A profile of Bihar

Bihar's antiquity is evident from its name, which is derived from the ancient word "VIHARA" (monastery). It is indeed a land of monasteries. Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, Muslim and Sikh shrines abound in this ancient land where India's first major empires rose and fell. Where the ruins of the worlds' earliest university slumbers in the void of time. The passage of Ganga, flowing wide and deep enrich the plains of Bihar before distributing in Bengal's deltoid zone. Among all Indian states, Bihar is the one most intimately linked to the Buddhas life, resulting in a trail of pilgrimages which have come to be known as the Buddhist circuit. The Buddhist trail begins at the capital city, Patna, where a noteworthy museum contains a collection of Hindu and Buddhist sculptures as well as a terracotta urn said to contain the ashes of Lord Buddha. The Khuda Baksh Oriental Library has rare Muslim manuscripts including some from the University of Cordoba in Spain. 40 km away, Vaishali, was the site for the second Buddhist Council is the presence of ruins testify. 90 km south of Patna is Nalanda which translates as the place that confers the lotus (of spiritual knowledge). A monastic university flourished here from the 5th to the 11th century. It is said to have contained nine million books, with 2,000 teachers to impart knowledge to 10,000 students who came from all over the Buddhist world. Lord Buddha himself taught here and Hieun Tsang, the 7th century Chinese traveler, was a student. Ongoing excavations have uncovered temples, monasteries and lecture halls. Rajgir, the royal palace, 12 km south, was the venue for the first Buddhist Council. The Buddha spent five years at Rajgir after having attained enlightenment, and many of the remains at Rajgir commemorate various incidents related to life of Buddha, the hill of Gridhrakuta being perhaps the most important, as this is where the Buddha delivered most of his sermons. Bodhgaya is the spot where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment, with the Mahabodhi Temple marking the precise location. This landlocked state of Bihar is surrounded by Nepal, Bengal, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and comprises four cultural regions-Bhojpur, Mithila and Magadha and Chotanagpur. Rivers Kosi and Gandak from the north and Sone from the south join the Ganga. In the fertile plains, rice, sugarcane, oilseeds, gram, maize, jute, barley and wheat are cultivated.

Fact File of Bihar

Destinations

Buddhist Circuit Jain Circuit Ramayana Circuit Sufi Circuit Gandhi Circuit Eco Circuit

Patna - An introduction Sonepur Fair - A Tradition through the Ages

Buddhist Circuit

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Vaishali: Vaishali was one of the earliest republics in the world (6th century BC).It was here that Buddha preached his last sermon. Vaishali, birthplace of Lord Mahavira is also Sacred to Jains. Patna: Patna once called Patliputra the capital of Bihar, is among the world's oldest capital cities with unbroken history of many centuries as imperial metropolis of the Mauryas and Guptas imperial dynasties. Rajgir: Rajgir,19 kms from Nalanda, was the ancient capital of Magadha Empire. Lord Buddha often visited the monastery here to meditate and to preach. Rajgir is also a place sacred to the Jains, Since Lord Mahavira spent many years here. Pawapuri: In Pawapuri, or Apapuri, 38 kilometres from Rajgir and 90 kilometres from Patna, all sins end for a devout Jain. Lord Mahavira, the final tirthankar and founder of Jainism, breathed his last at this place. Bodhgaya: Near the holy city of Gaya, the Buddha attained enlightenment. The tree that had sheltered him came to be known as the Bodhi tree and the place Bodhgaya. Today Bodhgaya, an important place of pilgrimage, has a number of monasteries, some of them established by Buddhists of Japan, Thailand, Myanmar, Sri Lanka etc. Nalanda: A great centre of Buddhist learning, Nalanda came into prominence around the 5th century BC and was a flourishing university town with over ten thousand scholars and an extensive library. Kesaria: This Stupa is in fact one of the many memorable stupa remarkable event in the life of Buddha. Kesaria has a lofty brick mound capped by a solid brick tower of considerable size, which it self is the remain of a Buddhist Stupa. The mound is a ruin with a diameter of 68 feet at its base

and a total height of 5 ft. originally it was crowned by a pinnacle which must have stood 80 or 90 ft above the ground. General Cunningham dated this monument to AD 200 to 700, and held that it was built upon the ruins of a much older and larger Stupa. It is the highest Stupa found in the country with a height of about 104 from the base. Jain Circuit Top

Rajgir: Rajgir,19 kms from Nalanda, was the ancient capital of Magadha Empire. Lord Buddha often visited the monastery here to meditate and to preach. Rajgir is also a place sacred to the Jains, Since Lord Mahavira spent many years here. Pawapuri: In Pawapuri, or Apapuri, 38 kilometres from Rajgir and 90 kilometres from Patna, all sins end for a devout Jain. Lord Mahavira, the final tirthankar and founder of Jainism, breathed his last at this place. Ramayan Circuit Top

Tar (Bhojpur): Situated about 10 kms North West of Piro the village derives its name from Tarka, a she demon killed by lord Rama. There is an old tank in the village that is said to be the wrestling ground of Tarka. Ahirauli (Buxur): Situated about 5 kms north-east of Buxur, this village has a temple of Devi Ahilya. According to the local tradition it dates back to the pre historic ages. Legend is that, Ahilya was transformed into stone as a result of curse of her husband, Rishi Gautam and she could be redeemed only when lord Ram Chandra visited her place.

Ram Rekha Ghat (Buxur): According to the legends, lord Ram Chandra and his younger brother Lakshman with their teacher Rishi Vishwamitra had crossed the Ganga here on their way to Janakpur where he later took part in the Sita swayambar (the public ceremony of Sita's Marriage). Pretshila Hills (Gaya): About 8 kms North-West of Gaya, the 873 feet high Pretshila Hills is situated. The literal meaning is the Hill of ghosts and it is sacred to yam, the Hindu god of hell and forms one of the sacred places of pilgrimage. On the top of the hill is a small temple, appropriately dedicated to Yam (The God of death). Giddheshwar (Jamui): According to local legends, the epic fight between the vulture Jatayu and the demon Ravan took place here on the hill that is situated about 13 km south of Jamui, while the latter was abducting Sita. There is a temple of Lord Shiva, which draws big crowds on the occasion of Shivratri and Maghi Purnima. Kako (Jehanabad): Situated 10 km each of Jehanabad Railway station. According to a local legends, Lord Ramchandras step mother, Rani Kekaiy of Ayodhya lived here for some time and the village took its name after her. The village has also a tomb of Hazarat Bibi, Kamal Sahiba; a great muslim lady saint. I is said that this lady was the aunt of Haryat Makdum Saheb of Bihar

Sharif and Possessed devine powers. Singheshwar Asthan (Madhepura): Singheshwar Sthan has been the abode of Lord Siva from the ancient times. Though there are various stories about the establishment of the Singheshwar temple, the one that is widely and popularly accepted, relates to Rishi Shringi. In ancient time Singheshwar was situated on the bank of the river Kosi and was surrounded by dense and lush green forest. It was ideally situated for Tapasya (Meditation) and it is here that Vibhandak Rishi along with is son Rishi Shringi devoted all his time in deep meditation. Phullahar (Madhubani): The village is situated about 6 kms West of the block headquarters at Umgaon under Harlakhi P.S. The village countains the temple of Goddess Girija. It is said that Sita, the daughter of king Janak, used to come here every day to worship the Goddess. Lord Rama saw her for the first time at this place. Sita Kund (Munger): A village about 6 Kms East of the Munger town contains a hot spring known as the Sita Kund spring, which is so called after the well known episode of Ramayan. Ram, after rescuing his wife Sita from the demon king Ravan, suspected that she could not have maintained her honour intact, and Sita, to prove her chastity, agreed to enter a blazing fire. She came out of the fiery or deal unscathed, and imparted to the pool in which she bathed, the heat she had absorbed from the fire. The hot spring is now enclosed in a masonry reservoir and is visited by large number of pilgrims, specially at the full moon of Magh. Ramchura (Vaishali): The place is situated in Vaishali block, where a fair is held every year on Ram Nawami day. the local tradition has it that lord Ram Chandra had a stopover here for a bath on his way to Janakpur. There are some marks on stone, which are said to be his footprints. Ahilya Asthan (Darbhanga): The village is situated about 24 kms North West of Darbhanga and about 4 kms from Kamtaul Railway Station. It is known for the temple of Ahilya Asthan, which is associated with the well known legend of the sage Gautam and his wife Ahilya as told in the epics and Puranas. Inside the Shrine is a flat stone said to contain the foot prints of Sita, wife of Ram, as the main object of worship. Janki Temple (Sitamarhi): This temple is traditionally considered to be the birth place of Sita or Janki, the daughter of king Janak. This temple, however seems to have been built about 100 years ago. Janki Temple (Punausa): This temple is about 5 kms South West of Sitamarhi. It also Stakes the same claim to be the birth place of Sita and is considered to be sacred place where people go for a pilgrimage. Haleshwar Asthan (Sitamarhi): This is an ancient temple of Lord Shiva about 3 kms North-West of Sitamarhi. According to myths the King of Videha on the occasion of Putrayesthi Yojna, founded this temple. Panth Pakar (Sitamarhi): An age old banyan tree still stands here about 8 kms North-East of Sitamarhi. It is said that when Sita left Janakpur in a Paanquin for Ayodhya after the marriage to

