Dargahs, festivals, strains of sufi music and a lot more to experience
What: A sufi circuit is a unique way of covering cities of Patna, Vaishali, Jehanabad and Nalanda, which are tinged with the historical antiquities of the sufi culture. Strains of sufi music can be heard in the Dargahs and every monument relates stories from ages ago. The annual 'Urs' festival is a
significant day on the calendar when thousands descend on Bihar to experience this trail.
Why: Visit Maner Sharif and Phulwari Sharif in Patna along with Khankah Emadia and Dargah Sharif. Head to Hajipur Karbala in Vaishali, Hasanpura in Siwan, Bibi Kamaal Sahiba in Jehanabad along with Bari and Chhoti Dargah in Nalanda. The whole circuit can take up to ten days but gives you a vivid picture of the work of the sufi saints that lived in these cities and propagated the sufi philosophy.
How: The sufi trail can be started in Patna, which is well connected by air, rail and road to major cities in India. It is best to avoid public transportation and hire a reliable cab to make this trip. Prepare an itinerary, so that you don't miss anything. Book hotels up ahead to have a veritable base in each city.
The colours of Madhubani
Watch artists at work on traditional Mithila painting
What: Keeping Darbhanga as a base, explore the splash of colours at Madhubani in Bihar. While we are all familiar with the paintings that adorn many urban walls, it is a different experience to see the artists at work from close quarters. With Madhubani art as its main draw, the town is known as the cultural heart of the Mithila region of Bihar.
Why: Also known as Mithila painting, the origins of the style of art can be traced to the time of the Ramayana, when King Janaka of Nepal ordered for his kingdom to be decorated for his daughter, Sita's wedding to Lord Rama. The mud walls of villages were traditionally the canvas for the village women, before the art became commercialised. Now, many local households are engrossed in keeping this art alive and have made it their prime source of income.
How: Darbhanga is connected via road and rail to major cities in North India. Madhubani is only 57km from here and can be best accessed by road. The town of Madhubani can be visited any time of the year.
In the footsteps of Buddha
Pit stop at Gaya, the place of Buddha's enlightenment
What: A trail that covers Ashoka's monuments and other Buddhist monasteries is the key hook for many travellers to Bihar. This includes Pawanpuri, Patna, Rajgir, Jehanabad, Gaya, Champran, Nalanda and Bhagalpur. Reserve more than a week to traverse the route on which Ashoka established many monasteries and monuments.
Why: Buddhism blazed through the state of Bihar from 5th to 11th century and was patronised by many kings. The religion is still revered and adopted by many, ensuring the much sought after trail is still abuzz with tourists and devotees. Of all the towns, Gaya holds maximum importance, as it's here that the Buddha achieved enlightenment.
How: Arrive in the capital city of Patna, which is well connected by rail, air and road to major cities in India. Though it is best to do the trail in the winter months from October to February, aligning with Buddha Jayanti will ensure a lively ambience to your trip.
Valmiki Tiger Reserve: Camping in the forest by a shimmering river
What: The Valmiki Tiger Reserve is far from diminutive in its expanse and sighting opportunities. With a dense forest cover of 899 sqkm and the shimmering River Gandak flowing at its edges, the tiger reserve is a hot spot for both flora and fauna. The forest is replete with barking deer, spotted and hog deer, sambhar, hyenas, leopards, monkeys and flying squirrels.
Why: Apart from the wildlife wanderings one can also spend time, camping, trekking and bird watching. In fact the reserve also houses 26 hamlets inside the forest known as the 'Done' area. Places of interest around the tiger reserve include the hermitage of sage Valmiki, Sofa temple, Nardevi temple, Madanpur Devi Asthan and the Someshwar temple.
How: The sanctuary is situated on the on Gorakhpur--Muzaffarpur rail route, which is easily accessible from key cities in North India. The best season to visit is in the winter months of October end to April. Information about forest houses and safaris can be obtained from Chief Wildlife Warden (0612) 2545 366.
Secret
Harmandir Sahib, Patna If the tranquil surroundings of a Gurudwara and the delicious langar is what you crave, detour to Harmandir Sahib in Patna. Bihar is one of the holiest cities for Sikhs with 11 significant holy sites attributed to the religion. Of these, the birthplace of the Tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh is most important. The Gurudwara of Patna is built for his commemoration. An experience of visiting this is known to trump even Golden Temple for a few.
