16 Historical Places In Bihar To Glimpse Into A Glorious Past 2025

From being the seat of the ancient Maurya and Gupta empires, and the site of educational and ecclesiastical centres like Nalanda and Bodh Gaya, Bihar is chock full of historically significant places. If you’re a history nerd or someone who appreciates art and architecture of the ancient and medieval periods, Bihar is a rich tourist place for you. Scroll below and read our list of the topmost historical places in Bihar.

Historical Places In Bihar

Check out this list of historical places of Bihar. These include religious sites, forts, museums, historical monuments, caves, and tombs & mausoleums.

• Chhoti Dargah
• Rohtasgarh Fort
• Tomb Of Sher Shah Suri
• Patna Museum
• Bihar State Museum
• Bodhi Tree
• Mahabodhi Temple
• World Peace Pagoda
• Barabar Caves
• Agam Kuan
• Nalanda Mahavihara
• Ashokan Pillar
• Champaran
• Mahatma Gandhi Setu
• Ajatshatru Fort
• Golghar

Historical Sites In Bihar

The following are the top historical sites in Bihar, with significant histories, legends, and myths associated with them, often rooted in ancient Buddhist practices.

1. Chhoti Dargah

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Holding an important place in history, Chhoti Dargah is a 3-storied mausoleum at Maner. Located 30 kms away from Patna on the NH-30, this architectural marvel is one of the best historical places in Bihar. This is where the Makhdum Shah, a Sufi saint, was buried in the year 1616; in the present day, it is a popular dargah for Muslims. Alongside, there is a large tank just in front of the mausoleum. The water of the tank is considered holy. Add Chotti Dargah in your list of historical places in Bihar to visit this year.

• Location: Karbigahiya Rd, Maruti Nagar, Khasmahal, Mithapur, Patna, Bihar 800001
• Timings: 5:30 AM – 6:15 PM

Also Read: Places To Visit In Patna

2. Rohtasgarh Fort

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Rising 1,500 ft. from sea level, Rohtasgarh Fort is a medieval-era marvel perched on a rocky hill in Sasaram, Bihar. Built during the 16th century by Raja Harish Chandra and spread over 42 sq km, Rohtasgarh Fort is considered one of India’s most prominent forts and showcases the military might of a bygone era.

The fort’s intricate design, massive gates, and strategic layout offer a glimpse into its historical significance and architectural brilliance. Rohtasgarh Fort is one of the best historical places in Bihar to glimpse the past.

• Location: Rohtasgarh Fort, Near Sasaram Town, Rohtas District, Bihar
• Timings: 5 AM – 7 PM

3. Tomb Of Sher Shah Suri

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The Tomb of Sher Shah Suri, the ruler of Bihar from 1530 to 1540 and the emperor of Hindustan from 1540 onwards after defeating the Mughal king Humayun, is one of the important historical places of Bihar. The tomb is a magnificent mausoleum in the middle of an artificial lake.

Showcasing the craft of Indo-Islamic architecture, this historical marvel features octagonal tombs and enjoys the surroundings of a lush garden. This impressive red sandstone structure is around 122 feet high. For architecture aficionados and history buffs, the Tomb of Sher Shah Suri recounts the historical significance of Bihar.

• Location: J P Nagar, Rauza Rd, Laxkariganj, Sasaram, Bihar
• Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM

Related Post: Tourist Places In Sasaram

Museums In Bihar

To take a deep dive in the history of any place in a linear and lucid way, museums help out a lot by letting you visualise and interact with artefacts of old. Visit the following museums in Bihar.

4. Patna Museum

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This museum is over a century old and constructed in the style of Mughal and Rajput architecture. First built under the British Raj in 1917, it holds a rich collection of ancient gems and artefacts. Colloquially known as the Jadu Ghar, the Patna Museum is one of the top historical places in Bihar. Artefacts from the ancient India era to 1764 have now been transferred to the Bihar Museum, and artefacts from 1764 onwards can be found here. Today, the museum holds more than 50,000 rare art objects.

• Location: Near Madiri Kat Pur Museum, Patna, Bihar 800001
• Timings: 10:30 AM-4:30 PM (Monday closed)

5. Bihar State Museum

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One of the best historical places in Bihar are its museums. The Bihar Museum gives a fascinating insight into the history and ancient culture of the state. Inside, artefacts dating back centuries, even as far back as the Harappan Civilization. There is a dedicated section called the children’s museum, which features interactive learning exhibits. The Didarganj Yakshi, a stone statue dating back to the 2nd century Mauryan Empire, is one of the main attractions at the gallery. Spread across an area of 5.6 hectares of land, the museum has a dispersed scheme of buildings which includes galleries, educational and administrative areas.

