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BIHAR Nepal binds Bihar on the north on the east by West Bengal, on the west by Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, and Orissa in the south. The present name of the state of Bihar owes its origin to the "Viharas" built by Lord Buddha who attained spiritual enlightenment on this land and preached love, peace and tolerance. The erstwhile capital city of Patliputra of Emperor Ashoka is the present day state capital, Patna. Most travellers just pass through Patna on their way to Calcutta or Kathmandu. However, Bodhgaya is an excellent place to study Buddhism, and Rajgir, Nalanda and Sasaram are interesting places that are not on the tourist trail. Bodhgaya is one of the most sacred place for Buddhists and Hindus and has a number of Buddhist temples. In Gaya, visit the Mahabodhi Temple. In Vaishali, check out an ancient parliament, the Fort of King Vishal, and Ashok Pillar. CAPITAL: Patna is a bureaucratic city, noisy and bustling. It is a sprawling metropolis that hugs the south bank of the Ganges, stretching for around 15km in a shape that has changed little since Ajatasatru (491-459 BC) shifted the Magadhan capital here from Rajgir. Patna's tourist attractions are Har Mandir Sahib, Qila CULTURE : Bihari culture is based largely on ancient Aryan Hindu elements. Rural Chota Nagpur has retained much of its aboriginal way of life. Places of religious and cultural interest abound in the plains. Nalanda is the seat of the ancient and celebrated Nalanda Buddhist monastic university. The Chhau dance, a tribute to Bihar's cultural folk traditions follows classical modes as detailed in the ancient treatises. In this, therefore three main elements of the classical dance, namely Raga or melody, Bhava or mood, tala or rhythmic timing are found. HANDICRAFTS: Bihar's rural handicrafts comprise of hand-painted wall hangings, wooden stools, miniatures in paper and leaves, stone pottery, bamboo, leather goods, and applique work. But Bihar's most famous and fascinating indigenous art form is its Madhubani school of painting, a strict monopoly of the women of Mithila. It illustrates mythological themes, incorporating images of local deities as well as Hindu gods and goddesses. OCCUPATION :The principal foodgrains of Bihar are paddy, wheat, maize and pulses. Main cash crops include sugarcane, potato, tobacco, oilseeds, onion, chillies and jute. The major industries of the state are steel, iron, heavy vehicles, aluminum, oil refining, railway wagons, and copper smelting, cement and communication cables. Bihar is also very rich in minerals. The main minerals found in this state are coal, iron, copper, mica, pyrite, limestone, bauxite, and graphite. FESTIVALS :Saraswati Puja around Jan-Feb; Teej in August; Diwali in Nov; Chhath Puja in Nov. CLIMATE: The state has a humid subtropical monsoon climate, with three well-defined seasons: the cool season, from November to February; the hot season, from March to mid-June; and the rainy season, from mid-June through October. Temperatures in December and January fall to 5ºC and below, while those in May rise above 40º C. the State’s mean annual rainfall is 1,270-mm. Best time to visit is October to March. POPULATION : 104 million.

BODH GAYA

Location : Bihar Attractions : Bodhi Tree, Bodhi Sarovar. Famous As : The Land Of Enlightenment Of Buddha. Best Season : Between February And April. THE LAND OF ENLIGHTMENT: Holding extreme religious importance to the Buddhists, Bodhgaya lies13 km south of Gaya, beside the river Phalgu. It was here, that the Lord Buddha sat under the Banyan tree and attained enlightenment, and a descendant of that original tree still flourishes there today. Bodhgaya is small and quiet town, which is the most important of all the Buddhist sites in the world. The Maha Bodhi temple of Bodh Gaya is one of the important places of worship for the Buddhists. Apart from being a vital Buddhist centre, it is also a significant archaeological site. Devout Buddhists and tourists from all over the world visit Bodhgaya, to study Buddhism and the art of meditation, or to simply absorb the aura of solemn splendour that surrounds the place.

Brief history: Marking the holy spot of the enlightenment of the Master, this site is looked upon with greatest sanctity and became a flourishing Buddhist establishment with numerous temples, stupas and monasteries. According to tradition a large number of shrines and memorials were erected at the site to commemorate the incidents before after enlightenment but only few now can be recognized. Of the earliest shrines, traditionally attributed to Asoka, only vajrasana or the sandstone throne with the characteristic Mauryan polish and decorative designs has survived and is seen beneath the holy Bodhi tree. To the Sunga period belongs a portion of the sandstone railing carved with bas-reliefs, typical of the age. The remaining portion of the railing pertains to the Gupta period. The main brick-built shrine known as the Mahabodhi temple which appears to have been originally erected in circa 2nd century AD, is encumbered with the heavy renovations, the four corner-towers being an arbitrary addition of circa 14th century. Its central tower, standing on a high plinth, is about 55m high and is a straight-edged pyramid of seven storeys, relieved by pilasters and chaitya-niches, substantially agreeing with its description left by the Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang. The remaining shrines and stupas mostly belong to the Pala period (9th to 12th century). PRIME SITES Bodhi Tree: Towards the West of the Maha Bodhi temple, is the tree where Gautam Buddha did his meditation and attained enlightenment. Bodhi Sarovar: Before going in for meditation, Buddha took bath in this pond. This pond is situated towards the west of Bodhi temple. The pond is situated in a very attractive place and is worth visiting. Chankamana: Towards North of the Bodhi Temple, is a platform with foot impressions of Buddha. Apart from these ponds and platforms, there are many temples built by the people of various nations like the Tibet temple, the Japanese, the Thai, the Lankan and the Bhutan temple. These temples are also a major attraction for the tourists and devotees, who visit Bodh Gaya. Barabar Caves: 57 Kms from Gaya are some earliest carved out Buddhist caves. The interior of these caves is chiselled to a wonderful polish. The carvings in the caves reflect the skill with which these caves are carved out. These caves were built some where in the 3rd century and are fine examples of the skill, which the Indian mason had attained at that time. These caves are believed to be of Mauryan period and considered to be the origin of Indian cave architecture. Deo : 20 kms from Gaya is located the Sun temple of Deo. In fact, this place is famous for the 'Chhat' festival, which is held in the month of October-November. Dungeswari : The place is famous for the caves where Buddha had meditated for some time. It was in these caves that he concluded that the ultimate knowledge cannot be attained through mortification of the flesh. These caves are 12 kms from the main town of Bodh Gaya. Rajgir: Just 15 kms from Nalanda is located the complex of temples and monasteries. The place is called Rajgir. It is one of the most important tourist places in India. Being located in a valley, Rajgir is a very scenic place. HOW TO GET THERE Air: There is no Airport and hence no direct air connection. Rail: The Railways Department has provided Gaya, the neighbouring city, with a number of trains, which connect the city with all the parts of India. The Rajdhani and Kalka Mail have their stoppages here. Gaya is a junction and one can change trains for the other train routes. Road: Bodh Gaya is on the Grand Trunk Road and thus, is well connected by road, with all the parts of the country. Local Transport: Taxis and buses. SHOPPING: Apart from sweets, one can buy some handicraft items and decorative pieces made out of stone. Though sea is very far from this place, do not be surprised if you find items made from seashells. Behind the Bodhi Mandir in Bodh Gaya is a huge market for foreign goods. But before buying any thing here, make sure that you are buying the original and not a forged item. There are no such markets in Gaya, which can be suggested for shopping.

