Bihar ·
Nalanda
Nalanda is the site of a famous Buddhist university or mahāvihāra in the Indian state of Bihar. The university complex is a .
Nalanda at a Glance
Why Nalanda?
The highlights, landmarks and experiences that make this destination worth visiting.
- Jain temple
- Nalanda Archaeological Museum
- Xuanzang Memorial
- Excavated remains of Mahavihara
Nalanda at a Glance
Essential travel information to understand Nalanda before planning your visit.
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Explore Nalanda
Places to Visit
- Jain temple: Jain temple, Kundalpur is a complex of six Jain temples located in Kundalpur village near Nalanda, Bihar. Kundalpur is one of the most important Jain pilgrimages in Bihar.
- Nalanda Archaeological Museum: The museum houses a significant collection of Pala and Mauryan statues. The six air conditioned (!) rooms show off stone and metal statues that were found during the excavations of Nalanda and surrounding villages.
- Xuanzang Memorial: Xuanzang, also known as Hiuen Tsang, was a 7th-century Chinese Buddhist monk and teacher.
- Excavated remains of Mahavihara: Remains of the stupa has terraces and smaller stupas. ₹600 for foreigners. The ticket office is just across the road from the entrance.
Things to Do
- Excavated remains of Mahavihara: Remains of the stupa has terraces and smaller stupas. ₹600 for foreigners. The ticket office is just across the road from the entrance.
- Nalanda Archaeological Museum: The museum houses a significant collection of Pala and Mauryan statues. The six air conditioned (!) rooms show off stone and metal statues that were found during the excavations of Nalanda and surrounding villages.
- Xuanzang Memorial: Xuanzang, also known as Hiuen Tsang, was a 7th-century Chinese Buddhist monk and teacher.
- Visit Excavated remains of Mahavihara: Remains of the stupa has terraces and smaller stupas. ₹600 for foreigners. The ticket office is just across the road from the entrance.
Sightseeing Places
- Jain temple: Jain temple, Kundalpur is a complex of six Jain temples located in Kundalpur village near Nalanda, Bihar. Kundalpur is one of the most important Jain pilgrimages in Bihar.
- Nalanda Archaeological Museum: The museum houses a significant collection of Pala and Mauryan statues. The six air conditioned (!) rooms show off stone and metal statues that were found during the excavations of Nalanda and surrounding villages.
- Xuanzang Memorial: Xuanzang, also known as Hiuen Tsang, was a 7th-century Chinese Buddhist monk and teacher.
- Excavated remains of Mahavihara: Remains of the stupa has terraces and smaller stupas. ₹600 for foreigners. The ticket office is just across the road from the entrance.
Temples
- Jain temple: Jain temple, Kundalpur is a complex of six Jain temples located in Kundalpur village near Nalanda, Bihar. Kundalpur is one of the most important Jain pilgrimages in Bihar.
Places That Define Nalanda
Explore the most iconic landmarks and sacred sites.
Jain temple
Jain temple, Kundalpur is a complex of six Jain temples located in Kundalpur village near Nalanda, Bihar. Kundalpur is one of the most important Jain pilgrimages in Bihar.
Nalanda Archaeological Museum
The museum houses a significant collection of Pala and Mauryan statues. The six air conditioned (!) rooms show off stone and metal statues that were found during the excavations of Nalanda and surrounding villages.
Xuanzang Memorial
Xuanzang, also known as Hiuen Tsang, was a 7th-century Chinese Buddhist monk and teacher.
Excavated remains of Mahavihara
Remains of the stupa has terraces and smaller stupas. ₹600 for foreigners. The ticket office is just across the road from the entrance.
Explore Destination on Map
Discover all sub-destinations, routes and detailed navigation information on an interactive map.
Explore Nalanda on Map
Open the destination map to discover attractions and routes.
Plan Your Trip
Plan Your Way
- When to Visit: Climate-based guidance for choosing your dates.
- Getting Around: How to reach and move around.
- Budget & Practical Tips: Costs and safety notes from local guidebook sources.
How to Reach
- By Air: The nearest airport is Jay Prakash Narayan Airport (PAT), about 62 km from Nalanda.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Nalanda railway station, about 2 km from central Nalanda.
- By Road: Bus facilities are available from Patna, Gaya, Bihar Sharif and Rajgir. See the 'Go next' section below for more details.
Best Time to Visit
- Summer: Summer in Nalanda (Apr, May, Jun) averages 25–36°C with about 54 mm of rain per month.
- Monsoon: Monsoon in Nalanda (Jul, Aug, Sep) averages 27–33°C with about 218 mm of rain per month.
- Post-monsoon: Post-monsoon in Nalanda (Oct, Nov) averages 20–28°C with about 67 mm of rain per month.
- Winter: Winter in Nalanda (Dec, Jan, Feb) averages 11–23°C with about 0 mm of rain per month.
Weather
- Summer: Average highs of 36°C and lows of 25°C.
- Monsoon: Average highs of 33°C and lows of 27°C.
- Post-monsoon: Average highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C.
- Winter: Average highs of 23°C and lows of 11°C.
Suggested Itinerary
Choose the perfect duration for your Nalanda trip.
Spiritual & Religious
Planning Guide
- Overview: Nalanda is the site of a famous Buddhist university or mahāvihāra in the Indian state of Bihar. The university complex is a .
- Accommodation: Many visitors to Nalanda prefer to stay in Rajgir as there is a greater choice of accommodation. Located near the Nalanda Mor - On Biharshrif-Rajgir Highway.
- Best Way To Explore: The main way to get around Nalanda is by Tonga (horse-drawn cart). A trip from the main road (where a bus or jeep will drop you off), up to the university ruins and museum should cost you ₹50 for the whole cart, or ₹10 per person in a shared cart with other people.
The Sacred Heart of Nalanda
A timeless journey of faith and devotion.
Significance
Nalanda was a Buddhist university established in about 450CE, and was the longest running university in Indian history. At its zenith it accommodated over 10,000 students and over 2,000 faculty.
Historical Significance
Nalanda was a Buddhist university established in about 450CE, and was the longest running university in Indian history. At its zenith it accommodated over 10,000 students and over 2,000 faculty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nalanda is most comfortable in January, February, March, November and December, when average daytime highs stay at or below 32°C and rainfall is low. The hottest month is June (average high 37°C) and the wettest months are July, August, September and October.
The nearest airport is Jay Prakash Narayan Airport (PAT), about 62 km away. The nearest railway station is Nalanda railway station, about 2 km away. See the How to Reach page for road, rail and air details.
Main attractions include Jain temple, Nalanda Archaeological Museum, Xuanzang Memorial and Excavated remains of Mahavihara.
A stay of 1 day covers the main sights. Ready-made 1-day and 2-day itineraries are linked on this page.
Average highs range from 21°C to 37°C over the year, with about 965 mm of rain in total.
Tour Packages for Nalanda
Your Nalanda Journey Starts Here
Explore top attractions, local culture, and the experiences that make this destination worth visiting.