Nalanda Travel Guide: All You Need To Know

Nalanda is a historical site located in the Indian state of Bihar, about 95 km from the state capital Patna. It was a renowned Buddhist center of learning from the 5th to the 12th century CE and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here are some things to know and tips for visiting Nalanda:

• History: Nalanda was founded in the 5th century CE and flourished as a Buddhist center of learning until the 12th century. It attracted scholars and students from all over the world and was one of the world’s first universities. It was destroyed by invading Muslim armies in the 12th century and was rediscovered and excavated in the 19th century.
• Visit the ruins: The ruins of Nalanda include the remains of monasteries, temples, lecture halls, and other structures. The site is spread over a large area and can take several hours to explore.
• Nalanda University: The Nalanda University has been re-established as a modern university in the area, but it is not located at the historical site.
• How to reach: The nearest airport is in Patna, and the nearest railway station is in Rajgir, about 15 km from Nalanda. It is also well-connected by road, and buses and taxis are available from Patna and other nearby cities.
• Best time to visit: The best time to visit Nalanda is during the winter months from November to February when the weather is pleasant and cool.
• Guide: It is advisable to hire a local guide to learn about the history and significance of the site.
• Dress appropriately: Nalanda is a religious site, so dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering temples and other religious structures.
• Nearby attractions: Nalanda is located close to other historical sites like Rajgir, Bodhgaya, and Vaishali, which are worth visiting.
• Food: There are restaurants and food stalls located near the site, but it is advisable to carry your own water and snacks.
• Photography: Photography is allowed at the site, but it is advisable to check with the authorities before taking pictures of people or religious structures.

Places to Visit in Nalanda

Nalanda is a historic site in Bihar, India, that is famous for its ancient Buddhist university and other significant historical sites. Here are some of the top places to visit in Nalanda:

• Nalanda Archaeological Museum: This museum houses a vast collection of artifacts and relics discovered during the excavation of Nalanda. It includes sculptures, inscriptions, pottery, coins, and other ancient artifacts.
• Nalanda University Ruins: The Nalanda University ruins are the remains of the ancient university that attracted scholars and students from across the world. The site includes remains of lecture halls, temples, and other structures.
• Hieun Tsang Memorial Hall: The Hieun Tsang Memorial Hall is a museum dedicated to the Chinese scholar-monk Hieun Tsang, who visited Nalanda in the 7th century CE. It houses a collection of his writings and other artifacts related to his life and work.
• Surya Mandir: The Surya Mandir is a temple dedicated to the sun god, located about 12 km from Nalanda. It is believed to be one of the oldest sun temples in India and is an important pilgrimage site.
• Griddhakuta Peak: The Griddhakuta Peak is a hill located about 4 km from Nalanda, where Buddha is believed to have delivered many sermons. It is also known as the Vulture Peak and is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists.
• Kundalpur: Kundalpur is a village located about 10 km from Nalanda, where the 24th Jain Tirthankar, Mahavir Swami, was born. It is an important pilgrimage site for Jains and houses many ancient Jain temples.
• Rajgir: Rajgir is a nearby town located about 12 km from Nalanda, famous for its hot springs, ancient Buddhist sites, and the Ajatshatru Fort.
• Pawapuri: Pawapuri is a town located about 38 km from Nalanda, famous for its ancient Jain temple, Jalmandir, located in the middle of a pond.
• Bihar Sharif: Bihar Sharif is a nearby town located about 15 km from Nalanda, famous for its many historical sites, including the Bari Dargah, the tomb of the famous Sufi saint Sheikh Sharfuddin Yahya Maneri.
• Barabar Caves: The Barabar Caves are a series of rock-cut caves located about 50 km from Nalanda, famous for their ancient rock-cut architecture and inscriptions. They are believed to be one of the earliest examples of rock-cut architecture in India.

Things to Do in Nalanda

Nalanda is a historic site located in the Indian state of Bihar, famous for its ancient Buddhist university and other significant historical sites. Here are some of the top things to do in Nalanda:

• Explore the Nalanda University Ruins: Explore the remains of the ancient Nalanda University, which attracted scholars and students from all over the world. The site includes the remains of lecture halls, temples, and other structures.
• Visit the Nalanda Archaeological Museum: The museum houses a vast collection of artifacts and relics discovered during the excavation of Nalanda. It includes sculptures, inscriptions, pottery, coins, and other ancient artifacts.
• Learn about Hieun Tsang at the Hieun Tsang Memorial Hall: Visit the museum dedicated to the Chinese scholar-monk Hieun Tsang, who visited Nalanda in the 7th century CE. It houses a collection of his writings and other artifacts related to his life and work.
• Climb the Griddhakuta Peak: Climb the Griddhakuta Peak, a hill located about 4 km from Nalanda, where Buddha is believed to have delivered many sermons. It is also known as the Vulture Peak and is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists.
• Visit the Surya Mandir: Visit the Surya Mandir, a temple dedicated to the sun god, located about 12 km from Nalanda. It is believed to be one of the oldest sun temples in India and is an important pilgrimage site.
• Take a dip in the Rajgir Hot Springs: Visit the nearby town of Rajgir, located about 12 km from Nalanda, and take a dip in the hot springs, which are believed to have medicinal properties.
• Explore the Barabar Caves: Explore the Barabar Caves, a series of rock-cut caves located about 50 km from Nalanda, famous for their ancient rock-cut architecture and inscriptions. They are believed to be one of the earliest examples of rock-cut architecture in India.
• Visit the Jalmandir at Pawapuri: Visit the town of Pawapuri, located about 38 km from Nalanda, and visit the ancient Jain temple, Jalmandir, located in the middle of a pond.
• Attend a festival: Attend one of the many festivals celebrated in Nalanda and nearby towns, including the Rajgir Mahotsav, which celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the region.
• Try local cuisine: Try the local cuisine, which includes dishes like litti chokha, a popular street food made from roasted flour balls served with mashed potatoes and spices, and sattu, a nutritious flour made from roasted gram.

