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A Journey across India: The call to Adventure

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An easy, practical and in-sequence itinerary planner I have travelled the length and breadth of India, and am truly proud of its rich and varied heritage. I am amazed by the tradition and values, the people, festivals, celebrations and the changing landscape. Have you wondered if it's possible to travel across India completely? Most foreigners arriving in India, land in Delhi and then travel the Golden Triangle route first- which is a good decision incase you have limited time at hand and want to make the most of it. The Golden Triangle- Delhi, Agra and Jaipur includes the much hyped Taj Mahal which invariably is part of a tourist's bucket list. This blog on the other hand- is a sequential strategy and detailed 'been there done that' itinerary plan starting from Mumbai. I am sure as we go through this Journey you will understand India better. My experiences are based from the perspective of a - digital nomad, budget backpacker and from a local standpoint. Each Itinerar...
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Nepal to India via Raxaul border (Bihar) : Visiting Patna, Nalanda and Bodh Gaya

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Previous blog~ Exploring NEPAL


Day 01 – Exit NEPAL via Birgunj - Raxaul border

The 7 pm bus from Kathmandu scheduled to arrive at 3 am, reached Birgunj (Nepal border) only around 7 am next day. The border crossing into India was as usual smooth and hassle-free. 

I noticed a few other people walking towards Raxaul town (1 km ahead), so I walked briskly-brisk to keep up with the crowd. I was feeling terribly giddy from the bus ride, and could easily picture myself lying on a soft comfortable bed and getting the much needed rest. 

Just then I was greeted by the cheerful lady who had been walking beside me for some time. I asked about her plans– and got to know that her sasural is in Nepal, and she's on her way to visit her mother in Kolkata. 

By all means, I wanted to take up lodgings at Raxaul and leave for Patna the next day. So I told the lady; To my joy she had similar plans. So we took up lodgings in Raxaul and split the cost. After breakfast, and a bit chit-chatting, we watched some TV and decided to get some rest.


Day 02 – Raxaul to Patna

After asking around, we saw some shared cabs heading for PATNA. The previous night, I managed to contact a Women's hostel in Patna. I had planned to stay awhile in Patna and then decide what to do next.

Raxaul to Patna is approx 4 hours. We halted enroute for loo break, freshen-up and enjoyed nice dhaba style delicious food.


Day 03– Stay at Patna

I plan to stay on for some months, and pick up on some pending things to be done.

A blog on Bihar
Buddhist monks from all over congregating at Bodh Gaya ~ the place where The Buddha gained enlightenment 


For solo women travellers, who wish to stay in Patna, I recommend ~

ICON GIRLS HOSTEL & PG

Opp. pillar no. 70, Bailey Rd, Shiv Mandir Gali, Sheikhpura ( Near Airport ), Patna - 800014

Rent - 5300/ Single / Month 

Check their details in Google. Kindly confirm the rents before going.

A simple meal


Things to see and do in and around Patna :

The state of Bihar has had a glorious ancient past. Modern-day Bihar was known by the name of Magadha during Medieval times, and formed the core of the Maurya Empire (c. 320–185 BCE).

The capital of Bihar – Patna was an important city during that period. Pataliputra, as it was called then; was built by a Magadha king by the name of Ajatashatru (490 BCE). 

When in Patna; visit –

🌼 GOLGHAR 

built in 1786 by Captain John Garstin as a granary for protection against famine. It is located alongside River Ganga, and its unique shape is reminiscent of a bulb or a dome owing to which it is often visited by travellers. The inside of the granary is not accessible to the public. However, there is a spiral staircase leading up to the viewing area at the top of the dome, which offers a glimpse of the gardens below, the gently flowing river on the side and the city ahead.

10 am- 5 pm (Mon closed)


 ðŸŒ¼ Takht Sri Patna Sahib Gurudwara 

This is the birth place of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the 10th Sikh Guru (b. 22 Dec 1666). It's part of the Panch Takht Yatra, and therefore an important place along the Sikh pilgrimage route. The current gurudwara shrine was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in the 19th century.


Also Witness Ganga aarti at Nit ghat and Gandhi ghar, Shopping at Mangal market, visit the Buddha Smriti Park.

🌼 Maner Sharif – Has some dargahs and other buildings from the Mughal era (8th to 13th ce)  


🌼 Nalanda Mahavihar

Mahavihara ( meaning: The Great Monastery). Nalanda was one of the world's oldest universities from the 3rd century BCE to the 13th CE. Nalanda is roughly 90 kms from Patna on the road leading to Rajgir. It was widely considered as one the greatest centres of learning during Medieval India. It was sadly burnt down by Muhammad Bakhtiyar Khilji (c. 1200), and is presently a group of ruined monasteries and ancient buildings.


🌼 BODH GAYA

Bodh Gaya is at the heart of the Buddhist pilgrimage circuit, and is located about 120 kms / 2:30 hrs from Patna. Several bus services operate from Patna to Bodh Gaya. The ancient brick Mahabodhi Complex is at the centre ~ the site of the sacred Bodhi tree. It is said that the Buddha attained enlightenment while meditating under this Bodhi tree. [The present tree however is not the exact same, but the direct descendant of the original tree.]

The sacred Bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya
The sacred Bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya, Bihar

Since Bodh Gaya is visited by innumerable pilgrims from SE Asia and Taiwan; it has several inexpensive hostels, lodges and guest houses.


From Bodh Gaya, I will head to Ranchi and onwards to Kolkata~ The city of Joy.

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