Nalanda Mahavihara

Overview

Nalanda Mahavihara in Bihar was one of the great centres of Buddhist learning in the ancient world. Founded in the Gupta period, it drew monks and students from across Asia for centuries, including the Chinese pilgrims Xuanzang and Yijing.

The brick ruins of monasteries, temples and stupas were excavated by the Archaeological Survey of India and inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016. The complex declined and was damaged in raids around 1200 CE.

What to look for

• The rows of monks' cells around the courtyards
• The tall stupa and temple mounds
• The great monastery blocks and their brick walls

Visiting tips

• The site is large and open: wear a hat and comfortable shoes.
• A guide matters here: the ruins make sense only when someone explains the layout.
• Combine it with Rajgir, a short drive away.

Why visit with a private guide

A private guide shows you where to stand, when to arrive and what most visitors miss at Nalanda Mahavihara, and fits the visit around the rest of your day.

More photographs

Nearby

Mahabodhi Vishnupad Temple Patna Sahib Griddhakuta Bodhi Tree Vishwa Shanti Stupa