Vaishali Tour

Fact File
» Location from nearby major cities : Patna (55 kms), Hazipur (35 kms)

» Known For : Vaishali is a sacred pilgrimage destination for both Buddhists and Jains. Lord Buddha had delivered his last sermons here and also announced his Mahaprayan. Vaishali is also the birth place of Lord Mahavira.

» Climate & the best time to visit : The climate of the place is tropical. Summers are very hot and sultry while winters are cold and dry. The summer temperature during the peak months of April-June remains at a high of 40-45 degrees. Temperature during the peak winter months of December-January could fall to 5-10 degrees. Monsoon rains arrive in late-June and last till the mid of September. A pilgrimage to Vaishali can be planned between the months of November and April.


The City
Vaishali is located at a short distance of 55 kms from Bihar's capital city of Patna. A place of great historical significance, Vaishali is held in high reverence by both Buddhists and Jains. Lord Buddha had delivered his last sermons at this place and also announced his Mahaprayan. Exactly 100 years after the death of Buddha, the second great Buddhist Council was held at Vaishali. It is also the birth place of Lord Mahavira, the last Tirthankara of Jainism. A few ancient monuments belonging to Buddhism and Jainism could still be seen at the place. According to local belief, Vaishali is named after King Vishal, a ruler of the place during Ramayana days.

Attractions in the City
» Ashokan Pillar : The Lion Pillar of the place built by Emperor Ashoka is famous all over India. The pillar is made of a single piece of red sandstone and capped by a high bell shaped capital. A life-size figure of a lion adorns the very top of this amazing pillar.

» Bawan Pokhar Temple : Bawan Pokhar temple is situated on the banks of a lake by the same name. This is an old temple the main attraction of which is beautiful images of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. It was built during the rule of the Pala dynasty.

» Raja Vishal Ka Garh : This is an ancient fort but in ruins now. The fort had a huge platform with a circumference of about one kilometre. It is surrounded by huge walls about 2 metres high. Local people associate this ancient fort with the Ramayana period.

» Vishwa Shanti Stupa : The Vishwa Shanti Stupa or pillar of peace is the newest addition to the attractions of this pilgrimage destination. This stupa is one of the highest in the world and has been built in collaboration with the Japanese government.

» Coronation Tank : The Coronation Tank was discovered after an excavation of the place. It is believed to be the ancient parliament house of the Lichchavi government. According to historical texts, water of the tank was used to anoint the selected representatives of Lichchavi kingdom.

Other Places to Visit
» Patna : Located at a distance of 55 kms from Vaishali is Patna, the capital of Bihar and one of India's ancient cities. The city that has seen the rise and fall of many powerful dynasties, Patna has lots of attractions in store for tourists. This includes the Golghar, Har Mandir, Martyr's Memorial, Khuda Baksh Oriental Library and the Patna Museum. The collections in Patna museum throws a lot of light on the history of the place.

» Bodhgaya : Bodhgaya is popular as the place where Lord Buddha had attained enlightenment. The place where Buddha meditated was given a perennial status by Emperor Ashoka by building the majestic Mahabodhi temple at the place. Bodhgaya also has a number of big and small monasteries built by Buddhists belonging to many foreign countries. All these monastery buildings are regarded as architectural masterpieces.

» Rajgir : Rajgir is regarded as sacred by Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. The place has many attractions in the form of Amaravana, Swarna Bhandar, Cyclopean Wall and Griddhakuta. The hot water springs of Rajgir are believed to have medicinal properties.


How To Reach
» By Air : Loknayak Jai Prakash International Airport of Patna is the nearest airport at a distance of 55 kms. Commercial flights are available from most national destinations to Patna.

» By Rail : Hajipur is the nearest railhead from Vaishali at a distance of 35 kms.

» By Road : Regular buses are available to Vaishali from Patna and other major towns of Bihar.