BOKARO Location : Bihar Attractions : Bokaro Steel Plant, Garga Dam. Best Season : September to February.

Languages: Hindi, Bengali, and English. Lying along the Damodar River, just west of one of India's largest iron and steel plants, along the Dhanbad-Ranchi highway is India’s biggest steel complex. The Plant was conceived as the country’s first Swadeshi Steel Plant to be built with maximum indigenisation going into the equipments, materials and know-how. Thus, this project has been a radical shift from the earlier dependence on foreign sources for know-how and constancy, design and equipment, supervision, erection, etc. to almost a full measure of self-reliance and confidence. Situated in the Chhotanagpur Plateau, the vast rolling topography of the city is typical, strewn by graded valleys and winding streams. In this setting, within a short period of two decades, a new city with a strong multi-dimensional economic base, has blossomed into a regional urban centre of around 8.0 lakh people drawn from different parts of the country, giving the city the character of Mini India. PRIME SITES Bokaro Steel City: As the fourth integrated steel plant in the Public Sector, Bokaro steel city was conceived in 1959. Bokaro Steel Plant actually started taking shape in 1965 with the collaboration of the then United Sovereign Of Soviet Republic. Major coalfields are located nearby. Bokaro City was built to provide housing and other community facilities for the plant's employees. Garga Dam And Parasnath Hills: Bokaro City is located in picturesque surroundings on the southern bank of river Damodar with Garga, one of its tributaries meandering along the southern and eastern outskirts of the city. On the north, the city is flanked by the high ranges of the Parasnath Hills and on the south just beyond the river Garga, it is enveloped by the Satanpur hillocks. Bokaro Ispat Pustakalaya: It has a collection of over 40,000 books that meets the reading requirements of the people in the township. City Park: Bokaro has a well-maintained City Park with an artificial lake. Recently three artificial islands have also been created. Jawaharlal Nehru Biological Park: A Biological Park named after Jawaharlal Nehru with a variety of animals and birds and a modern aquarium is another attraction. HOW TO GET THERE Air: There is no direct air connection. Rail: Bokaro is near Dhanbad, which is on the main Delhi-Howrah railway line. Road: it is well connected with all the major cities by good motorable roads. GENERAL INFORMATION Pop. (1991) City : 333,683 Climate: Tropical. Temperature: Max: 46.7 C Min: 6.1 C. Clothing: winter: Light Woollen. Summer: Cotton/tropical.

CHHOTA NAGPUR Location : Bihar Attractions : Ancient Archaeological Sites. Major finds : Harappan Pottery, Cave Paintings. Tribals: Santhals, Asurs, Lohras, Gonds, Khonds, and Koras. THE LAND OF THE ABORIGINES: Blissfully remote and uniquely beautiful, the tranquil environs of Chhotanagpur offers an ideal escape from the restrictions of civilization. It is still the place of bygone days tempered with moments of serenity, goodwill and charm that makes it impossible, not to be seduced by its beauty and climate. The landscape combines the raucous vivacity, the exquisite scenery, the creaking ox cards and innocent tribal looks that greet one everywhere. Chhotanagpur plateau is a region of great unevenness and consists of a succession of plateaus, hills and valleys. Most of the plateau has an elevation exceeding 1,000 feet, while the hills rise to 3,000 feet or more. In the heart of Chotanagpur there are main plateaus - those of Hazaribagh and Ranchi. THE TRIBES: The constitutional Order of 1950 has classified 30 different tribes of Bihar, spread over the Chhota Nagpur plateau that encompasses several districts. These tribes not only differ considerably from non-tribal population but even from one another. Cheros (found in Palamu and

Chaibasa religion) for instance, migrated from the sub-Himalayan tract and they bear the Dravadian physiognomy with light brown complexion, while most of the other tribes are dark skinned, short statured, curly haired and broad nosed people. Santhals are the most predominant and prosperous among the tribes of Bihar. The Asurs and Lohras are given to the fast disappearing trade of iron smelting and blacksmithy. The Asurs are believed to be the subcontinent's first iron smelters, who were driven from the Gangetic plains to the plateau of Chhota Nagpur. A number of Dravidian tribes like Gonds, Khonds and Koras are believed to have migrated from the neighbouring states. Mundas are the most ancient among the tribes of Bihar, who love to live in association with other tribes. The best known icon of this tribe is Birsa Munda, who was behind the Ulgulan movement of 1900, which gave expression to the tribal anguish and resentment against the English rule and fuelled the agrarian crisis. PRIME SITES Ranchi: It is picturesquely situated in the heart of Chhotanagpur, at an altitude of 2140 ft., above the sea level. Well known for its scenic attractions, it was once the summer capital of Bihar. An important industrial centre of the country, Ranchi is well known for its pleasant climate, verdant rocks and socnic waterfalls. Ranchi Hill, Ranchi Lake, Tagore Hill are some of the important tourist place. Hazaribagh: A popular health resort, Hazaribagh is also a famous hill station, which is located at a height of 2019 ft., above the sea level. The place is well known for its beautiful and scenic surroundings. Canary Hill, Hazaribagh Lake, and the Wild Life Sanctuary are some of the places that are a must, on any visitor’s itinerary. Netarhat: Known as the queen of Chhotanagpur, Netarhat is a beautiful hill resort of Bihar. Its exotic locale transports one to a land of fantastic beauty. The place is known for its picturesque sunrise and sunset. Dhanbad: This mining town is internationally famous for its rich coalfields. This is an important industrial and commercial town of the Chhotanagpur region and has the distinction of lying in the heart of India’s richest coalfields at Jharia. Bokaro and Jamshedpur, famous for their steel plants; the scenic Topchhanchi Lake, are all located in the vicinity of the region.

DEOGHAR Location : Bihar Attractions : Baidyanath Temple, Nandan Hills. Best Season : September to February. Languages: Hindi, Bihari, and English. THE ABODE OF GODS: Located in northeastern Bihar, Deoghar is a major Hindu pilgrimage and a famous health resort. It has the ancient temple of Baba Baidyanath, which is one of the twelve 'jyotirlingas' in India. Baidyanath Dham, situated in the Santhal Parganas of Bihar, is a very important pilgrim centre. It's famous for the temple of Shiva-Baidyanath and the place is a popular holiday centre. Deoghar is an ancient town famous for its group of 22 temples dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Numerous Buddhist ruins are also located nearby. Deoghar has a hospital, a tuberculosis clinic, and a leper asylum and houses several colleges (including a teacher-training institute) affiliated with Bhagalpur University. The Muslim invader Bhaktiyar Khilji made Deoghar his capital in 1201 after the conquest of Bihar. PRIME SITES Baidyanath Temple: The temple is situated in a spacious courtyard bound by stonewalls. In the temple complex are twenty-two other temples. The Baijnath or Vaidyanath temple faces east. The top of the Shiva Lingam is slightly broken, keeping with the legend that it chipped away when Ravana tried to uproot it. For centuries, devotees of Lord Shiva, in the months of July - August undertake a rigorous100 km. pilgrimage on foot, from Ajgaibinath to offer holy water to Baba Baidyanath. Sivaganga Lake: Near the temple, is the beautiful lake called Sivaganga. The Chandrakoopa Well: Located near the main entrance, this well is said to have been built and consecrated with water from several 'tirthams' by Ravana. Nandan hills, Naulakha Mandir and Tapovan are worth seeing.