Shri Ram, she was given rest for a while under this very banyan tree. Chanki Garh (West Champaran): Also known as Janaki Garh, this village is situated about 9 kms East of Ram Nagar Railway Station. There is a large mound in the eastern part of the village. It is a mass of solid brickwork and is 90 high. It was probably originally a Fort and the remains of fortification can still be seen. The local tradition asserts that it was a Fort of king Janak. Valmiki Nagar (West Champaran): This is a village on the Indo Nepal border 42 kms NorthWest of Bagaha to which it is connected by a metalled road. A barrage has been constructed here on the Gandak river for the purpose of irrigation. Besides an old Shiva temple constructed by the Bettiah Raj, there are also ancient temple of Nara Devi and Gauri Shankar at Valmiki Nagar. There is a Valmiki Ashram, which is said to be the place where Maharshi Valmiki was living. On the occasion of Makar Sankranti every year a fair is held on the bank of River Gandak. Sufi Circuit Top

Maner Sharif (Patna, Maner): It is a large village of historical antiquities, situated in the extreme north west of Danapur Sub-division, about 32 kms west of Patna on Patna-Arrah Highway. In the early ages Maner was a centre of learning and it is said that grammarian Panini, and also Bararuchi, lived and studied here. Maner contains two well-known Mohammedan tombs, that of Shah Daulat or Makhdum Daulat, known as Chhoti Dargah, and the other that of Sheikh Yahia Maneri or Makhdum Yahia, called the Bari Dargah. Makhdum Daulat died at Maner in 1608, and Ibrahim Khan, Governor of Bihar and one of the saint's disciples completed the erection of his mausoleum in 1616. The building is exceptionally fine one, with walls containing carvings of great delicacy and high finish. A great dome crowns it, and the ceiling is covered with carved inscriptions from the Quran. Every detail of it is characteristic of the architecture of Jehangir's region, and it is by far the finest monument of the Mughals in Eastern India. Inside the compound there is a mosque also built by Ibrahim Khan in 1619, whiles a fine gateway bearing an older inscription corresponding to 1603-01, and affords access to the north. The tomb of Yahia Maneri lies in a mosque walls and ghats, and pillared porticos jutting out into it, which is connected with the old bed of the River Sone by a tunnel 400-ft long. Khankah Mujibia (Phulwari Sharif, Patna): Nearly 7 kms from Patna Railway Station, Phulwari Sharif is an important Islamic pilgrimage. It has been always a favorite abode of Sufi saints in various times. Hazrat Pir Muzibullah Quadri was one of those in the 18th Century. The Khankah Muzibia, founded by him at Phulwari Sharif is called the Bari Khankah. An old Madarsa here has been the most important centre for teaching of Islamic philosophy since its establishment. Sacred hairs of the beard of Paigamber Hazrat Muhammad Saheb are preserved here in Banri Khankah that attracts throngs of his followers and a big mela is held every year. There is also an archeologically important and worth seeing ancient Sangi Masjid (mosque) built of red stones at Phulwari Sharif. It was built by the Mughal Emperor Humayun. Khankah Emadia (Mangal Talab, Patna City, Patna): One of the off-springs in the family of prominent Sufi Saint Hazrat Pir Muzibullah Quadri had founded another Khankah during 19th century near a tank called Mangal Talab that is situated in the Patna City Chowk area. It is called Khankah Emadia that houses a Madarsa. An Urs is held here annually when throngs of devotees

assemble and pay their respect to their beloved Sufi Saint. Dargah Sharif, Mithan Ghat (Patna City, Patna): A beautiful double storied mosque was built by Mughal Prince Azim on the banks of Ganges at Mittan Ghat, Patna City area that was previously called Azimabad during the reign of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. This mosque was built for Mulla Mittan who was teacher of the Prince. It was the place from where the great Sufi Saint Hazrat Makhdum Munnem used to preach his disciples during the 18th Century. The ancient mosque still exists and is popularly known as Dargah Sharif. Every year, after 5 days of "the Eid festival, an annual Urs Chiraga is held here when devotees assemble at this Dargah Sharif in great numbers. Hajipur Karbala (Vaishali): It was constructed 175 years ago by Shah Alam. It attracts a large crowd of Muslims throughout the years. Hasanpura (Siwan): The village is situated about 21 kms South of Siwan on the bank of Dhanai river. According to tradition, Makhdum Saiyed Hasan Chisti, a saint who came from Arabia to India and settled here, founded this village. He also founded a Khankah (religious institution) here. The village contains remains of a large mosque and tomb of the Saint, which is visited by both Hindus and Muslims. The grave is a large open court to the west of the village. In front of it is a basalt image of Vishnu but it has been ruthlessly treated. It is regarded as an inauspicious fiend who has turned into stone by the holy Makdum and must not be raised or placed erect. It contains no inscription but its style shows it to belong to about the seventh century A.D. Bibi Kamaal Sahiba (Kako, Jehanabad): The village is the headquarters of the block of the same name and is situated on the Jehanabad-Bihar Sharif road, about 10 kms East of Jehanabad railway tation. According to a local legend, Ram Chandra's stepmother, Rani Kaikeyi of Ayodhya lived here for sometime and the village took its name after her. The village took its name after her. The village has also a tomb of Hazrat Bibi Kamaal Sahiba, a great Muslim lady saint. It is said that this lady was the aunt of Hazrat Makhdum Saheb of Bihar Sharif and possessed divine powers. Bari Dargah (Bihar Sharif, Nalanda): This is headquarters of Nalanda district that lays 30 kms South of Bakhtiarpur on NH-31. This is also a railhead on the Bakhtiarpur Rajgir branch line of the Eastern Indian Railway. This town is known as Bihar Sharif, owing to its many Muslim tombs that still retain traces of its former importance as a Muslim pilgrimage. There is a hill called Pir Pahari, about 1 m to the northwest of the town. At its summit is the dargah or mausoleum of the Saint Mallik Ibrahim Bayu, round which are tem smaller tombs. It is a brick structure surmounted by a dome and bears inscriptions showing that the saint died in 1353. Another great dargah is that of Mokhdum Shah Sharif ud-din, also called Makhdum-ul-Mulk, died here in 1379; the inscription over the entrance shows that his tomb was built in 1569. This tomb, which stands on the south bank of the river, is held in great veneration by the local Mohammedans, who assemble here on the 5th day of Sawan to celebrate the anniversary of his death. The Chhoti Dargah is the shrine of Badruddin Badr-I-Alam, famous saint who died here in 1440. Chhoti Dargah (Bihar Sharif, Nalanda): Dargah of Makhdum Hazrat Sultan Ahmed Charampose, Bihar Sharif (Nalanda).

The biggest and the oldest building of Mohalla-Amber in the Bihar Sharif Town (Nalanda), is Tomb of Hazarat Makhdum Sultan Saiyad Shah Ahmed Charampose Teg Barhana Rohmatulla Alaib. He was born in the year 1236 and passed away in 1335 (according to Islamic calendar 657-776 Hizri). He is ranked to a very high order among other Sufi saints and Auliahs. Thousands and thousand of people participate in the Urs celebrated here in memory of the Saint every year.

Gandhi Circuit

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Motihari (East Champaran): Motihari was to the first laboratory of Gandhian experiment in Satyagraha and probably it will not be very incorrect to say that is has been the spring board for Indias independence. Champaran district generated a wave of enthusiasm and inspiration to the people who were thirsting for a selfless and saintly leader. The technique followed by Gandhiji in Champaran was what attained later on the name of Satyagraha. Hazarimal Dharamshala, Betia (West Champaran): It is at Betiah in the Lal Bazar area. Gandhi and his companions used to camp here and it was the epicenter of his Satyagraha. The State Govt. has declared this building a protected monument. The Betia Raj Kuteherry and the Dharmashala were Mahatama Gandhi stayed are well worth visit. Bhitharwa Ashram (West Champaran): It is a village in the Bettiah Sub-division under Gaunaha Block. This was one of the centre for social work selected by Gandhiji, when he was in Champaran in 1917. At present there is a Khadi Centre working under direct control of the Bihar Khadi Samiti. There is a Gandhi Ashram where Mahatma Gandhi had stayed during the Indian freedom straggle. Brindaba (West Champaran): It is a small village in the Betia sub-division under Champatia Block. It has the Gram Seva Kendra, which had been planned to work out the deals of the Gandhi Seva Sangh. The all India Gandhi Seva Sangh held there annual conference at this village in 1937. Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Rajendra Prasad attended it. Gandhiji stayed here in 1939 and started an Ashram, which is still functioning. Shri Rampur (West Champaran): Situated in the Gannaha Block of Bhitiharwa Panchayat. Gandhiji had stayed here on 16th November, 1917. Koeldih (West Champaran): Under Gaunaha Block in the Belwa Panchayat. Gandhiji had visited this place on 16th November, 1917. Amolwa (West Champaran): Under Gaunaha Block in the Majharia Panchayat, where Gandhiji spent a night on the 27th April, 1917 with his other companions. Murli Bharhawa (West Champaran): It was the native place of Pandit Raj Kumar Shukla who had been a close associates of Mahatma Gandhi during the Champaran Satyagrah Movement.

