This famous centre of Buddhist learning shot to fame during 5th -12th centuries, long after Buddha left this world. The Chinese scholar and traveller Hiuen Tsang stayed here in the 7th century, and has left an elaborate description of the excellence and purity of the monastic life practised here. About 2,000 teachers and 10,000 students from all over the Buddhist world, lived and studied in this international university.

The Gupta kings patronised these monasteries, built in old Kushan architectural style as a row of cells around a courtyard. King Ashoka and Harshavardhana were some of it's most famous patrons. Recent excavations have unearthed elaborate structures and uncovered nine levels of occupation.  

An international centre for Buddhist Studies was established here in 1951. The Nalanda Museum and the Nava Nalanda Mahavihar are definitely worth a visit.

Lauria Areraj is the 11.5 mt high Ashokan column, erected in 249 BC. The polished sandstone pillar has six edicts on it. Lauria Nandangarh is the site of the famous lion pillar, erected by king Ashoka. The 8.5 mt polished sandstone column also has an edict engraved on it. The Nandangarh stupa, nearby, is believed to house the ashes of Buddha.