Hajipur is the largest city and headquarters of Vaishali district of Tirhut Division in Indian state of Bihar. The city is known for producing bananas. Patna, the capital of Bihar is only 10 km from Hajipur. The metropolis of Patna comprises PRDA area, includes Hajipur. Mahatma Gandhi Setu, one of the longest bridges in the world, links it to Patna. After Patna, it is the fastest developing city in Bihar, primarily because of its close proximity to Patna (just 10 km). There has been plans to expand Patna to Greater Patna, by absorbing Hajipur and other surrounding towns in it. The town is known by the name of Hajipur as it was founded by a King of Bengal named Haji Ilyas Shah who ruled between 1345 and 1358 AD. Inside the fort built by this king in Hajipur, there is a mosque called Jamia Masjid, a plain building measuring 84.5 ft (25.8 m) long and 33.5 ft (10.2 m) broad. In the ancient time, it was known as Ukkacala and was the first village to come after crossing River Ganges at Patna. The village of Hajipur gained significance, as it was the venue of one of the discourses given by Lord Buddha. Buddha preached the Cula Gopalaka Sutta, a Middle Length Discourse, here. Along with that, it is also of interest because a portion of Ananda's ashes were enshrined in the town, the closest disciple of Lord Buddha. Ananda acted as the Buddha's personal attendant for twenty years and outlived him by several decades. Hajipur, earlier in British India was a small town in Muzaffarpur district situated on the confluence of the Ganges and Gandak. Hajipur figures conspicuously in the history of struggles between Akbar and the rebellious Afghan karrani rulers of Bengal. Hajipur (Vaishali)-find its origin way back in history from the mahabharata period. It is the place where democracy found its origin around 600BC.[25] Ancient Licchavi republic was established in this land only. It is the place where Lord Mahavir took birth and Gautam Buddha delivered his last sermon and announced his Parinirvana. The plain terrain of city and its nearby places is famous for banana, Litchi and mango plantations. The region looks green with plants and trees growing in semi-tropical monsoon climate. However, months of May–June are hot and December–January is cold. The Ramchaura Mandir is a Hindu Temple in the city of Hajipur, Bihar, India. Dedicated to Lord Rama, it is located at Rambhadra near Helabazar, Hajipur. As per local folklore, it is said to have been in existence since Ramayana period and Lord Shri Ram is believed to have visited this place on his way to Janakpur, where his footprints are worshiped. The Ramchaura Mandir has tradition of celebrating Rama Navami, the birth anniversary of Rama, every year. A small fair is also organised on the eve of Rama Navami. Archeological objects excavated from Ramchaura are kept at the Patna Museum. Kaun Haara Ghat: It is considered one of the main ghats of Ganga-Gandak, where worshiping and cremation has been performed for centuries. This ghat has got its name based on an ancient legend. According to this legend, "The famous fight of Gaja (elephant)-Graah (crocodile), which is well covered in Indian scriptures, is the reason behind people asking -kaun haara. Hence the name- Kaunhara ghat. Scriptures tell that Lord Vishnu had to interfere in the fight to save his devotee Gajaraj, who was being drowned by crocodile. Both Gaja and Graah were gandharvas. But due to some curse they became Gaja and Graah. Lord Visnu killed Graah to give him instant salvation, and saved life Of Gajaraj. The depiction of fighting Gaja Graah is an emblem for the city, and is prominently shown on the Hajipur railway station's dome, and other notable places. Nepali Mandir: The temple locates west of Hajipur, on the confluence of the Ganges and the Gandak is situated this unique Shaivite shrine. Made in the late medieval period (18th century), by Kazi Dhaukal Singh Basnyat at the time of King Pratap Singh Shah of Nepal, the temple brings-in a fresh pagoda-style architecture of the Himalaya Kingdom to the plains of the Ganges. This temple is built largely of wood. Another distinctive feature of this temple is its fine wooden carving. Both in style and finish, largely drawn in from the Himalayan world of architecture, Nepali Temple at Hajipur remains quite singular and inimitable. Pataleshwar Mandir: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Pataleshwar Mandir is located at Jadhua Road, Hajipur. As per local folklore, it is said to have been in