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Immerse in Nalanda's rich cultural heritage

2 Days | Nalanda

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Route distance :

86 km

Route distance :

86 km

Diving into the ancient beauty of Nalanda

Nalanda, a town in the Indian state of Bihar, is famous for its beautiful scenery and rich cultural history. It is well-known for the ancient Nalanda Mahavihara, which is an important Buddhist university that existed from the 5th to the 12th centuries. You can step into the long-past tales of the Buddhist shrine at the Tsang Memorial and explore the heritage at Nalanda Stupa.

Following your journey through the ruins of Telahara ensures that you have consolidated information about the ancient historical tales. You can find the religious scopes of the city to be equally mesmerising and devotional. Nalanda is a popular tourist spot, where various lodging and dining choices are available for visitors. When planning a trip to the city, you can key in the best destinations to explore the rich cultural heritage, historical folklore, traditional values, and spiritual beauty of Nalanda.

Exploring the ancient ruins

Day 1
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  • A memorable journey of ancient history and cultural heritage

  • Highlights

    Nalanda Mahavihara, Hieun Tsang Memorial, Nalanda Stupa

Amidst the ancient and cultural heritage of Nalanda, start your day with a hearty breakfast at a local eatery, savouring the flavours of Nalanda's traditional cuisine.

Immerse yourself in the historical marvels of Nalanda. Your morning adventure starts at the renowned Nalanda Mahavihara. As you step onto this sacred ground, you'll be transported back in time to an era when this place thrived as a bustling centre of knowledge and enlightenment. From architecture to inscriptions, everything screams educational for the enthusiasts.

As the day progresses, venture into the afternoon to experience another facet of Nalanda's rich heritage. Pay a visit to the Hieun Tsang Memorial, a poignant tribute to the memory of the illustrious Chinese Buddhist monk and scholar who journeyed to Nalanda Mahavihara during the 7th century. The life tales and incidents are long remembered for the renowned.

The evening unveils yet another gem in Nalanda's treasure trove of history and spirituality. Head to the Nalanda Stupa, a large Buddhist Monastery in the ancient kingdom of Magadha. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this destination is among the most popular in Nalanda that rose through the excavations from the ruins. It stands today as a testament to the most remarkable period of the rich Indian cultural heritage.

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A day of exploration beyond Nalanda

Day 2
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  • Soak in the essence of Nalanda’s culture and Natural beauty

  • Highlights

    Ruins of Telhara, Chhoti Dargah

Start your day with some delicacies like kachori and samosa and then embark on a day trip to the Ruins of Telhara, an ancient stepwell located approximately 40 kilometres from Nalanda. This 12th-century stepwell is a remarkable example of its kind in India and provides a unique insight into the architectural ingenuity of the past. The excavations from the ruins opened up the gates of unimaginable past lore, narrating the captivating tales.

Explore the spiritual side of Telhara by visiting the Chhoti Dargah, a 16th-century Sufi shrine nestled in the village. It's a serene place for reflection and appreciation of the region's diverse religious heritage. The mausoleum has stunning architecture adorned by four minarets, wall motifs, and ceiling carvings that present an enchanting picture to the visitors. It consists of a huge dome at the top that reads the inscriptions from the Quran and makes for a captivating site.

Return to Nalanda, reflecting on the enriching experiences of the day and preparing for the return journey from this historical town. End your day with a delightful dinner at a local restaurant; Enjoy the delicious flavours of the famous Bihar cuisine “Khaja” a sweet dish from Silao. You can also stroll around the city lanes for an insight into the lifestyle of the locals. You can experience the hustle-bustle of the local marketplaces and roam the streets with gusto.