Pandit Shukla took a lead role in bringing Mahatma Gandhi to Champaran. Sariswa (West Champaran): This place is in Ratanmala Panchayat under Majhaulia BlockGandhiji and his companions had taken statement of raiyats in a open yard in front of the temple. Hardiya Kothi (West Champaran): It is under Bishunpur Panchyat of the Nautan Block. It was house of Mr. G. P. Edward, a British Indigo Planter. Remains of this building are in some what better condition in comparison to other such old buildings. Sadaquat Ashram (Patna): It is situated in Digha area on Patna Danapur Road and in pre independence days guided the freedom movement in Bihar. It is Associated with the memories of Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Mautana Mazharal Haque and other leaders. Gandhi Sangrahalay (Patna Museum): Close to the Western end of Gandhi Maidan in Patna. The Gandhi Sangrahalaya houses a large number of items and artifacts related with Mahatma Gandhi and his satyagrah movement in Bihar. It also has a vast collection of Gandhian literature and photographs depicting his life and works. A Charkha (Country made spinning wheel) used by Mahatma Gandhi is also well preserved in this museum. Eco Circuit Top

Kakolat (Nawada): It is a waterfall in Gobindpur police-station, about 21 miles away from Nawada. After going 9 miles from Nawada on Ranchi Road, a pucca road known as GobindpurAkbarpore Road diverts from there. Just below the fall there is a deep reservoir natural in character. The fall is about 150 to 160 feet, from the ground level. The scene is panoramic due to all-round green forest area, which is very pleasant to the eyes. A legend is prevalent that in Treta Yuga a king named was cursed by a rishi and had to take the shape of a python and lived here. The place was visited by the great Pandavas during their exile and the accursed king got salvation from the damnation. The king after getting rid of the curse proclaimed that one who would bathe in the waterfall will not take the yoni of snake and that is why a large number of people from far and near bathe in the river. A big fair is held on the occasion of bishua or Chait Shankranti. Bhimbandh (Munger): It is situated at a distance of 56 km from Munger, 20 km from Jamui Railway Station and 200 km from Patna Airport. Bhimbandh Wild Life Sanctuary is located in the south west of Munger District. The forests cover an area or 681.99 sq.km on the hills and undulating tract of Kharagpur Hills. This forest are located in the famous Kharagpur hill range, south of river Ganga and is surrounded on all sides by non-forestry areas inhabited by dense population. The vegetation of these forests is very rich where Sal, Kend, Semal and other trees grow side by side the hilly terrain, protecting from the suns rays the forms and humble creepers which grow below. A host of animals such as Tiger, Leopards, Sloth Bear, Nilgai, Sambhar, Barking deer, Wild Beer, four horned Antelope use to abide by in these forests. In the valley portions and at the foothills are several hot springs of which the finest are at Bhimbandh, Sita Kund and Rishi Kund. All the hot springs maintain nearly same temperature round the year, and seasonal fluctuation of discharge is

also nominal. Among them the Bhimbandh group of springs have the maximum temperature (52 C to 65 C) and discharge (0.84-1.12 cum/sec) and constitute the best area for the exploration of geothermal energy potential. All the thermal springs of sanctuary have a common geological frame. The spouts issue from the contact of massive guartzites (jointed and crushed) with states and phyllites (Kharagpur Group). All the springs are situated at topographic lows within the guartziter. The aqueducts formed due to fracturing are long and narrow zones of fissures and broken rocks. There are number of places of tourist interest nearby the Sanctuary like, Rishikund, Ha-Ha Punch Kumari, Rameshwar Kund, Kharagpur Lake, Sringrishi etc. There are Tourist lodge and Forest Rest House that offer accommodation facilities to tourists in the mid of the forest.

Special Package Tours

Buddhist Circuit (Special Package Tour - 1) Buddhist Circuit (Special Package Tour - 2) Jain Circuit Sikh Circuit

One Day Special Package Tours Special Package Tour for Sonepur Fair

Buddhist Circuit (Special Package Tour - 1) 8 Days 7 Nights Buddhist Circuit Package Tour:

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Patna Bodhgaya Rajgir Vaishali Kesaria Lumbini -Kushinagar - Sarnath-Patna Ex-Patna Day-1- Pick up from Airport/Railway Station. Check-in Hotel, Wash & Fresh, Breakfast / Lunch/Dinner, Local Sight Seeing. Day-2- After Breakfast Departure for Bodh-Gaya, Check-in Hotel, Wash & Fresh, Lunch, Local Sight Seeing, Free time & Dinner, Night Stay at Bodh-Gaya Day-3- After Breakfast Departure for Rajgir, Check-in Hotel, Wash & Fresh, Lunch, Local Sight Seeing, Free time & Dinner, Night stay at Rajgir. Day-4- After Breakfast Departure for Muzaffarpur via Vaishali(sight seeing at vaishali) Checkin Hotel, Wash & Fresh, Lunch, Sight Seeing at Kesharia, Free time & Dinner, Night Stay at

Muzaffarpur Day-5- After Breakfast Departure for Lumbini, Check-in Hotel, Wash & Fresh, Lunch, Local Sight Seeing, Free time & Dinner, Night stay at Lumbini. Day-6- After Breakfast Departure for Kushi Nagar, Check-in Hotel, Wash & Fresh, Lunch, Local Sight Seeing, Free time & Dinner, Night stay at Kushi Nagar. Day-7- After Breakfast Departure for Sarnath, Check-in in Hotel, Wash & Fresh, Lunch, Local Sight Seeing at Sarnath, Free time & Dinner, Night stay at Varanasi/Sarnath. Day-8- After Breakfast Dept. For Patna Airport/Railway Station. Package Includes :* Pick up & drop from Airport / Rly. Station, * Local Sight Seeing of all the places of Tourist Interest. * Accomodation in twin sharing basis, *Breakfast, Buffet Lunch & Dinner. Package Days: Every 2nd & 4th Saturday of the Month. Package Costs: INR By A/C Deluxe Bus By Non A/C Deluxe Bus By Toyota Qualis (MPV) US $ Minimum 20 Persons Minimum 20 Persons

Rs.19,000/Pax $ 487/Pax Rs.17,500/Pax $ 449/Pax

Rs.20,500/Pax $ 526/Pax Minimum 4 Persons Top

By Non A/C Ambassador (Car) Rs.18, 000/Pax $ 462/Pax Minimum 4 Persons Buddhist Circuit (Special Package Tour - 2) 4 Day & 3 Night BUDDHIST CIRCUIT Package Tour PATNA-VAISHALI-KESHRIA-RAJGIR-BODHGAYA- EX-PATNA

Day-1- Pick up from Airport / Railway Station; Wash & Fresh, Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner, Departure for Vaishali, Local Sight Seeing, Departure for Kesaria, Night Stay at Muzaffarpur Day-2- After Breakfast Departure for Rajgir, Check-in- in Hotel, Wash & Fresh, Lunch, Local Sight Seeing, Free time & Dinner, Night stay at Rajgir. Day-3- After Breakfast Departure for Bodhgaya, Check-in in Hotel, Wash & Fresh, Lunch,

Local Sight Seeing, Free Time & Dinner, Night Stay at Bodhgaya. Day-4- After Breakfast Departure for Bodhgaya/ Patna, Airport/ Railway Station. Package includes: * Pick up & drop from Airport / Railway Station * Local Sight Seeing of all the places of Tourist Interest. * Accommodation in twin sharing basis, *Breakfast, Buffet Lunch & Dinner. Package Days: Every 2nd & 4th Saturday of the Month. Package costs: INR By A/C Deluxe Bus By Non A/C Deluxe Bus By Toyota Qualis (MPV) US $ Minimum 20 Persons Minimum 20 Persons

Rs.6,500/Pax $ 167/Pax Rs.5,500/Pax $ 141/Pax

Rs.7,100/Pax $ 193/Pax Minimum 4 Persons Top

By Non A/C Ambassador (Car) Rs.6,100/Pax $ 157/Pax Minimum 4 Persons Jain Circuit Special Package Tour - 8 Days & 7 Nights Jain Circuit Package Tour PATNAPAWAPURI KUNDALPUR RAJGIR GUNAVAJEE LACHHUAR CHAMPANAGAR PARASNATH (MADHUBAN) EX-PATNA

DAY-1- Pick up from Airport/Railway Station. Check-in Hotel, Wash & Fresh, Breakfast / Lunch/Dinner, Local Sight Seeing. DAY-2- After Breakfast, Departure for Rajgir, Check-in Hotel, Wash & Fresh, Lunch, Local Sight Seeing, Free Time & Dinner, Night Stay at Rajgir. DAY-3- After Breakfast, Local Sight seeing at Pawapuri, Free Time & dinner, Night Stay at Rajgir DAY-4- After Breakfast, Departure for Lachhuar, Check-in Hotel, Wash & Fresh, Lunch, Local Sight Seeing, Free Time & Dinner, Night Stay at lachhuar. DAY-5- After Breakfast, Departure for Champa Nagar, Check-in Hotel, Wash & Fresh, Lunch, Local Sight Seeing, Free Time & Dinner, Night Stay at Champa Nagar.

