Welcome to the mystical town of Rajgir, where history, spirituality, and natural beauty converge in a mesmerizing blend. Nestled in the Nalanda district of Bihar, India, Rajgir is a place of great historical significance and a sacred destination for Buddhists. It’s a town that echoes with tales of emperors, scholars, and spiritual enlightenment.
In this blog, we journeyed through the best places to visit in Rajgir, unveiling the secrets of its ancient ruins, serene peaks, and sacred sites. Join us as we explore the wonders of Rajgir and discover why it’s a must-visit destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in India’s rich heritage and spiritual legacy.
Here are the top 15 places to visit in Rajgir, India.
1- Vishwa Shanti Stupa (World Peace Pagoda)
The World Peace Pagoda in Rajgir, also known as Vishwa Shanti Stupa, is a white-domed stupa built by the Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist order in 1969 as a symbol of world peace. It is located on the Ratnagiri hill, about 400 meters above Rajgir.
The stupa is made of marble and is about 120 feet tall. A park and a meditation hall surround it. The stupa is open to visitors of all faiths and is a popular tourist destination.
The World Peace Pagoda in Rajgir is one of 80 Peace Pagodas built worldwide by the Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist order. These pagodas symbolise the order’s commitment to promoting world peace and understanding.
The World Peace Pagoda in Rajgir is a beautiful and peaceful place. It is a great place to visit to reflect on the importance of peace and to learn more about the Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist order.
2- Venuvana (Bamboo Grove)
Venuvana, also known as Bamboo Grove, is a sacred Buddhist site in Rajgir, India. It is said to be where the Buddha spent many summers teaching his disciples.
Venuvana is beautiful and peaceful, with lush bamboo groves and a serene lake. The site is home to several critical Buddhist monuments, including:
- The Buddha’s Seat: This is a rock said to be where the Buddha sat to teach his disciples.
- The Buddha’s Bathing Pool: This pool is where the Buddha is said to have bathed.
- The Buddha’s Footprints: These are footprints that are said to be those of the Buddha.
The site is open seven days a week from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
The admission fee is free.
3- Ajatshatru Fort
The Ajatshatru Fort is a historical fort located in Rajgir, India. It was built by King Ajatshatru, the son of King Bimbisara, in the 6th century BC. The fort is one of the oldest forts in India and is surrounded by a moat and a massive earthen wall.
The fort is located on the Ratnagiri hill, about 400 meters above Rajgir. The hill is also home to many other essential Buddhist and Jain monuments, including the Vishwa Shanti Stupa, the Saptaparni Caves, and the Maniyar Math.
The fort is in ruins today, but the remains are still impressive. The moat is still visible, and the earthen wall still stands in some places. The fort is a popular tourist destination and is a great place to learn about the history of Rajgir.
4- Swarn Bhandar (Golden Treasury)
The Swarn Bhandar, also known as the Golden Treasury, is a cave on the Ratnagiri hill in Rajgir, India. It is said to have been built by King Bimbisara, the founder of the Magadha Empire, in the 6th century BC. The cave is believed to have stored the king’s treasure.
The cave is about 10 meters long and 5 meters wide. A steep flight of steps accesses it. The cave is decorated with carvings of animals and other figures.
The Swarn Bhandar is a popular tourist destination. It is also a popular pilgrimage site for Jains, who believe that the 24th Tirthankara, Mahavira, once used the cave.
5- Bimbisara's Jail
Bimbisara’s Jail is a rock-cut cave on the Ratnagiri hill in Rajgir, India. It is said to have been used by King Ajatshatru to imprison his father, King Bimbisara, in the 6th century BC. The cave is accessible by a narrow passage, about 10 meters long and 5 meters wide.
No historical evidence supports the claim that Bimbisara’s Jail was actually used to imprison King Bimbisara. However, the cave is a popular tourist destination and pilgrimage site for Jains, who believe that the 24th Tirthankara, Mahavira, once used the cave.
6- Rajgir Hot Springs
The Rajgir Hot Springs are a natural hot springs in Rajgir, Bihar, India. They are one of Rajgir’s most popular tourist attractions and are known for their medicinal properties.
The hot springs are believed to have been formed by volcanic activity. The water in the springs is rich in minerals, including sulfur, iron, and magnesium. The water is also heated by the Earth’s core, which gives it a temperature of around 40 degrees Celsius.
The hot springs are said to have many health benefits. The water is believed to help with skin conditions, arthritis, and other ailments. The springs are also a popular spot for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Rajgir has several hot springs, but the most popular ones are the Brahmakund and Saptadhara. The Brahmakund is the largest and hottest of the springs. The Saptadhara is a series of seven smaller springs that are said to have different medicinal properties.
Visitors to the Rajgir Hot Springs can bathe in the springs or soak their feet. Several facilities are available at the springs, including changing rooms, showers, and lockers.
