Bihar lies in the fertile Gangetic plains, and is part of the Hindi heartland of India. The city of Patliputra was largest and grandest in the world and touched the height of glory during the reign of Chanakya and Chandragupta Maurya. It was the center of first republic in the world at Vaishali. Patna, the capital city is located on the southern bank of Ganga. It nestles many sites of tourists and pilgrims interest, like Gol Ghar, Patna Museum, Jalan Museum, Khuda Baksh Oriental Library, Patna Cemetery, Padri-ki-Haveli, Takht Har Mandir Sahib, Sher Khan Mosque, Agam Kuan and Mahendru Ghat. The historic sites of Nalanda, Rajgir, Pawapuri, Maner, Gaya, Bodhgaya and Vaishali are the must visits of Bihar.

The area, divided into the lowlands and the uplands by the river Ganges, was a famous religious centre for all sorts of teligions and is especially known for the world's first university of Buddhist Learning that was founded south of Patna. If you're interested in Buddhism, Bihar is an area not to be missed. There are still excellent opportunities to indulge in Buddhist learning. Maybe Patna, the state's capital, is not the most suitable place but the famous Bodh gaya pilgrimage site will undoubtedly be inspiring. In the village you can visit the tree under which the prince attained enlightenment to become Buddha

India Travel Destination Guide

Paintings and antiques in India

Most Tibetan thangkas (Buddhist religious paintings mounted on brocaded silk) are mass produced (usually in Nepal) and mod¬ern, whatever the seller says, but even the cheapest boast the dense Buddhist symbol¬ism inherent in the form. You'll find them in the north, where there are Tibetan commu¬nities, and a little investigation

International Airlines Offices in New Delhi

Internation Airlines with thier office addresses: Aeroflot, Tolstoy House, 15-17 Tolstoy Marg; Air Canada, 1st floor, ALPs Building, 56 Janpath 0014; Air France, 7 Atma Ram Mansion, Scindia House, Connaught Place; Air India, Jeevan Bharati Building, opposite Palika Bazaar, Connaught Place; Air Lanka, Room 1, Hotel Janpath, Janpath Air Ukraine, C-37,

Textiles and clothing in India

Silk is usually a good buy in India, provided you make sure it is the real thing (the old test was to see whether it was possible to pull the whole garment straight through a wedding ring; however, some synthetics apparently go through too, so burn a thread and sniff

Electricity in India

Generally 220V 50Hz AC, though direct current supplies also exist, so check before plugging in. Most sockets are triple round-pin (accepting European-size double round-pin plugs). British, Irish and Australasian plugs will need an adaptor, preferably universal; American and Canadian appliances will need a transformer too, unless multi-voltage. Power cuts and

Visa Isses in Delhi

Visa extensions and permits For visa renewal and permits for restricted states, go to the Foreigners' Registration office is at Hans Bhavan, Mathura Road, near Tilak Bridge railway station i (Mon-Fri9.30am-1.30pm&2-4pm, with four passport photographs, Be sure to wait in the right queue - to pay either.

Karmatang Beach

Situated at Mayabunder, northern part of Middle Andaman, Karmatang Beach is the location of a turtle nesting ground. One can view nesting of turtles during Dec - Feb season. One can go to Kalighat (for Diglipur) by boat from here. The beach is a perfect holiday destination for lovers

Contacts for disabled travelers in India

Contacts for disabled travelers Britain and Ireland Can Be Done 7-11 Kensington High St, London W8 5NP ® 020/8907 2400. Specialist tour operators for the disabled. Carefree Holidays 64 Florence Rd, Northampton NN1 4NA © 01604/634301. Specialist tour operators for the disabled. Holiday Care Service 2nd Floor, Imperial Buildings, Victoria

Carpets and rugs in India

Carpets and rugs Kashmiri rugs are among the best in the world (up there with those from Iran) and, given a little caution and scepticism, you can get yourself a bargain in India (though you can also get shafted if you're not careful). A pukka Kashmiri carpet should have a label

Little Andaman island

This island has a beautiful beach at Butler Bay, a waterfall and plantation of oil palms. Apart from this there are several sandy beaches all along the coastline of the island. The break water at Hut Bay offers an excellent view to the tourists. Little Andaman is the vegetable

Harminder Bay Beach

This picturesque beach of Harminder Bay is situated 100-km from Port Blair at Hut Bay Island in Andaman and Nicobar. You can travel to this beach by ship from Port Blair. These beautiful beaches are situated at Hut Bay Island at a distance of 100-km from the city of