DAY-6- After Breakfast, Departure for Madhuban, Check-in Hotel, Wash & Fresh, Lunch,Local Sight Seeing, Free Time & Dinner, Night Stay at Madhuban. DAY-7- After Breakfast, Departure for Parasnath, Lunch, Local Sight Seeing, Free Time & Dinner, Night Stay at Madhuban. DAY-8- After Breakfast Dept. for Patna Airport/Railway Station Package Includes :* Pick up & drop from Airport / Rly. Station * Local Sight Seeing of all the places of Tourist Interest. * Accomodation in twin sharing basis, *Breakfast, Buffet Lunch & Dinner. Package Days:- Every 2nd & 4th Saturday of the Month. Package Costs: INR By A/C Deluxe Bus By Non A/C Deluxe Bus By Toyota Qualis (MPV) US $ Minimum 20 Persons Minimum 20 Persons

Rs.14,500/Pax $ 372/Pax Rs.12,500/Pax $ 321/Pax

Rs.16,000/Pax $ 411/Pax Minimum 4 Persons Top

By Non A/C Ambassador (Car) Rs.13,600/Pax $ 349/Pax Minimum 4 Persons Sikh Circuit Special Package Tour - 4 Day & 3 Night Sikh Circuit Package Tour Patna - Akbarpur - Nawada - Vaishali

DAY-1- Pick up from Air Port / Railway Station, Check-in Hotel, wash & fresh, Breakfast, Local Sight Seeing, Harmandir Saheb, Gurudwara Gayaghat, Guru-Ka-Bagh, Guru Handi Saheb (Danapur), Free Time, Dinner & Night Stay at Patna. DAY-2- After Breakfast Departure for Nawada, Seeing Nanak Shahi Sangat Akbarpur in way. Seeing Kakolat Water Fall, Packet Lunch at Kakolat, Seeing Rajauli Sangat.Check-in Hotel at Rajgir, Dinner & Night Stay at Rajgir DAY-3- After Breakfast Dept. for Patna, Seeing Nalanda in way, Packet Lunch at Nalanda. check-in Hotel, Dinner night Stay at Patna.

DAY-4- After Breakfast Dept. for Railway Station/Airport. Package Includes: * Pick up & drop from Airport / Rly. Station * Local Sight Seeing of all the places of Tourist Interest. * Accommodation in twin sharing basis, *Breakfast, Buffet Lunch & Dinner. Package Days: Every 1st & 3rd Saturday of the Month. Package Costs: INR By A/C Deluxe Bus By Non A/C Deluxe Bus By Toyota Qualis (MPV) US $

Rs.6,500/Pax $ 167/Pax Minimum 20 Persons Rs.5,500/Pax $ 141/Pax Minimum 20 Persons Rs.7,500/Pax $ 193/Pax Minimum 4 Persons

By Non A/C Ambassador (Car) Rs.6,100/Pax $ 157/Pax Minimum 4 Persons Note: Rates are subject to change without prior notice.

Hotel Facility Bihar State Tourism Development provide Hotel facility at Tourist Bungalows at: 1. Patna 2. Sonepur 3. Nalanda 4. Vaishali 5. Bodhgaya 6. Rajgir 7. Muzzafarpur 8. Sasaram 9. Mohania 10. Saharsa 11. Purnea 12. Singheswar Asthan (Madhepura)

13. Buxar 14. Valmiki Nagar

We manage a premier chain of budget hotels in Bihar offered at moderate prices and are well maintained. Rooms at Tourist Bungalows/Hotels are also provided for special occasions (Marriage etc.). Halls and Lawns are also provided at a very affordable price. Patna Nearest Airport: Patna/3Kms Nearest Railway Station: Patna/1Kms Name: Kautilya Vihar, Beer Chand Patel Path, Patna-1. Types of Rooms: AC Room, Economy, Non-AC Deluxe, Dormitory Facilities: Restaurant, CTV, Bar, AC Conference Hall, Coach/Car Parking, Transport, Tours and Travel Counter. Phone: 0612-2225411, 2210219, 2210242 Fax: 0612-2236218. Sonepur Nearest Airport: Patna/25Kms Nearest Railway Station: Patna/25Kms /Hajipur/1km Name: Tourist Rest House(Typical Swiss Type Cottage during fair) Types of Rooms: Dormitory Beds. Cottage during Sonepur Fair only Facilities: Transport, Tours and Travel Counter Nalanda Nearest Airport: Patna/110Kms Nearest Railway Station: Rajgir/1Km Top Top Top

Name: Gautam Vihar, Nalanda-803 152. Types of Rooms: AC Room, Deluxe Room, Dormitory Beds. Facilities: Restaurant, CTV, Conference Hall, Coach/Car Parking, Laundry Telephone: 06112-255273 Vaishali Nearest Airport: Patna/70Km Nearest Railway Station: Muzaffarpur/40Kms/Hajipur/5km Name: Ambapali Vihar, Vaishali-844 128. Types of Rooms: Room(Dbl.), Room(Sing.), Dormitory Beds. Facilities: Restaurant, Coach/Car Parking. Phone 06225-285425. Name: Youth Hostel Types of Rooms: Room(Dbl.), Room(Sing.), Dormitory Beds. Facilities: Restaurant, Coach/Car Parking Bodhgaya Nearest Airport: Bodhgaya/ 7 Kms/Patna/90km Nearest Railway Station: Gaya/17Kms Name: Siddharth Vihar, Bodhgaya, Gaya-824 231. Types of Rooms: AC Room, Non-AC Rooms Facilities: Restaurant, CTV, Conference Hall, Coach/Car Parking, Tourist Information Office, Transport, Tours and Travel Counter. Telephone: 0631-2200445, 2200127 Name: Buddha Vihar, Bodhgaya, Gaya-824 231. Types of Rooms: Dormitory Beds Facilities: Restaurant, Coach/Car Parking. Telephone: 0631-2200445, 2200127 Rajgir Nearest Airport: Patna/114 Kms Nearest Railway Station: Rajgir/3Kms Name: Tathagat Vihar, Rajgir. Types of Rooms: AC Room, Economy, Deluxe Room. Facilities: Restaurant, CTV, Conference Hall, Coach/Car Parking Telephone: 06112-255176. Name: Ajatshatru Vihar, Rajgir-803 152. Top Top Top

Types of Rooms: Dormitory Beds Facilities: Restaurant, CTV, Conference Hall, Coach/Car Parking Telephone: 06112-255027. Name: Gautam Vihar, Rajgir-803 152. Types of Rooms: AC Room, Economy, Deluxe Room Facilities: Restaurant, CTV, Conference Hall, Coach/Car Parking Telephone: 06112-255273 Muzzafarpur Nearest Airport: Patna/80Kms. Nearest Railway Station: Muzaffarpur/1km. Name: Lichchavi Vihar, Muzaffarpur-842001. Types of Rooms: AC Rooms, Economy Rooms Facilities: Restaurant, CTV, Coach/Car Parking Phone: 0621-2228512 Sasaram Nearest Airport: Patna/152Km/Bodhgaya/40km Nearest Railway Station: Sasaram/1km Name: Shershah Vihar, Sasaram-821 152. Types of Rooms: AC Room/Deluxe Room/Economy Room/Dormitory Beds Facilities: Restaurant, Coach/Car Parking, CTV Telephone: 06184-221267 Mohania Nearest Railway Station: Bhabhua Road/1Km Nearest Airport: Patna/190Km /Bodhgaya/60km Name: Kaimur Vihar, NH-2, Mohania. Types of Rooms: AC Room, Non-AC Room Facilities: Restaurant, Coach/Car Parking, CTV. Telephone: 06187-222822 Saharsa Nearest Railway Station: Saharsa/2Km Nearest Airport: Patna/280Km Top Top Top Top

Name: Hotel Koshi Vihar - Matasyagandha, Saharsa. Types of Rooms: AC Room, Non-AC Room Facilities: Restaurant, Coach/Car Parking, CTV, Hot & Cold Water. Telephone: 06478-22478. Purnea Nearest Railway Station: Purnea/1Km Nearest Airport: Patna/320Km Name: Hotel Renu Vihar, Vikash Bazar, Purnea. Types of Rooms: AC Room, Non-AC Room Facilities: Restaurant, Coach/Car Parking, CTV, Hot & Cold Water. Singheshwar Asthan (Madhepura) Nearest Railway Station: Madhepura/7Km Nearest Airport: Patna/300Km Name: Hotel Singheshwar Vihar, Singheshwar Asthan, Madhepura. Types of Rooms: Non-AC & Dormitory. Facilities: Coach/Car Parking, All Basic Amenities.. Buxar Nearest Railway Station: Buxar/3 Km Nearest Airport: Patna/125Km Name: Hotel Vishwamitra Vihar, Near Ganga Bridge, Buxar. Types of Rooms: AC Room, Non-AC Room, Conference Hall. Facilities: Coach/Car Parking, CTV, Hot & Cold Water, Conference Hall, Shopping Arcade. Telephone: 06183-222802 Valmiki Nagar Nearest Railway Station: Valmiki Nagar Road/10Km Nearest Airport: Patna/260Km Name: Hotel Valmiki Vihar, Valmiki Nagar, West Champaran. Types of Rooms: Non-AC Double Room. Facilities: Coach/Car Parking. Telephone: 06251-256504. Top Top Top Top

Transport Services Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation provides Tourist Coach and Taxis for local Site seeing as well as outstation sites. Corporation also operates some buses on daily basis on certain routes. Corporation has its own fleet of several Buses, Cars, Vans etc. which can be given on hired basis at a very moderate rate. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Tourist Taxi Tariff (Local Booking) Tourist Coach Tariff Out Station Booking Pre-Paid Taxi Tariff Daily Bus Service Conducted Tour Top Full day-B (75km/12 hr) 900.00 900.00 1150.00 1725.00 1675.00 1050.00 1700.00 1025.00 1025.00 2000.00 2400.00 Top Full day (60km/8hr) 2150.00 2500.00 2850.00 ......... Full day (75km/12hr) 2850.00 3400.00 3900.00 12000.00 Top

Tourist Taxi Tariff (Local Booking) Transfers Car Type Non-AC Ambassdor Maruti 800 AC-Ambassdor Qualis AC - Delux/Scorpio/Tavera/Safari Qualis AC Sumo Non A/C Esteem/logen/Indigo Indica A/C Alto A/C Innova Winger Tourist Coach Tariff Transfers Half Day Bus Type (35 km/4 hr) Mini-Bus Deluxe-Bus Hi-Tech Bus Volvo Out Station Booking 1350.00 1600.00 1850.00 .......

