ANCIENT SITE OF VIKRAMSHILA MONASTERY
Antichak, Bhagalpur, Bihar, India
Vikramshila was once an important centre for Buddhist studies in the country, during the reign of the Pali Dynasty. It is one of the two main and centres for Buddhist learning in the Magadha and Bengal region, the other being the famous Nalanda. Excavation by the Archaeological Survey of India resulted in the revelation of a large monastery, a stupa and a library apart from other smaller stupas. The university was destroyed when in 1193 when Lakshman Sena, the last Hindu king of Bengal, was vanquished by Bakhtiyar Khilji. According to legend, Khilji forces mistook the university for a fortress and burned it down.
The site was forgotten for centuries, until one Lakshmikanta Mishra discovered bricks and structures in a mound at Antichak Village. After he had sent some bricks to Patna University for analysis, the archaeological department of the university, along with the ASI, began excavating the site between 1960 and 1969. The ASI conducted another excavation, unearthing a large square monastery with a cruciform stupa at its centre. The archaeological site is now spread across about 100 acres.
Suggested time duration
4 Hours
Crowded Period
Weekend
Best Season To Visit
November to April
Do's & Dont's
- Do not enter restricted zone, which is meant for your safety.
- Do not consume liquor.
Architecture
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Timings
| Day | Start Time | End Time | Adult Entry Fee | Child Entry Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Days | 10:00 AM | 05:00 PM | 10 | 5 |
- Foreigner Adult Fee : 100
Transport Connections
| Name | Distance | Contact Number |
|---|---|---|
 Kahalgaon Bus Stand |
12 KM | 18004253266 |
 Bikramshila Railway Station |
5 KM | 139 |
 Bagdogra Airport |
280 KM | 03532698431 |
What to Carry
- Carry Water Bottle and Snacks
Suitable For
Adults
Elderly
Children
Infants
Facilities
Toilets
Restaurants
Parking
Parking is Available for 10 Cars
Nearest Town
| Town Name | Distance |
|---|---|
| Bhagalpur | 19 KM |
Nearest Temples
AJGAIVINATH TEMPLE
Ajgaivinath Shiva temple has been constructed on a rock
Nearest Attractions
MuseumBHAGALPUR MUSEUM
It houses statues of deities,artworks,coins and sculptures
User Reviews
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