Basukinath Temple (42 kms): It is famous for Shiva Temple and the pilgrimage to Deoghar is considered incomplete, without paying homage at Basukinath. Harila Joria (8 kms): This site is well known for Shiva Temple. Trikut (16 kms): It is the source of the River Mayurakshi, which is a prime attraction here. Mandar Hills (69 kms): It is believed to be have been used by the gods, to churn the oceans. Sultanganj(100 kms): This place is situated between the two banks of the river Ganges. HOW TO GET THERE Rail: The nearest Railway Station is Baidyanath Dham (Deoghar), which is a terminal station of a 7 kms branch line originating from Jasidih Junction. Road: Long distance buses connect Baidyanath Dham with Bhagalpur, Hazaribagh, Ranchi, Tatanagar, and Gaya etc. Local Transport: Unmetered Taxis, Scooters, Cycle Ricksaws are available. GENERAL INFORMATION Main Festival: Shravani Festival in Monsoon months. Temperature (degrees c): Max. Min. Winter 27.7 7.4 Summer 36.9 23 CLOTHING Winter Summer Light woolens. Cottons and light tropical

DHANBAD Location : Near Ranchi, Bihar. Famous as : Important Industrial Centre Of India. Languages : Hindi, English And Bengali.Area : 24 SQ. km. THE CITY OF COAL: Dhanbad is a town in eastern Bihar, which is well known for its coal mining and industries. Lying 171 km from Jamshedpur, it is famous for the picturesque Topchhanchi Lake nearby. Bokaro Steel Complex is 47 km away. It lies in the Damodar River Valley, near the Jharia coalfield and is an important agricultural-trade center. The collieries, various technical institutes and research centre of high order, attractive neighborhood and the landscapes are the attractions of this industrial city. PRIME SITES Topchhanchi Lake: 37 kms away is the beautiful lake, surrounded by green hills. It is a very famous picnic spot. Jharia: It is a suburb of Dhanbad, which is rich colliery centre and has extensive commerce. Sindri: This place, 30 kms from Dhanbad, houses fertilizer and other factories and Bihar Institute of Technology. Maithon and Panchet Dams, the D.V.C. dams are also famous excursions. HOW TO GET THERE Air: Calcutta and Delhi are connected by Indian Airlines services, from where Dhanbad is easily reachable. Rail: Dhanbad has an important railway station on eastern railway and is very well connected with Patna, Calcutta and other cities of India. Road: It is very well connected by road with important towns of Bihar. GENERAL INFORMATION Altitude: 840 ft. above sea level. Rainfall: 1,418mm, annually. Temperature (degrees c): Max. Min. Winter 22 8 Summer 44 22 CLOTHING Winter Summer Light woolens. Cottons and light tropical

GAYA Location : Near Ranchi, Bihar. Famous as : Hindu Pilgrimage Centre. Attractions : Vishnupad Temple. Excursion : Bodh Gaya. The holy town of Gaya, located 100kms south of Patna, is of great significance to Hindus. The town is on a slightly raised ground in the valley between the Ramshila

and Pretshila Hills. An essential transit point to Bodhgaya, Gaya is a flyblown and densely packed town. It is believed that Lord Vishnu has blessed this place with purificatory powers. Hindus traditionally come here to honour their parents a year after death by offering 'pind' - a gift of funeral cakes. Legend has it that a gentle demon called Gaya, appalled by the sorrow caused by death, complained to Vishnu, and as protest, died, for the world. Impressed by his resolve, Vishnu blessed Gaya with the power to absolve sinners. Like Varanasi, and many other riverside towns, Gaya is said to be a 'tirtha' - a crossing across the celestial divide. PRIME SITES Vishnupad Temple: This massive temple located in the central part of the old town is believed to have been built over the footprints of Lord Vishnu. Inside the temple, the 40-cm long `footprint' of Vishnu is imprinted in solid rock and surrounded by a silver plated basin. Queen Ahilya Bai of Indore constructed this Shikhara style temple in 1787, on the banks of the river Falgu. NonHindus are not allowed to enter the temple. A flight of 1000 stone steps leads to the top of the Brahmajuni Hill, 1-km southwest of the Vishnupad Temple that affords a splendid view of the temple. Akshayabat: This is the immortal Banyan tree that stands in the courtyard of the temple. This is the tree under Buddha is said to have meditated. Also, the final rites for the dead are held beneath it. Surya Temple: A temple of Surya, the Sun god, stands 20 km to the north at Deo. It attracts large crowds in November, when Chhath Puja is celebrated. Archaeological Museum: This small museum housing collection of sculptures, bronzes, terracotta’s, paintings, arms and manuscripts is near the tank. It is open from 10 am to 5 PM on all days except Monday. Bodhgaya: Lying 13 kms south of Gaya, this place is of immense importance to the Buddhists, as Lord Buddha attained his enlightenment here. Brahmayoni Hill or Gayasirsa: Located 1 km away to the southwest of Gaya, Pragbodhi caves are famous as the place, where Prince Siddhartha practiced severe austerities. He later returned to preach the Fire Sermon, which extols celibacy and a lust free life. Barabar Caves: 35 kms north of Gaya, these mysterious caves are set in wild and inhospitable environs. The 22-km track leading to the caves in granite hills turns east off the main road to Patna, at Belagunj. The caves date back to 200 BC. Two of the caves contain inscriptions from Ashoka himself. Nagarjuni Museum: Near the Barabar Hills is situated this museum, which is the best place to start with the background review of the artistic traditions of the 3rd century BC HOW TO GET THERE Air: Nearest airport is Patna, 125 km away. Rail: Gaya is on the main Delhi to Calcutta line and there are direct trains to Delhi, Calcutta, Varanasi, Puri and Patna. Road: Bihar STC buses operate services to Patna and other tourist centers at Rajgir, Ranchi and Hazaribagh from the bus stand opposite Gandhi Maiden. Private coaches run to Calcutta. Local transport: auto-rickshaws, tongas, and taxis. GENERAL INFORMATION Population: 3,23,000. Main languages: Hindi, English. Weather

HAZARIBAGH Location: Near Ranchi, Bihar. Attractions: Parasnath, Jain Pilgrim Spot. Sanctuary: Hazaribagh Wildlife Sanctuary. Best season: Oct-April. CITY OF A THOUSAND LAKES: Hazaribagh, meaning a thousand gardens, is a famous health hill resort, situated at a height of 2,019 ft. above sea level. Set in the midst of a dense forest, this picturesque city has an excellent climate. It is rich in flora and fauna. Located on NH 33, Hazaribagh is 93 kms from Ranchi by road and is well connected with other important towns of the state, as well.