• Location: Jawaharlal Nehru Marg, Bailey Rd, Patna, Bihar 800001
• Timings: 10:30 AM – 5 PM

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Influence of Buddhism and Jainism in Bihar

It is a relatively lesser-known fact that the birthplace of two of the most pacifist religions in the world – Buddhism and Jainism is Bihar. It is here that Tirthankara Mahavira was born and where he and Buddha both attained enlightenment. The two religions rose up almost simultaneously between the 6th and 4th centuries BC.  Through the teachings of Mahavira and Gautam Buddha, and the acceptance from rulers like Bimbisara, Ajatshatru, Padma Nanda, Chandragupta, and Ashoka, Jainism and Buddhism saw growth and spread worldwide. Even today, one can easily find monuments and inscriptions that tell of the history of this spiritual enrichment. Some such historical places in Bihar are –

6. Bodhi Tree

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The Bodhi tree, or a Bo tree, was a large sacred fig tree. Buddha attained enlightenment in 500 BCE while meditating underneath this tree for seven weeks without moving an inch from his position. The original tree under which Siddhartha Gautama sat is no longer living. Located in the same place, the existing tree is considered a direct descendant of the original bodhi tree.

A shrine has been built on the same spot where Buddha meditated, called Animisalocana cetiya. You can also meditate under the same tree to experience mindfulness and detoxify mind and soul.

• Location: Mocharim, Bodh Gaya, Bihar 824231
• Timings: 5:00 am – 9:00 pm, Monday- 5:00 am – 12:00 am

7. Mahabodhi Temple

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Also known as the Mahābodhi Mahāvihāra, Mahabodhi Temple is one of the most significant Buddhist sites in the world. The temple was first built by the emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC. The present version of the temple was rebuilt in the 5th-6th century AD, and has seen many renovations since. The temple showcases many excerpts from Lord Buddha’s life. Therefore, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the top historical places in Bihar.

The gigantic 170-foot temple stands as a cylindrical pyramid, called a shikhara, on the 48 sq. ft. basement. The architecture is endlessly fascinating, and the theological noteworthiness is invaluable.

• Location: Bodh Gaya, Bihar 824231, India
• Timings: 5 AM – 9 PM

Related Post: Places To Visit In Nalanda

8. World Peace Pagoda

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The World Peace Pagoda (Vishwa Shanti Stupa) is a pagoda built in 1969 by the Japanese neo-Buddhist organisation Nipponzan Myohoji as a symbol of World Peace. About 80 Pagodas were built, inspired by the ideas of Gautam Buddha and Mahatma Gandhi and in response to Japan’s atomic bombing.

One of the historical places in Bihar is situated at the top of Gridhakuta Hill at an altitude of about 400m. A marble pillar at this stupa showcases four golden statues of the Lord Buddha. These statues depict the Lord Buddha in the different stages of his life – birth, enlightenment, preachings, and death. The Japanese Stupa can be reached by taking the aerial ropeway.

• Location: Near Gitai Mandir, Rajgir, Bihar
• Timings: 9 AM to 5:30 PM

9. Barabar Caves

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These caves, built during the Mauryan Empire between 322–185 BCE, are counted among the oldest historical places in Bihar. Barabar Caves are located on the outskirts of Bodh Gaya, the spiritual sanctuary where Buddha gained enlightenment. They are the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India.

Their state-of-the-art architecture with sharp rock cuttings gives them a fair competition to today’s high-end structures. Barabar Hill is a cluster of four hills, including Karan Chaupar, Sudama, Visvakarma, and Lomas Rishi. Although these are Buddhist caves, a few Jain and Hindu sculptures are scattered around.

• Location: Barabar Hill Road, Barabar, Sultanpur, Bihar, Bihar
• Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM

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Historical Landmarks Linked to Mauryan and Gupta Empires

The glorious history of Bihar also recounts it as the progenitor of the golden empires of Mauryan and Gupta dynasties. Chandragupta Maurya founded the kingdom in 322 BC and ruled the nation of Magadha (Bihar) with Patliputra (modern-day Patna) as its capital. Chandragupta I founded the Gupta Empire, which ruled from 320 CE to 560 CE. Sculptures, pillars, caves, and coins from the Mauryan and Gupta Empires can be found in the museums to this day.

10. Agam Kuan

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Agam Kuan, ‘the unfathomable well’ is one of the oldest archaeological sites in Bihar. Said to have been built by the emperor Ashoka himself, the well is shrouded in mystery. The kuan is 105ft deep, has a perimeter of 20 ft, and has eight arched windows.