What: A sufi circuit is a unique way of covering cities of Patna, Vaishali, Jehanabad and Nalanda, which are tinged with the historical antiquities of the sufi culture. Strains of sufi music can be heard in the Dargahs and every monument relates stories from ages ago. The annual 'Urs' festival is a
significant day on the calendar when thousands descend on Bihar to experience this trail.
Why: Visit Maner Sharif and Phulwari Sharif in Patna along with Khankah Emadia and Dargah Sharif. Head to Hajipur Karbala in Vaishali, Hasanpura in Siwan, Bibi Kamaal Sahiba in Jehanabad along with Bari and Chhoti Dargah in Nalanda. The whole circuit can take up to ten days but gives you a vivid picture of the work of the sufi saints that lived in these cities and propagated the sufi philosophy.
How: The sufi trail can be started in Patna, which is well connected by air, rail and road to major cities in India. It is best to avoid public transportation and hire a reliable cab to make this trip. Prepare an itinerary, so that you don't miss anything. Book hotels up ahead to have a veritable base in each city.
The colours of Madhubani
Watch artists at work on traditional Mithila painting
What: Keeping Darbhanga as a base, explore the splash of colours at Madhubani in Bihar. While we are all familiar with the paintings that adorn many urban walls, it is a different experience to see the artists at work from close quarters. With Madhubani art as its main draw, the town is known as the cultural heart of the Mithila region of Bihar.
Why: Also known as Mithila painting, the origins of the style of art can be traced to the time of the Ramayana, when King Janaka of Nepal ordered for his kingdom to be decorated for his daughter, Sita's wedding to Lord Rama. The mud walls of villages were traditionally the canvas for the village women, before the art became commercialised. Now, many local households are engrossed in keeping this art alive and have made it their prime source of income.
How: Darbhanga is connected via road and rail to major cities in North India. Madhubani is only 57km from here and can be best accessed by road. The town of Madhubani can be visited any time of the year.
In the footsteps of Buddha
Pit stop at Gaya, the place of Buddha's enlightenment
What: A trail that covers Ashoka's monuments and other Buddhist monasteries is the key hook for many travellers to Bihar. This includes Pawanpuri, Patna, Rajgir, Jehanabad, Gaya, Champran, Nalanda and Bhagalpur. Reserve more than a week to traverse the route on which Ashoka established many monasteries and monuments.
Why: Buddhism blazed through the state of Bihar from 5th to 11th century and was patronised by many kings. The religion is still revered and adopted by many, ensuring the much sought after trail is still abuzz with tourists and devotees. Of all the towns, Gaya holds maximum importance, as it's here that the Buddha achieved enlightenment.
How: Arrive in the capital city of Patna, which is well connected by rail, air and road to major cities in India. Though it is best to do the trail in the winter months from October to February, aligning with Buddha Jayanti will ensure a lively ambience to your trip.
Valmiki Tiger Reserve: Camping in the forest by a shimmering river
What: The Valmiki Tiger Reserve is far from diminutive in its expanse and sighting opportunities. With a dense forest cover of 899 sqkm and the shimmering River Gandak flowing at its edges, the tiger reserve is a hot spot for both flora and fauna. The forest is replete with barking deer, spotted and hog deer, sambhar, hyenas, leopards, monkeys and flying squirrels.
Why: Apart from the wildlife wanderings one can also spend time, camping, trekking and bird watching. In fact the reserve also houses 26 hamlets inside the forest known as the 'Done' area. Places of interest around the tiger reserve include the hermitage of sage Valmiki, Sofa temple, Nardevi temple, Madanpur Devi Asthan and the Someshwar temple.
How: The sanctuary is situated on the on Gorakhpur--Muzaffarpur rail route, which is easily accessible from key cities in North India. The best season to visit is in the winter months of October end to April. Information about forest houses and safaris can be obtained from Chief Wildlife Warden (0612) 2545 366.
Secret
Harmandir Sahib, Patna If the tranquil surroundings of a Gurudwara and the delicious langar is what you crave, detour to Harmandir Sahib in Patna. Bihar is one of the holiest cities for Sikhs with 11 significant holy sites attributed to the religion. Of these, the birthplace of the Tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh is most important. The Gurudwara of Patna is built for his commemoration. An experience of visiting this is known to trump even Golden Temple for a few.
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