BIHAR -- How Dangerous ?

I was looking forward to a couple of events and a little sightseeing in Bihar, when the person I'm supposed to meet there said she keeps hearing how dangerous it is there -- and now she's afraid to go.

Does anyone know what's going on there? And should I really not go? I wasn't planning to go there alone -- and probably can find another companion, if necessary, but would like some real details (instead of frightened imagination) of what it's like.

Hi Wonderwoman...
I wouldn't advise going to Bihar. Bihar is the poorest and most violent and least civic state of india...there is nothing much to do there...except in the capital...patna...so no point going there.

Yup Bihar is no place for a newbie to go ... plus nothing much to see there.

Bihar is very poor and wretched and the Nepalis never had a good word to say about them. But still, we don't travel in India for comfort and safety, do we? Patna? A dump and a cheap flight to KTM. I was in Bihar 27 times last year because I was birdwatching on the border of Nepal and Bihar so we had to cross the roads loads of times. The road was the border

So, it sounds like a lot of apprehension and no actual "bad place" experience from any of you.

I'm no newbie to India. I was in Bihar some 30 years ago and didn't experience any trouble -- even on a night-time ricksha ride to Bodh Gaya.

WWUSA

If you haven't already read it, then the first chapter of William Dalrymple's "Age of Kali" gives a good background to what is happening in Bihar. I too travelled in Bihar in the 60's but have only passed through on a train since.

The state gets a bad press in India, mainly because of the caste wars that are going on. There is regular slaughter between high caste landlords and low caste peasants and many places don't seem to be under the control of the police after dark. Tourists have been targeted and robbed by political factions or just plain criminals on the way to Bodh Gaya after dark so leave your jewellry somewhere safe if you're thinking of making this journey

Our friend Colin on this forum was there early this year so he should be able to give you some info.

I'm not aware of any real violence against foreign tourists but it's worth checking the Indian press for any recent incidents.

If you do visit please let us know how you found things as Bihar is a bit of a "black hole" on this website.

Good travelling!

If you read news papare you cann't able to go anywhere. I am also afraid to visit USA. lol
let me know what are the palces you like to cover in Bihar?

Ah, the black hole of Bihar, eh? What a challenge!

Actually, I have been planning to go to the Sonepur Mela and then to Bodh Gaya, which the gal I'll be travelling with hasn't seen. There may be a couple of other places on the way, if all this comes off, but if she craps out on me, I have an alternative direction to go.

Both places are Ok. But don't travel in the night from Bodhgaya to Nalanda Or Nalanda To Patna( Better to travel in Morning) . Lot of Tourist are visisting Bodhgaya- Nalanda- Patna to Vaishali- Srabasti - Lumbini. Sorry no place of Raja and Maharaja

I was sick when I have been in Varanasi last August, otherwise my plan was to go to Bodhgaya. Maybe better to go at daytime from Gaya to Bodhgaya (Bandit area between)

Is there any sort of particular reason to go or is it a dare..

Hey .... only do things that give pleasure..

There is a particular reason I want to go there -- I'm too old to be doing things on a dare.

wonder woman,
as you long as you do not get involved in local politics, you should be ok. Try to stay as much away from local goons, it's beetter.
Other than that, it's a normal state. There is no reason, I believe, why you should be afraid to go there.
Everyday people you see on street are very normal, not very politically inclined, but scared of local politicians. Probably they are more friendly than the other Indians.
Unless you are very young, in scanty clothes, provocating, I don't see any problem for you.
Enjoy your visit.

Sounds like it shouldn't be a problem then, since I'm no longer young and wear lotsa clothing!

not anymore. safe and sound.