Patna: Are you planning a winter escape? As the temperatures decrease and fog blankets Bihar, popular destinations near Patna are attracting visitors who seek a blend of history, nature, and serenity. From November to February, the region’s crisp mornings and gentle sunshine create perfect travel conditions. Within a 50–150 km distance from the capital, places such as Rajgir, Nalanda, Bodh Gaya, Pawapuri, Vaishali, and Maner Sharif provide a diverse and accessible winter retreat for families, history buffs, and nature enthusiasts. Rajgir, located about 100 km from Patna, remains one of the most frequented locations. Surrounded by five hills, this former capital of the Magadha Empire merges natural splendor with archaeological significance.
The Vishwa Shanti Stupa, constructed in 1978 with assistance from a Japanese Buddhist organization, continues to attract visitors who arrive via the ropeway. Nearby sites include the Son Bhandar caves, the Japanese temple, Venuvan, Veerayatan, the Saptaparni caves, as well as Rajgir’s nature and zoo safari. The newly constructed glass bridge and Ghora Katora lake, featuring a large marble statue of the Buddha, have enhanced its attraction. The town’s hot springs are particularly popular in winter, drawing visitors to Brahmakund at dawn. Local belief holds that the mineral-rich waters relieve fatigue and treat skin conditions. Of the 22 ponds in the vicinity, four have naturally heated water. Forty kilometers further north, Vaishali provides a more tranquil atmosphere.
Known as the birthplace of democracy and one of ancient India’s 16 Mahajanapadas, this area is rich in Buddhist and Jain heritage. The Ashoka Pillar, the Japanese temple, and the Vaishali Museum underscore its archaeological significance. The town is also linked to the Buddha’s final sermon and is venerated as the birthplace of Mahavira. Nalanda, located roughly 90 km from Patna, remains a prominent attraction. The ruins of the ancient university, once home to thousands of students and scholars, exude a solemn grandeur. The Chinese traveler Xuanzang studied and taught here in the 7th century, and the site is closely associated with Ashoka’s support of Buddhist education.
Bodh Gaya, where the Buddha achieved enlightenment beneath the Bodhi tree, is the state’s most important religious site. The Mahabodhi Temple complex, the sacred Peepal tree, and the Tibetan monasteries draw numerous pilgrims in winter, especially during the Kalachakra ceremonies. Pawapuri, situated 60 km east of Patna, is where Mahavira attained nirvana. Its Jal Mandir, a marble shrine surrounded by a lake, is one of the most tranquil locations in the area, particularly at sunset. Nearer to the capital, Maner Sharif represents Bihar’s Ganga–Jamuni culture. The tomb of Sufi saint Makhdum Shah Daulat, built in the early 17th century, is regarded as one of the state’s finest examples of Mughal architecture.
Located at the convergence of the Ganga, Son, and Saryu rivers, the dargah continues to draw both devotees and tourists. In Punpun, Bihar’s first cable-suspension bridge, inspired by Rishikesh’s Lakshman Jhula, has emerged as a new attraction. The 325-meter bridge, opened in September, spans the Punpun river and is supported by 18 cables and a 100-foot pillar. Further south in Jehanabad district, the Barabar and Nagarjuni hills, known for their ancient rock-cut caves, are being developed as significant tourism sites. New ropeways from Patal Ganga and Gau Ghat are planned to facilitate easier access for visitors and pilgrims to the hilltop Shiva shrine.