Introduction: Nalanda is a city in the state of Bihar. It is one of the most exciting cities to visit for the Buddhist history. It is popular for its archaeological findings on Buddhist heritage and its once being a center of knowledge and learning. Nalanda has become an attraction for not only the Buddhist but also the non-Buddhist all over the world. The greatest Nalanda University is the oldest University in India built in the 5th century by the Gupta emperors. Lord Mahavir and Lord Buddha visited Nalanda preaching truth and peace and they observed it as prosperous and growing place.

History: The derivation of the name Nalanda has got many myths to consider. A story says as Nalanda comes from the word Nalam meaning Lotus for symbolizing knowledge. Hieun Tsang says that it is named after Naga who were residing in a local tank. It was the center of Buddhist learning in the ancient times. Lord Vardhamana Mahavira and Lord Gautama Buddha used to visit Nalanda frequently during the 6th century BC. The Gupta Emperors established the most known University of Nalanda in the 5th century BC. The world famous Huien Tsang and Fa Hen were some of the most brilliant products of Nalanda University.

Places of interest: The ruins of the Nalanda University is spread all over 14 hectares. One can find the architecture is a mixture of Kushans and Palas. The Nalanda University was the largest university in the ancient time with 2000 teachers and 100000 students. Hieun Tsang Memorial Hall was built in memory of Hieun Tsang, a Chinese traveler to India in 5th century. Surya Mandir is near the university and dedicated to the Sun God. The temple also has a hug collection of deities of Hindu and Buddhists. One can find a good collection of Buddhist statues and ancient manuscripts in Nalanda Museum. The museum also displays artifacts of Guptas and Mauryas.

Travel information: The main airport to Nalanda is the Lok Narayan Jayprakash Airport of Patna the capital city of Bihar. Indian Airlines, Air Deccan, Air Sahara and other private airlines connect with all the main cities of India as Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta, Lucknow, Ranchi and Kathmandu. Patna is a main railway station of the northeastern railways. It is hence regularly connected with all the major and neighboring cities. Super fast and express services are available for quicker and luxurious traveling. The roadway service is well circulated throughout the territory of Bihar. It also well transports with the cities outside Bihar.