Places to visit

Kawar Lake

Kawar lake

This is the state's most important natural wetland. Situated some 20 km north of Begusarai town on the Begusarai-Garhpura road, the lake is a state government-notified bird sanctuary spread over an area of 63 sq km which has a dense forest cover. Every winter during November-March, the lake plays host to thousands of migratory birds of over 100 species. Some of them are of rare variety, hailing from as far as the central Asian and Himalayan regions. A bliss for bird watchers, the spot has been a favorite for noted ornithologists, including Salim Ali.

Jaimangalagarh 

Situated against the pictures background of Kawar Lake, Jaimangalagarh has the history of being an important centre of administration, art and culture during the Pala period. Archaeological explorations have revealed that it was an important Buddhist centre. Here's also an ancient temple where people worship Goddess Sarvamangala and organise a fair every Tuesday and Saturday. There's also a small government guest house here.

Naulaga

Situated about 20 km north of Begusarai town on the Begusarai-Birpur road, Naulagarh is another important historical and archaeological site. It was an important centre of art, culture and administration during the Pala period. There are evidences of continued history of the place since as early as the Mauryan period.

Barauni Refinery Ecological Park Barauni refinery park

Situated 8 km west of Begusarai town near the Barauni Refinery, the park has been developed by the Barauni Refinery. The green cover given to a wide area is a major ecological relief in this industrial belt. The park, which extends support to aquatic and animal life, is also the winter destination of a large number of migratory birds.

HERITAGE

Harsai Stupas

Situated near Jaimangalagarh is a cluster of four stupas, explored only recently by archaeologists. Preliminary studies indicate these stupas date back to the post-Gupta period and belong to Hinayana sect of Buddhism. The Archaeological Survey of India has shown willingness for their preservation as an important historical momonument.

Radhe Shyam Temple

Situated 5 km west of Begusarai town on National Highway 31 at a place called Ulao, this temple is more than a century old and is embellished with exquisite murals of rich Rajasthani Shekhawati Art of painting. The theme of the paintings is based on the Ramayana, the Mahabharata and other Hindu epics. Panch Mandir Barauni Refinery Panch Mandir, another temple situated in close proximity to the Radhe Shyam Temple, is replete with Pala-era statues of various gods and goddesses and other artifacts of the same period. The Shivalinga in the temple also belongs to the Pala period. Museums The KP Jayaswal Radha Krishna Chaudhary Memorial Archaeological Museum, situated on the local G D College premises, has on display many statues and artifacts found during various archaeological excavations. There's also a Government Museum at Lohia Nagar. Son of The Soil Famous Hindi poet, Rashtrakavi Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, belonged to Simaria village in the district. There's a bust of the poet installed in the village to commemorate his contributions to the Hindi literature. The Dinkar Jayanti Samaroh Samiti, of which the Begusarai district magistrate is the ex-officio head, organises a Dinkar anniversary function at the Dinkar Bhawan in Begusarai town every year on September 23. Literary doyens of Hindi from across the country attend the function at which two Hindi litterateurs are feted. Fairs & Festivals Simaria bridge The month-long Simaria Mela, organised on the bank of river Ganga at Simaria Ghat during October-November every year, draws thousands of devotees from Bhutan and Nepal. The devotees stay in thatched houses and take a dip in the river as there's a widespread belief that a dip in the Ganga during the period washes all sins. The atmosphere becomes supremely religious during the period, and the festivities end with Chhath festival.