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Main stupa of Sariputta, Nalanda

Nalanda is in the Bihar state of India and marks the site of the once famous Buddhist university also known as the Nalanda University.

[edit] Understand

Nalanda was a Buddhist university established in 450CE, and was the longest running university in Indian history. Among its many notable guests were the Buddha and Mahavira, and at its zenith accommodated over 10,000 students and over 2,000 faculty. However, it was destroyed by Turkish Muslim invaders in 1193, when the students and teachers were massacred and the massive university library was burnt down, and currently all that remains are extensive ruins that are spread over an area of 14 hectares.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By train

The nearest important station is Bihar Sharif (about 15 km) which is connected to Patna and several other important towns and cities of eastern India. Nalanda itself is a station.

[edit] By car

Shared jeeps plying the route between Rajgir (15km) and Bihar Sharif (35km) make a stop at the turn off for Nalanda. Rickshaws and other vehicles are available from here to the main gate, a distance of 2KM.

[edit] By bus

Bus facilities are available from Patna, Bihar Sharif and Rajgir.

[edit] Get around

[edit][add listing] See

• The Great Stupa. The remains of the stupa has terraces and smaller stupas.

• Nalanda Archaeological Museum. The museum houses a significant collection of Pala and Mauryan statues. 10AM-5PM daily, closed Fridays.

• Nalanda Multimedia Museum, [1]. Great place to visualize the History of Nalanda.

[edit][add listing] Eat

There is nice Garden Restaurant Run in the Nalanda Multimedia Museum.

[edit][add listing] Drink

Prefer packed drinking water bottles

[edit][add listing] Sleep

Many visitors to Nalanda prefer to stay in Rajgir as there is a greater choice of accommodation.

• China Temple. Located near the Nalanda Mor - On Biharshrif-Rajgir Highway.

• Youth Hostel

[edit] Get out

• Bodh Gaya (89km).
• Rajgir (15km).