Established in 1971, the Nalanda archeological museum is situated in front of the ruins of the famous ancient learning centre of Nalanda. The archaeological museum of Nalanda(Bihar) possesses the treasures of Buddhism in the form of stuffs related to the Buddha. The museum has a rare and beautiful collection of Buddha's bronze statues, copper plates, manuscripts, stone inscriptions, pottery, coins and images of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. With two terra cotta jars or pots (1st century CE) standing just behind the museum, the place also owns unique samples of burnt rice, which dates back to the 12th century CE. The museum remains closed on Fridays, while on other days the visitors are allowed to view the museum from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.


Nalanda
Nalanda, which literally means, 'insatiable in giving'(A name of the Buddha) is a major Buddhist pilgrimage. Nalanda, situated 93 Kilometers southeast of Patna, the capital of Bihar, is famous for the ancient learning centre of the monastic university. Established in the 5th century BCE, the university was the pillar of Buddhism in India, and its fall in the 12th century CE brought the decline of Buddhism in India.


Other Atttractions
Besides the Nalanda archaeological museum, there are several centres of attraction in Nalanda such as the ruins of Nalanda monastic university, Nava Nalanda Mahavihara and Huein Tsang memorial hall.

• The Monastic University Complex : The ruins of the Nalanda monastic university, which is under the supervision of the Archaeological Survey of India, reminds us of the ancient Indian leadership in literature, vedas, logic, grammar, medicine, meta-physics, religion, art, architecture and sculpture throughout the world. Scattered around an area of 14 hectares, the complex has huge gardens, temples (Lord Buddha's), bronze statues and red-brick edifices all around. It is believed that the monastic university could easily accommodate 10,000 students and 2,000 teachers, who followed the code of conducts made for them.
  
  
• Nava Nalanda Mahavihara : Established in 1951, the Nava Nalanda Mahaviharais the new International Buddhist study centre, which also offers research works on the ancient Pali language and Buddhism.

Located in the southern Bihar, Nalanda is an easily accessible place. The nearest airport is in Patna, 93 kilometers from Nalanda. The Patna airport entertains both domestic and international flights. From Patna, one can take either road or rail route to reach Nalanda.

The nearest railway station from Nalanda is Bakhtiyarpur, 38 kilometers away, though the loop lines also connects Nalanda and Bakhtiyarpur. Lastly, if one wants to opt for the road route, Well maintained Highways connect Nalanda to Patna, BodhGaya and other major tourist places.


The best time to visit this place is from October to March.