Half Day (35 km/4 hr) 375.00 375.00 575.00 750.00 700.00 400.00 700.00 515.00 515.00 1000.00 1200.00

Full day-A (60km/8 hr) 675.00 675.00 875.00 1400.00 1300.00 725.00 1300.00 785.00 785.00 1600.00 1800.00

Vehicle Non-AC Ambassador AC-Ambassador Sumo Qualis AC Delux/Scorpio/Tavera/Safari Innova Indica AC Alto AC Maruti Van Winger Esteem/Logen/Indigo Mini Bus Deluxe Bus Hi-Tech Bus A.C Deluxe Bus Volvo Bus Pre-Paid Taxi Tariff

Basic Rate(Rs.)/Kms 6.50 9.50 9.50 11.50 14.00 8.50 8.50 6.50 16.00 11.00 16.00 25.00 25.00 35.00 65.00

Night Halt(Rs.) 150.00 150.00 250.00 250.00 250.00 150.00 150.00 150.00 250.00 250.00 250.00 350.00 400.00 500.00 500.00

Minimum Chargeable(Km) 200 200 200 200 200 200 200 200 200 200 200 200 200 250 300 Top

(Rate in INR) Destination Non-AC Ambassador 150.00 200.00 200.00 200.00 200.00 200.00 200.00 300.00 300.00 300.00 300.00 450.00 AC Qualis / Tata Sumo / Esteem / AC Ambassador / Contessa Indica / Alto 315.00 315.00 315.00 315.00 315.00 315.00 315.00 420.00 420.00 420.00 420.00 735.00 265.00 265.00 265.00 265.00 265.00 265.00 265.00 350.00 350.00 350.00 350.00 500.00

Airport to Kautilya Vihar Tourist Bungalow Airport to Maurya Hotel Airport to Any hotel on Fraser Road Airport to Any hotel on Exhibition Road Airport to Any hotel on Boring Road Airport to Sri Krishna Nagar Airport to Sri Krishna Puri Airport to Patliputra Colony Airport to Kankarbagh Airport to Rajendra Nagar Airport to Kadamkuan Airport to Patna City

Airport to Danapur Airport to Maner Airport to Hajipur (Railway Station)

450.00 700.00 700.00

735.00 1365.00 1365.00

500.00 750.00 750.00

Daily Bus Service Daily Bus Services patna to purnia Purnia to Patna Patna to Bodhgaya Patna to Bodhgaya Bodhgaya to Patna Bodhgaya to Patna Patna to Ranchi (VOLVO Bus) Patna to Ranchi (Hi-Tech) Ranchi to Patna (Hi-Tech) Patna to Mundeshwari Mundeshwari to Patna Conducted Tour Tourist Places Patna - Pawapuri - Rajgir - Patna Patna - Gaya - Bodh Gaya - Patna Patna - Vaishali - Patna

Top Departure Time(IST) 8:30 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 7:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. 7:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. 9:00 pm 8:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. 10:45 p.m. 5:20 a.m. Fare (Rs.) 400.00 400.00 60.00 60.00 60.00 60.00 500.00 200.00 200.00 125.00 125.00 Top Rate(Rs.) One Day One Day One Day 300.00 300.00 200.00

Optional Baggage Insurance @ Rs.10.00 per Rs. 5000.00 is available for Patna - Ranchi, Ranchi - Patna Night Service NB: 10.3% (WITH 60% ABATMENT) SERVICE TAX EXTRA.Terms and Conditions 1. All Charges are Garage to Garage 2. Booking will be confirmed against full estimated advance. 3. For hill station trips milege covered on the hill shall be charged 20% extra of the basic rate. 4. For interstate booking , passenger tax, Permit Fee, tall Tax,Road tax will be charged extra as applicable. 5. Rates are subject to change without Prior notice. 6. No decoration shall be allowed. 7. Cancellation charged will be levied as per the rules of corporation. 8. Light vehicle hired for marriage shall be charged double the rate of local package.

Contessa/ Sumo/Esteem car hired for marriage purpose shall be charged Rs. 2200.00/- 4 Hrs, 60 Kms. Any extra km or time shall be charged extra as regular tariff. CANCELLATION RULES. 1. 2. 3. 4. Tickets refundable except when the trip is cancelled as per corporation rule. Passengers are requested to re-checkup from office 24 hours before departure of coach. Kindly arrive at the office of B.S.T.D.C. 15 minute before the departure of coach. The ticket is issued /Cancelled or extended subject to the terms and conditions of B.S.T.D.C rules. 5. Ticket will be extended only once before 48 hrs. of departure of Bus. 6. Extended Ticket will not be refunded or extended again. 7. Deduction will be made as following. A. B. C. D. 20% of Tariff before 48 hrs. of departure. 25% of Tariff before 24 hrs. of departure. 50% of Tariff before 2hrs. of departure. No refund within 2 Hrs. of Departure.

Major Industries/Crops/Minerals

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Industries: Sponge Iron,, Oil Refinery, Forging, Fertilisers, Jelly Filled Commu nication Cables, Watch Factory, Fruit Processing, Bulk Drugs. Crops: Paddy, Wheat, Maize, Pulses, Sugarcane, Potatoes, Tobacco, Oilseeds, Onion, Chilies, Jute, Mesta.

Commerce & Industry The principal commercial products of Bihar are: Crops - rice, wheat, lentils, maize (corn), sugar cane. Fruits - mangoes, bananas, jack-fruit, and litchis.

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Fibers - silk (particularly from the Bhagalpur region in the East, producers of a distinct quality of silk, namely, tussar or tussah); and jute, transported to factories located mostly near Calcutta for easy export of the finished material. Forest Products - hard wood timber, saal and sakhua from the north; also cane for weaving,

particularly from the swamps in West Champaran district of North Bihar. North Bihar, a rich agricultural area, has many industries associated with agricultural products. There are numerous sugar factories scattered throughout the area. Many rice and edible oilmills also dot the landscape. It also has some sundry, but important, manufacturing plants, for example the Button Factory at Mehsi (East Champaran0, and the old and renowned rail wagon manufacturing plant, the Arthur Butler & Co, at Muzaffarpur. Immediately after independence however, a major industrial complex grew around Barauni. The industrial plants located there are: the Fertilizer Factory, the Oil (petroleum) Refinery Plant, and the Thermal Power Station. Recently, a Thermal Power Plant has also begun operation at Kanti, in the Muzaffarpur district along its border with East Champaran. Regarding commerce and North Bihar, mention must be made of the gigantic annual cattle fair at Sonpur in the Saran district, close to the confluence of the Gandak and Ganges rivers. The fair is held around the religious festival of Kartik Purnima - full moon in the month of Kartik in the Hindu lunar calendar (corresponding to some time in Oct-Dec in the Gregorian calendar), which marks the end of the holy month of Kartik. Kartik Purnima in 1998 falls on Nov 4. This fair is reputed to be one of the world's largest such fair, where not just cattle but also exotic animals and horses and elephants are traded in large number. It attracts a large number of tourists from many countries. The Government of Bihar, through their Department of Tourism, provide many amenities for their boarding and lodging.

Investment Opportunities Bihar is fact becoming the most desired place for making investments. It is the single most important source of minerals like coal, iron ore and bauxite in India. Due to fertile soil base, large variety of agricultural commodities are produced, such as paddy, wheat, lentils, sugarcane, jute, etc. However, large and small business houses exists in the area of mining and extraction, textiles, sugar mills, rice mills, oil refineries, cement, steel, fertilizers, automobiles and engineering products. There is also availability of skilled and educated workforce. Besides, a vast potential exists in the tourism sector. Agriculture The people of Bihar are largely dependent on agriculture and allied activities for earning their livelihood. Due to flow of several rivers and streams, the land is most fertile over here. Bihar has a total geographical area of about 93.60 lakh hectare, out of which only 56.03 lakh hectare is the net cultivated area and gross cultivated area being 79.46 lakh hectare. About 33.51 lakh hectare net area and 43.86 lakh hectare gross area receive irrigation from different sources. Principal food crops are paddy, wheat, maize and pulses. Main cash crops are sugarcane, potato, tobacco,

oilseeds, onion, chillies, jute and roselle. Industries based on agricultural products like sugar mills, edible oil mills, spices and other agro based industries have a good demand and export potential. Besides, Bihar has notified forest area of 6,764.14 sq km, which is 7.1 per cent of its geographical area. Bihar is the leading State in the production of fruits and vegetables. It is the first largest producer of vegetables and second largest producer of fruits in the country. There exists huge scope of investment in the food-processing sector in the State. Private sector participation is being encouraged in packaging and food processing sectors to ensure better quality. Also, the State welcomes private investment for comprehensive development of tea industry and capital subsidy is available for setting up tea processing units. Sugar Industry Sugar industry is the largest agro-based industry in Bihar. This industry generates sizeable employment in the farm sector directly as well as through ancillary industries and related activities. It is estimated that about five lakh farmers and their dependents are engaged in the cultivation of sugarcane and approximately another half a lakh unskilled and skilled personnel, including highly qualified and trained technologists are engaged in the sugar industry in the State. Investment opportunities in sugar and allied industries in Bihar:

Green field sugar mills Capacity expansion of existing sugar mills Ethanol manufacture Manufacturing of Molasses based alcohol and commercial spirit Cogeneration of power Manufacture of bagasse- based paper Press- mud based organic manure Engineering units related to sugar industry Manufacture of sugar- based confectionery items

Textiles Textile sector offers huge potential to the investors. The State has strong weaving traditions. The total number of weavers in the State is over 90,000. The major locations for the textile industry are Bhagalpur, Gaya, Nalanda, Darbhanga, Madhubani, Siwan and Patna. Bihar is the country's second State after West Bengal in jute production and jute textiles. Due to availability of raw jute, cheap labour, sufficient power, water and transportation in northern part of Bihar, some jute mills are located in this region. Jute mills are located in Karbisganj in Purnia district, Katibar, Muktapur in Samstipur district. Other Industries Major Industries in the State are:- Railway Wagon Plants of Bharat Wagon Limited at Muzaffarpur and Mokamah; Oil Refinery of Indian Oil Corporation at Barauni; Fertilizer Manufacturing Plant of Hindustan Fertilizer Corporation Limited (HPCL) at Barauni and Pyrites

Phosphates and Chemicals Limited (PPCL) at Amjhor; Cotton Spinning Mills at Siwan, Pandaul, Bhagalpur, Mokamah and Gaya; 13 sugar mills in private sector and 15 in the public sector located in south and north Bihar with a total crushing capacity of 45,000 TPD. In addition, distilleries at Gopalganj, West Champaran, Bhagalpur and Riga (in Sitamarhi district); finished Leather Industry in West Champaran, Muzaffarpur and Barauni; medicine manufacturing unit at Hajipur; food processing units as also Vanaspati Manufacturing Units at Aurangabad and Patna; besides Kalyanpur Cement Limited at Banjari, are notable in the industrial map of Bihar. Tourism In Bihar, tourism is increasingly becoming an important industry. Rich farmlands and lush orchards are spread throughout the State. Important places of tourist interest are:- Rajgir, Nalanda, Vaishali, Pawapuri (where Lord Mahavira breathed his last and attained Nirvana ), Bodh Gaya, Vikramshila (ruins of Buddhist University of higher learning), Gaya, Patna (ancient city of Patliputra), Sasaram (tomb of Shershah Suri) and Madhubani (known for famous Madhubani Paintings).

Agriculture in Bihar

Posted by Rohini on August 26, 2009 at 1:33pm in Bihar Agriculture View Discussions

Bihar, with its bountiful natural resources of fertile soil, abundant water, varied climate and rich cultural and historical heritage is one of the most fascinating states of India. The farmers are intelligent and hard working. Therefore agriculture has been described as the core competence of Bihar by the Honble President of India. Agriculture is the vital source of wealth in Bihar. 76% of its population is engaged in agricultural pursuits. Bihars productive contribution in food grain, fruit, vegetables, spices and flowers can increase manifold with improved methods and system management. Bihar has a total geographical area of about 93.60 lakh hectare, out of which only 56.03 lakh hectare is the net cultivated area and gross cultivated area being 79.46 lakh hectare. About 33.51 lakh hectare net area and 43.86 lakh hectare gross area receive irrigation from different sources. Principal food crops are paddy, wheat, maize and pulses. Main cash crops are sugarcane, potato, tobacco, oilseeds, onion, chillies and jute and. Bihar has notified forest area of 6,764.14 sq km, which is 7.1 per cent of its geographical area. Bihar is located in the eastern part of the country (between 83-30' to 88-00' longitude). It is an entirely landlocked state, although the outlet to the sea through the port of Kolkata is not far away. Bihar lies mid-way between the humid West Bengal in the east and the sub humid Uttar Pradesh in the west which provides it with a transitional position in respect of climate, economy and culture. It is bounded by Nepal in the north and by Jharkhand in the south. The Bihar plain is divided into two unequal halves by the river Ganga which flows through the middle from west to east. Bihar with a geographical area of about 94.2 thousand square km is divided by river Ganges into two parts, the north Bihar with an area of 53.3 thousand square km and the south Bihar having an area of 40.9 thousand square km. Based on soil characterization, rainfall, temperature and terrain, four main agro-climatic zones in Bihar have been identified. These are: Zone-I, North Alluvial

Plain, Zone-II, north East Alluvial Plain, Zone-III A South East Alluvial Plain and Zone-III B, South West Alluvial Plain, each with its own unique prospects. The principal agricultural crops are rice, paddy, wheat, jute, maize and oil seeds. Cauliflower, cabbage, tomato, radish, carrot, beat etc. are some of the vegetables grown in the state. Sugarcane, potato and barley are some of the non-cereal crops grown. The entire agricultural operations is divided into two crop seasons Kharif and Rabi. The Kharif season starts from the third week of May and lasts till the end of October followed by the Rabi season. Though endowed with good soil, adequate rainfall and good ground water availability Bihar has not get realized its full agricultural potential. Its agricultural productivity is one of the lowest in the country, leading to rural poverty, low nutrition and migration of labour. This road map is aimed to trigger processes of development in agriculture and allied sector. The state is endowed with rich biodiversity. Agriculture provides ample supply of raw materials for the establishment of Agro based industries. Bihar is the third largest producer of vegetables and fourth largest producer of fruits in the country. It is the largest producer of Litchi, Makhana, Guava, Ladys finger in India. The state already exports Litchi, Basmati rice and snow pea. It has competitiveness in maize, rice and fruit such as banana, mango, litchi and vegetables like onions, tomato, potato and brinjal. High, stable and regular supply of agricultural produce provides adequate opportunity for marketing and food processing industries. Farmers willingness to accept modern cultivation technologies and contract farming practices provide encouraging trends for investment in Agriculture sector. Necessary legislative changes to promote contract farming and private investment in marketing are being undertaken. Agricultural growth in the state is supported by institutional infrastructure of Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa (Samastipur) and its network of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, ICAR eastern zone complex at Patna, National Research Centres for Litchi, Makhana and Pan. Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC) and Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) are others institutions supporting Agricultural growth in the State. Public sector Agricultural extension system is creating enabling ground for PublicPrivate partnership for rapid Agricultural growth in the state. Agri-clinics will be encouraged to carry standard seeds, fertilizers, agricultural information to the farmers. They will be the carrier of the public programs to the farmers. Extension system will forge relationship with agri-clinics for creating synergy of the extension efforts. The expert services of the agri-clinics will be gainfully utilized in conducting training/demonstration and their services will be treated at par with the services of agriculture scientists. To make the program of agri-clinics viable for the banking sector and to make them more attractive for agriculture graduates convergence of all programs will be created there. They will get preference in allocation of seed/fertilizer shops, outsourcing of block level soil labs, etc. Krishi Vigyan Kendras will continue to receive prime attention in view of their utility as centre of excellence in spreading agricultural knowledge to the rural masses. They will also be encouraged to cater to post harvest handling of the agricultural products and develop entrepreneurial skill among the rural youth. The KVKs will function in FIVE MISSION

MODE, viz. on honey bee, seed production including seed villages, conservation agriculture, integrated farming and vermi-compost. Extension reforms will receive attention through Agriculture Technology Management Agency. ATMA will be established in all the districts of Bihar. The objective of convergence, farming system, group extension approach and increased use of ICT in agricultural extension will be pursued. Sustainability of the agriculture extension will also be explored. Public-private partnership in agriculture extension will be encouraged. Effort will be made to bring every farmer into the ambit of agriculture technology training in 5-year period. The strategy will be to reach information, technology and services to the farmers in the quickest possible time. The emphasis of ICT will be more on developing application software and providing useful services to the farmers in the villages. Farmer useful services will be integrated with information and non-agricultural services and emphasis will be laid on one point solution to the farmers problems. Use of quality Seed. Seed is the most critical input in modern agriculture. It is the carrier of the modern technology. There is an apparent need to step up investment in both public & private sector .The prevailing seed replacement rate which is less than 10% in case of rice and wheat cannot sustain higher productivity growth rate. Therefore the objective of the seed production programme involve increase the seed replacement rate, promotion of hybrid seeds and crop varieties, which are new and adapted to the agro-climatic conditions of the state. Seed production on Government farms will be revived. Bihar Rajya Beej Nigam will be encouraged to undertake seed multiplication for recently released public sector varieties to make them timely available to the farmers at reasonable cost. Pusa Seed Society will be encouraged to improve supply of quality seed to the farmers. While the seed production under public sector will be revived, seed production through farmers direct participation under seed-village program will be the corner stone of the strategy during 11th plan. Bihar Rajya Beej Nigam and Pusa Seed Society will be encouraged to buy-back seeds produced under seed village and provide processing & marketing support. Private seed companies will be encouraged to ensure availability of latest technology to the farmers and also to ensure fair competition with public sector seed companies for the benefit of the farmers. Marketing and Processing. Any target for production can be achieved only if the farmers get proper price for their produce. Hence the success of this agriculture development strategy is dependent upon taking appropriate measures in the fields of marketing and processing. Agriculture marketing has been in the public domain with explicit limitations. Therefore the Agriculture produce market committee act has been abolished. Private sector and cooperative sector will be encouraged to establish market, enter into buy-back arrangement and purchase directly from the farmers. Contract farming will be encouraged, particularly for fruits and vegetables. The expansion of market facilities and better realization to the farmers will be the core of the market reforms. Farmers will be organized along the enterprises to establish economy of scale and to act as collective voice to safeguard their interest. This will include excursions into processing and marketing centres of excellence in the country, formation of farmer interest group and federating them at the various levels. Co-operative marketing shall be encouraged in the area of fruits and vegetables on lines of milk or dairy. Efforts will be made to make farmers aware of

