The Bihar government is undertaking a significant initiative to redevelop the state's prominent religious and cultural tourism sites. Under this initiative, Bodh Gaya-Gaya and Rajgir-Nalanda will be developed as twin cities, modeled after Cuttack-Bhubaneswar in Odisha.
Patna: The Bihar government is embarking on a new initiative to firmly establish the state's spiritual and historical sites on the global tourism map. A plan to develop Bodh Gaya-Gaya and Rajgir-Nalanda as twin cities has been finalized. This model, based on Cuttack-Bhubaneswar in Odisha, aims to facilitate seamless travel for domestic and international tourists visiting both cities in a single trip.
The Tourism Department has selected a specialist agency to prepare a master plan for this project. Development efforts have begun with Bodh Gaya and Gaya. This involves enhancing infrastructure, tourist amenities, and connecting cultural heritage and religious sites to improve the overall tourist experience.
Bodh Gaya-Gaya: A Confluence of Meditation, Spirituality, and Culture
The plan includes connecting prominent religious sites like the Vishnupad Temple in Gaya and the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya through a corridor. This corridor will be developed along the lines of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple Corridor, providing devotees with better amenities and a more spiritual experience. Furthermore, a 'Kalagram' (arts village) will be established in Bodh Gaya. This cultural village will not only provide a platform for local artists and artisans but also introduce tourists to Bihar's vibrant art and culture.
A meditation and experience center will also be established in Bodh Gaya, focusing on Buddhism. This center is being developed under the central government's Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme at a cost of approximately ₹165 crore.
Gaya Gharana and Magadh Cuisine to be Showcased
To revitalize Gaya's musical heritage, performances by the 'Gaya Gharana' will be promoted. Food courts dedicated to traditional Magadh cuisine will also be established, allowing tourists to savor Bihar's authentic culinary heritage. To further enhance tourism appeal, replicas of the seven wonders of the world will be constructed in Silaonja, near Bodh Gaya. This project will cost approximately ₹14.85 crore and is expected to be particularly attractive to young people and children.
Rajgir and Nalanda will also be developed under the twin city concept. Nalanda's ancient university symbolizes knowledge and research, while Rajgir is renowned for its natural hot springs and its association with Buddha. These two locations will be connected through improved roads, transportation, and shared tourism facilities.
