EXPLORE THE BUDDHIST CIRCUIT IN BIHAR

Bihar is home to many ancient monuments and places of reverence, including a fascinating Buddhist trail. Come here to seek solace and whet your wanderlust for the offbeat as you find nirvana in Bodhgaya, visit the ruins of Nalanda University, and explore the Vishwa Shanti Stupa in Rajgir. While Bodhgaya was where Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment beneath the Mahabodhi tree 2,600 years ago, the fifth- century UNESCOtagged Nalanda Mahavihara was once the centre of Buddhist learning, with temples, meditation halls, and millions of scriptures and manuscripts. The Vishwa Shanti Stupa in Rajgir is an important pilgrim spot, and is dotted with rocky hillocks, mustard and paddy fields, and swaying palm trees.

GETTING THERE

The nearest airport to Bodhgaya in Gaya ( 17 km) is wellconnected to major cities in India and neighbouring countries. Bodhgaya is 71 km away from Rajgir and a twoand-a-half-hour drive from Nalanda University (86 km).

STAY

Oaks Bodhgaya offers guests three different room types (starts from ` 5,826/ USD81; oakshotels.com).