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PATNA/GAYA/BODH GAYA/RAJGIR/NALANDA

Besides being the capital of the state of Bihar, Patna is also its cultural metropolis and a great tourist centre. Some of itsBiharBuddha.JPG (128175 bytes) imposing buildings show how the aesthetic features of old architecture can be gracefully preserved even in a modern edifice. This is particularly true of the Museum, Khuda Baksh Oriental Library and Golghar.

Sightseeing of Patna includes visits to the old Patliputra excavations, Golghar, the museum and Kunda Baksh Khan Library.

NALANDA : Once a famous Buddhist University, Nalanda came into prominence about the 5th century A.D. and was a great centre of learning for about 700 years. Huen

Tsang the well known Chinese traveller, who studied at the University in the 7th century, has left glowing accounts of its activities. It attracted students from all over India, Southeast Asia and China. The ruins of Nalanda lie about 97 kms (60 miles) southeast of Patna by road. There is an array of monasteries on the east and a row of temples on the west. Nearby is a museum which has an interesting collection of antiquities recovered from the site.

RAJGIR : 13 km. (8 miles) southwest of Nalanda by road, is an important place of pilgrimage for Buddhists. It was the capital of King Bimbisara in ancient time. The Buddha preached at Rajgir, and so did Mahavira, the great preceptor of the Jains. The Rajgir hills are known for a large number of Buddhists and Jain monuments including stupas and forts. At Gridha Kuta is a hermitage of the Buddha.

BODHGAYA : Bodhgaya is the place where the Buddha attained enlightenment. The tree under which Buddha attained wisdom is called the Bodhi Tree, while the temple marking the sacred spot is known as Mahabodh temple. This temple stands as a model for the temples in Burma, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
 

PUNE

Once a great citadel of Maratha power, later an important headquarter of British India, Pune continues to maintain its martial tradition.

Make trips to Singhgarh Fort, File Lake, Bund Garden, Sambhaji Park, Parvati Temple, Museum and of course, the famed National Defence Academy.
 

PURI/BHUBANESHWAR/KONARK

img-orissa.jpg (16014 bytes)Puri, the magnificent beach resort of Orissa, is also one of the four great pilgrim centres of India. Bhubaneshwar, the "city of temples" harking back to glories of the past. Konark, lavish, monumental and all prevading, the crowning glory of Orissa - the stupendous Sun Temple of Konark.

In Puri - visit Gundicha Mandir, and the several temples all of which come alive annually every June during Rath or the Car Festival. In Bhubneshwar, take in Parasurameshwara Temple, Rajrani Temple. In Konarak, make a trip to the Sun Temple.
 

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