32 Hidden College Campuses That Look Like Something Out of a Dream

17. Nalanda University (Bihar, India): Echoes of Antiquity, Vision of Revival

While the modern Nalanda University seeks to rekindle ancient glory, the nearby ruins of its namesake offer a truly enigmatic experience. Once one of the world's greatest centers of learning (flourishing from the 5th to 13th centuries), this vast Buddhist monastic university hosted thousands of scholars. Walking among the extensive, excavated red-brick stupas and monastery foundations evokes a powerful sense of lost wisdom and fallen grandeur. The modern university's presence nearby creates a unique dialogue between a legendary past and aspirations for the future.