the market demand of the agricultural commodities Extension will be made market oriented and efforts shall be made to make crop planning market oriented. Agriculture market information regarding price, arrival will be widely disseminated. Market yards and rural hats will be let to farmer groups for organized marketing in the state. Private sector participation in the development of modern and specialty market will be encouraged. Terminal market will be established in strategic locations. Risk management. Agriculture is prone to natural disasters, particularly flood in north Bihar and drought in south Bihar. Risk of natural disasters will be minimized through use of appropriate crop technology and extending crop insurance to all farmers. Insurance cover will be extended to horticultural and cash crops. Seed bank will be maintained to quickly restore supply of seed material. Human resource will be developed to quickly react and restore normalcy in case of a natural disaster. Seasons : Cold weather season (December to February), Hot weather season (March to May), Southwest monsoon (June to September) and Retreating southwest monsoon - October to November. Soil : There are three major types of soil in Bihar i.e. Piedmont Swamp Soil - found in northwestern part of West Champaran district. Terai Soil - found in northern part of the state along the border of Nepal. Gangetic Alluvium - the plain of Bihar is covered by gangetic alluvium (both new as well as old). Fertile Land : The topography of Bihar can be easily described as a fertile alluvial plain occupying the Gangetic Valley. The plain extends from the foothills of the Himalayas in the north to a few miles south of the river Ganges as it flows through the State from the west to the east. Rich farmland and lush orchards extend throughout the state. Following are the major crops: Paddy, Wheat, Lentils, Sugarcane, Jute (hemp, related to the marijuana plant, but a source of tough fibers and "gunny bags"). Also, cane grows wild in the marshes of West Champaran. The principal fruits are: Mangoes, Banana, Guava and Litchis. This is one the very few areas outside China which produces litchi.

Tourism Policy of Bihar State Tourism Policy Rich in its historical traditions and ancient splendor, the culturally rich Bihar has derived its name from "Vihar". It was called the land of "Viharas" for its having a good number of recreational sites where people enjoyed activities in serene surroundings by the side of ponds and lakes. Endowed with a rich cultural and religious heritage, Bihar was a seat of power of the vast and powerful Magadh Empire, whose might had checked further onslaught of Alexander the Great. Bihar was cradle of civilization and nerve centre of religious activities of Hindu, Boudh, Jain, Sikh and Islam.

It has seen rise and fall of prosperous empires. This is a land of ancient universities of Nalanda and Vikramshila, the seat of higher learning, which spread knowledge far and wide through its students coming from different countries of the world. In this backdrop, Bihar has much to offer and showcase for promotion and development of tourism. The remnants of the two ancient universities, Nalanda and Vikramshila, the antiques and artifacts forming a treasure trove of Bihar's ancient heritage are already attracting tourists. Bihar promises development of tourism to its optimum level. It has the sacred Ganga river as its lifeline and a huge water mass in form of many rivers and rivulets in North Bihar, the Gandak, Kosi and many more and the vitally important Son river which forms the lifeline in South Bihar. Bihar is surrounded by West Bengal in the East, Jharkhand in the South, Uttar Pradesh in the West and it has the international boundary in the North with Nepal. Bihar was a seat of power of the magnificent Magadh Empire from 6th and 5th century BC when its great ruler, Ajatshatru, reined from its capital at Rajgriha (modern Rajgir). Later, in the Fourth century BC the Mauryan ruler and great warrior Emperor Ashoka wielded a vastly extended Magadh empire from its capital Pataliputra, the modern Patna. Ashoka turned to Buddhism and had woven well the unity and peace in a sublime thread of love, piety, harmony and sacrifice. Ashoka's edicts and pillars across Bihar and other parts of the country are the living examples of Bihar's rich cultural traditions and credentials attracting tourists including scores of Buddhists from across the world. The great Gupta Empire of Magadh kingdom reined by the Gupta rulers from ancient Pataliputra had enriched art and culture heritage of the country in the 4th and 5th Century AD. The Pal rulers ruled here till 1197 AD. Bihar also mattered in the reins of the Muslim rulers from 12th to 17th centuries. A soil rich with cerebral power of fearless Biharis had much to offer in freedom struggle against British colonial rule. It even figured in the world politics of struggle against colonial powers when Mahatma Gandhi on his return from South Africa experimented Satyagrah first time in Champaran, which is famous as the karmabhoomi of Bapu against the exploitative Neel (Indigo) farmers of British origin. It has also the Ashokas installed pillar with Lion capital that has braved more than two millennia raising its head in all its splendors. With its rich heritage of antiques, artifacts, historical facts and figures going into its favour, Bihar is a blend of beautiful and bountiful nature, natural resources, the vital sparkling pure water, important archaeological finds, and rich culture. It has been attracting domestic and foreign tourists from the ancient times. The Travelogues of the Chinese travelers Huen Tsang and Fa-Hien describe historical splendor of Bihar which offers much to tourists irrespective of their age and class. Herein, lies the history of the young prince of Nepal, Siddharth, transforming into Lord Buddha by getting enlightenment through sheer penance at Bodh Gaya under the sacred Bodhi tree which is attracting the Buddhists tourists for ages from across the world. Bihar has 22 Nirvan Sthals of 24 Jain Tirthankars attracting the people following the Jain religion. Development of these tourist's sites has been undertaken on a large scale to promote religious tourism.

Tourism has established itself as 'smokeless' industry in the world and its role in the socioeconomic development of a country is well established. Bihar government has also given tourism the status of industry and development works in this pursuit have been undertaken. After division of Bihar many tourism destinations went geographically into the fold of Jharkhand state. Now Bihar needs afresh.Its new distinct Tourism Policy to be planned in a manner to promote tourism industry as a vital part of the vibrant economic activities of the state. 1. Commercial Importance of Tourism: The world tourism industry accounts for direct employment to over 144 million persons and manifold indirect employment. For the present, however, India has 0.4 per cent share of world tourism. International tourism industry has 10.2 per cent share of the global GDP with 10.6 per cent of the global work force being engaged in tourism. In India tourism and travel sector generate employment to 9.3 million people with optimism of raising this to 12.9 million jobs to the people by 2010. This will mean the tourism industry providing job to one person out of 15 people by 2010 in the country. Every rupee spent by a tourist in the state changes hands thirteen times. Every hotel room generates direct employment to three persons and indirect employment opportunities to eight persons. 2. Role of State Government: As a catalyst. As promoter, facilitator and infrastructure provider. As pioneer, planner and joint investor with private groups to boost tourism. As formulator of plans and policies. Maintenance of law and order. Deploying tourist police force. Disposing grievances. Standardizing quality of tourism product and services. Enacting suitable laws for tourism. Framing Rules and Regulations for tourism development. 3. Timely execution of policies, qualitative improvement and up gradation of comprehensive master plan of the state with a focus on regional, sub-regional areas and tourist circuits etc. External assistance. Central assistance. State Government Assistance. Private Sector investment for a planned tourism development and creation of infrastructure. 4. Basic Infrastructure for Tourism: Keeping in view a great potential of tourism in Bihar, the creation of basic infrastructure for tourism development is imperative. Important components for infrastructural development are-- Arranging accommodation for increased number of tourists, building of highways on tourist circuits, international level airports

with total aviation back up and facilities, local transport, rail routes linking tourist spots with full amenities and facilities, the vital telecommunication link, continuous quality electricity supply with elaborate arrangements, and other essential amenities. Religious circuits for the Boudh, Jain, Hindu, Sikh, and Islam religions are to be developed with special work plans to promote religious tourism making the religious circuits attractive with suitable tour packages and facilities. Hindu, Boudh, Jain, Ramayan, Sufi, Gandhi and Eco tourism have to find profound expression in development of tourist sites and spots. The state government as well as the private sector shall contribute their mite in growth of tourism infrastructure with the state playing the lead role of a catalytic agent in some sectors. The state will endeavour to promote private sector participation in infrastructural development for the tourism industry. Efforts will be made to dovetail external assistance, central assistance and state plan resources with private investments to attain the set goals as under the Master Plan. The state government will prepare an area-based Master Plan for developing infrastructure as necessary for the respective areas and regions. Potential of the tourist destinations will figure in developing the tourism sector as per the Master Plan. The Master Plan will evolve Investment Plan for segment wise (area wise) tourism development. The investment plan would be further subdivided into annual action plans to achieve the set growth targets as per the directed goals under the Master Plan to be achieved in a time bound manner. New areas to be brought under pursuit of tourism development are water tourism, health tourism, Ayurvedic medicine, Yoga, Spiritual tourism, tourism entailing courageous feats, promotion of Shilp Gram (Crafts Village) and development of recreational facilities to attract tourists. Tourism entails multi-sectoral activities with participation of several agencies. Efforts will be made to coordinate the agencies participating in the tourism development endeavor by evolving suitable administrative mechanism. 5. Accommodation: Accommodation is crucial component of tourism as it entails catering to different categories of tourists whose expenditure limits may be quite low to very high. This makes arranging for differentiated accommodations from economy class in big halls and dormitories to five star hotels and resorts. Such basic accommodations in different tourist destinations would be augmented. The state will endeavor to promote private investments in hospitality (hotel) industry on a major scale while restricting itself to invest only in the areas where there is slim possibility of private investments. 6. Heritage Hotels: The state government would encourage establishment of Heritage Hotel movement in Bihar by identifying heritage buildings and mansions to convert them to Heritage Hotels in order to provide quality accommodation to tourists. This would save the precious heritage buildings and mansions from getting

