About Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation (BSTDC)

Established in 1980, the Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation (BSTDC) is an undertaking of the Government of Bihar. Its core mandate is to promote, develop, and facilitate tourism across the state. This involves developing tourist infrastructure, providing accommodation, transportation, and curating tour experiences.

Key Objectives of BSTDC:

• To develop and maintain tourist infrastructure such as hotels, resorts, tourist bungalows, and cafeterias.
• To provide reliable and comfortable transportation facilities for tourists.
• To design and promote various tour packages covering the diverse circuits of Bihar.
• To disseminate information about tourist destinations, festivals, and culture of Bihar.
• To attract both domestic and international tourists to the state.

Bihar holds immense significance for pilgrims of various faiths, particularly Buddhism, with sites like Bodhgaya, Rajgir, and Nalanda. BSTDC aims to make these and other historical and natural attractions accessible and enjoyable for visitors.

Services Offered by BSTDC

1. Accommodation (Hotels & Tourist Bungalows):

BSTDC operates a network of hotels and tourist bungalows at various key tourist destinations across Bihar, offering affordable and comfortable stay options. Some prominent properties include:

• Hotel Kautilya Vihar, Patna: A well-known hotel in the capital city.
• Hotel Buddha Vihar, Bodhgaya: Located near the Mahabodhi Temple.
• Hotel Tathagat Vihar, Rajgir: Offering stays in the historical and spiritual town.
• Hotel Vaishali Residency, Vaishali: For those visiting the ancient city.
• Other tourist bungalows/facilities in places like Muzaffarpur, Sasaram, Mohania, Saharsa, Purnea, etc.

These accommodations generally provide basic to comfortable amenities, and some may have in-house restaurants or cafes.

Booking Hotels: You can inquire about and book BSTDC properties by contacting them directly or checking their official website for online booking options, if available.

2. Transportation Services:

BSTDC provides various transport facilities to make sightseeing convenient for tourists:

• Tourist Coaches & Buses: For group tours and fixed-route services. For instance, they operate buses on routes like Patna to Ranchi. They also collaborate with services like redBus for online bus ticket bookings.
• Taxi and Car Rentals: Private taxis and cars (like Indigo, Dzire, Innova, Bolero, etc.) can be chartered for local sightseeing or outstation trips. They offer hourly, daily, and monthly rates.
• Special Buses for Tour Packages: Dedicated transportation is often part of their curated tour packages.
• Rajgir Ropeway: BSTDC also manages the ropeway service in Rajgir, providing access to the Vishwa Shanti Stupa. Online booking for the Rajgir Ropeway is often available through their portal.

Booking Transport: Details and booking options for prepaid taxis and charter services are available on the BSTDC website under the "Transport" section.

3. Tour Packages:

BSTDC designs and offers various tour packages to help tourists explore Bihar's diverse attractions. These packages often cover specific circuits:

• Buddhist Circuit: Covering key sites like Bodhgaya, Rajgir, Nalanda, Vaishali, and Kesariya, associated with Lord Buddha's life.
• Jain Circuit: Highlighting places significant to Jainism, such as Pawapuri and Kundalpur.
• Ramayana Circuit: Connecting places related to the epic Ramayana.
• Sikh Circuit: Focusing on sites sacred to Sikhism, including Patna Sahib (Guru Gobind Singh's birthplace).
• Sufi Circuit: Exploring important Sufi shrines.
• Gandhi Circuit: Related to Mahatma Gandhi's movements in Bihar.
• Eco Circuit: Showcasing Bihar's natural beauty, wildlife sanctuaries (like Valmiki Tiger Reserve), and eco-tourism spots.
• Shiv Shakti Circuit: Featuring prominent Hindu temples.
• Patna Darshan: Weekend tours covering key attractions in and around Patna.
• Rajgir Tour: Specific packages for Rajgir attractions like Venu Van, Nature Safari, Glass Bridge, and Zoo Safari.

These packages often include transportation, accommodation, and sometimes meals and guide services. You can check the "Tour Packages" section on the BSTDC website for current offerings.

4. Tourist Information Services:

BSTDC operates Tourist Information Centers (TICs) at various strategic locations (e.g., airports, railway stations, major tourist sites) to assist visitors with information, guidance, and bookings. They also provide useful maps and brochures.

5. Development & Promotion:

Beyond direct services, BSTDC is actively involved in:

• Identifying and developing new tourist spots.
• Upgrading existing infrastructure.
• Participating in national and international tourism fairs.
• Implementing marketing campaigns to promote Bihar as a tourist destination.
• Collaborating with private tour operators and hoteliers.

Key Tourist Destinations in Bihar Promoted by BSTDC

• Bodhgaya: UNESCO World Heritage site, where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. Home to the Mahabodhi Temple.
• Rajgir: Historical city with hot springs, Vishwa Shanti Stupa, Glass Bridge, Nature Safari, and ancient ruins.
• Nalanda: Ruins of the ancient Nalanda University, a renowned center of learning.
• Patna: Capital city, with attractions like Patna Museum, Buddha Smriti Park, Golghar, and Patna Sahib Gurudwara.
• Vaishali: Ancient city where Lord Buddha delivered his last sermon.
• Gaya: Major pilgrimage center for Hindus (Vishnupad Temple) and Buddhists.
• Pawapuri: Significant Jain pilgrimage site, where Lord Mahavira attained Nirvana.
• Sasaram: Known for the tomb of Sher Shah Suri.
• Valmiki Tiger Reserve: Bihar's only Tiger Reserve, offering eco-tourism and wildlife experiences.

How to Access BSTDC Services & Contact Them

• Official Website: The primary source for information on BSTDC services, hotels, transport, and tour packages is the official website of Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation.
  • Website: https://bstdc.bihar.gov.in/
  • You can also find information on the broader Bihar Tourism website, which is managed by the Department of Tourism: https://tourism.bihar.gov.in/
• Head Office:
  • Address: Paryatan Bhawan, Bir Chand Patel Path, Patna, Bihar, India. PIN Code - 800001.
  • Telephone: +91-612-2506219, 2222622
  • Fax: +91-612-2506218
  • Email: mdbstdc-bih@gov.in, contactbstdc@gmail.com
• Tourist Information Centers (TICs): Contact details for various TICs across Bihar and in major cities like Delhi and Kolkata are available on the BSTDC website's "Key Contacts" or "Tourist Information Centre" section.
• Social Media: BSTDC also maintains a presence on social media platforms for updates and promotions.

It is always recommended to check the official websites and contact numbers for the most current information, especially regarding booking availability, rates, and any changes in services.