Are you interested in visiting places in Bihar that aren’t often on the popular tourist map? Bhagalpur is where history, spiritual life, ancient temples, and wonderful nature come together in a city that gets less attention. Better known as the “Silk City,” Bhagalpur offers beautiful sarees and also interesting heritage attractions. We’re looking closely at the top sightseeing spots in Bhagalpur, including ancient universities, carved temples, a dolphin sanctuary, and sites featuring intricate driftwood (yep, that’s true). If you’re into history, religion, or new travel experiences, Bhagalpur has much to offer. Here are some of the must-visit sightseeing places in Bhagalpur.
Natural Attractions (Top Sightseeing Places In Bhagalpur)
1. Mandar Hill (Mandar Parvat)
Located in Bounsi village in Banka, Bihar, Mandar Hill is a hill including a shrine that is regarded by Hindus with deep religious significance. As per Hindu tales, the Mandarachal Parvat was the object used in the ocean’s churning for the nectar that grants eternal life. Remarkable markings on the hill arise from the serpent Vasuki, who was pulled during the churning. The sacred Paapharni Pond is central, surrounded by Lord Vishnu’s temple and a temple for Goddess Lakshmi.  Jains visit this place because they believe here, on Mandar Hill, the 12th Tirthankara Vasupujya obtained enlightenment and freedom, and today there is a Jain temple on top of the hill remembering him. Old sculptures and impressive temples remain, showing the region’s spiritual history.
- Location: Banka District, near Bhagalpur, Bihar
2. Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary
Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary is located at Bhagalpur, Bihar, and is the only sanctuary in India that solely focuses on the preservation of the endangered Gangetic river dolphin. This sanctuary was built in 1991 and it covers a 60-kilometer part of the Ganges River (from Sultanganj to Kahalgaon). This sanctuary holds two-thirds of the surviving population of Gangetic dolphins in India, which shows its importance as a conservation area. Along with dolphins, the sanctuary also hosts a variety of other species including: otters, gharials, freshwater turtles,256 species of fish and and more than a hundred species of water birds. Tourists can observe dolphins along with the other wildlife from October to June.
- Location: Stretching from Sultanganj to Kahalgaon, Bhagalpur District, Bihar
3. Bateshwar Hills (Top Sightseeing Places In Bhagalpur)
Located in the eastern state of Bihar, Bateshwar Hills near Bhagalpur is a serene hill sculpted with ancient rock-cut caves and temples, which serve as critical pieces of Hindu and Buddhist architectural history. These hills, ideal for short hikes, provide ample opportunity to explore nature’s tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The breathtaking views from the top make it perfect for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike!
- Location: Near Kahalgaon, Bhagalpur District, Bihar
Historical & Cultural Sites (Top Sightseeing Places In Bhagalpur)
4. Vikramshila University Ruins (8th Century by King Dharmapala)
The ruins of Vikramshila University, present just outside Bhagalpur in Bihar, are the remnants of one of the foremost Buddhist universities in India. It was a polymathic center of learning that surpassed even Nalanda University during its prime, attracting monks, teachers, and intellectuals from all over the continent. Currently, the ruins of the monastery, the stupa, and the exquisitely detailed carvings stand as one of the many mesmerizing testimonies of India’s history, showcasing its educational and spiritual endeavors alongside its medieval splendor.
- Location: Antichak Village, Kahalgaon Block, Bhagalpur, Bihar
5. Colganj Rock Cut Temples
The Colganj Rock Cut Temples are some of the most picturesque caves located on outstanding sandstone cliffs, situated around Bhagalpur. These temples, which date back many centuries, are a rare blend of sculpture of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain deities and are one of the very few interfaith archaeological sites in India.
If you are into sacred art or old architecture and enjoy practical archaeology, this is the perfect destination for you. This place certainly offers a combination of spiritual enlightenment alongside stunning views.
- Location: Near Sultanganj, Bhagalpur District, Bihar
6. Bhagalpur Museum
Inaugurated on November 11, 1976, the Bhagalpur Museum, located within the historic Sandish Compound – a colonial-era estate metamorphosed into a civic hub – serves as a reminder of the cultural development of Bihar. It houses numerous artifacts that chronicle the vibrant history of the region alongside its rich artistic heritage.
