Nalanda is a famous destination for Buddhist followers. It is the most renowned university from ancient times. Nalanda derived its name from Na-alam-da which means Insatiable in giving. Lord Buddha was also called by the same name.
Nalanda University was established in 5th century and it served the learning purpose till 12th century AD. Lord Mahavira and Lord Buddha taught here for many years. It was later destroyed by Bakhtiar Khilji. There is a monument in Nalanda which is built in honour of Huan Tsang, the great Chinese traveller who studied here in 7th century AD. He came to Nalanda University for learning logics, meta-physics, medicine and mathematics.
Nalanda University served free education and home facility to around 10,000 students and 2000 teachers. Nalanda University featured its own library ‘Ratna Sagar’. The library is said to contain around nine million volumes. The destruction of Buddhist education is attributed mostly to the demolition of Nalanda University in India.
The Archaeological Survey of India is the care taker of Nalanda museum which is situated across the roads. The Nalanda museum features some antique and exquisite variety of Bronze of 9th and 10th century. The famous and brilliantly constructed Thai Temple and Nava Nalanda Maha Vihara are located 2 Kms from the main site.
Nalanda is well connected from adjacent cities. The nearest airport is just 99 Kms away in Patna. The nearest railway station in Bhaktiyarpur is just 38 Kms away from the main site and connects Delhi-Howrah mainline. The well-maintained highways are a great mode of transportation in Nalanda.
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