Vaishali is a small village boasts of an impressive historical past. The excavations in the region have brought out several historic structures related to Lord Buddha, Mauryan King Ashoka and Lord Mahavira as well. Lord Buddha used to visit Vaishali frequently, where as the Jain Tirthankar, Lord Mahavira born on the outskirts of Vaishali and lived here till he was 22 years old. According to historic records Vaishali is the place where one of the world’s first democratic republics was flourishing in the 6th century B.C. with an elected assembly of representatives. Vaishali was also the centre for trade and industry, while Pataliputra, the capital of the Mauryas and the Guptas, held political activities over the Gangetic plain. Moreover, Vaishali remained an important pilgrimage centre for both Buddhists and Jains during the ancient period. Now Vaishali attracts large number of tourists and historians who foraging for the past.
HOW TO REACH
By Air :-
Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Airport in Patna (65 kms) is the nearest airport from Vaishali. Flights are available from Patna to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Lucknow, Ranchi and other important cities of India. Private taxis and cars are available from the airport.
By Train :-
Nearest railhead is Hazipur (35 kms), Mazaffarpur is another railhead which is 40 kms away. Patna Junction (60 kms) is nearest major railhead which is served by several trains from important places of India.
By Road :-
State Highways and National Highway connect Vaishali with Muzaffarpur (35 Kms), Hazipur (35 Kms) and Patna (56 Kms). From Patan you may also take a day trip to Vaishali.
WHAT TO SEE
Buddha Stupa – I :-
Buddha Stupa – I is the place where one eighth of the sacred ashes of the Lord Buddha had been enshrined in a stone casket. Presently, the exterior of this stupa is in a dilapidated condition and has a plain surface.
Budha Stupa – II :-
Buddha Stupa – II is located close to the Stupa – 1. Excavation of the site in 1958 led to the discovery of another casket of Lord Buddha’s ashes.
Bawan Pokhar Temple :-
Bowan Pokhar Temple is an old temple built in the Pala period. Situated on the northern bank of Bawan Pokhar the temple enshrines the beautiful images of a number of Hindu gods.
Abhishek Pushkarn :-
Abhishek Pushkarn or Coronation tank contains the water that was believed to be sacred in the old days. Close to Abhishek Pushkarn, the Lichchavi Stupa was located. Abhishek Pushkarn is also the site where the stone casket of the sacred ashes of Lord Buddha were enshrined.
Vishwa Shanti Stupa (World Peace Pagoda) :-
Built by Buddha Vihar society, the Shanti Stupa lies on the south bank of the coronation tank.
Raja Vishal Ka Garh :-
Raja Vishal Ka Garh is said to be the ancient parliament house. There is a huge mound with a circumference of about one kilometer and the walls are nearly 2 metre high with 43 mts wide moat around them. It is said that more than seven thousand representatives of the federal assembly gathered at this place to legislate and discuss the day-to-day problems.
Vaishali Museum :-
A place of tourist interest, Vaishali Museum houses some of the archaeological remains discovered here.
SHOPPING:-
Local Handicrafts, Stone Sculptures and Madhubani Paintings.Main Shopping Center for Vaishali is Patna. At Maurya Lok Complex, Near Dak Bunglow Crossing, Bailey Road, Patna.
FOOD:-
There are several small and medium sized Restaurants in Hajipur and other parts of Vaishali districts in Bihar.