The Hazaribagh plateau has on its eastern margin, Parasnath - the highest hill in Bihar, rising to a height of 4,480 feet. The loftiness here is of another order. According to Jain tradition, no less than 23 out of 24 Tirthankaras (including Parsvanatha) are believed to have attained salvation in the Sammetasikhara of the Parasnath hills. The hill seems to have been an abode of Jains. Parasvanatha, the 23rd Tirthankar was very popular among the tribal population of Chotanagpur. The snake king Dharanendra, whose many hoods protected the meditating Tirthankar, identifies him. Both the Swetamber and Digamber Jains have their many, beautiful temples here on the hills. PRIME SITES Canary Hills: Close to the town lies the Canary Hill, which has a well - laid out park and is studded with three small lakes and an observation tower. The top of the hill affords one a panoramic view of the town. Hazaribagh Lake: The Hazaribagh Lake, in the vicinity also attracts tourists and visitors. It is a popular picnic spot and place for water sports. Wild Life Sanctuary: Wildlife enthusiasts would love to visit Hazaribagh Wildlife Sanctuary, which is nestled in the low hilly terrain. This retreat stretches over 184 sq. kms. of plains, undulating country, steep hills and deep nullahs with thick tropical forests and grass meadows. The best time for a visit is early spring' when the undulating hills are covered with the fresh green of Sal and miscellaneous trees. Few of the reservoirs of Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC), dams offer ideal recreation facilities in scenic surroundings. Jilaiya Dam: This dam, situated across Barakar River is a preferred attraction for the tourists. It is 55 kms away from Hazaribagh. The main road from Bath, on C.T Road passes through the reservoir and the hillock offers a breath-taking sight. Urwan Tourist Complex: Few kilometers from the Tilaiya Dam, is Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation's Tourist Complex at 'Urwan', where one can consider spending time by the side of the dam and can enjoy boating and other water sports. Interested tourists can follow the main road and drive to Hari Har Dham at Bagodar, which is famous for the 52 feet high Shiv Ling that took 30 years to complete and is believed to be the tallest in the world. Rajrappa: 90 kms from Hazaribagh town is Rajrappa, famous for "Maa Chhina Mastiba" temple where river Bhera joins the Damodar from a height of 20 feet. The little waterfall offers boating facilities, which introduces some very spectacular rock formations in this area. Konar Dam: There is another Dam - Konar dam -, which is 51 kms from Hazaribagh. HOW TO GET THERE Air: Nearest Airport at Ranchi is 100 kms away. Rail: The nearest railhead is Hazaribagh Road Rly. Station, 67 kms from the Park. The station is on the Delhi-Howrah route. Road: The place is well connected with the surrounding cities by road. GENERAL INFORMATION Area: 22 sq. km. Altitude: 2019 ft. Temperature (degree c): Max. Min. Winter 22 8 Summer 44 22 CLOTHING Winter Summer Light woolens. Cottons and light tropical

JAMSHEDPUR Location: Bihar. Attractions: Jubilee Park. Best Season: October to March. Languages: Bihari, Hindi, Bengali, and English. THE STEEL CITY: Set amidst picturesque surroundings, Jamshedpur or Tatanagar called so after the name of its industrialist- founder Dorabji Jamsedji Tata, is situated in Singhum district of Bihar, at the junction of Subarnarekha and Kharkai rivers. Well known as the steel city of India, it is the second largest town in the state and a major rail and road junction.

A model town, it is one of India's earliest planned cities and is, to this day beautifully maintained and managed, in spite of being an industrial township. It was Jamshetji Tata's vision that saw Bihar in the steel map of the world. Industrial giants like TISCO, TELCO are situated here, because of the abundance of iron ore in Jamshedpur. Surrounded by the Dolma hills, it has retained its hill station atmosphere. The town is not just an important industrial centre with a chain of multiple industries but also has a number of tourist attractions. Jubilee Park: Built in the lines of Brindavan Gardens of Bangalore, Jubilee Park is situated in the heart of city. Dotted with flowerbeds and illuminated fountains, this park is spread in some 225 acres. The Tata Steel Company presented the park to the citizens of Jamshedpur, in its Golden Jubilee Year. To commemorate the birth anniversary of the founder of the huge Tata Empire, on the 3rd of March every year, the resplendent fountains are illuminated that attract tourists from all over the world. Initially, the fountains were lit up every weekend. Sir Dorabji Tata Park: Manicured lawns and flowerbeds and brilliantly lit fountains give a delightful dash of colour to the park. Hudco Lake: Snuggled in the picturesque and hilly terrain of Telco Colony, the lake is an enchanting treat for those desirous of being in nature's- lap, within the city precincts. Keenan Stadium: many visiting cricket teams as one of the finest in the country have acknowledged this cricket stadium. Tata Football Academy: India's first football academy has an ultra modern gymnasium and imparts training based on international techniques to budding young footballs. The hostel in the sports complex can accommodate some 500 persons. J.R.D. Tata Sports Complex: This magnificent complex has an international size football ground with an eight-lane monosynthetic track. This is one of the best sports complex in India. Facilities for handball, volleyball, hockey and table tennis and a modern gymnasium are available at the complex. Based here, are the Tata Chess Centre and the Tata Archery Academy. Gliding And Flying Clubs: Offering wide scope for 'extra terrestrial' sporting activities, such as gliding and flying, The Jamshedpur Gliding Club, the Jamshedpur Co-operative Flying Club Ltd. And the Tatanagar Aviation Pvt. Ltd. is bound to enliven the spirits of the adventure enthusiasts. Jamshedpur has facilities for gliding and flying at the Sonari airport. Tata Steel Adventure Foundation: The Foundation provides scope for a wide variety of adventure sports, such as rock climbing, river rafting, para sailing, etc. The 40-old adventure club has kept it abreast with popular activities for outdoor enthusiasts. There are a number of other private clubs offering a variety of sporting activities such as golf, tennis, squash, billiards, horse riding etc. Tribal Culture Center: The Center showcases the ethos of our indigenous peoples. Besides imparting vocational training, it also organizes tribal festivals and cultural programs. The other sites that attract the tourists are Tata Steel Zoological Park, the confluence point of the Kharkai and Subarnarekha rivers. Dimna Lake: Surrounded by flora the Dimna Lake is 13 kms from Jamshedpur. This is situated at the foot of Dalma Hills. It is an ideal picnic site. Dalma Wild Life Sanctuary: The best habitat for the elephants with thick forests spread in some 195 sq. kms. The Dalma Wild Life Sanctuary where one can find elephants, barking deers, sloth bears, porcupines, leopards, tigers etc. The steep slopes of Dalma offer excellent trekking opportunities. Jaduquora: Located on Hata-Musabani road and is about 40 kms from Jamshedpur. Musabani: 40 kms from Jamshedpur. Here, Copper Mines are located. Noamundi: 64 kms South West of Chaibasa. It is mining centre for Iron ores. Ghatshila: 23 miles east of Jamshedpur, Ghatshila is the birthplace of late Bibhuti Bhushan Bandyapadhaya, a famous writer. Timber industries are also situated here. HOW TO GET THERE Air: Tatanagar is connected with Calcutta by Vayudoot Flights, which in turn is connected to major cities in India. Rail: There is Tatanagar Railway Station located on Howrah-Mumbai line, in Jamshedpur. Road: Jamshedpur is well connected by road with all the major towns of Bihar.

Local Transport: Mini Buses, Taxies, Auto Rickshaws and Cycle Rickshaws are available in all parts of the town. GENERAL INFORMATION Climate: Tropical. Temperature: Max: 46.7 C Min: 6.1 C. Clothing: Winter: Light Woollen. Summer: Cotton/tropical.

