Arrah

The name "Arrah" or "Ara" is derived from the Sanskrit word Aranya, which stands for "forest”. The term implies that the surrounding area of this city was once heavily forested. According to mythology, sage Vishwamitra, Rama's Guru, had his 'Ashram' somewhere in this region, and Rama killed the demon Taraka somewhere near Arrah. This city is nestled at a height of 192 metres above sea level on the banks of the gurgling Son River, the majestic Ganga River, and the beautiful Gangi River. There are numerous tourist sites in the city that deeply connect with Hindu mythology, making it a perfect spot to learn about Hindu culture and gain some knowledge about it. However, this city was known as Shahabad or the City of the King and Barbur coined this term in 1529 to mark his victory against the Afghans of Bihar.

This city was a part of the Bengal presidency during the British Raj. The city's soil is rich and mostly utilised for agriculture with little forest cover. Along with the historical and mythological tourist sites in the city, there are several famous restaurants in Arrah where you can satisfy your hunger and enjoy some delectable cuisines.

Arrah Overview

Best Time to Visit Arrah

This city is one of the most exciting tourist attractions of India due to the multiple tourist sites in the city. However, it cant be visited throughout the year due to the extreme weather in Arrah. The temperature dips down during the months of November to February, allowing you to explore the tourist sites in the city without any hassle. During this period, the temperature of tourist sites in the city ranges between 7 to 25 degrees Celsius. Moreover, the bus journey becomes a pleasant surprise for the travellers when Arrah temperature is favourable.

How to Reach the Places to Visit in Arrah

You can also reach the beautiful tourist sites in the city by flight. However, there are no direct flights available to this city. The famous Patna Airport is around 50 km away from this city and the Gaya Airport is approximately 90 km away.

You can also reach the tourist sites in the city via railway. About 150 trains pass through Ara Junction each day, and the city welcomes passengers from various stations including Ranchi and Kolkata.

Other than railways, a number of tourist sites in the city is easily accessible by car. You can enjoy a scenic road trip from nearby regions such as Jagdispur, Piro, and Behea to the tourist sites in the city. In fact, this city is about 53 km away from Patna by road. You can also board an AC or non-AC private bus or a government-run BSTDC bus for reaching the tourist sites in the city.

What are The Things to See and Do in Arrah

This city is a major tourist spot in Bihar due to its numerous attractions. Surrounded by swaying trees and stunning rivers, it is the perfect weekend getaway destination. In addition to a breathtaking landscape, the main tourist sites in the city include Bisram, Jagdishpur Fort, Ara House, Maharaja College, Aranya Devi Temple and Shiv Temple.

Places to Visit in Arrah

Jagdishpur Fort

This historical fort was formerly home to the great independence warrior Babu Veer Kunwar Singh. In front of the main entrance, a large statue of Babu Veer Kunwar Singh has been firmly anchored into the ground.

Bisram

Bisram is one of the most popular tourist sites in the city for followers of Jainism. It is believed that Lord Mahavira spent some time here resting. There is also an idol of the last Jain Tirthankar in the temple. It is one of the 45 temples located in this city.

Ara House

This city is home to the "Ara House" a building that has stood since the 1857 war. This building on the Maharaja College campus was where Veer Kunwar Singh held the British officers captive for seven days.

Maharaja College

On September 13, 1954, this college first welcomed members of the general public inside. This institution is one of the oldest in the region that is open to students of both sexes and is located in the southwestern part of Bihar.

Aranya Devi Temple

Aranya, the goddess of the forest, is celebrated at the Aranya Devi Temple, one of the most sacred tourist sites in the city. The god of the temple is said to grant the wishes of those who worship there.

Shiv Temple

The stunning Shiv Temple is one of the most divine tourist sites in the city for those who would like to spend a peaceful time. Dedicated to Hindu God, Lord Shiva, this temple is simple yet extremely charming.

Restaurants

The Greasy Spoon

Featuring a colourful ambience, The Greasy Spoon is the perfect hangout destination for millennials. From Indian specialities such as chicken rolls and chicken tikka to Chinese delicacies including vegetable chowmein, there are plenty of items available on their extensive menu to satiate your palate.

Bawarchi Resturant

You can head to this restaurant for spending a memorable time with your loved ones. Their multi-cuisine menu features Indian and Chinese delicacies. You can also relish tandoori dishes as well as a variety of desserts.

Viraj Restaurant

This hip restaurant features a cosy ambience, allowing you to unwind here with your loved ones. You can savour North Indian, South Indian as well as Chinese delicacies.

Places to Stay

Hotel Aditya Inn

This premium property in this city features spacious rooms, stylish banquet halls as well as restaurants.

Rain International

This hotel benefits from a fantastic location and features a kind staff members who are always welcoming and willing to be of assistance to the customers.

Hotel The Paradise Inn

This incredible property is perfect for visitors who are looking for a comfortable stay option. It features spacious rooms with large windows, king beds as well as a range of modern amenities.

Food to Try in Places to Visit in Arrah

The cuisine of the city is heavily inspired by North Indian cuisine, and yet the unique taste as relished by Bhojpuri people of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh is present in the dishes. After exploring the tourist sites in the city, you can head to small eateries and roadside stalls selling delicious snacks. The city's meal is roti-based and accompanied by vegetable curry or flatbread. Litti is occasionally grilled over charcoal and served with chicken sauce. Other specialities include meat meals such as kebab served with roti, naan, or salad. Litti-Chokha, the most renowned Arrah dish, is formed of wheat flour and yoghurt with gramme flour and spice filling fried on cow dung cakes or grilled over charcoal. So if you have only added the best tourist sites in the city in your itinerary, then you should also add popular restaurants in Arrah to the top of your list. Some of them are Bawarchi Resturant, Viraj Restaurant, The Greasy Spoon and Ara Rasoi.

Things to Buy in the Places to Visit in Arrah

Arrah Market

If you are done exploring the city's tourist sites, you can head to Arrah Market where you can purchase everyday items.

Ashirwad Market

The Ashirwad Market offers fashion garments and electronic gadgets.

Gangi Market

The famous Gangi Market features colourful accessories as well as jewellery stores.

But when one does arrive at that fresh frontier, there are ways better than others to begin your journey of discovery. Follow these steps and see the world with a new light.

• Discover a new city through a food tour. Food tour's are the easiest way to take a tour, learn about the local delicacies, and the best of all, get great tips that aren't just "local" tips for tourists, but sometimes, lessons for a lifetime too
• Use Public Transportation. When you are in a new city, you can possibly see places and people that you wouldn't normally see when simply walking to the places that checks your list. Some buses or rails take you to parts of the city you wouldn't get to see otherwise. Whilst using public transportation, just ensure that you are following the local norms and do remember to watch the locals!
• Find a local festival. Go beyond what other tourists might do while visiting a place. Look for the unique things you would want to do. Use social media or the local tourism website to find out what's going on locally. You may have to move out of the center of the city to do some of the less popular but more unique things, so just keep that in mind!

Conclusion

Plan a trip to this marvellous city in the Bhojpur district of Bihar and enjoy the tranquillity of the charming tourist sites in the city. A train trip or a bus trip would be the most perfect option to reach this city directly and to enjoy the beauty it beholds. Plan your trip in cooler months so that you can make the best of the tourist sites in the city and re-live the history and mythology related to it. This alluring city is the perfect escapade for newly married couples, solo travellers, groups of friends and families.