Hostels in Bihar

Bihar is a state in the east of India. Its name is derived from the word “Vihara,” or “abode,” and used to describe the many monks’ homes scattered about the region. Nowadays, Bihar is the largest vegetable producer and second-largest fruit producer of the country. Eighty percent of its residents work in agriculture. What truly attracts the 24 million tourists who visit each year, however, is the rich culture and ancient temples and pillars decorating the land. There are plenty of hostels for the budget-minded traveler to call his home while getting to know the beauty that is Bihar.

There are three major airports in this state. If you are flying into the city of Patna, you will have an easy time finding hostels for your stay. In general, there are many budget accommodations equivalent to a hostel, oftentimes calling themselves “inns.” They tend to provide private rooms with separate bathrooms instead of offering communal facilities. A room will cost you between $20-$30 per night for two persons. Although there might be a lack of amenities, you will likely be satisfied with the cleanliness, safety, and staff’s courtesy.

Once you have settled your belongings in one of Bihar’s hostels, you are ready to begin your adventure. Close to Patna’s railway junction, you can enter the temple of Hanuman Mandir and witness the magnificence of a large stone floating on top of water. If you wish to avoid the most crowded times, skip Tuesdays and Saturdays and attend during morning hours. Then you also can visit the ancient ruins of Nalanda, a former center of learning. Just 25 miles away are the archeological remains of the ancient city of Vaishali, the first home of democracy in the world. Buddha visited the city many times. Here you will find one of the best preserved Pillars of Ashoka. This pillar features a very fierce-looking lion on the very top.

Another city to discover on your tour is Bodh Gaya. Many of Bihar hostels are located in this popular tourist destination. Once you have secured accommodations in a hostel here, you are ready to experience more of Buddha’s history. As a start, you can get a close-up look at the 80-foot tall Great Buddha Statue, which depicts the religious icon sitting atop a lotus. Then you can go to Mahabodhi Temple where Siddhartha Gautama achieved enlightenment and turned into Buddha under the Bodhi tree. Leave your cell phone in your hostel due to the temple’s regulations. You will be allowed to take photos, so do bring your camera. You might just enter a different state of consciousness as you step into the ancient temple and take in its sights and sounds. The mixture of religious chanting, birds’ chirping, and gurus’ serene discourses can create an ethereal aura for many enchanted visitors. Since this temples’ doors remain open until nighttime, you might prefer to arrive past sunset in order to enjoy the cooler temperatures and evening chants. When you are ready to depart, the serenity will follow you to your hostel and allow for restful sleep.

Handwritten by local expert for Bihar hostels Jakob Lombardi