How to Get Around in Nalanda

Nalanda is a historic site located in the Indian state of Bihar, and there are several options for getting around the area. Here are some ways to get around in Nalanda:

• Taxis: Taxis are available for hire in Nalanda, and they are a convenient way to get around if you’re traveling in a group or want to go to a specific destination. You can hire a taxi for a day or for a few hours, depending on your needs.
• Auto-rickshaws: Auto-rickshaws are a popular mode of transport in Nalanda and are ideal for short trips within the town. They are generally cheaper than taxis, and you can negotiate the fare with the driver before the ride.
• Buses: Buses are available from Nalanda to nearby towns and cities. However, they may not be the most comfortable mode of transport, and it’s best to check the schedules and timings in advance.
• Bicycle: Renting a bicycle is a good option if you want to explore the town at your own pace. Bicycles are available for rent at several places in Nalanda, and they are a great way to see the local sights and attractions.
• Walking: Walking is an excellent way to explore Nalanda, especially if you want to take your time and soak in the local sights and sounds. The town is relatively small, and most of the major attractions are located within walking distance of each other. However, it’s best to be cautious while walking on the roads and follow traffic rules.

Where to eat in Nalanda

Nalanda is a small town in the Indian state of Bihar and there are several options for dining out. Here are some places where you can find good food in Nalanda:

• Nalanda Food Plaza: Nalanda Food Plaza is a popular restaurant located in the heart of the town. It serves a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, including Indian, Chinese, and Continental cuisine.
• The Heritage: The Heritage is a multi-cuisine restaurant located near the Nalanda University ruins. It serves a range of dishes, including Indian, Chinese, and Continental cuisine.
• Biryani House: Biryani House is a popular restaurant located near the Nalanda railway station. As the name suggests, it specializes in biryani, but it also serves other Indian and Chinese dishes.
• Bhojnalaya: Bhojnalaya is a simple restaurant located near the Nalanda University ruins. It serves traditional Indian vegetarian food and is a good place to try local dishes like litti chokha and sattu.
• Gupta Sweets: Gupta Sweets is a small sweet shop located near the Nalanda railway station. It serves a variety of sweets and savories, including samosas, kachoris, and jalebis.
• New Ravi Hotel: New Ravi Hotel is a popular restaurant located in the nearby town of Rajgir. It serves a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, including Indian and Chinese cuisine.
• Royal Bhojnalaya: Royal Bhojnalaya is another good option for trying local vegetarian food in Nalanda. It is located near the Nalanda University ruins and serves dishes like dal, rice, and vegetable curries.
• Ganga Sweets: Ganga Sweets is a popular sweet shop located in the center of Nalanda. It serves a variety of sweets and savories, including rasgullas, pedas, and namkeens.

These are some of the places where you can find good food in Nalanda. However, it’s always best to ask locals for recommendations, as they may know of some hidden gems that are not on the tourist radar. Looking for more places in Bihar? Have a look on our guide to Gaya here.

Famous street stalls in Nalanda

Nalanda is a small town in the Indian state of Bihar and is known for its rich history and culture. While there aren’t many street stalls in Nalanda, there are a few places where you can find tasty snacks and local delicacies. Here are some of the famous street stalls in Nalanda:

• Peda Wali Gali: Peda Wali Gali is a small street in Nalanda that is famous for its pedas. Pedas are a type of sweet made from milk and sugar, and they are a popular snack in Bihar. The pedas in Peda Wali Gali are known for their soft texture and rich flavor.
• Litti Chokha Stalls: Litti Chokha is a traditional Bihari dish made from roasted wheat balls stuffed with spiced mashed potatoes and served with a side of chokha (mashed vegetables). There are several street stalls in Nalanda that serve delicious litti chokha, including the ones near Nalanda University ruins and Bhojnalaya.
• Chaat Stalls: Chaat is a popular snack in India, and there are several street stalls in Nalanda that serve delicious chaat. Some of the popular chaat stalls in Nalanda include the ones near the Nalanda railway station and Birla Mandir.
• Samosa Stalls: Samosas are a popular snack in India, and there are several street stalls in Nalanda that serve delicious samosas. Some of the popular samosa stalls in Nalanda include the ones near the Nalanda railway station and Gupta Sweets.
• Jalebi Stalls: Jalebis are a type of sweet made from deep-fried batter soaked in sugar syrup. There are several street stalls in Nalanda that serve delicious jalebis, including the ones near the Nalanda railway station and Ganga Sweets.

