Sonepur: The world-famous Harihar Kshetra Sonepur Fair has once again become a major attraction for travellers from India and abroad. Known for being Asia’s largest cattle fair, it has now developed into a cultural and tourism hotspot. The Bihar Tourism Department has made strong arrangements to ensure that tourists feel safe and comfortable during their visit. People from different parts of the country — and even from countries like Japan — are visiting the fair and enjoying the experience.
A special Tourist Village has been set up near the fair, offering luxury Swiss-style cottages for visitors. These tents are of two types, named Mini Darbari and Rajwadi, because of their royal look and design. Each tent provides five-star hotel facilities, including air-conditioning, attached bathrooms, 24-hour power and water supply, food services, and full security. The price of these tents has been fixed at Rs 3,000 per night for Indian tourists and Rs 5,000 per night for foreign tourists. Many tourists are finding these tents comfortable and worth the price.
To make travel easy, the Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation has arranged special luxury vehicles that take tourists from Patna to the fair. These vehicles start daily from Veer Chand Patel Path and the nearby Guru Nanak Bhawan on Daroga Rai Path. Different types of vehicles are available, and tourists can choose based on their budget — AC and decker buses cost Rs 900 per person, Traveller buses Rs 950, Innova Rs 1,100, Winger Rs 900, and Etios Rs 1,300. The service runs from 12 noon to 7 pm every day.
Another major attraction this year is a special couple package priced at Rs 6,000. This package includes hotel stay, an Etios AC car for travel, an experienced tourist guide and all meals including breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner. This offer has received strong interest from couples who want a complete and comfortable tour of the fair. The Sonepur Fair begins every year on Kartik Purnima at the holy confluence of the Ganga and Gandak rivers. Millions of devotees and tourists take part in the month-long celebration. Interested visitors can book their tour online through the Bihar Tourism website or by calling the toll-free number 8544418314.
