Amidst the concerted efforts of Bihar’s leadership to shed its negative image that has hindered its progress, tourists are increasingly falling in love with the state for unexpected reasons.
Two travelers from Punjab recently embarked on a journey to Bihar and found themselves captivated by its scenic beauty, expansive green fields, and well-maintained roads. Their fascination was so profound that they stopped midway during their journey, captured breathtaking videos of Bihar’s landscape on their smartphones, and shared them on social media. These videos have garnered over 1.5 million views to date.
Reports suggest that these two individuals were traveling along NH-27 when they pulled over near Phulparas in Madhubani district. Overwhelmed by the beauty surrounding them, they used their mobile phones to record their sentiments.
One of the travelers expressed, “When I planned to visit Bihar this time, one of my friends questioned my idea, saying ‘Bihar me kya khash hai ji?’ But see, Bihar surpasses Punjab and Haryana in terms of scenic beauty and greenery. Even the roads here are smoother than Hema Malini’s cheeks.” The other traveler in the video added, “We initially thought Bihar would have poor road infrastructure. This perception was formed based on news reports, but in reality, it’s quite the opposite. Bihar is splendid; it’s like America, and it even outshines Switzerland!”
They were particularly impressed by the well-maintained roads amidst picturesque cloud formations in the sky. They attributed the negative perception of Bihar to media portrayals, stating, “The media has tarnished the state’s image,” and emphasized that their first visit to Bihar had won their hearts.
Another tourist, Mehul Lakhani, known as “Bharat Yatri,” also commended the state after exploring it during his bicycle tour. A teacher from Madhya Pradesh, Mehul quit his job to embark on a cross-country cycling journey to promote cycling. His experience in Bihar left a positive impression. He remarked, “Bihar is a wonderful state, entirely different from what I had read in newspapers. Visiting this state radiates positive energy.” Mehul, who arrived in Patna, continued, “I aim to initiate a cycling revolution across the country.”
Bihar faced significant challenges in the past, notably being dubbed “Jungle Raj” in the 1990s due to caste-based riots and violence. This label had far-reaching consequences, discouraging major investors from considering the state for investments despite efforts by the government to attract them.
The changing narrative about Bihar, with tourists highlighting its natural beauty and infrastructure, signifies a positive shift for the state. Tourists are rediscovering Bihar, and its untapped potential may pave the way for a brighter future.
