15 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.
- World Peace Pagoda
- Bodhi Tree
- Mahabodhi Temple
- Ashokan Pillar
- Chhoti Dargah
- Mahatma Gandhi Setu
- Bihar State Museum
- Rohtasgarh Fort
- Patna Museum
- Barabar Caves
- Tomb of Sher Shah Suri
- Agam Kuan
- Nalanda Mahavihara
- Golghar
- Ajatshatru Fort
1. World Peace Pagoda
Image Credit: Photo Dharma for Wikimedia Commons
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
Also Read: Places To Visit In Patna
2. Bodhi Tree
Image Credit: Neil Satyam for Wikimedia Commons
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
3. Mahabodhi Temple
Image Credit: Rohit Sharma for Wikimedia Commons
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
4. Ashokan Pillar
Image Credit: Amitabha Gupta for Wikimedia Commons
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
5. Chhoti Dargah
Image Credit: Amitabha Gupta for Wikimedia Commons
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
Related Post: Temples In Bihar
6. Mahatma Gandhi Setu
Image Credit: Aksveer for Wikimedia Commons
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
7. Bihar State Museum
Image Credit: Shivamsetu for Wikimedia Commons
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
Related Post: Famous Museums In India
8. Rohtasgarh Fort
Image Credit: Amitabha Gupta for Wikimedia Commons
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
9. Patna Museum
Image Credit: Photo Dharma for Wikimedia Commons
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)
Related Post: Caves In India
10. Barabar Caves
Image Credit: Photo Dharma for Wikimedia Commons
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 cuttings of the rock gives a fair competition even 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
11. Tomb Of Sher Shah Suri
Image Credit: Amitabha Gupta for Wikimedia Commons
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
12. 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
13. Nalanda Mahavihara
Image Credit: Paramanu Sarkar for Wikimedia Commons
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: Places To Visit In Nalanda
14. Golghar
Image Credit: Bhassingh for Wikimedia Commons
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
15. Ajatshatru Fort
Image Credit: Photo Dharma for Wikimedia Commons
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
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.
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Abhay Kumar is a graduate of English Literature. Writing is both his hobby and his passion. He writes academic research articles as well as poetry and short fiction. He loves reading science fiction, fantasy, literary fiction, and translated fiction. He also loves traveling and writing about himself in the third person.