KESARIYA Location: Champaran District in Bihar. Situated On the Bank of: River Gandak. Must-See Places: The Stupa, Deora. Famous As: A Buddhist Site. An important Buddhist site, Kesariya, a small town, is located in the city of Champaran. Huddled on the eastern banks of the River Gandak, Kesariya has a magnificent past that spans several centuries. Of paramount importance to Buddhists, it has occupied a focal position in the history of Buddhism. After Lord Buddha announced his final departure, the Lichhavis were overwhelmed with grief and set to follow the Lord uptil Kushi Nagar, his final resting-place. Lord Buddha, during his travel from Vaishali to Kushinagar had spent the night at Kesariya and gave the Lichhavis his alms bowl. Lord Buddha forbade them to follow him and in order to stop them, created an illusion of a river in spate, which finally compelled them to retreat. This place is identified as kesariya, where Emperor Ashok, later built a stupa. The crown jewel of the Champaran district, according to the famous Persian book of the Mughal Empire, namely, Ain-e-Akbari, Kesariya, occupies a pivotal place in the economic domain of the district. The ornamentation of Deora, and its development into a tourist spot, will be instrumental in restoring the ancient and historic glory of Kesariya. The Stupa: To commemorate the stay of Buddha at Kesariya, where he landed before his final departure to Kushi Nagar where he achieved his ‘Mahaparinirwana’, Ashok, the emperor, built a stupa. It was here that he bade good-bye to Lichhavis. Deora: Located two miles to the south of Kesariya Block Headquarters, Deora is the main attraction of Kesariya’s golden history. Presently, occupying a tall mound of brick and earthen debris, this place is very associated with important facets in the life of Lord Buddha. Shivalingam in the Bhagvan Kesharnath Temple: A priceless treasure of ancient times at Kesariya, is this lingam that was discovered during the canal excavations of 1969. According to local belief, the lingam bearing resemblance to the one described in Agni Purana, is believed to belong to an ancient temple. Its significance increases markedly in the month of Shravana, though the devotees throng the place on Mondays and Fridays on a regular basis. Gandhi library: This vibrant Library, housing many priceless books, is very popular in the educational arena of Kesariya. Dhehkanha Math: Kesariya was an important cultural centre in the past, which is well reflected in the ‘Dhekanha Math’. Its history spans two hundred years. This ‘Math’ is situated seven kilometers towards south of the Block Headquarters, in the village of Dhehkanha. The city of Kesariya has played a very important role in the freedom struggle of our country. Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, had come to the Kesariya, during his tour of Champaran against the indigo plantations. The Non-Cooperation Movement started by Gandhi had a deep and extensive impact on Kesariya. HOW TO GET THERE Air: There is no direct air connection. Rail: There is no direct rail connection. Road: It is directly connected with the National Highway that leads to Uttar Pradesh.

McCLUSKIEGANJ Location: Bihar.

Originally designed For: Anglo-Indians. Area: 35 sq. kms. Best Time To Visit: September to May. Located 40km northwest of Ranchi, on National Highway 47, McCLUSKIEGANJ was originally designed as a haven for Anglo-Indians. It is a lesser-known site now, as the people for whom it was made initially, have left long time back. Some of its garden cottages lie in a state of indifferent dilapidation while others house the retired urbanites and army officers. The quiet and pleasant walks along the wooded paths are alluring enough to attract the visitors to visit this place. Quite a few make their way here to savor its vaguely Victorian ambience and the thorough flower gardens and orchards separated by large tracts of tall sal trees. The place evokes nostalgia when one thinks of the days when Anglo-Indians inhabited the place. During the 1950s, there were no less than 100 Anglo-Indian families with their typical cottages, clubs and shops. GENERAL INFORMATION Altitude: 2,140 ft. Rainfall: 1530 mm annually. Temperature (degree c): Max. Min. Winter 22 8 Summer 44 22 CLOTHING Winter Summer Light woolens. Cottons and light tropical

MUZAFFARPUR Location: Bihar. Famous For: World Class Litchis. Main Excursion: Vaishali. Best Season: April to July and September to December. THE LITCHI KINGDOM: Situated near the historical Vaishali, the city of Muzaffarpur is one of the major towns of north Bihar. Muzaffarpur the Lychee City, a short distance from popular tourist spots like Hajipur, Sonepur and Vaishali is located just south of the Burhi Gandak River. The city was founded by Muzaffar Khan in the 18th century and hence the name. Modern Muzaffarpur, along with the districts of Champaran, and Darbanga, may have been comprised in the Lichhavi territory at the beginning of the 6th century BC, when the Lichhavis were in the zenith of their power. There are, therefore, plenty of interesting historical sites around the area. It is also one of the oldest and largest trade centers in the entire state. A major road and rail hub, it is a trade centre on the Patna-Nepal route. Rice and sugar milling and cutlery manufacture are the chief industries. It is the seat of the University of Bihar that was founded in 1952. This is also the gateway to Nepal via Birgunj. Vaishali: One of the oldest republics of the world, Vaishali was once the capital of the Lichhavis. It is also a place of immense religious significance for the Buddhist community as Lord Buddha preached his last sermon here. Sonepur: Famous for its annual animal fair, which is the biggest of its kind in the whole of Asia, Sonepur is situated at the confluence of the river Ganga and Gandok. Hazipur: It is also one of the beautiful excursions of Muzaffarpur. HOW TO GET THERE Air: It is 70 kms from Patna Airport. Rail: There is a railway station at Muzaffarpur. Road: A well-laid network of buses operates in the area. GENERAL INFORMATION Population (1991 prelim.): 240,450. Languages: Maithili, Hindi. Temperature (degree c): Max. Min. Winter 16 6 Summer 45 34 CLOTHING Winter Summer Light woolens. Cottons and light tropical

NALANDA Location: Bihar. Attractions: Ruins of Nalanda University. Best Season: March to October. Languages: Hindi, Maithili, Bhojpuri and English. THE ANCIENT SEAT OF LEARNING: Towards the Southeast of Patna is a village called the 'Bada Gaon', in the vicinity of which, are the world famous ruins of Nalanda University. Housing about 10,000 students and 2,000 teachers, this university attracted pupils from all over the world. A Walk in the ruins of the university, takes you to an era that saw India leading in imparting knowledge, to the world - the era when India was a coveted place for studies. The university flourished during the 5th and 12th century. This place saw the rise and fall of many empires and emperors who contributed in the development of Nalanda. They built many monasteries and temples. King Harshwardhana gifted a 25m high copper statue of Buddha and Kumargupta endowed a college of fine arts here. Nagarjuna- a Mahayana philosopher, Dinnaga- founder of the school of logic and Dharmpala- the Brahmin scholar, taught here. The famous Chinese traveller and scholar, Hieun-Tsang stayed here and has given a detailed description of the situations prevailing at that time. Careful excavation of the place has revealed many stupas, monasteries, hostels, staircases, meditation halls, lecture halls and many other structures, which speak of the splendour and grandeur this place, enjoyed, when the place was a centre of serious study. The Ruins of Nalanda University: The ruins of Nalanda university are spread over an area of 14 hectares. This university was totally built with Red Bricks. The Nalanda University attracted scholars from all over the world. Hieun Tsang Memorial Hall: Hieun Tsang was a Chinese traveller, who came to India in around 5th century. He has given a very detailed and vivid description of the Indian political and social conditions at that time. His writing is considered to be one of the most authentic sources of information of that period. Hieun Tsang was also attracted by the glory of Nalanda University. He came and stayed here, both as a student and as a teacher. As a student, he studied Yoga for six years under Acharya Shil Bhadra. He was in Nalanda for twelve years. The memorial has been built in his memory. Surya Mandir: Near the University of Nalanda, is a temple dedicated to the Sun God. This temple has a number of statues of Hindu and Buddhist deities. The five feet high statue of Parvati is of particular interest and attraction. The Museum: This museum was established in 1971 and has a good collection of ancient manuscripts and Buddhist statues. The manuscripts kept here were found during the excavation of area and many of them are rare in appearance and style. The museum also displays the culture of the Hindu society during the Maurya, Gupta and other periods. Nav Nalanda Vihar: To keep alive the ancient tradition of spreading knowledge, Bihar Government has set up a Pali Institute near the ancient university. In this institute, Indian as well as foreign students study and do research work. This institute was established in 1951, near the famous Lotus Pond. This Institute has been attracting students from Japan, Sri Lanka, Korea, Tibet, Bhutan, and Indonesia etc. Mainly students do research work on Buddhism and Pali here. Kundalpur: Just 1.6 kms from the ruins of Nalanda, is this place called Kundalpur. The Digambar sect of the Jains believes that the 24 Th and the last Tirthankar, Lord Mahavira was born here. There are many Jain temples in this village. Rajgir: Just 15 kms from Nalanda, is located the complex of temples and monasteries. The place is called Rajgir. It is one of the most important tourist places in India. Being located in a valley, Rajgir is a very scenic place. HOW TO GET THERE Air: The nearest Airport is that of Patna, which is 90 kms away. Rail: The Nalanda Railway Station is on the branch route of Bhaktiyarpur-Rajgir section of the Eastern Railway. Road: Nalanda is well connected by roads to other parts of the state. Particularly from Patna the bus services are good. The Bihar State tourism Department has its buses running from Nalanda to other parts of the state.

