Patna to Nalanda Complete Travel Guide 2026
Planning a trip from Patna to Nalanda? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the 95km journey. Watch the interactive route animation above to visualize your journey, then explore detailed information about travel options, costs, attractions along the way, and insider tips to make your trip memorable.
analytics Travel Comparison: Patna to Nalanda
| Mode | Duration | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| directions_car Private Car | 2h 30m | ₹907 Fuel & Tolls |
| train Train | 12h – 16h | ₹117 – ₹325 |
| bus Bus | 12h – 16h | ₹150 – ₹1,049 |
How to Travel: Patna to Nalanda
Compare different travel modes to find the best option for your budget, schedule, and preferences.
By Car
Flexibility, scenic stops, family trips
By Train
Comfort, scenic views, budget-friendly
By Bus
Budget travel, multiple stops
lightbulb Our Recommendation
For this 95km journey, driving is your best option. The 2h 30m drive gives you flexibility to stop at attractions along the way and explore at your own pace.
Before You Leave Patna
Fuel up with these authentic local dishes before hitting the road:
Local Specialties
- local_dining Litti Chokha - a traditional Bihari dish made of wheat and sattu, served with mashed potatoes and eggplant (try at roadside stalls)
- local_dining Sattu Paratha - a flatbread stuffed with sattu (ground gram flour) (try at local restaurants)
- local_dining Khaja - a sweet pastry made of layered dough and soaked in sugar syrup (try at sweet shops)
Bansi Vihar • Frazer Road
Worth Stopping: Cities Along Your Route
These cities are within 50km of your Patna to Nalanda route and offer excellent attractions worth a brief detour:
Arrah
Top Attractions in Nalanda: What to See and Do
Once you arrive in Nalanda, explore these must-visit attractions that showcase the best of the city:
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Nalanda Archaeological Site
⏱ 3-4 hours • 💰 ₹40 (Indians), ₹600 (foreigners) • 🕐 09:00-17:00 dailyThe Nalanda Archaeological Site encompasses the ruins of the ancient university. It showcases the remnants of classrooms, dormitories, temples, and stupas.
Best Time to Visit: Morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat.
💡 Insider Tip: Visit the site early in the morning to avoid the crowds and the heat, especially during peak season.
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Nalanda Archaeological Museum
⏱ 1-2 hours • 💰 ₹20 (Indians), ₹300 (foreigners) • 🕐 10:00-17:00 dailyThe Nalanda Archaeological Museum houses a collection of artifacts unearthed from the ruins. These include sculptures, pottery, seals, and other relics.
Best Time to Visit: Anytime during the day.
💡 Insider Tip: Read the descriptions carefully to appreciate the historical significance of each artifact.
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Hiuen Tsang Memorial Hall
⏱ 1 hour • 💰 ₹10 (Indians), ₹150 (foreigners) • 🕐 09:00-18:00 dailyThe Hiuen Tsang Memorial Hall commemorates the famous Chinese Buddhist monk who studied at Nalanda University. It features a museum and a library dedicated to his life and travels.
Best Time to Visit: Anytime during the day.
💡 Insider Tip: Spend some time in the library to browse through the collection of books related to Buddhism and Hiuen Tsang.
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Nava Nalanda Mahavihara
⏱ 2-3 hours • 💰 Free • 🕐 09:00-17:00 dailyNava Nalanda Mahavihara is a modern center for Buddhist studies. It aims to revive the ancient tradition of Nalanda University.
Best Time to Visit: Morning or afternoon.
💡 Insider Tip: Attend a lecture or workshop to engage with the scholars and students at the Mahavihara.
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Surya Mandir (Sun Temple)
⏱ 1 hour • 💰 Free • 🕐 Open 24 hoursThe Surya Mandir is an ancient temple dedicated to the Sun God. It is known for its unique architecture and religious significance.
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon.
💡 Insider Tip: Visit during sunrise or sunset for a particularly beautiful view of the temple.
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Black Buddha Temple
⏱ 30 minutes • 💰 Free • 🕐 Open 24 hoursThe Black Buddha Temple features a large black stone statue of Buddha. It is a relatively new temple, but has become a significant landmark.
Best Time to Visit: Anytime.
💡 Insider Tip: Take a moment for quiet reflection in front of the statue.
Where to Eat in Nalanda: Local Cuisine Guide
Must-Try Dishes in Nalanda
Don't leave Nalanda without tasting these local specialties:
- Litti Chokha - A traditional Bihari dish made of wheat balls stuffed with roasted gram flour and served with mashed vegetables (try at local dhabas).
- Sattu Paratha - A flatbread stuffed with roasted gram flour (sattu) and spices (try at local restaurants).
- Khaja - A sweet pastry made of layered dough and soaked in sugar syrup (available at sweet shops).