7- Cyclopean Wall
The Cyclopean Wall is a 40 km (25 mi) long wall of stone that encircled the ancient city of Rajgirha (present-day Rajgir), in the Indian state of Bihar to protect it from external enemies and invaders. It is among the oldest examples of cyclopean masonry in the world.
Cyclopean masonry is a type of stonework built with massive limestone boulders, roughly filled with minimal clearance between adjacent stones and no use of mortar. The boulders typically seem unworked, but some may have been shaped with a hammer.
The Cyclopean Wall of Rajgir is an awe-inspiring feat of engineering. In some places, the wall is up to 15 meters (50 feet) thick and still stands today after thousands of years.
The wall is believed to have been built by the Magadha Empire, which ruled over much of India from the 6th to 4th centuries BC. The Magadha Empire was one of the most powerful empires in India at the time, and the Cyclopean Wall is a testament to their wealth and power.
8- Saptaparni Caves
Saptaparni Caves are a group of caves located on the Vaibhavgiri hill in Rajgir, India. They are important in the Buddhist tradition, as they are believed to be where the Buddha spent some time before his death.
The caves are named after the seven leaves of a pipal tree that is said to have grown there. The Buddha is said to have meditated under this tree before his death.
The caves are also believed to be the site of the First Buddhist Council, which was held after the Buddha’s death. The council was attended by over 500 monks, who gathered to agree on the teachings of the Buddha.
9- Pant Wildlife Sanctuary
The Pant Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary in India, situated near Rajgir in Nalanda district, Bihar, India. It was established in 1978 and is named after Govind Ballabh Pant, a prominent Indian freedom fighter and politician. The sanctuary has an area of 35.84 square kilometers (13.84 square miles).
The Pant Wildlife Sanctuary is home to various wildlife, including leopards, sloth bears, blackbucks, nilgais, barking deer, and spotted deer. The sanctuary is also home to various birds, including peacocks, pheasants, and partridges.
The Pant Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can go on jeep safaris to see the wildlife or for nature walks. The sanctuary also has a museum that houses a collection of artifacts from the area.
Here are some tips for visiting the Pant Wildlife Sanctuary:
- The sanctuary is open seven days a week from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- The admission fee is ₹25 for adults and ₹10 for children.
10- Maniyar Math
Maniyar Math is a religious and historical site in Rajgir, Bihar, India. It is a cylindrical temple, about 3 meters in diameter and 1.2 meters thick. The temple is located on a hilltop, surrounded by other religious structures’ ruins.
The temple is believed to have been built in the 6th century BC, during the reign of King Bimbisara. It is said to have been the temple of Maninag, a deity of the Rajgriha region.
The temple is a popular tourist destination. It is also a popular pilgrimage site for Jains, who believe the 24th Tirthankara, Mahavira, once used the temple.
The main attraction of Maniyar Math is the well-like structure in the center of the temple. The well is about 2 meters deep, and is lined with stone slabs. The well is believed to be a sacred site, and is said to have healing properties.
The temple is also home to other religious structures, including a Jain temple, a Buddhist monastery, and a Hindu shrine.
11- Chariot Wheel Marks
The Chariot Wheel Marks in Rajgir, India, is a set of mysterious marks in the rock that are believed to be the marks of Lord Krishna’s chariot. The marks are located on the Ratnagiri hill, near the Jarasandha monuments.
The marks are about 30 feet long and are about 6 inches deep. They are arranged in a pair, with a distance of about 10 feet between them. The marks are believed to be the marks of the wheels of Lord Krishna’s chariot, which he used to rescue his wife Rukmini from the demon Jarasandha.
The Chariot Wheel Marks are a popular tourist destination. They are also a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus, who believe the marks are sacred.
No scientific evidence supports the claim that Lord Krishna’s chariot actually made the Chariot Wheel Marks. However, the marks are a popular tourist destination and pilgrimage site for Hindus.
12- Pandu Pokhar
Pandu Pokhar is a lake located in Rajgir, Bihar, India. It is a popular tourist destination and is a great place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.
The lake is named after Pandu, the father of the Pandavas in the Mahabharata. It is said that Pandu used the lake to bathe his horses.
Lush green hills and forests surround the lake. There are some walking trails around the lake, which offer stunning views of the surrounding area.
The lake is also famous for swimming, boating, and fishing. Several facilities are available at the lake, including a restaurant, a swimming pool, and a boating area.
13- Veerayatan Museum
The Veerayatan Museum is a museum located in Rajgir, Bihar, India. It is part of the Veerayatan Jain institution, founded in 1971 by Sadhvi Chandana ji.
The museum houses a collection of artifacts from the Rajgir area, including Buddhist and Jain sculptures, coins, and pottery. The museum also has some exhibits on the area’s history, culture, and religion.
