Nalanda Mahavihara, Bihar

Lying in an empty landscape, Nalanda historically formed one of the main sources for learning extensive Buddhist literature. As Asia's most famous university from 5th to 12th century AD, it attracted students and travellers from far and wide. Often graced by the presence of Buddha himself, Nalanda in its lifetime was a hub for scholars from around the world. As apparent in the writings of Chinese Buddhist monk, Hieun Tsang, who first visited the city in the 7th century, he described how the city's name was inspired by a serpent. This is also the birthplace of Sariputra, a follower of Lord Buddha. The traces of the past, the relics of Nalanda's ancient glory are kept preserved at Nalanda's Archaeological Museum, open from Saturday till Thursday, 9 am to 5 pm.