Big news for heritage lovers: Bihar Tourism has formally added the Vikramshila ruins at Kahalgaon, Bhagalpur, to its Buddhist Circuit, expanding it to eight key districts. This move elevates the state’s ancient Buddhist sites into a seamless, must-visit trail for international travelers.
Dating back to the Pala era under King Dharmapala, Vikramshila flourished as a global learning hub before falling in the 13th century. It was here that scholars mastered philosophy, Tantric practices, logic, and linguistics, with seekers journeying from Asia and beyond to its hallowed halls.
Standouts include the impressive two-tiered stupa featuring a distinctive cross-like formation, alongside remnants of a grand library, Tibetan monastery, and Hindu temple—evidence of Vikramshila’s inclusive ethos that bridged diverse faiths and knowledge systems.
Promotion efforts are in full swing, with Bihar Tourism handing out Vikramshila-focused materials to Bodh Gaya’s influx of pilgrims. The goal? Draw them to Bhagalpur, sparking a tourism boom that promises jobs and economic growth for the region.
The revamped circuit links enlightenment at Gaya-Bodh Gaya, scholarly Nalanda-Rajgir, Buddha’s Vaishali, Patna’s ancient glory, Jehanabad caves, Champaran’s stupas, and Bhagalpur’s Vikramshila, creating an unparalleled Buddhist odyssey. Bihar’s government deserves applause for spotlighting this forgotten gem, ensuring its legacy endures.