dilapidated with their quality face uplift and strengthening during conversion to Heritage Hotels. 7. Paying Guest Scheme: The state government will explore and develop the possibilities for launching paying guest scheme by identifying and registering the houses, house owners and families interested in this stream of tourism development. Good facilities to attract the tourists would be the hallmark of this scheme. 8. Way side facility (Hospitality Resource Creation on Highways): Way side facility is an important part of tourism. In this vein, comfortable rest houses fitted with basic amenities on highways flanks, alongside the fuel filling stations (petrol pumps), would be created with public and private investments. 9. Land: In view of the constraints in availability of land for tourism infrastructure development, the department of tourism would in conjunction with revenue department and the local district administration simplify the rules and regulations for land allotment in order to create tourism infrastructure. 10. Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation: Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation plays an important role in development of tourism. It is currently involved in providing accommodation, transportation, food and package tour arrangements. It has the facility of online bookings for package tours and travels, which is to be augmented. Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation, monitored by its parent tourism department, would act as the nodal executing agency of the state government. The private-public partnership for tourism infrastructure development would be managed by the tourism department. 11. Investment in Core Structure of Tourism: Investments available through financial institutions will be promoted and encouraged. Proposals will be sent to the Tourism Financial Corporation of India for investment in tourism through the state government and the NRIs. A special cell will be opened to facilitate loan and the needed guidance to the entrepreneurs seeking involvement in tourism development. 12. Joint Investment with Private Sector: Private sector would be invited by the government to enter into joint venture to develop many important places whose tourism potential had not yet been tapped. The state government would lay down Rules and Regulations for such joint ventures. 13. Tourism as Industry: Regulations would be framed for developing tourism industry and the way to facilitate assistance to the entrepreneurs who endeavor to promote it. All facilities and incentives available for industry will apply to investment in industry sector. 14. Road Transport: With road transport being the nerve line of tourism, the construction of roads, their proper maintenance and availability of vehicles for the tourists would be given due priority. Besides, packaging of tour programme on the inter-state and

intra-state bus routes interlinking the tourism spots and coordination among tour operators in this regard would be done with a focused approach. 15. Providing Air Taxi and Helicopter Services: The state government shall endeavour to provide air taxi and helicopter facilities to the valued tourists. On the basis of demand creation the state government would try to link important tourist places through air taxi and helicopter services. 16. Fair and Festivals: Keeping in with the tradition of organising the cultural and religious fair and festivals, the state government would integrate these to tourism . For this the department of tourism would identify the potential tourist spots where fair and festivals form the part of cultural life and develop such sites for a scheduled package tours and travels timing well during fair and festivals. 17. Tourist Information Centres: Tourist information centres of the state government would be modernized well equipped with the modern information and communication technology (ICT)computer, fax, internet, email etc. This would provide abundance of information to the tourists regarding tourist places, hotel bookings, transport facilities and the likes. 18. Development of Handicraft and Cottage Industry: Tourism development is interlinked with the development of handicraft and cottage industry. The state government would exploit this potential for which establishment of Shilp Gram (Craft villages), handicrafts market near the tourist place is in the agenda for tourism development. 19. Weekend Tourism: Developing tourists spots with an aim to attracting tourists from the neighbouring states would require a good amount of investment for creating shopping malls, eating outlets, theme parks and entertainment centres. 20. Tourism with Wildlife: Tourism linked with wildlife has a lot of potential for attracting domestic and foreign tourists. In order to promote wildlife tourism the state would develop wildlife sanctuaries, crocodile parks, snake parks, theme parks, children parks, monument parks, tourist house and restaurants. 21. Guides: The government would select the right people, well behaved, educated and trained with good manners, good communication skills on the posts of guide and grant them licenses for being posted at different tourist spots. A versatile, pragmatic guide with a deft a approach in communicating the contents of tourist spots has to play a vital role in promotion of tourism. The state government would be looking forward to select such guides to brand a distinct style of tourism to put Bihar on international map of tourist destinations. 22. Domestic Tourism: While developing tourism to attract foreign tourists the importance of domestic tourism has to be placed in the mind. Domestic tourists abound in the country moving tourism destinations and religious places in different states across the country. Efforts are to be made to attract the domestic tourists to Bihar in a big way and to facilitate their arrivals with accommodations and tour packages.

23. Regional Tourism/Cooperation with Neighbouring States: Elaborate arrangements in coordination with tourism development corporations of the neighbouring states has to be done to tap the unlimited potential of tourism within the region. Effective coordination in utilizing the tourism inputs of the states within the region and elaborate arrangement for inter-state movement of tourists would be the hallmark in promoting regional tourism. 24. Development of Light and Sound System: Effective light and sound system for entertaining tourists would be developed at the tourist sites including the historical sites. 25. Development of Aqua Tourism: With a vast expanse of natural water originating in form of rivers coming down from Nepal and the sacred Ganga river and a wide Son river, Bihar has a wide scope for developing aqua tourism and river sports. Arrangements of floating restaurants and river cruises through motor launches and motor boats are the highlights of developing tourism in Bihar where in ancient times the "Viharas" played this crucial role of tourism. In the state capital, Patna, aqua tourism is on the anvil. 26. 20 years Master Plan: The department is formulating a 20 years Master Plan with a future projection for development of tourism in the state. The Master Plan is to envisage selection of tourist sites in all the districts of the state for their development. 27. The state would entail construction of suitable accommodation for the pilgrims at the respective religious destinations. 28. Arrangements of safe journey and accommodation for the non-resident tourists. The state will make elaborate arrangements to draw the attention of a large number of domestic and foreign tourists. 29. Tourism Council would be constituted under the aegis of respective district administrations under the DMs. 30. Specialised education-cum-training for human resource development related to tourism would form an essential component of tourism development. 31. Acceptance of suggestions from different religious communities would be made for their inclusion in the plan for development of tourism. 32. The objectives are to construct multi cultural complexes, involvement of local population in tourism industry, exposition of folk art forms and culture to create awareness among people in order to develop tourism. Peoples participation in tourism development using educative materials and other tools is to be encouraged. 33. Conservation of Historical and Cultural Heritages: The government would ensure encouraging private sector participation in maintenance of historical and cultural heritages with an aim to promote tourism. For this cooperation of the central department of archaeology, religious trusts, municipalities, and municipal corporations would be sought. Besides, the voluntary rganizations and NGOs can also do this job on stipulated terms and conditions. For this the government will constitute a technical committee comprising renowned historians, archaeologists and engineers. The private sector or voluntary organsations would manage such heritages (sites) in order to ensure awareness of heritage tourism.

34. Awareness of Tourism: Tourism provide economic dimension to the development of the state. With this point of view seminars, quiz competitions, drawing competitions, exhibitions and display of films on tourism are to be rganized . Tourism literature would be provided to participating children to mark their awakening in this respect. Besides, inclusion of the contents of tourism literature in curricula of schools and colleges would be mooted to bring this in the education system. Educational tourism at school and college levels would be promoted for which tour programmes of the students would be packaged. Stress will be on opening tourism and hotel management institutes to involve youths in tourism and that way solving their unemployment problems. 35. Development of Eatables: In pursuit of tourism development popular eatables of international and local levels have an important role to play. Bihar boasts of a variety of recipes and fruits that give a unique character to Bihar. Recipes such as Khaja, Lai, Belgrami, salted recipes such as litti-chokha, pickles, sauces, papad, sattu, and Makhana preparations give such uniqueness to the state. Fruits including mango, litchi, and banana are available in abudance with their known qualities and distinct varieties. The government would promote establishment of food chains to make available such recipes at tourist places to enable the domestic and foreign tourists relish such dishes. 36. Training: Personnel allied to tourism will be given suitable training to ensure care and comforts of the tourists. 37. Publicity and Extension: Publicity and extension has to play an important role to disseminate information about the tourist places across the world. For this tourism department participates in national and international exhibitions with expositions of its tourist sites. For the promotion and extension of Bihar tourism advertisements are published in newspapers and magazines. For important tourism features the help of electronic media will also be taken. 38. Rural Tourism: In the coming years the rural tourism will take its shape playing an important role. As a majority of people live in villages in Bihar the linking of the villages to tourism development will encourage the tourists to enjoy the country life. A move in this direction would generate rural employment linked to tourism. The department will take all possible measures to promote rural tourism adding a new dimension in dotting the state with rural tourist spots. 39. The people of Bihari origin from across the world and in other parts of the country would be extended the opportunity under a special scheme to contribute their mite in development of tourism in the state. 40. A standardised brand of Bihar tourism has to be popularized at national and international levels.