A great seat of learning in ancient India, Nalanda in Bihar is strewn with enchanting red sandstone ruins. Established by the Gupta kings Nalanda was an important university that attracted Buddhist students from all over the world. Scholars like Huen Tsang and Fahien were products of the Nalanda University.

Ancient records indicate that Nalanda was frequented very often by Lord Mahavira and Lord Buddha during the 5th and 6th centuries quite regularly. Nalanda University ruins carpet around 14 acres of land in present day Nalanda that is a tiny village that still recounts its lost glory. Nalanda ruins represent interesting instances of Kushana architectural traditions.

The Nava Nalanda Mahavihar and the Nalanda Museum qualify, as must visits for those on Nalanda travel tours. Tour the Surya Temple at Baragaon located on the outskirts of Nalanda in Bihar, India. Located at a distance of 72 kilometers from Patna, the capital of Bihar, India, Nalanda serves as the ideal base for those traveling to Rajgir, Bodh Gaya and Bihar Sharief.
Destination India Tourism offers online reservation for Nalanda tours and takes you down the history lane with finesse.

Nalanda University :
The famous ancient learning centre, Nalanda is recorded as the world's earliest university set up in the 5th century BCE. It is believed that the Buddha had visited the place and gave sermons near the 'Mango grove of Pavarika'. Later the Buddhist monks undertook learning, practice, meditation and understanding of the Dhamma in the centre to enrich the masses. The sects of Buddhism - Theravada, Vajrayana, Mahayana and Theravada were born due to the teachings of the University. Even the decline of Buddhism in India is associated with the destruction of the Nalanda University by the Islamic invasion of India in the 12th century CE. Today, the entire Nalanda site has been divided into a number of sites that include 11 monasteries and several temples built in red bricks.

Nava Nalanda Mahavira :
A modern centre for Theravadin Buddhist studies, known as the Nava Nalanda Mandir was set up in 1951, which is still a pioneer in pursuing an ambitious program of satellite imaging of the entire region.

Nalanda Museum :
The Nalanda museum that was established in 1971, has a good collection of ancient manuscripts and Buddhist statues. Besides, the museum also displays unique artifacts of the ancient period.

Other Attractions

Surya(Sun) Temple : Nearby the ruins of the Nalanda university lies the ancient Surya temple, which still survives and is a sacred place for the Hindus.

Nearby Buddhist Attractions

Rajgir : Barely 15 kilometers away from Nalanda, Rajgir is also a holy place for the Buddhists as the Buddha had spent 12 years over here.

Other Nearby Attractions

Pawapuri : Pawapuri is a sacred place for the Jains, as it was at this place, where Lord Mahavira had passed away or attained Moksha.

The Mode of Transport :

Airways - The nearest airport is in Patna, 93 kilometers from Nalanda.
Railways - The nearest railway station is at Bakhtiyarpur, 38 kilometers from Nalanda. However, the loop lines connect both the places.
Roadways - Well maintained Highways connect Nalanda to Patna, Bodh Gaya and other major tourist places.