SHOPPING: The main market is that of Rajgir, where there are shops selling decorative items and gift articles. The handicraft material at Rajgir is one of the items, which can be bought. Then there are stone and seashell items, which are very popular among tourists. The jewellery is also some thing, which every body looks in for. One can also go for shopping in the Kund area of Rajgir. GENERAL INFORMATION Population: 30, 000 people (approx.) Climate: Hot summers and cold winters.

PATNA Location: Bihar. Originally known as: Pataliputra. Best Time To Visit: October to March. Languages: Bhojpuri, Maithili, Hindi and English. THE PRE-EMINENT CITY: Patna, the capital city of Bihar, is a historical city, which has like Delhi, experienced the trauma and pain of being conquered. The heritage of Patna or Pataliputra as it was known, goes back to two millennia. This city was the seat of administration for many rulers and each of them ascended with a new name for their capital. Kusumpura became Pushpapura, Patliputra, Azeemabad and now Patna. Pataliputra was the capital of Magadha, a kingdom, which dominated and influenced the politics of India for a long time. Located on the banks where rivers Sone and Ganga merge, this city has witnessed the rules of Chanakya, Chandragupta, Ashoka and the Nanda rulers. Sadakat Ashram: Situated on the banks of river Ganga, Sadakat Ashram is a memorial, dedicated to our first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad. He had spent few years here, after vacating the presidential post. In the memorial, are kept many things, which Rajendra Babu used or were gifted to him. This is also the headquarters of Bihar Vidyapeeth, which was the organization that started the Independence movement in Bihar. Takth Harmandir: The tenth and last Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Govind Singh was born at Patna Sahib. Maharaja Ranjit Singh built a beautiful Gurudwara, which is also known as Patna Sahib. It is one of the main pilgrim places for the Sikhs. Gol Ghar: A very peculiar and interesting structure in the centre of the city. It is said that the structure was built some 200 years ago by the Britishers to store grains. The 150-ft high building appears like one half of a coconut and has got stairs to reach the top. From the top one can get a good view of Patna. The Sanjay Gandhi Botanical Garden: Situated on the famous bialy road, the botanical garden has numerous Birds and animals to be seen. This Zoo attracts children a lot. It has also got an artificial lake where boating can be enjoyed. A wooden house built on a tree attracts visitors too. Patna Museum: Established in 1917, it is the oldest museum in Bihar. The museum houses about 57,000 items of archeological importance. It also has a collection of 22,000 old coins. The museum unfolds a long history of the region. The museum is located in Dedarganj. The sculpture of a Yakshni is a special attraction for visitors. The Planetarium: One of the largest planetariums in Asia, the Patna Planetarium attracts a large number of domestic as well as foreign tourists. The planetarium has regular film shows on subjects related to astronomy. It also holds exhibitions, which attracts lots of visitors. Khuda Baksh Library: Known as the 'world of manuscripts' in India, the library treasures thousands of Arabic, Persian, Mughal and Rajputana style paintings and manuscripts. Stone Mosque: Parvezshah, son Emperor Jahangir, built this mosque in 1621. Also known as 'Sanji Masjid', the structure is a marvel of architecture. Agam Kuan: It said that Ashoka made this well. Once many motors were put to empty the well but even after days, the well could not be dried so it was presumed that the well has endless source of water. Kumharar: Six kms from the railway station, it was at this place that the remains of Pataliputra were found during excavation. The place is very scenic and is surrounded by greenery. Muner: The fabulous Dargah- the Sufi mausoleum, on the road to Varanasi is the prime attraction on the outskirts of Bihar. The Sonepur Cattle Festival: 25 km north of Patna, at the confluence of rivers Gandak and Ganges, an enormous month-long cattle fair is held, across the huge Gandhi Bridge. All kinds of

cattle, elephants, camels, parakeets and other animals are sold and bought and it is the biggest such fair in the whole of Asia. HOW TO GET THERE Air: Patna has got an Airport of its own with all the major Airlines having air services to and for from the place. Rail: Patna is well connected by trains from all over the country. Superfast and mail trains are available from Patna to other cities in India. Road: This place is also well connected by roads. Bus services are available for places within the state as well as to other states. SHOPPING: As such Patna does not have any special item to offer but the markets are good for shopping. Shops offer local handicrafts from all over Bihar. One can buy decorative pieces made out of stone and 'Lac'. Jewelry made of beads is quite popular. One can also buy 'Tilcoot'- a sweet. GENERAL INFORMATION Climate: Moderate with cold winters and hot summers. Altitude: 53 metres. Rainfall: 120 cms. Clothing summer: cottons. Winter: woolens. Temperature (degree c): Max. Min. Winter 20 6 Summer 43 21 CLOTHING Winter Summer Light woolens. Cottons and light tropical

PAWAPURI Location: Bihar. Importance: Land Of Enlightenment of Lord Mahavira. Also Called as: Apapuri. Best Time To Visit: October to March. THE HOLY SITE: Pawapuri, the place where Lord Mahavira, the founder of Jainism, attained his enlightenment is located 38 kms from Rajgir and 90 kms from Patna. Also known as Apapuri, it is believed that all sins for a devout Jain end here. Lord Mahavira who was the last Tirthankar breathed his last here around 500 B.C and was cremated on the bank of a large lake, overflowing with beautiful lotuses. Legend has it that after the cremation of Mahavira, in order to meet the demand for his ashes; a large amount of soil was removed from around the funeral pyre, creating the water-tank. The beautiful marble Jalmandir was later built in the middle of the tank. Jal Mandir, the white marble temple in the middle of this lake, blooming with beautiful lotus flowers affords a breathtakingly enchanting sight. A large number of Jain pilgrims throng here. Samosharan, another Jain temple, is also located here. There are five other temples in the vicinity. HOW TO GET THERE Air: Patna, 90 kilometers away is the nearest airport. Patna is linked by air to Delhi, Calcutta, Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Lucknow. Rail: The nearest railheads are Rajgir and Gaya. It also has rail connections with Delhi, Mumbai, Varanasi, Calcutta and many other major cities. Road: A taxi or bus can be taken from Patna, Rajgir, Gaya or other major cities of Bihar to visit Pawapuri.

