Vaishali

India City: Vaishali
	Population : 25,000 Languages : Hindi, Vajjika, Maithili, & English Best time to visit : October to March STD Code : 06225 Vaishali is situated in the eastern India in Bihar, around 55 km off Patna. Vaishali, an important place for both the Buddhists and Jains, is well connected to other important cities in Bihar by road. The best season to visit this place is winter i.e. October to March. Kolhua is the first place to start exploring Vaishali. There is a huge iron pillar beside a brick stupa here, believed to be constructed by King Ashoka. The pillar was constructed to commemorate the last sermon of the Buddha here. Near the pillar are ruins of a monastery and a large tank where the Buddha used to reside during his stay here. The Vaishali Museum is a great place for the those interested in archeology. The museum houses an array of remains discovered at the various sites in Vaishali. Close to the museum is a circular tin shed covering the remnants of the stupa, which once housed the Buddha's funeral ashes. At one side of the museum is the Abhishek Pushkarani or the coronation tank of the Lichchavi's. A little distance away is Raja Vishal Ka Garh, an excavated site believed to be the remains of the ancient parliament house where the federal assembly of the Lichchavi government gathered to discuss and regulate the ancient republic. The Bawan Pokhar Temple, was built during the Pala period, and stands on the bank of a tank called Bawan Pokhar and enshrines beautiful images of several Hindu gods. Vaishali is also famous for Vishwa Shanti Stupa (pillar of peace), one of the newest additions to this important site. Built on the south bank of the coronation tank, it is one of the highest in the world and has been built in collaboration with the Japanese government. Madhubani, around 100 km from Vaishali, is famous for its paintings by the same name and can be reached easily by road. Nearby cities such as Rajgir, Nalanda, and Bodhgaya are very important sites to explore if one has an interest in Buddhism and the culture and society during those days. Kundupur, 4 kms away from Vaishali is the birthplace of Lord Mahavira. There are moderate accommodation options available in Vaishali. It is better to stay in Patna and venture out for Vaishali early in the morning. By Air The nearest airport from Vaishali is Patna, 55 km away. One can take flights for Delhi , Calcutta, Kathmandu, Varanasi, and Lucknow from there. By Rail The nearest railhead is Hajipur, 35 km, which is well connected to major cities of India like Delhi , Calcutta, Mumbai, Chennai, and Varanasi by regular trains. By Road Roads are the most suitable means to reach Vaishali. There are regular buses for Patna and other cities of North Bihar from Vaishali. Tourist coaches with guides are also available from Patna for a tour of Vaishali. Distances of some important cities of Bihar from Vaishali are Patna 55 km, Hajipur 35 km, Muzaffarpur 37 km, Bodhgaya 163 km, Rajgir 145 km, and Nalanda 140 km.