Vaishali Travel

Vaishali, sacred to both Buddhists and Jains is located in the eastern Indian state of Bihar. Vaishali's distance from capital city Patna is 55 kms. It is believed by the local population that Vaishali is named after King Vishal, a ruler of the place during Ramayana days. Vaishali is the birthplace of Lord Mahavira, the last Tirthankara of Jainism. Lord Buddha had delivered his last sermons at Vaishali and announced his Mahaprayan. 100 years after the death of Lord Buddha, the second great Buddhist council was also held at the place. Vaishali still preserves some of the ancient monuments related to Buddhism and Jainism.

Best Season to Visit : November-April

Sightseeing at Vaishali -
Ashokan Pillar : The Lion Pillar of the place built by Emperor Ashoka is famous all over India. It is made of a single piece of red sandstone and the pillar is capped by a high bell shaped capital. There is a life-size figure of lion at the very top of the pillar.

Raja Vishal ka Garh : This ancient fort is in ruins now. The fort had a huge platform with a circumference of about one kilometre and walls about 2 metres high. Local people associate this ancient fort with the Ramayana period.

Coronation Tank : The coronation tank is an excavated site believed to be the ancient parliament house of the Lichchavi government. It is interesting to note that water of the tank was used to anoint the selected representatives during Lichchavi rule.

Vishwa Shanti Stupa : The Vishwa Shanti Stupa or pillar of peace is one of the newest additions to Vaishali. The stupa is one of the highest in the world and has been built in collaboration with the Japanese government.

The Bawan Pokhar temple and some Buddhist stupas of the place are also worth a visit.

Reaching Vaishali -
Air : Loknayak Jai Prakash International Airport of Patna is the nearest airport at a distance of 55 kms.
Rail : The nearest railhead is Hajipur at a distance of 35 kms.
Road : Regular buses are available to Vaishali from Patna and other major towns of Bihar.

STD/ISD Codes -
if dialing from India to Vaishali : 06225(number)
if dialing from outside India to Vaishali : + 916225(number)

Shopping in Vaishali -
A place of religious significance, Vaishali has nothing much to offer in terms of modern day items. Local crafts and looms can be purchased by tourists. But it is worth mentionable here that Madhubani, a place 100 kms ahead of Vaishali, is famous for paintings.