Nalanda is known as the ancient seat of learning. The University takes its name from the Sanskrit word Nalam which means 'The Giver of Knowledge'. It was said to be one of the world’s oldest residential universities. It is said that Lord Buddha used to stay in the University. Right now there are some talks doing rounds regarding the revival of Nalanda University with modern amenities.
This is a great place for people who like researching about the ancient texts that are a treasure house of knowledge in fields like philosophical logic, astronomy, botany and sciences. The weather remains pleasant, and anyone who is a lover of ancient Indian history and culture would find Nalanda extremely important even today when all that remains is a just magnificent ruin of this once great Seat of Learning.
Best For:
• Spectacular ruins • Beautiful Architecture • Nalanda Museum
Nalanda has a glorious history. It was founded in the fifth century B.C. Lord Buddha used to reside in Nalanda. Lord Mahavira also used to reside here and this place was evidently an important centre of activity for the Buddhists as well as Jains. Also, Lord Mahavira is believed to have attained Moksha at Pavapuri which is located in Nalanda.
King Ashoka is said to have built a temple here. According to Tibetan sources, Nagarjuna taught there.
The best time to visit Nalanda is between October and February. The weather is cool and pleasant most of the year.
The Indian Rupee (INR) is the acceptable form of currency here.
A tourist visa applicable for the entire country (India) is sufficient.
The nearest places for help in terms of embassy related issues and other tourist requirements can be found in the state capital of Patna [90 kms]
By Air: The domestic airport at Patna is 89 kms away. Patna is well connected by National Highways. It is recommended to hire a vehicle and then move about Nalanda and nearby places.
By Road: The National Highway Number 82 passes through Nalanda. While continuing ahead on the same National Highway one would reach Bodh Gaya [50 kms], and Rajgir [12 kms]. Shared jeeps plying the route between Rajgir (15km) and Bihar Sharif (35km) make a stop at the turn off for Nalanda. Rickshaws and other vehicles are available from here to the main gate, a distance of 2KM.
By Train : Rajgir [12 kms] is the nearest railway station from Nalanda. There are several passenger trains running between Rajgir and Patna, the state capital. The nearest major railway point is Gaya from where one can take trains for Delhi, Kolkata, Varanasi, and some of the major centers in eastern India.
International Flight:
There are no direct connecting international flights to Nalanda. The nearest international airport is Kolkata [500 kms approx.]
Surya Mandir: It is an ancient Hindu temple. The known and excavated ruins extend over an area of about 150,000 sq. mts.
Nava Nalanda Mahavihara: This was founded in 1951 to promote the Buddhist studies. Presently, this institute is pursuing an ambitious program of satellite imaging of the entire region.
The Nalanda Museum: contains a number of manuscripts and shows many examples of the items that have been excavated.
University Ruins and the Great Stupa.
Xuan Zang Memorial Hall
Shopping:
One can collect a lot of books on Buddhism, Jainism and Lord Buddha in local shops around Nalanda.
Where To Eat:
There are a lot of eateries and joints in and around the town of Nalanda where you can enjoy the local cuisine.
Where To Stay:
Many people prefer making Patna as their base. Nalanda, by far, is the place of ancient ruins. The accommodation facilities are not that luxurious. However, one can find good quality, and comfortable guest houses here.
Rajgir [12 kms]: This is a beautiful place near Nalanda. It used to be a major religious center in the fifth century. It was home to Buddhism and Jainism. Even now there are several temples that are beautiful.
Bodh Gaya [50 kms]: Bodh Gaya is the Seat of Enlightenment in the Buddhist culture. It is the place where Lord Buddha had attained divine enlightenment or the Sacred Knowledge. This is one of the most important religious centers for the Buddhists. It is about 50 kms away from Nalanda.
Nalanda is one glittering example in the ancient cultural history of India that goes on to prove that we had one of the richest universities in terms of knowledge. The Nalanda Museum documents the various subjects taught by learned men and gurus during the fifth centuries. It is a delight for researchers and lovers of ancient architecture alike. The season remains pleasant throughout the year and you can explore the nearby circuits of Buddhism like Rajgir and Bodh Gaya. Nalanda makes for an off beat traveler’s delight.
