The state of Bihar lies along the eastern Gangetic Plains in North India, A land that has been the passing of many dynasties of ancient India, Bihar has also been the birth place of two treat theologies -Buddhism and Jainism.

As a place of pilgrimage for centuries, even the name Bihar is desired from 'Vihar' as a Buddhist monasteries, Reflecting its ancient history, Bihar has some of the finest monuments of Hindu and Mughal architecture. And through the state flows the majestic river Ganga a saga of events of centuries old civilization.

The scenery and climate of the State range from the foot hills of Himalayas, over the vast and fertile plains of the Ganga to the hills, forests and wide plateau. The land and people, fairs and festivals, arts and crafts, flora and fauna of Bihar, are all epitomes of diversity, which enchant and thrill tourists.

A trip to Pawapuri takes us about 2,500 years back in time when Bhimsara and Ajatshatru ruled over Magadha and the world's first Republic, `Vaishali,' was in existence. Vaishali, or the present-day Bihar, also holds special significance for Buddhists as it is also the place where Buddha delivered his last sermon and announced `nirvana'.

At the heart of Bihar is situated Pawapuri, where Lord Mahavira, the founder of Jainism, attained enlightenment. It is located 90 km from Patna on the Patna-Ranchi highway. It is believed that when Lord Mahavira came to Pawapuri for the first time, Lord Indra celebrated his `Gyan-Kalyanak' here.

The famous `Uttardhyana Sutra' was also written at `Madhyama Pawa' or Pawapuri as it was formerly known. The place is also famous as the site of Mahavira's last 24-hour discourse to his followers.

Golghar: Alarmed by the famine of 1770, captain John Garstin built this huge granary for the British army in 1786. The massive structure is 29 m high and the walls are 3.6 m wide at the base. The winding stairway around this monument offers a brilliant panoramic view of the city and the Ganga flowing by.

Martyr's Memorial: A memorial to seven freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives in the Quit India Movement of August 1942, the Martyr's Memorial is a modern sculpture facing the Secretariat, where they were shot in their attempt to host the national flag.

Patna Museum: The Patna Museum houses a First World War cannon, metal and stone sculptures of the Mauryan and Gupta periods, Buddhist sculptures and quaint terracotta figures. A 16 m long fossilised tree is one of its special features.

Jalan Museum: Built on the foundations of Sher Shah's fort, Qila House contains an impressive private collection of antiques, including a dinner service that once belonged to George III, Marie Antoinette's Sevres porcelain, Napoleon's four-poster bed, Chinese jade and Mughal silver filigree,.It is a private collection, and prior permission is required for a visit.

Kumhrar: Kumhrar, site of the ancient city of Patliputra, lies 5 kms from Patna railway station. Archaeological findings in this area establish Patna's claim to over a thousand years of political glory - 600 BC to 600 AD. Very little of this grandeur remains though, except for the remains of a huge Mauryan hall supported by 80 sandstone pillars dating back to 300 BC.