A visit to the three lakes with the experience of the Pandavas’ stay, Mahavira’s nirvana and Buddha’s presence –
Bihar Sharif:Â
In our busy routine, we rarely get the opportunity to walk with nature. If we get to see the glorious history and spiritual heritage along with it, then the journey becomes worthwhile. The three lakes of Nalanda will fill you with such feelings. These are Pandu Pokhar located in Rajgir, the lake spread around the water temple of Pawapuri, and the lake of Ghodhakatora, an eco-tourism spot. You can enjoy the thrill of boating in the pond under the huge statue of Maharaja Pandu in Rajgir. It is believed that during the Mahabharata period, Maharaja Pandu stayed here with his five sons. Seeing the play of fishes and the wild birds swimming on the surface of the lake spread around the water temple in Pawapuri, all the storms going on in your mind will disappear and you will experience peace. When you reach the lake surrounded by hills after travelling by e-rickshaw on the six km all-weather road along the mountain ranges in Rajgir, you will suddenly feel like dancing. You will find a Buddha statue in meditation posture in the middle of the lake.
It will give you the experience of infinite peace and the greenery all around will make you see the magnificent form of nature. Buddha used to come here during his stay in Rajgir. It is believed that among these hills, the Magadh emperor Jarasandh kept the kings defeated in the war captive. They were freed by Shri Krishna. Right behind the hills spread around Ghodhakatora Lake is Shri Krishna Charan Mandir. The local people have deep faith in it. A grand festival is organized here on Janmashtami.
The journey to Ghodhakatora Lake is quite exciting. Only e-rickshaws are available for a fare of Rs. 100 to reach here from near the ropeway going to Vishwa Shanti Stupa situated on Ratnagiri hill. Being an eco-friendly area
Entry of vehicles running on petroleum products is prohibited. You can enjoy boating in the lake with a paddle boat. There is a fixed fee for this. A 70-foot-high statue of Lord Buddha is installed in the middle of the lake.
If you want to enjoy water sports and stay in a tent, then come to Pandu Pokhar:
 If you want to enjoy water sports, adventure, entertainment, and stay, then come straight to Pandu Pokhar. You will be stunned to see the open bricks architecture. First of all, you will find a ticket counter from where you will be given a white band to enter inside. The fee is Rs. 120 from Monday to Friday, while on Saturday and Sunday, you will have to spend Rs. 150 (per person). If you want to tie a yellow band, then you will have to pay Rs. 350 for other days and Rs. 400 for Saturdays, in which you can enjoy indoor and outdoor games to your heart’s content. For the green band, you will have to pay Rs. 160 for other days and Rs. 200 on Saturday and Sunday, in which you can enjoy boating. For the silver band, you will have to spend Rs. 400 on other days and Rs. 500 on Saturday and Sunday. Here – Zorbing capsule, double paddle, horse – riding and special boating facilities are available. If you want to stay in the park itself then it is fully equipped
There is a tent house. You will have to spend five thousand to five and a half thousand rupees, in which all the activities of the park are free.
The lake is full of lotus flowers:
Pawapuri Jal Mandir is located 16 km from Bihar Sharif, the district headquarters of Nalanda. In season, Pawapuri Jal Mandir is full of lotus flowers. Fishes are frolicking below while on the surface there is a kingdom of duck-like forest hens. People do not forget to feed mud to these aquatic creatures. It is here that the 24th Tirthankar of Jainism, Lord Mahavir Swami, attained nirvana on Kartik Amavasya. This place is a major pilgrimage place for Jains.
How to reach Rajgir and Pawapuri:Â
Rajgir and Pawapuri are 100 km away from the capital Patna. The season from November to January is the best time to visit here. Bus and train services can reach Rajgir and Bihar Sharif from Patna and Gaya. Hotels and Dharamshalas are available for every income group for a stay in Rajgir, Bihar Sharif, and Pawapuri.
Internal Link – Bihartour