RAJGIR Location: Nalanda, Bihar. Famous as: Holy Place of the Buddhists. Main Attractions: Gridhakuta Hill, Ajatshatru's Fort. Excursion: Pawapuri. Rajgir, in district Nalanda, is a great holy place of the Buddhists. It is the ancient Rajagriha or Girivraja, the capital of the ancient kingdom of Magadha. During the days of Mahavira and

Buddha, who visited it very often, it was a very flourishing city. It was the venue of the 1st Buddhist Council held immediately after the Nirvana of Buddha, during the time of king Ajatshatru. The ruin of Rajgir, which have been partly excavated, cover an extensive area with in and outside the hill enclosure and include the ancient defenses and remains of habitations, shrines, stupas and monasteries. A monastery with large elliptical halls has been recently excavated and identified as Jeevak Amravan, mentioned in the Buddhist texts as a favorite retreat of Buddha. Gridhakuta Hill: About 10km from the railway station is Gridhakuta (Vulture's Peak), the hill from where Gautama Buddha delivered many sermons, after he attained enlightenment. It was here that the Buddha delivered two important sutras - the Lotus Sutra and the Prajnaparamita (Perfection of Wisdom Sutra). Vishwa Shanti Stupa: To mark the holy spot at the Gridhakuta Hill, there stands today the 38m high Vishwa Shanti Stupa. The awesome modern stupa can be reached by a chairlift, a fifteenminute round trip offering panoramic views. Ajatashatru's Fort: The ruins of a fort built by the king of Magadha, Ajatashatru, can be seen here. Built in the 6th century, it was within these high walls that he imprisoned his father, Bimbisara. Archaeologists have discovered the remains of Ajatshatru Stupa, which enshinres Magadha's share of the Buddha's relics. Lakshmi Narayan Mandir: This pink-hued temple stands beside the hot springs and, as the name indicates, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and his consort, Goddess Lakshmi. Venuvana Vihar: It is a Japanese shrine where a monastery was built for the Buddha to live. It is said that king Bimbisara as an offering to the Buddha, built Venuvana or the Monastery of the Bamboo Grove. Right next to it is the now-muddy water tank, Karanda, in which the Buddha bathed. Saptadhara: Gushing from the base of the Vaibhava Hill are the seven hot springs, called Saptadhara, that attract the religious as well as the sick. The hottest of these sulphur springs is the Brahmakund, where the water is a steaming 45 degrees centigrade. It is believed that the Buddha used its waters to heal the ill and the infirm. Pawapuri: Pawapuri is held in great reverence by the Jains as Lord Mahavira, the founder of Jainism, was cremated here in 500BC. Jal Mandir, the white marble temple in the middle of this lake, blooming with beautiful lotus flowers affords a breathtakingly enchanting sight. HOW TO GET THERE Air: Nearest airport is at Patna. Rail: Nearest railhead is Gaya. Road: There are good road links to Gaya and Nalanda.

RANCHI

Location: Chotanagpur, Bihar. Attractions: Waterfalls, Barren Rocks & Hillocks. Best Season: September to May. Languages: Hindi, Nagpuria, Oraon, Mundari and Bengali. THE LAND OF EXOTIC WATERFALLS: Situated picturesquely in the heart of Chhotanagpur, at an altitude of 2, 140 ft. above sea level, Ranchi is the nucleus of the region. Once the summer capital of Bihar, Ranchi is well known for its scenic attractions, waterfalls, barren rocks & hillocks. It has a number of industrial complexes, which are very important in the industrial life of the country. While on one hand, beautiful and exciting waterfalls are scattered around this town; on the other hand, huge industries can also be seen there, which do attract visitors. There are many scenic attractions in and around Ranchi, which hold tourists for days together. It is also an important place for the study of tribal ways of life and offers an ideal opportunity to those interested in Anthropology. Bihar Tribal Research Institute and museum are well worth a visit, for those seeking to know more about the tribes of Bihar. Due to its good climate, lot of people use to come here for health sake too. Ranchi Hill and Ranchi Lake: The scenic attractions of the town have much to offer to its visitors. The landmark of Ranchi is a hill, bearing a temple of Shiva on its summit, with a lake at its foot, known as 'Ranchi Lake'. One can have a panoramic view of the town and the surroundings from the top of the hill.

Tagore Hill: On the periphery of Ranchi is "Tagore Hill", named after Rabindra Nath Tagore, who is believed to have written a part of his famous Gitanjali here, besides other poems. Ram Krishna Ashram is situated at the foot of the attractive hill. Kankedam & Jagannath Temple: On one end of Ranchi is the 'Kanke Dam’, which is ever crowded with tourists. It is a popular picnic spot. Few kilometers from the dam and 10 kms from Ranchi is the 17th century "Jagannath Temple" where the annual Rath Yatra (car festival) is held in the month of June/July. Hathia Dam: There is another beautiful dam known as 'Hatia Dam". It is about 12 kms from the city. Hundru falls: 'Hundru Falls' (45 kms on Ranchi - Purlia road) where the Subarnarekha river cascades down from an altitude of 320 feet is a sight not to be missed especially in monsoon or when the wind sets the motion. The pools at the base of the falls are favorite picnic and bathing spots. Johna Falls: 'Johna Falls' 40 kms on Ranchi - Purlia road) also known as Gautam Dhara, is another enchanting retreat amidst rich flora and fauna beside the Kanchi river. The scenery around it is very picturesque and it is a popular picnic spot. To admire the fall one is required to descend 500 pared steps. Sita and Dassam Falls: Adjacent to Jonha falls is Sita falls, which can be seen at its best early in the morning. Afternoons may best be saved for the Dassam Falls (34 kms on Ranchi - Tata Road) where river Kanchi falls from a height of 114 feet. Hirni Falls: 'Hirni Falls' is another fascinating waterfall with beautiful surroundings. It is situated 75 kms from Ranchi. Breeding Center: 23 kms from Ranchi is the Mutta Muggar Breeding center in Ormanjhi, which took off with 3 Bihari muggars (crocodiles) & 2 from Chennai. Today they account for over fifty nearby is the biological park replete with valuable samples of wildlife. Mc Cluskieganje: Mc Caluskieganje, 60 kms from Ranchi on Highway 41 is a sleepy hamlet amidst green forests. The name evokes nostalgia and one gradually discovers that the place was once popular with Angle-Indian community. During the 1950s there were no less than 100 AngloIndian families with their typical cottages, clubs and shops. HOW TO GET THERE Air: Regular Indian Airlines services directly connect Ranchi with Patna, Calcutta and New Delhi. Rail: By rail also, it is very well connected with major cities of the country falls on Southeastern Railways. Road: Ranchi is a junction or N.H.23 and 33 and there are good roads around it. There are regular bus services from here to all-important places or the State. BSTDC is also running its coaches, From Patna - Ranchi - Patna daily. GENERAL INFORMATION Area: 35 sq. kms. Altitude: 2,140 ft. Rainfall: 1530 mm annual Clothing: summer: Light Cotton. Winter: Heavy woolen. Temperature (degree c): Max. Min. Winter 22 8 Summer 44 22 CLOTHING Winter Summer Light woolens. Cottons and light tropical

