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Nalanda

Nalanda

heritage site · Bihar

Nalanda was the greatest university of the ancient world, a vast Buddhist monastic centre of learning that flourished for 700 years and drew scholars from across Asia.

State
Bihar
Type
Heritage Site
Best season
Winter
Things to do
2+

Nalanda was the greatest university of the ancient world, a vast Buddhist monastic centre of learning that flourished for 700 years and drew scholars from across Asia. Its red-brick ruins are an UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of India's scholarly heritage.

When to go

Best visited October to March; summers can be hot.

Why visit

The ruins of the ancient world's greatest university — a UNESCO site and the cradle of Asian Buddhist scholarship.

Cultural notes

Founded in the 5th century, Nalanda hosted thousands of monks and scholars from China, Korea, Tibet and beyond, and its destruction marked the decline of organised Buddhism in India.

How to reach

Near Rajgir (~12 km); nearest airport Gaya/Patna; reached by road from Patna (~90 km) or Bihar Sharif.

Nalanda guide & itineraries

Popular attractions

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Nalanda University Ruins

Nalanda University Ruins

Attraction

Xuanzang Memorial Hall

Xuanzang Memorial Hall

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