Bihar has some of the most sacred Buddhist and Hindu shrines. Gaya is one of the most important pilgrimage places for the Hindus. It is believed that a Hindu will reach heaven if his last rites are offered under the celebrated ‘Akshayabat’ or immortal banyan tree, standing in the yard of Vishnupad temple. Believed to be built on the footsteps of Vishnu, the grand temple was renovated by ahalyabai, queen of Indore.
Around Gaya
Brahma- Yoni, Ramshila, Pretishila- beautiful hills.
Deo- 20 km from Gaya, Surya temple here is the site of famous Chhath puja in
November.
Kurkihar- ancient habitation with ruins. Presumed to be the Kukkutapadagiri
mentioned by Hiuen Tsang in 7th century.
Barabar caves – 40 km from Gaya, earlist Buddhist rock cut caves.
Sasaram-123 km from Gaya, tombs of Sher Shah Suri, his father and son. There
is a dargah on Chandan Pir Hill.
Pawapuri
In Pawapuri or apapuri, 38 km from Rajgir and 90 km from Patna, all sins end for a devout Jain. Lord and was cremated here. People took away not only the ashes but also the scooped out earth and thus Jalamandir marble temple stands at the site. There is another Jain temple here viz. Samosharan.
Parasnath hill
It is believed that 22 ‘tirthankars’ out of 24 attained salvation here and is one of the most sacred pilgrim centers for the Jains
Call of the hills
The Chotanagpur plateau is one of the most beautiful areas in Bihar. Studded with hills 300-900 m in altitude and covered with verdant virgin forest this area of rivers. Lakes, meadows and valleys is an ideal retreat of peace and beauty. Rich in wildlife, these forests are an anthropologist’s delight, since the ancient lifestyle of the tribes like Santhal, Ho, Munda, Oraon, Koi, Chero, Kharia, Paharia has remained essentially unaltered.