Best months
Per-day budget
₹650–1,050/day
Getting there
Nalanda is a village in Bihar, 95 km from Patna, known for the ruins of Nalanda University — one of the oldest residential universities in the world (5th century CE). The university attracted 10,000+ students and 2,000 teachers from across Asia, including Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang) from China. The archaeological site has monasteries, temples, stupas and classrooms spread over 14 hectares. The Nalanda Museum has artifacts from the excavation. The Xuanzang Memorial Hall is a modern Chinese-built museum. Nalanda was destroyed by Bakhtiyar Khilji in 1193 CE. The area is well-connected to major Indian cities by road, rail and air. The destination offers a mix of experiences that cater to all kinds of travellers, from solo backpackers to small groups. The local culture and traditions are a highlight of any visit.
Plan your trip to Nalanda Travel Guide
Search and compare prices — we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Flights
Hotels & Hostels
Trains
Search train routes, schedules and fares across India.
Buses
Compare bus operators, schedules and prices.
Why go
The Nalanda University ruins are the main attraction — the excavated site has 11 monasteries (viharas), 8 temples and a great stupa (Sariputta Stupa). The buildings are made of red brick with cells, assembly halls, meditation chambers and a large library. The site gives a sense of the scale and grandeur of the ancient university. The Nalanda Museum (within the complex) has statues, seals and copper plates from the 5th-12th centuries.
The Sariputta Stupa is dedicated to Sariputta, one of Buddha's chief disciples. The Xuanzang Memorial (3 km from the ruins) is a Chinese-style temple built in honour of the Chinese pilgrim who studied at Nalanda. The Nalanda New University (a modern institution) is a UNESCO project. The Surajpur Baoli is a stepwell from the Nalanda period.
How to reach
Nalanda is 95 km from Patna (2.5 hours by road). The nearest railway station is Rajgir (12 km) or Bihar Sharif (15 km). Buses from Patna (₹100-150) and Rajgir (₹20-30) connect. The nearest airport is Patna (95 km).
What a day costs
| Budget hotel | ₹400–700 |
| Food (thali) | ₹100–150 |
| Site entry (Indian) | ₹50–50 |
| Bus from Patna | ₹100–150 |
When to go
October to March is best. November-February is pleasant. July-September is monsoon — the ruins are green but the area can get muddy. April-June is hot.
Suggested itinerary
Day 1: Nalanda Ruins
Arrive from Patna. Visit the Nalanda University ruins (2-3 hours). Visit the Nalanda Museum. Visit the Xuanzang Memorial. Return to Patna.
Student hacks
- ▸Nalanda entry is ₹50 for Indians — a UNESCO World Heritage Site at a budget price.
- ▸Bus from Patna to Nalanda costs ₹100-150 — the cheapest option.
- ▸Nalanda can be combined with Rajgir (12 km) for a day trip from Patna.
- ▸Carry water and snacks — limited options at the site.
- ▸The Nalanda Museum (₹10-20) has the original artifacts from the excavation.
- ▸Visit early morning (7 AM) — fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.
Safety & permits
No permit needed. Entry fee ₹50 for Indians. Open sunrise to sunset. Guides available (₹500-1,000) but a guidebook suffices. ATMs available in Bihar Sharif town.
FAQs
How do I reach Nalanda from Delhi?
Train to Patna (8-10 hours, sleeper class ₹300-500) then bus to Nalanda (2.5 hours, ₹100-150).
What is Nalanda known for?
The ruins of the ancient Nalanda University — the world's oldest residential university.
How many days do I need?
1 day — a day trip from Patna or combined with Rajgir.