Nalanda University

Nalanda is a great tourist destination in Bihar. The Nalanda University was one of the greatest centers of Buddhist learning in ancient times and erudite scholars from far-flung corners came here. The architectural remains of Nalanda, the world’s oldest university, indicate to us that the university was a stately structure with lofty walls and a massive gate. It had eight separate compounds and ten temples with many meditation halls and classrooms. There were also many scenic lakes and parks. The commodious library was a nine storied building and the University attracted pupils and scholars from Korea, Japan, China, Tibet, Indonesia, Persia and Turkey. Though the Buddha visited Nalanda several times during his lifetime, this famous center of Buddhist learning shot to fame much later, during 5th-12th centuries. The other important attractions of Nalanda are the Hiuen Tsang Memorial Hall, the Surya Mandir, the Nalanda museum, and the Nav Nalanda Vihar. The present day ruins of its temples and monasteries creates an astounding impression of the sublime and ordered life of meditation and spiritual wisdom that prevailed here.