One of the most popular exhibits in the museum is the Kalamandiram (Art Gallery). The art gallery contains a collection of over 50 diorama panels that depict the life and teachings of the 24 Tirthankaras, the Jain prophets. The dioramas are made of clay and are very detailed.
14- Ghora Katora Lake
Ghora Katora Lake, or Horse Bowl Lake, is a natural lake in Rajgir, Bihar, India. It is a popular tourist destination and is a great place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.
The lake is named after its shape, which resembles a horse’s hoof. Lush green hills and forests surround it. There are several walking trails around the lake, which offer stunning views of the surrounding area.
The lake is also popular for swimming, boating, and fishing. Several facilities are available at the lake, including a restaurant, a swimming pool, and a boating area.
15- Ashoka Stupa
The Ashoka Stupa in Rajgir, Bihar, India, is a large brick stupa on top of the Ratnagiri hill. It is one of Rajgir’s most popular tourist attractions and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Mauryan emperor Ashoka built the stupa in the 3rd century BCE. It is believed to have been built to commemorate the Buddha’s first sermon, which was given in Rajgir.
The stupa is about 50 meters high and has a diameter of about 40 meters. It is made of bricks and is covered in white plaster. The stupa is topped with a small dome that is made of copper.
The stupa is a popular pilgrimage site for Buddhists. It is also a popular tourist destination. Visitors can climb to the top of the stupa for stunning views of the surrounding area.
Plan Your Rajgir Visit
Here is a possible itinerary for a 2-day visit to Rajgir:
Day 1:
- Arrive in Rajgir and check into your hotel.
- Visit the Vishwa Shanti Stupa, a white Buddhist stupa on the Ratnagiri hill.
- Visit the Venuvana, a bamboo grove where the Buddha is said to have taught his disciples.
- Have lunch at one of the many restaurants in Rajgir.
- Visit the Rajgir Hot Springs and soak in the mineral-rich water.
- Have dinner at one of the many restaurants in Rajgir.
Day 2:
- Visit the Gridhakuta Peak, a hill where the Buddha is said to have delivered many of his sermons.
- Visit the Saptaparni Caves, where the Buddha is said to have stayed before his death.
- Visit the Maniyar Math, a Jain temple that is said to have been built by the 24th Tirthankara, Mahavira.
- Have lunch at one of the many restaurants in Rajgir.
- Visit the Veerayatan Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts from the Rajgir area.
- Have dinner at one of the many restaurants in Rajgir.
This is just a suggested itinerary; you can customize it to fit your interests and budget. For example, if you are interested in history, you could spend more time visiting the historical sites in Rajgir. If you are interested in religion, you could spend more time visiting the religious sites in Rajgir. And if you are on a tight budget, you could eat at less expensive restaurants or pack your lunches.
Getting to Rajgir
There are a few ways to get to Rajgir, Bihar, India:
By train: Rajgir is well-connected by train to major cities in India, such as Patna, New Delhi, and Kolkata. The nearest railway station is Rajgir Railway Station, about 2 kilometers from the city center.
By bus: There are regular buses from Patna to Rajgir. The bus ride takes about 2-3 hours.
By taxi: Taxis are available from Patna and other major cities to Rajgir. The taxi ride takes about 2-3 hours.
By air: The nearest airport is Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narayan International Airport in Patna, about 100 kilometers from Rajgir. There are taxis and buses available from the airport to Rajgir.
Accommodation Options in Rajgir
There are various accommodation options in Rajgir, Bihar, India, to suit all budgets and preferences. Here are a few suggestions:
- Luxury: Hotel Indo Hokke Rajgir, Hotel Nalanda Regency, Hotel Ashoka, Hotel Anand Lok
- Mid-range: Hotel RD Heritage, Hotel Kameshwar, Hotel Rajgir Campgrounds
- Budget: Hotel Satyam Inn, Hotel Bodhi Retreat, Hotel Gridhakuta International, Hotel Jay Mahaveer
If you want a more authentic Rajgir experience, consider staying in a guesthouse or homestay. There are several guesthouses and homestays located in and around Rajgir.
Rajgir Travel Tips
Here are some travel tips for Rajgir, Bihar, India:
- The best time to visit Rajgir is during the winter months (October to March), when the weather is pleasant. The summer months (April to July) can be hot and humid, and the monsoon season (August to September) can be rainy.
- Rajgir is a relatively small town, so getting around on foot or by bicycle is easy. However, you can also hire a rickshaw or taxi if needed.
- There are several hotels and guesthouses in Rajgir to choose from. Be sure to book your accommodation in advance, especially if you are visiting during the peak season.
- Be sure to try local cuisine, such as litti chokha and sattu paratha.
- Rajgir is a great place to shop for souvenirs, such as handicrafts and clothes made from locally produced silk.