The ancient ruins of Vikramshila University in Bhagalpur, Bihar, are a testament to the historical significance of educational institutions in India. Once a prestigious centre of learning during the Pala dynasty, Vikramshila University was established by King Dharmapala in the late 8th or early 9th century AD. It functioned both as a monastery and a university, specializing in Tantric teachings and was home to more than a thousand scholars and an extensive library.
The ruins of Vikramshila gained recognition as a tourist destination after the site was excavated in the 1960s. Before its excavation, it was largely unknown to the general public and travelers. Post-discovery, the Bihar State Government, alongside Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), worked on conserving and promoting Vikramshila as a heritage site. With the rise in interest in Buddhist circuit tours, Vikramshila found its way onto the itineraries of history enthusiasts and international tourists following the path of Buddhist learning and culture.
The Government of India has recently included the Vikramshila University ruins in its Buddhist Circuit Train's route, a sign of growing recognition of its importance. This has led to increased infrastructure development and promotional efforts to boost tourism. The inclusion in the circuit has renewed interest among Buddhists worldwide, as well as among education and history buffs.
The latest trends in tourism at the Vikramshila University ruins speak of a conscious effort towards sustainable tourism. Today, efforts are being made to develop the site while preserving its historical integrity. Eco-friendly amenities and informative guided tours have enhanced the visitor experience. Furthermore, digital outreach through virtual reality and augmented reality tools to showcase the ancient splendor of Vikramshila University is also being considered for those who cannot visit in person.
Tourists visiting Vikramshila can explore various structures within the site, including the Main Stupa, a set of 108 subsidiary stupas, monk's cells, and a museum housing artifacts found during excavations. The center for Buddhist education illuminates the intellectual legacy of ancient India, and the architectural complexity of the ruins makes it a promising site for archaeological study.
Situated about 38 kilometers from Bhagalpur, the ruins are accessible by local transport services. The nearest airport is in Patna, and the closest railway station is in Bhagalpur itself, making it reasonably convenient for tourists to include Vikramshila in their travel plans.
