Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra has publicly declared Bihar a significant 'tourism gold mine,' emphasizing the state's extraordinary historical and cultural heritage. His remarks came after encountering a video of Rajgir, which sparked his interest in the region's ancient history, Buddhist connections, and modern attractions.
Mahindra noted on X (formerly Twitter) that while he was vaguely aware of Rajgir, he had never considered it a primary tourist destination until his recent exploration. He described this deeper dive into Bihar's past as a 'rewarding exploration,' prompting a broader reflection on the state's untapped potential.
Rajgir: Ancient Capital, Modern Attractions
Rajgir, the ancient capital of Magadha over 2,500 years ago, holds immense historical significance, having hosted both Gautama Buddha and Mahavira. Mahindra highlighted its impressive past, including a 40-kilometer-long stone wall built without mortar. Today, Rajgir blends history with modern tourism, featuring a spectacular glass skywalk, ropeways, and ancient monuments nestled within forested hills. It has emerged as a destination for adventure and leisure, offering a Nature Safari and Zoo Safari alongside its historical sites.
Bihar's Rich Historical Tapestry
Mahindra's reflections extended beyond Rajgir to other pivotal sites across Bihar, underscoring an 'incredible concentration of history and heritage' within the state:
- Bodh Gaya: The sacred site where Buddha attained enlightenment, home to the UNESCO-listed Mahabodhi Temple.
- Nalanda: Once one of the ancient world’s greatest centers of learning, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring extensive ruins.
- Vaishali: Associated with one of the earliest republican systems of government and significant Buddhist and Jain heritage.
- Pataliputra (modern-day Patna): The capital of Emperor Ashoka’s Mauryan Empire, now hosting attractions like Takht Sri Patna Sahib, Golghar, and the Bihar Museum.
Despite this wealth of attractions, Mahindra questioned why Bihar receives relatively little attention as a mainstream tourist destination outside its established pilgrimage circuits.
Growing Tourism and Global Recognition
Bihar's tourism sector has seen substantial growth, recording approximately 6.62 crore tourist visits in 2025, including over 7.44 lakh foreign visitors. This positive trend is bolstered by recent international recognition for the state's cultural institutions.
Weeks prior to his Rajgir comments, Mahindra celebrated the Bihar Museum in Patna for securing ninth place globally and first in Asia in Worth a Journey's 2026 ranking of the World's 100 Best Museums. The museum notably surpassed institutions like the Louvre, demonstrating Bihar's rising cultural prominence and its potential to redefine the museum experience in India.
Mahindra concluded that his discovery of Rajgir served as a potent reminder of the vast, unexplored heritage within India, suggesting that Bihar is poised for a tourism boom.