Bihar is a state in the eastern region of India, third largest by population. It is bounded by Uttar Pradesh to its west, West Bengal to the east, Jharkhand to the south and Nepal to the north. It was the seat of several of the most famous ancient Indian dynasties and cradle Jainism and Buddhism. The name Bihar is derived from vihara (monastery), an apt title for a state which was the birthplace of Buddhism. Bihar was a centre of power, culture and learning in ancient and as well classical India. The state owns the pride of establishing one among the first democracies in the world called Lichhavi. The Maurya empire, India's first and greatest empire originated from Magadh and Buddhism, one of the world's most  widely followed religion also has its root from Magadh. Nalanda and Vikramshila cities established in the 5th and 8th century respectively were centres of learning in Bihar and they are counted as amongst the oldest international universities of the time. Northern Bihar is a fertile agricultural plain, watered by the river Ganges, whereas southern part is dominated by a scenic and thickly forested highland called Chhota Nagpur Plateau. Bihar is a state offering myriad and versatile opportunities in terms of traveling as its a land where Buddha once walked, it is a place where spiritualism reigns supreme. It also includes national parks, botanical gardens and historic destinations. A visit to the state of Bihar gives a picture of India, its values and culture. Some of main tourist places are Vaishali, Patna, Bodhgaya, Kushinagar, Rajgir, Nalanda and Gaya.