Bihar has some of the most sacred Buddhist and Hindu shrines. Gaya is one of the most important pilgrimage centre for the Hindus. It is believed that a Hindu will reach heaven if his last rites are offered under the celebrated ‘ Akshayabat ’ or immortal banyan tree, standing in the yard of Vishnupad temple. Believed to be built on the footsteps of Vishnu, the grand temple was renovated by Ahalyabai, queen of Indore.

Kurkihar - ancient habitation with ruins. Presumed to be the Kukkutapadagi mentioned by Hiuen Tsang in 7th century.

Barabar Caves : 40 km away from Gaya, earliest Buddhist rock cut caves.

Sasaram - 123 km from Gaya, tombs of Sher Shah Suri, his father and son. There is a cave with Ashokan edicts and a dargah on Chandan Pir Hill.

Pawapuri : In Pawapuri or Apapuri, 38 km from Rajgir and 90 km from Patna, all sins end for a devout Jain. Lord Mahavira breathed his last here and was cremated here. People took away not only the ashes but also the scoopedout earth and thus a tank came into being. Now the famous Jalamandir marble temple stands at the site. There is another Jain temple here viz. Samosharan.

Parasnath Hill : It is believed that 22 ‘ tirthankars ’ out of 24 attained salvation here and is one of the sacred pilgrim centres for the Jains.

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