Vaishali Tour Vaishali has an important link with Buddha and Buddhism. Here, only he stayed for five years after awakening and gave many of the sermons, including his last sermon announcing his Mahaparinirvana. Here, for the first time, women were ordained into the Sangha. Gautam's foster mother, Mahaprajapati Gautami had also joined the order with other 500 Sakya-women.
Also, here the Second Buddhist council was convened by King Kalasoka, making it an important place of Buddhist faith. Emperor Ashoka also contributed to its Buddhist heritage by erecting one of the best-preserved Ashokan Pillar topped by a single Asiatic lion.
Located amidst paddy fields 55km north of Patna, the village of Vaishali was the kingdom of Visala, visited by Buddha four times during his lifetime. A small but well-presented archeological museum here offers a perfect glimpse to the ancient Buddhist world. A short walk from here takes a tourist to the stupa where the ashes of the Buddha were found in a silver urn. .
Tourist Attractions in Vaishali :Ashokan Pillar - The magnificent Ashokan pillar with a lion sitting on the inverted lotus is a definitely a crowd-puller. This 18.3 m high pillar is made of a single red sandstone block and is a contribution of Emperor Ashoka, illustrating the rich Buddhist heritage of Vaishali.
Vishal Garh - Vishal Garh is the center of the world’s oldest democracy or mahajanapada. This is characterized by a one kilometer long fort complex that also had a parliament that makes it truly, ahead of its times.
Museum - The museum here features a rich collection of antiquities excavated from various sites in Vaishali.
Bawan Pokhar Temple - An old Pala temple in Vaishali, this revered shrine features beautiful images of Hindu Gods.
Excursion Tour Package from Vaishali
Rajgir - Located near Vaishali, Rajgir is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site Buddha preached many sermons atop the Griddhakuta peak. Also, here the first Buddhist Council was hosted after Lord Buddha’s Nirvana.
Patna - Patna 55 kms away from Vaishali tour was earlier known as Pataliputra, the capital of Magadha Empire. Also, this was the place where the Third Buddhist council was held.
Kesariya Stupa - Kesaputta during the time of Buddha was the site where he preached many enlightening sermons. The site is not characterized by the presence of the 104-ft stupa, making it the largest in the world. Originally a 123 ft high stupa, it was worn out due to massive earthquake that pushed it into the earth. It is also said that the Lord had spent a night before his Nirvana in Kesaria.
How to reach Vaishali Air - The nearest airport is Patna which is 56 km from the city.
Rail - Hajipur is the nearest Railway Station.
Road - Regular bus services connect the city with Patna and other cities of Bihar.