existence since ancient period and Lord Shiva is believed to be in the form of Lingam here. Bateshwar Nath Temple: Oldest temple of Bihar, India, which is dedicated of Lord Shiva and Situated in East of Hajipur, Bihar, India. As per local folklore, it is said to have been in existence since Mughal Empire and it appeared in middle of thousand year old banyan tree and interesting tale about the temple was self constructed Temple. The Bateshwar Nath Temple has tradition of celebrating Vasant Panchami Festival every year in (February/March). A small fair is also organized on the eve of Maha Shivratri for 1 month. It is a great place to visit for peace of Mind in middle of Agricultural Land that give you a feel of spirituality. Baithakji Hajipur: Lord Krishna temple Baithakji Hajipur (Aacharya Prabhuji Ki Baithak) is one of the oldest temple of Hajipur.There are 84 Mahaprabhuji Baithaks in India. Shri Mahaprabhuji graced this earth for 52 years and 2 months during which thrice aapshri toured India barefoot only to spread the principles of Pushtimarg.[46] Conducting Shrimad Bhagwat seminars, debating with scholars and heads of other religions and establishing the ethics of "Shudhadvaita Brahmavada" was a great task that aapshri undertook. Till date also innumerable vaishnavs travel by rail and road to visit these Baithaks, at times travelling on hazardous roads leading to remotely situated Baithaks in forests and on mountains and take immense divine pleasure in paying respects to Shri Mahaprabhuji and performing any given tasks (Seva). Mahatma Gandhi Setu: The Mahatma Gandhi Setu (bridge) is the important link between north and south Bihar. It has been constructed over the Ganges near village Jadhua and connects Hajipur with Patna. This is one of longest river bridge of Asia having length of 5.75 km. The four lane prestressed RCC bridge was commissioned into service during the year 1982. Traveller get an enthralling experience and panoramic view of lush green banana plantations by Crossing the bridge. Sonepur Cattle Fair: Located opposite Hajipur, is a small place of Sonepur where the fortnight long Sonepur Cattle Fair is held every year starting from Kartik full moon day (October/November). The place goes lively at the onset of winter with the mass holy deep in river Gandak by Hindu at Kaun-hara Ghat. Besides being claimed as the biggest animal fair in Asia, the fair entertain visitors with circus, Tamasha (folk plays), Nautanki (folk dances) and sell everything from elephants to birds; agricultural equipment to vanity items; winter garments to wooden furnitures. Government Department of Rural Development, Department of Agriculture etc. organises training and exhibitions for the farmers coming from all over. The visitors can stay in hotels at Hajipur or they can hire luxury Swiss cottages erected on sand dunes beside river Gandak. The tent and cottages are provided by Department of State Tourism only during the fair. Vaishali Mahotsava: Ancient village of Vaishali is located 35 km North-West of Hajipur. The place can be reached by road and offers many archaeological places to see which includes Buddha Stupa, Pillars of Ashoka, Abhishek Puskarani (coronation Tank of Vajji Rulers) etc. Vaishali Mahotsava (great celebration) is held every year on Baisakh Purnima (Full Moon Day of 1st Hindu Month) during mid-April to celebrate the birth anniversary of 24th Jain Tirthankar Lord Mahavir who born here in the village Kundalpur, 4 km from Vaishali. The soil of this land is blessed by the visit of Lord Buddha twice during 3rd century BC. Hajipur city has a modern railway zonal office. It is the headquarters of the East Central Railway Zone of the Indian Railways. Hajipur railway station is the headquarters of East Central Railway Zone. Three rail lines connect it to Muzaffarpur, Chhapra, and Barauni. Important trains like Guwahati Rajdhani Express (12235/12236), Vaishali Express (12553/12554), Bihar Sampark Kranti Superfast Express (12565/12566), Garib Rath Express (12203/12204), Swatantra Sainani Superfast Express (12561/12562), Sabarmati Express (19165/19166), Lohit Express (15651/15652), Lichchavi Express (14005/14006) and all other trains passing through this route have stoppages here. Hajipur is connected to other parts of India through national and state highways. Bus services are available from Hajipur to Patna (10 km), Muzaffarpur (52 km), Kumar Bajitpur (40 km) Chhapra (60 km), Siwan (123 km), Samastipur (65 km), Motihari (136 km), Bettiah etc.