SASARAM Location: Near Patna, Bihar. Attractions: Mausoleum of Sher Shah Suri. Built in: Mid-i6th Century. Other Attractions: Tomb of Hasan Sur Khan. THE UNATTRACTIVE TOWN WITH HISTORICAL ATTRACTIONS: Sasaram, a dreary and dusty little town is located on the Grand Trunk Road, the famous Indian Highway built by the master architect, Aliwal Khan, in the reign of Sher Shah in the mid -16th century. Sasaram lies half way between Varanasi and Gaya. 17km west of the main railway junction of Dehri-on-Sone

and the three-kilometer-long Sone River Bridge is noteworthy as the site of the impressive mausoleum of Sher Shah Suri. Mausoleum of Sher Shah Suri: It is one of two majestic Muslim monuments, which bear the distinctive heavy lines of the early Lodhi monuments of Delhi. The well-maintained five-storeyed, red sandstone mausoleum capped by a massive dome, stands in the middle of a 430-squaremetre artificial lake. The 46m high dome has 22metre span, which are 4metres wider than the dome of the Taj Mahal. Red, white, blue and yellow geometrical designs, and the dome, once white, once adorned the tomb topped with a golden lotus. At its center, a large octagonal chamber contains the tomb itself, while pavilions mark each corner of the building and steps lead down to the water. Tomb Of Hasan Sur Khan: Around 500m east, visible from the upper storeys of Sher Shah's mausoleum, is the tomb of his father, Hasan Sur Khan. Built in 1535, within a walled enclosure, it has been engulfed by the rustic town of Sasaram and is in a somewhat dilapidated condition. Despite its status as a protected monument, some of the flagstones are being removed. HOW TO GET THERE Air: There is no direct air connection. Rail: There are only two direct trains from Varanasi, but from Mugal Sarai station, there are frequent trains to Sasaram. Road: There are frequent buses for Sasaram, from Patna, Varanasi and Gaya.

SONEPUR Location: Near Patna, Bihar. Attractions: The Cattle Fair. Best Season: October-November. Situated: On the Convergence of Rivers Ganges and Gandak. A QUITE HAMLET: Situated on the confluence of the river Gandak and Ganges, Sonepur, shaped like three mighty rivers - the Ganga, Gandak, and Ghagra that demarcate this district, demarcate a triangle. Sonepur is located in the Saran district in the northern part of Bihar. Set in panoramic surroundings, Sonepur is a small quiet town situated over Asia's longest bridge, the Mahatma Gandhi Setu, which is a short distance from Patna. It is famed for the unique 3 week long Sonepur fair, rightly called the 'king of fairs' that is only one of its kind in the whole of Asia, that it hosts in the period of October - November. ASIA'S LARGEST CATTLE FAIR: The Sonepur Fair is held on Karthik Purnima (the full moon day) in the month of November in Sonepur (Bihar), on the banks of river Ganga. It lasts for a fortnight and the cattle are decorated for the occasion. In the months of November/December Sonepur in Bihar becomes the site of the Sonepur Livestock fair. It is Asia's largest cattle fair where anything can be bought right from elephants to camels, buffaloes, goats and all sorts of four-legged creatures. The fair becomes a virtual explosion of colours, music, dances, magic shows, cattle, merchants and handicrafts as people from all over the world congregate to participate in this huge event. It has all the fun and hue of a popular fair, which has religious connotations as well and is enjoyed with a lot of jest and fanfare by all. LEGEND: The fair is also a celebration of good over evil. Local folklore has it that a crocodile once caught the leg of an elephant that was bathing in the lake, which in turn tried to crush it under his feet. Then followed a mighty battle for thousands of years, joined by other crocodiles and elephants. Finally the elephant prayed to Vishnu for help and was released from the crocodile's hold when Vishnu killed it. HOW TO GET THERE Air: Patna airport is 25 kms from Sonepur. Rail: Sonepur is 25 kms from Patna airport. Road: Buses to Sonepur are available from Patna. SHOPPING: Apart from the elephants, camels and other livestock, visitors to this fair can also buy garments, weapons and furniture, toys, utensils, agricultural implements, jeweler and various handicrafts. GENERAL INFORMATION Climate: Moderate. Main languages: Bhojpuri, Maithili, Hindi and English

Clothing:

summer: Cotton And Tropical. Winter: Woollen.

VAISHALI Location: Bihar. Attractions: Ashokan Pillar. Best Season: October to March. Languages: Hindi, Maithili, Bhojpuri and English. THE LAND OF KING VISHAL: Vaishali derives its name from King Vishal, whose story of valour is narrated in the Ramayana. History accounts that when Pataliputra was the capital of Magadha, Vaishali emerged as a center of trade, industry and commerce. The world's first democracy with a duly elected council-- Vajji, had its seat of administration in Vaishali. Being associated with Buddha and Jain Tirthankars, Vaishali has emerged as a historical and scenic place. Lord Buddha came thrice here and also gave his last sermon at Vaishali. Amrapali, a courtesan, gifted a mango grove to Buddha and later she became a Buddhist nun. Vaishali was also the venue for the second Buddhist council, 100 years after the death of Buddha. Vaishali is also considered to be the birthplace of Jain Tirthankar, Mahavira, by the Swetambar sect of Jains. Many historical monuments and material were found in the excavations at Vaishali. Ashokan Pillar: Also known as the 'Singh Stambh' or Lion Pillar, this pillar is supposed to have been built by Emperor Ashoka. This pillar is one of the masterpieces in the art of sculpting. Four lions crown this pillar. These lions form the national emblem of India. The Fort of King Vishal: This one kilometer long fort is said to have housed the parliament of olden times. This fort is named after King Vishal. The fort was a part of the oldest democracy in the world. The construction of this fort is worth giving a look. Museum: The museum of Vaishali is worth visiting. This museum houses some of the excavated artifacts from Vaishali. Abhishek Pushkarni: About the Abhishek Pushkarni, it is said that a king was anointed with the water of this tank before his coronation. Then there are the Stupas, and the Dargah of Miran ji, which are some of the tourist places in Vaishali. The Stupas found in Vaishali had stone caskets, which contained the relics of Buddha. Rajgir: Just 15 kms from Nalanda is located the complex of temples and monasteries. The place is called Rajgir. It is one of the most important tourist places in India. Being located in a valley, Rajgir is a very scenic place. HOW TO GET THERE Air: The nearest airport is that of Patna and no direct air service is available for Vaishali. The Patna Airport is just 55 kms from Vaishali. Rail: Vaishali does not have direct railway station. The North Eastern railway stations of Patna, Muzzaffarpur and Hajipur are railheads from where the onward journey to various places in India can be carried out. Road: The place is well connected by roads and regular bus services are available from Patna and other near by towns. Local Transport: Taxis, local buses. GENERAL INFORMATION Population: 25000. Altitude: 52 meters. Rainfall: 120 cms. Temperature (degree c): Max. Min. Winter 23 6 Summer 44 21 CLOTHING Winter Summer Light woolens. Cottons and light tropical