The Nalanda archaeological museum is small but has some fascinating finds, including the Nalanda University seal and a host of sculptures and bronzes unearthed from Nalanda and Rajgir. Along with the many Buddha figures and Picasso-like 9th-century kirtimukha (gargoyle), look out for the bizarre many-spouted pot.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
0.36 MILES
Allow an hour or two for wandering the extensive ruins at Nalanda – they’re peaceful and well maintained with a parklike atmosphere of clipped lawns and…
9.2 MILES
Buddha is thought to have preached the Lotus sutra on this rock outcrop. There are some faint remains of a 1500-year-old stupa, some prayer flags and a…
9.02 MILES
Constructed in 1965, this blazing-white, 40m stupa stands atop Ratnagiri Hill about 5km south of town. Recesses in the stupa feature golden statues of…
9.11 MILES
A 40-minute uphill hike from the back of the Lakshmi Narayan Temple takes you past Jain and Hindu temples to this atmospheric cave and natural rock…
8.66 MILES
Next to the Lakshmi Narayan Temple complex (on your left as you approach the temple), the Jaipur-pink Buddha Jal Vihar is a limpid green pool set in well…
0.71 MILES
About 2km from the archaeological museum is the huge Xuan Zang Memorial Hall, built by the Chinese in honour of the famous Chinese pilgrim-traveller who…
9.77 MILES
These foundations mark the jail in which King Bimbisara was imprisoned until his death by his son Ajatashatru. Bimbisara was the first king to adopt…
8.63 MILES
Hindu pilgrims visit this temple, about 2km south of town (turn right out of the bus stand and keep walking), to enjoy the health benefits of the hot…
Nearby attractions
0.36 MILES
Allow an hour or two for wandering the extensive ruins at Nalanda – they’re peaceful and well maintained with a parklike atmosphere of clipped lawns and…
0.71 MILES
About 2km from the archaeological museum is the huge Xuan Zang Memorial Hall, built by the Chinese in honour of the famous Chinese pilgrim-traveller who…
0.81 MILES
Just outside Nalanda you’ll find the striking Nandyavarta Mahal at Kundalpur, believed by the Digambar Jain sect to be the birthplace of Lord Mahavira,…
8.44 MILES
This pleasant park just north of the Lakshmi Narayan Temple marks the site of the bamboo grove given to Buddha by King Bimbisara, thus considered by many…
8.63 MILES
Hindu pilgrims visit this temple, about 2km south of town (turn right out of the bus stand and keep walking), to enjoy the health benefits of the hot…
8.66 MILES
Next to the Lakshmi Narayan Temple complex (on your left as you approach the temple), the Jaipur-pink Buddha Jal Vihar is a limpid green pool set in well…
8.76 MILES
About 1km from Lakshmi Narayan Temple (turn left out of the temple, then first left), this Jain museum tells the history of each of the 24 Jain…
9.02 MILES
Constructed in 1965, this blazing-white, 40m stupa stands atop Ratnagiri Hill about 5km south of town. Recesses in the stupa feature golden statues of…