Various accounts and travel records suggest that the well was used as a torture chamber. Convicts and enemies of the state were thrown in the fires that emanated from within the well, earning it the name ‘fiery well’ and ‘hell on earth’. Some stories associated with the well also say the Ashoka threw his 99 brothers into the well, so he could be the one to ascend the throne.

• Location: Agamkuan, Kumhrar Road, Chhoti Pahari, Patna, Bihar
• Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM

11. Nalanda Mahavihara

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A prominent UNESCO world heritage site and one of the oldest educational centres in Ancient India, the Nalanda Mahavihara is a university and monastery like no other. The university dates back to the 5th Century CE (the Gupta period). Although in ruins now, the red brick walls and the stupas tell the tales of a glorious history in the Buddhist tradition, and are of great interest to archaeologists. One of the unmissable historical places in Bihar, a trip to the state is incomplete without visiting the ever-iconic Nalanda.

• Location: Nalanda University Site Road, Mohanpur, Bargaon, Bihar
• Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM

Related Post: Temples In Bihar

12. Ashokan Pillar

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The Lion Pillar in Kolhua, Bihar, built by the Emperor Ashoka, is an excellent reminiscence of the glorious past. Standing beside a beautiful red sandstone Buddhist Stupa, the pillar stands 18.3 m tall in front of a pond among the archaeological remains of Vaishali. The pillar is a single piece of sandstone, highly polished and adorned with an imposing life-size sculpture of a lion. The Kolhua Complex is one of the most well-maintained historical places in Bihar.

• Location: Ananda Stupa, Shanti Marg, Kolhua, Bihar 844128
• Timings: 9 am – 6 pm, Fridays closed

The Role of Bihar in Indian Independence

From giving the country leaders like Rajendra Prasad, who became the first president of independent India, to providing new heights to the Champaran Satyagraha led by Mahatma Gandhi, Bihar has played a significant role in India’s freedom struggle. Bihar’s participation in the Non-Cooperation Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement, and Quit India Movement is invaluable.

13. Champaran

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The Champaran Satyagraha was a civil disobedience movement by the farmers of Champaran, Bihar. Under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, the farmers who were forced to grow Indigo and were not paid fair prices for their labour started an uprising in 1917-18. They peacefully protested the Britishers, planters, and landlords of Indigo farms. This was the first strike against the East India Company in India, motivating many other reforms.

Today, the place houses many artifacts that point to the freedom struggle, including Gandhi Memorial in Chandrahiah, Gandhi Sangrahalaya in Motihari, and Bhitiharawa Gandhi Ashram.

Related Post: Historical Places In Kolkata

14. Mahatma Gandhi Setu

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Bihar is home to some remarkable architectural marvels. One such marvel is the Mahatma Gandhi Setu, among the longest bridges in the world, running 5.7 kilometers from Patna to Hajipur.

One can witness some outstanding views of the River Ganga on a drive along the bridge. Mahatma Gandhi Setu has set records and earned itself an iconic landmark among the historical places in Bihar. Do witness the sunset when crossing this bridge on the Ganga!

• Location: NH-22 and NH-31, Patna, Bihar
• Timings: Open 24 hours

Hidden Gems: Lesser Known Places In Bihar

If you’re looking for offbeat places, fewer crowds, and unique experiences in Bihar, visit these hidden gems.

15. Ajatshatru Fort

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Ajatshatru was the ruler of the city of Rajgir in Bihar during the time of the Buddha. According to legends, he was notorious because he was a Jain king who imprisoned his father Bimbisara for being a Buddhist and put him in a jail cell at this very fort. Bimbisara, however, chose to be detained at another spot where he could see the Buddha ascending Vulture’s Peak every day.

This fort was built around the 6th Century BCE. Its complex includes a stupa about 6.5 sq metres in size. This fort used to be renowned but now lies in ruins and can hardly be recognised. However, it remains of great interest and curiosity to history lovers and academics.

• Location: NH 82, Rajgir, Bihar
• Timings: 6 AM – 5:30 PM

Related Post: Heritage Sites In Maharashtra

16. Golghar

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Designed by the British Captain John Gartin and built in the Buddhist Stupa style in 1786, this is one of the finest historical places in Bihar. The Golghar (roundhouse) building was intended to be the first of a series, but others were never built. It was meant to be a granary to store rations in an effort against famines in the region. The 29-meter-high building has undergone renovations since then and is a gem of local craftsmanship.

• Location: Ashok Rajpath Rd, Patna, Bihar
• Timings: 9:30 AM to 6 PM every day, closed on Mondays

Best Time To Visit Bihar

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The best time to visit Bihar is from October to March. Here is a breakdown of all the seasons to help you pick the best time as per your convenience.

Bihar in Summer: The summer season in Bihar starts in March and lasts until June. It is not a recommended time to travel as the summers here are scorching hot, making exploring and visiting places challenging. The temperature usually shoots up to 50°C during May, making it intolerable to visit the destination during this time.