These are some of the famous street stalls in Nalanda where you can find tasty snacks and local delicacies. However, it’s always best to check with locals for recommendations, as they may know of some hidden gems that are not on the tourist radar.

Where to stay in Nalanda

Luxury accommodation

Nalanda is a small town in the Indian state of Bihar, and there are not many luxury accommodation options available in the town. However, there are a few good options for luxury accommodation in the nearby cities of Rajgir and Bodh Gaya, which are about 10-15 km away from Nalanda. Here are some of the best luxury accommodation options in Rajgir and Bodh Gaya:

• Nalanda Regency (Rajgir): Nalanda Regency is a 4-star hotel located in Rajgir, about 10 km from Nalanda. The hotel offers luxurious rooms and suites with modern amenities like air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and mini-bars. The hotel also has a restaurant, a bar, a spa, and a swimming pool.
• Hotel Tathagat Vihar (Rajgir): Hotel Tathagat Vihar is a luxury hotel located in Rajgir, about 10 km from Nalanda. The hotel offers luxurious rooms and suites with modern amenities like air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and mini-bars. The hotel also has a restaurant, a bar, a spa, and a swimming pool.
• Hotel Bodh Vilas (Bodh Gaya): Hotel Bodh Vilas is a luxury hotel located in Bodh Gaya, about 15 km from Nalanda. The hotel offers luxurious rooms and suites with modern amenities like air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and mini-bars. The hotel also has a restaurant, a bar, a spa, and a swimming pool.
• Hotel Oaks Bodhgaya (Bodh Gaya): Hotel Oaks Bodhgaya is a luxury hotel located in Bodh Gaya, about 15 km from Nalanda. The hotel offers luxurious rooms and suites with modern amenities like air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and mini-bars. The hotel also has a restaurant, a bar, a spa, and a swimming pool.

These are some of the best luxury accommodation options near Nalanda. However, it’s always best to check with travel agencies or online booking platforms for the latest offers and deals on luxury accommodation.

Budget accommodation

Nalanda is a small town in the Indian state of Bihar, and there are a few good options for budget accommodation in the town. Most of the budget accommodation options in Nalanda are basic guesthouses or lodges, but they are clean and comfortable. Here are some of the best budget accommodation options in Nalanda:

• Hotel Siddhartha International: Hotel Siddhartha International is a budget hotel located near the Nalanda University ruins. The hotel offers clean and comfortable rooms with basic amenities like air conditioning, TV, and attached bathrooms.
• Sujata Guest House: Sujata Guest House is a budget guesthouse located near the Nalanda University ruins. The guesthouse offers clean and comfortable rooms with basic amenities like fans and attached bathrooms.
• Hotel Sunil: Hotel Sunil is a budget hotel located near the Nalanda railway station. The hotel offers clean and comfortable rooms with basic amenities like fans and attached bathrooms.
• Hotel Ajatshatru: Hotel Ajatshatru is a budget hotel located near the Nalanda University ruins. The hotel offers clean and comfortable rooms with basic amenities like fans and attached bathrooms.
• Hotel Rajgir Residency: Hotel Rajgir Residency is a budget hotel located in the nearby town of Rajgir, about 10 km from Nalanda. The hotel offers clean and comfortable rooms with basic amenities like fans and attached bathrooms.

These are some of the best budget accommodation options in Nalanda. However, it’s always best to check with travel agencies or online booking platforms for the latest offers and deals on budget accommodation. Looking for more places in Bihar? Have a look on our guide to Darbhanga here.

Travel Tips Nalanda

Here are some travel tips for visiting Nalanda:

• Best time to visit: The best time to visit Nalanda is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and cool.
• Transportation: Nalanda is well-connected by road and rail. The nearest airport is in Patna, which is about 100 km away. There are also frequent buses and trains that connect Nalanda to major cities in Bihar.
• Accommodation: Nalanda has limited accommodation options, ranging from basic guesthouses to mid-range hotels. It is advisable to book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak season.
• Sightseeing: The Nalanda University ruins are the main attraction in Nalanda. It is advisable to hire a guide to explore the ruins and learn more about the history of the place. The nearby towns of Rajgir and Bodh Gaya also offer plenty of sightseeing opportunities.
• Clothing: Nalanda is a conservative town, and it is advisable to dress modestly while visiting the town. It is also advisable to carry comfortable walking shoes and a hat or sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
• Food: Nalanda offers plenty of vegetarian food options, including traditional Bihari dishes like litti chokha, sattu paratha, and dal bati churma. There are also a few street food stalls that offer snacks like samosas and jalebis.
• Safety: Nalanda is a safe town, but it is advisable to be cautious while exploring the town, especially if you are travelling alone. It is also advisable to carry a copy of your identification and emergency contact numbers.

By following these travel tips, you can have a safe and enjoyable trip to Nalanda.

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