- Location: Near Sandish Compound, Bhagalpur, Bihar
7. Rabindra Bhawan (Top Sightseeing Places In Bhagalpur)
Rabindra Bhawan, previously called Tilha Kothi or Cleveland House, is an ancient building of archeological significance that is located inside the Tilka Manjhi Bhagalpur University (TMBU) campus, in the city of Bhagalpur, Bihar. The mansion was built in 1779 as the residence of British collector Augustus Cleveland. It later transformed into a prominent landmark when Nobel prize winner Rabindranath Tagore visited the site in 1910 and is believed to have composed parts of Gitanjali here. Today, most residents of Bhagalpur perceive and revere this site as a symbol of architecture infused with Tagore’s artistry of lyrical beauty.
- Location: Bhagalpur, Bihar
Temples And Spiritual Sites (Top Sightseeing Places In Bhagalpur)
8. Ajgaivinath Temple
Ajgaivinath Temple, an older Hindu temple set aside for lord shiva, mounted on Sultanganjs, bank of the Ganges in Bhagalpur, is particularly famous for its naturally occurring shaft (Swayambhu) Shiva Lingam. This site is of extreme devotion, and the temple’s mellow ambiance attracts people from far and wide. Sahravani Mela is a unique one of interest when people from all over the country come to slay the vibrant problems of their life and shining tides of divinity, gather eternal bliss during the shining presence of the supreme in the form of Ganges water consorting to the dew of sages. The site in its totality is a wonder in itself, the terrific, enchanting legacy of shrines combined with breathtaking surrealism.
- Location: Sultanganj, Bhagalpur District, Bihar
9. Budhanath Temple (Top Sightseeing Places In Bhagalpur)
Bihar’s Budhanath Temple is one of the oldest temples of Shiva in the state of Bihar, with some estimates suggesting that it’s over a thousand years old. Devotees from far and wide especially visit during Mahashivaratri as the temple is famous for the towering Shiva lingam, which is a sight to behold in the serene atmosphere that envelops the shrines. This temple is a perfect example of the mix of ancient beliefs and the calming ambience of the Ganges River.
- Location: Jogsar, Adampur, Bhagalpur, Bihar
10. Champapur Digambar Jain Mandir
Chapampur Digambar Jain Mandir is a famous Jain Tirth where the 12th Tirthankara, Vasupujya, lived; his life comprised five magnificent events which occurred in this Tirth. The place is of spiritual and historical significance to Jain culture as it has ancient temples, historical pillars, and a colossal temple of Lord Vasupujya.
- Location: Champa Nagar, Bhagalpur, Bihar
11. Khanqah-e-Shahbazia (Visited by Aurangzeb)
The Khanqah of Shahbazia, a Sufi shrine situated in the region of Bhagalpur in Bihar, was built in 1577. The shrine is dedicated to Maulana Shahbaz and includes a mosque, madrasa, dargah (tomb), and a pond which is believed to possess healing capabilities. The premises also contain a library with existence-defying manuscripts in Arabic and Persian dating back centuries. It is also popular for the silence it offers away from the Bhagalpur Railway Station. Moreover, the Khanqah contains relics of great historic importance.
- Location: Khanqah Chowk, Bhagalpur, Bihar
12. Maharshi Mehi Ashram (Kuppaghat)
Maharshi Mehi Ashram is located in Kuppaghat, next to the Ganges in Bhagalpur, Bihar. This was a meditation spot for Maharshi Mehi Paramhans. Known for his teachings of Sant Mat, Maharshi Mehi spent 18 months meditating here and considers it sacred. The ashram has beautiful gardens, ancient caves, and sculptures from the Ramayana. Many devotees visit during Guru Purnima and Maharshi Mehi’s birth anniversary. The place is famous as the headquarters of Akhil Bharatiya Santmat Satsang. People who meditate in nature find this ashram to be peaceful.
Quickies
- Location: Kuppaghat, Bhagalpur, Bihar