Bihar in Winter: The winter season in Bihar starts in November and lasts until March. The day temperature usually ranges between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius, making it ideal for visiting and exploring places. The temperature at night is comparatively low, and it can get biting cold, especially during December and January, as these are the peak winter months here.

Bihar in Monsoon: The Monsoon season in Bihar starts in July and lasts until September. The states receive high rainfall during these months, resulting in relief from the scorching heat of the summer season. It is a good time to visit the destination, as the state welcomes you with pleasant weather and heavy rainfall. Visiting between September and November is not recommended, as there are high chances of cyclonic disturbances.

Related Post: Buddhist Monasteries In India

How To Reach Bihar

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Bihar is well connected by air, train, and road to all the major cities, including Mumbai, Lucknow, Agra, Delhi, and Kolkata. Before planning your trip, here are all the details you need to know about reaching Bihar.

By Air: Jayprakash Narayan Airport (Patna) and Bodhgaya Airport (Gaya) are the two major airports in Bihar and are well-connected with major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and Lucknow. Regular flights operate between the major cities of Bihar and cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Agra, etc. Once you reach the airport, you can either take a cab or a bus to your destination.

By Road: Many national and State Highways connect Bihar with all the major cities. Bihar is well connected with all the cities within the state as well as outside. Many private and state buses run on this route. You can also opt for a taxi as per your convenience.

By Train: Bihar is well connected with major parts of India by train. Patna, Gaya, and Bhagalpur are the major railway stations in the state, and the rail network here is excellent, connecting all the major and minor parts of Bihar with other cities of India. Once you reach the airport, you can take a cab or bus to your destination.

You May Also Like To Read: Things To Do In Bodh Gaya

Conclusion

So, now that you know all the best historical places in Bihar, from forts to museums and monasteries to caves, plan a trip to Bihar and explore this place like never before. Bihar is a state rich in history, steeped in the Buddhist tradition and full of art & architectural remains of the Mauryan Empire. There’s never a dull moment while visiting Bihar.

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FAQs About Historical Places in Bihar

What is the most famous historical place in Bihar?

Nalanda and Bodh Gaya tie for first place in the most famous historical place in Bihar. The remains of the Nalanda University, one of the world’s first universities and an important centre of learning between the 5th and 12th centuries CE, are still to be found. On the other hand, Bodh Gaya is celebrated as one of the inception points of Buddhism. Meditating under a Bodhi tree here, Lord Gautam Buddha attained a state of enlightenment.

Which are the best forts to visit in Bihar?

The most fascinating forts to see in Bihar are Munger Fort, Rohtasgarh Fort, Shergarh Fort, Vishal Fort, and Darbhanga Fort.

Which is the oldest monument in Bihar?

The Barabar Cave inscriptions are believed to be the oldest monument in Bihar. The caves date back to the Mauryan Empire (322–185 BCE).

Which are the best historical museums in Bihar?

The best historical museums in Bihar are -

• Bihar Museum: This is the primary state museum, which houses artefacts from Bihar and the surrounding region dating between antiquity and 1764.
• Patna Museum: One of the oldest museums in Bihar, this institution houses artefacts dating from 1764 to the present day.
• Gandhi Sangrahalaya is a museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi's life, work, and principles. It illustrates excerpts from Gandhi’s childhood and early life, his participation in the freedom struggle movement, and the making of the Indian nation.
• Bihar Museum of Wax: This is a fun place to visit with the family. It displays wax statues of freedom fighters, politicians, and other public figures, such as celebrities. Furthermore, you can also find beautiful and rare collections of ancient art.

What are the top 5 historical places in Bihar to visit with family?

The best historical places in Bihar to visit with family are -

• Takht Sri Patna Sahib is believed to be the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh.
• Kesariya Buddha Stupa is the world’s highest and biggest Buddhist stupa.
• The Ruins of Nalanda University will provoke curiosity and are a great learning experience.
• Bodhi Tree, the great tree of learning, meditating under which Lord Buddha achieved enlightenment.
• Sonbhandar Caves were built between the 3rd and 4th century, and flaunt a Mauryan style of architecture and Buddhist inscriptions.

Which are the best historical caves to visit in Bihar?'

The Barabar Caves located in the Jehanabad district of Bihar, built sometime during the reign of the Mauryan empire, are one of India's oldest and most magnificent rock-cut caves. The caves feature intricate carvings, inscriptions, and highly polished granite walls, and show evidence of a thousand-year tradition of Jain and Buddhist monks practicing meditation here. Sonbhandar Caves and Mahakala Caves are other notable caves in Bihar.

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