- Dal Puri - A deep-fried bread stuffed with lentil paste (try at local street vendors).
Recommended Restaurants in Nalanda
Restaurant at Indo Hokke Hotel
Indian, Chinese • ₹₹ (₹600-800 for two)
Specialty: Indian Thali
A decent restaurant with a variety of options. The atmosphere is simple, and the food is reasonably priced.
📍 Near Nalanda University
Local Dhaba
Bihari • ₹ (₹200-400 for two)
Specialty: Litti Chokha
A basic eatery serving traditional Bihari dishes. It's a great place to try local flavors at affordable prices.
📍 Nalanda Town
Annapurna Restaurant
Indian • ₹₹ (₹500-700 for two)
Specialty: Vegetarian Thali
A popular restaurant serving vegetarian dishes. The quality is good, and the service is efficient.
📍 Rajgir
Green Restaurant
Indian • ₹₹ (₹500-700 for two)
Specialty: Chicken Curry
A good place for non-vegetarian food. The atmosphere is casual, and the food is tasty.
📍 Rajgir
Where to Stay in Nalanda: Accommodation Options
Budget Hotels (₹500-1500/night)
Hotel Nalanda Regency
Price: ₹800-1200/night
Location: Near Nalanda University Ruins
Simple and clean rooms with basic amenities. Offers good value for money.
Gautam Hotel
Price: ₹600-1000/night
Location: Nalanda Town
A basic hotel with essential facilities. Suitable for budget travelers.
Mid-Range Hotels (₹2000-5000/night)
Indo Hokke Hotel
Price: ₹2000-3000/night
Location: Near Nalanda University
Comfortable rooms with modern amenities. Offers a restaurant and other facilities.
Hotel Samrat International
Price: ₹1500-2500/night
Location: Rajgir (nearby)
Decent rooms, good service, and a convenient location. It is a good base for exploring nearby attractions.
Luxury Hotels (₹8000+/night)
Hotel Mamta International
Price: ₹3500+/night
Location: Rajgir (nearby)
Well-appointed rooms with luxurious amenities. Offers a swimming pool, spa, and multiple dining options.
The Rajgir Residency
Price: ₹4000+/night
Location: Rajgir (nearby)
Elegant rooms, excellent service, and a serene atmosphere. It provides a luxurious and relaxing stay.
Best Time to Travel from Patna to Nalanda
Plan your trip according to the season for the best experience in Nalanda:
Best Time: October to March
Temperature: 15-30 degrees C
Weather: The weather is pleasant and dry, making it ideal for exploring the ruins. The skies are generally clear, offering good visibility.
Why Visit: This is the best time to visit as the weather is conducive to walking around the extensive ruins. The mild temperatures make it comfortable to spend hours exploring the site. It is also the peak tourist season, so the site is lively.
Important Note: Expect larger crowds and higher prices for accommodation. Booking accommodations and transportation in advance is recommended.
Shoulder Season: July to September
Temperature: 30-35 degrees C
Weather: The monsoon season brings heavy rainfall and high humidity. While the rains can be refreshing, they can also disrupt travel plans.
Why Visit: The landscape turns lush green, and the ruins have a unique charm in the rain. There will be fewer tourists, offering a more peaceful experience.
Important Note: Outdoor exploration can be challenging due to the rain. Some areas of the ruins may be waterlogged.
Avoid: April to June
Temperature: 35-45 degrees C
Weather: This is the peak of summer, with scorching heat and dry winds. Exploring the ruins under the blazing sun can be extremely uncomfortable.
Why Visit: Avoid visiting during this period due to the intense heat. The high temperatures make it difficult to explore the site comfortably, and there is a risk of heatstroke. The ruins offer little shade.
Important Note: If you must visit, carry plenty of water, wear light clothing, and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.
Practical Travel Tips for Nalanda
💰 Money & Budget
Daily Budget: Budget: ₹1000, Mid: ₹2500, Luxury: ₹5000+
ATMs: Available in Nalanda and Rajgir
Payment Methods: Cash is preferred for small transactions. Cards are accepted at larger hotels and restaurants.
Bargaining: Expected in local markets and for auto-rickshaw fares
🏥 Health & Safety
Water: Drink bottled water or filtered water. Avoid tap water.
Food Safety: Eat at reputable restaurants or dhabas. Be cautious about street food.
Common Health Issues: Carry insect repellent, sunscreen, and basic medications. Consult a doctor before traveling if you have any health concerns.
📱 Communication
SIM Cards: Available from Airtel, Vodafone, and Jio. Requires ID and address proof.
WiFi Availability: Available at some hotels and restaurants
👕 What to Wear
Wear light and comfortable clothing, especially during the summer months. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
Frequently Asked Questions: Patna to Nalanda
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