Nalanda is widely known and is famous for its one of the oldest and greatest Nalanda University. Moreover, it was the desired destination of both Gautam Buddha and Lord Mahavir, who resided here for several years.
It is visited by monks and people to see the ruins of monasteries and very old monuments.
Before you plan a trip, get all the details of Nalanda.
- Currency – Indian Rupee
- Location – Located in the northern state of Bihar
- Best Time to Visit – October to March
How to Reach
By Air
There are no regular flights to Nalanda. The nearest airport is Patna Airport (57 km away).
By Train
You can get regular trains to Nalanda from major parts of the country.
Railway Station: Nalanda
By Road
You can get regular buses to Nalanda from major parts of the country.
Bus Station: Nalanda
Places to Visit in Nalanda
1. Nalanda University
Nalanda University is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in south of Bihar.
Fact: Nalanda University is considered as one of the oldest universities in the world.
It is regarded as one of the greatest and oldest universities ever recorded in the history.
Lord Buddha visited Nalanda many times during his lifetime, but the university became popular much later when Hieun Tsang stayed here in the 7th century AD.
Moreover, he left a detailed description of the education system and monastic life of this place.
Entry Fees:
- Indians: INR 15
- Foreigners: INR 200
- Video Camera: INR 25
Opening hours: 9 am to 5 pm
Nearby Places to Eat:
Abhilasha Restaurant, Ganesh Jain Hotel, Bombay Bhelpuri Shop, Hotel Shubham International, Hotel, Nalanda City
Explore Bodh Gaya: Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour Packages
2. Nalanda Archaeological Museum
This museum gives tourists an insight of Pala art. It houses various sculptures which show the attires, ornaments and societal features of the Pala Period.
Moreover, the sculptures, manuscripts, seals and statues displayed here are considered as the finest display of the people and culture of ancient Indian society.
Entry Fees: INR 5 per person
Opening Hours: 9 am to 5 pm
Nearby Places to Eat:
Ganesh Jain Hotel, Nalanda Cafeteria, Pradeep Restaurant, Bombay Bhelpuri Shop, Pankaj Jain Bhojanalay
3. Hiuen Tsang Memorial Hall
This memorial hall is dedicated to the Chinese scholar Hiuen Tsang. Also, it is a reminder of the architectural style of the Nalanda University.
You will find multiple writings of Tsang preserved here.
Opening Hours: 8 am to 5 pm
Nearby Places to Eat:
Ganesh Jain Hotel, Bombay Bhelpuri Shop, Hotel Shubham International, Hotel, Nalanda City
4. Shiva Mandir
This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Moreover, it is that location where Lord Krishna and Balaram came during the time of Mahabharata.
It is of religious importance to Hindus and attracts tourists from across the country in large numbers.
Opening Hours: 10 am to 5 pm
Nearby Places to Eat:
Gurunanak Cafeteria, Nalanda Misthan Bhandar, New City A/c Family Restaurant, Elite Family Restaurant, Singh Restaurant
Shopping Places
- HATHUA MARKET – famous market for flowers, handicrafts, leather items etc.
Must buy in Nalanda-
- Madhubani paintings – creative folk painting made by women in a traditional style.
- Sikki Work – hand woven baskets and mats
- Wood Inlay
- Stonecrafts
- Khatwa – design made by cutting one fabric and stitching pieces to another fabric.
What to Expect? / Tips
- You must visit Nalanda city in the winter months as the weather is very pleasant.
- Do not show too much skin, as India is a very conservative country.
- Be careful of the vendors on the streets as they might con you.
Where to stay?
There are great accommodation options throughout Nalanda.
Some of them are as follows-
- Hotel Abhilasha
- JP Hotel & Resort
- Hotel Nalanda Regency
- Gargee Gautam Vihar Resort
- Hotel Amulyainn
- KL7 Hotels & Banquet’s
