kadambini.

Accessibility

Air

The domestic airport located in Patna, the capital city of Bihar, provides the nearest air connectivity to Bhagalpur district, situated 235 km away from the place. An international airport, it is well connected with all the key cities of India, through almost all the major airlines.

Rail

Bhagalpur railway station, one of the oldest junctions of India, serves the Hawrah-Kiqel loop-Line. The city is situated on the broad-gauge Loop Line of Eastern Railway, which connects Kiul to Burdwan. Some of the important railway junctions of Bihar, including Sultanganj, Bhagalpur, Sabour and Kahalgaon, are located on this line. A branch line connects Bhagalpur to Mandar Hills. The Barauni-Katihar section of North Eastern Frontier Railway serves as the northern part of Bhagalpur. The railway junctions lying on this line include Narainpur, Bihpur, Naugauchia and Katihar.

Road

Bhagalpur is connected by an excellent network of national and state highways, along with district and rural roads. National Highway 31 (NH 31) runs through the Navgachia Sub-Division of Bhagalpur district. It links the subdivisions of the district directly with Patna, via Begusarai and Khagaria. It also runs up to Guwahati, via Purnea-Kishanganj.

Shopping

There is nothing much to shop in the town of Bhagalpur.

Accommodation

Private Hotels/Guest Houses and Dharmshalas are available at Bhagalpur.

Attractions

Bihula-Bishahari Puja or Mansa Puja

It is a local festival held' at Nathnagar every July. Snakes are worshipped at the Bishahari Sthan which is believed to be the site where a devout lady's dead husband became alive.

Durga Puja

It is celebrated with typical Bengali fervour. Broari (community) style of puja at Durgabari and Kalibari, which is famous among the traditionally rich Bengali community, attracts people from far-off places.

Kali Puja

Bhagalpur's Kali puja is also quite famous. 'Akharas' (mock display of traditional combat art and martial art) are taken out on the roads as part of the idol immersion processions.

Topic

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Umrongso

State

Assam

Umrongso, situated on the borders of Assam, is a small hill town blessed with scenic natural splendour.

Accessibility

By Road: Buses are available from Haflong during the afternoon. A bus takes approximately four hours to reach Umrongso from Haflong. Buses to Shillong and Halong are available from Umrongso.

Accommodation

From Haflong via Jowai to Shillong, a night halt at Umrangshu becomes a must. Accommodation is available in the various hotels and tourist lodges in Umrangshu.

Location

Umrangshu lies on the border of Assam and Meghalaya, 112 km from Haflong.

STD Code

03673

Topic

Hill Station

Best time to visit

November to March

Famous For

Famous for the biggest Hydel plant under North East Electric Power

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Tezpur

State

Assam

Tezpur, situated on the banks of river Brahmaputra, is an ancient city known for its mythology, folklore and legends. The place derives its name from the Sanskrit words, 'Teza' meaning blood and 'Pura' meaning city or town. It is believed that a battle between Lord Krishna and the Asura king Banasura, known as the Sonitpur, was fought in Tezpur only. Since thousands of people were killed in the battle and the whole city was flooded with human blood, the place came to be known as Tezpur.

History

The name Tezpur is derived from the Sanskrit words 'Teza' (meaning blood) and 'Pura' (meaning town or city). Legend has it that the original name of this place was 'Sonitpur' ("sonit" in Sanskrit also means blood!) but when the battle between Krishna's army and Banasura's army fought for the rescue of Aniruddha (who was the grandson of Lord Krishna, according to legend) there was so much bloodshed that the whole place was stained in red. This led to the name of the place becoming Tezpur.

Historical ruins from the 8th and 9th centuries dot the surrounding areas of the city. The ruins of Bamuni Hills are the most famous. They bear resemblance to the Gupta period art. Accordingly there are plenty of myths as well. The ruins of Da Parbatia is a shining example of the architecture around the 4th Century AD.

Modern Tezpur was founded by the British colonial administration in 1835 as the headquarters of Darrang district. During World War 2, Tezpur received large numbers of refugees fleeing from Burma, particularly the corps of Anglo-Burmese and Anglo-Indian nurses. After independence of India in 1947, it remained the headquarters of Darrang district. During the Sino-Indian War of 1962 the Chinese army came close to the town and the town had to be evacuated. In 1983 a part of the district was carved out to form a separate district, named Darrang. Tezpur was made the headquarters of the new district of Sonitpur.

Accessibility

Air

Tezpur has a small airport that receives flights from Jorhat, Kolkata and Guwahati. There are regular flights from Guwahati everyday and there are three flight every week to Kolkata and Jorhat. Indian Airlines is the main flight operator to Tezpur.

Rail

Tezpur is an important railhead in Assam. You will get many trains from Guwahati which is the nearest station. The distance between the two cities is nearly 180 Km and it takes slightly less than 4 hrs to reach.

Road

Tezpur is around 180 km from the capital city of Guwahati and there is frequent to and fro bus service from Guwahati. Both state run and private buses ply on the route. Good network connects it to other cities and towns as well.

Shopping

Of course, Tezpur does not have big shopping centres of shopping malls, but shopping in small markets of the town is altogether nice experience. Here you can buy traditional handicrafts and a variety of locally made items. So, do not forget to enjoy shopping in the markets of Tezpur. Buy some traditional handcrafts for your family members or friend or to keep them as a memoir forever.

Accommodation

In Tezpur you may not find a luxury category accommodation, but the available options in the town are excellent and you will feel yourself at home. Equipped with all the necessary amenities the hotels of Tezpur provide a comfortable stay to guests.

District

Sonitpur District

Location

Northern bank of the river Brahmaputra, Assam. 191 kms from Guwahati, Assam

STD Code

0712

Topic

Best time to visit

October to May

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Silchar

State

Assam

Silchar, nestled on the banks of the Barak River, is surrounded by Manipur on the east, Bangladesh on the west, Mizoram on the south and the Barail hills on the north. The place is fondly coined as the ‘Island of Peace’ due to its picturesque location and is the major gateway to the neighboring areas of Manipur and Mizoram. A majority of the residents living in the Silchar city are Sylhethi, who were mainly migrants from the former Sylhet district of undivided India.

Accessibility

By Air
The Kumbhirgram airport in Silchar is located at a distance of about 22 km from the town and is a highly modernized air station, with state-of-the-art facilities. It is the second busiest airport in the state, next to Guwahati. The airport remains busy all round the year and regular flights operate from this region to areas like Agartala, Kolkata, Imphal and Guwahati.

By Rail
Maintained and managed by the North-East Frontier Railways, Silchar railway station is located in the core of the town, at Tarapur and is a major link to the different parts of India. The primary express trains operating from this region are Cachar Express, Barak Valley Express and Jiribam Fast Pass.

By Road
As with the other regions of Assam, the ASTC (Assam State Transport Corporation) provides regular bus services from Silchar as well, to other regions within the state. Functioning 24 hours a day, the corporation has some regular and luxury buses for the normal routes and special mini buses for the neighboring hilly areas. Nowadays, computerized ticketing systems are also available in different counters within the town.

A number of private (regular and deluxe) buses also operate from here making it very convenient to travel to and from this place. These mostly connect to areas like Shillong, Aizawl, Guwahati, Agartala and such other places. The NH 44 connecting Silchar to Guwahati is considered to be one of the beautiful in the entire country, as it passes through the borders of Meghalaya giving its passengers a breath-taking view of the exquisite Khasi and Jaintia hills.

District

Cachar district

Location

Southern Assam, on the banks of the Barak River

STD Code

03842

Topic