Rajgir in Nalanda District of Bihar state, India is an ancient city as old as Indian civilization. It was anciently known as “Rajagraha” and it was the first capital of Magadha kingdom, the state which eventually evolved into Maurya Empire. The city is mentioned in India’s greatest literary epic, through Jarasandha in Mahabharata. It is said the he ruled this place during the time of Mahabharata. The area is also considered as a place for Buddhism and Jainism. It was closely associated with Gautama Buddha, ArihantMahaveera and it was also the birthplace of TirthankarMunisuvrata the 20th Jain.
It is said that during the 6th and 5th century BC both Lord Buddha and Lord Mahaveera taught their belief at Rajgir. The mauryan emperor Ashokatraveled through Rajgir to Bodhgaya around 250 BC while he had to place the Diamond Throne at the great Temple. And also it is the place where Buddha attained enlightenment.
Following are some must visit places in and around Rajgir-Nalanda, Bihar:
9 Famous tourist places in Rajgir Bihar
Veerayatan Museum Rajgir Bihar
Veerayatan Museum is located at the foothills of VaibhavGiri hill that gives the location a pleasant atmosphere. The Museum showcases the history of 24 Tirthankaras in Jainism. It is one of the best tourist places to visit in Rajgir. One can encounter artistic display done by artist ArharyaShri, that are a must watch.The place also has handmade representation of preaching life of 24th tirthankaras spreading their belief among the people.
Gridhakuta Hill Rajgir Bihar
Gridhakuta Hill is also known as vulture’s peak. It is located near Rajgir, Nalanda, in Bihar state of India. The hill is surrounded by 7 other Hills and it is about hundred kilometres from Patna in the Bihar state of India.
The place was closely associated with Lord Buddha and derives an importance from the same. The hill has many numbers of beautiful statues of Lord Buddha and it forms the central part of Rajgir. It has an important attraction point known as Shanti Stupa popularly known as peace Pagoda at the Summit of the hill that was built by the Buddhist Sangha from Japan.
It is said that Lord Buddha had preached many of his important disciplines to his followers here and also that he delivered two important sutras namely prajnaparamita and the Lotus Sutra. It is also said that Lord Buddha had spent three months in the same hill during the rainy season. Hiuen Tsang a famous Chinese Traveller had also visited this place. It is reputed to be the place where one of the cousins of Lord Buddha had made an attempt on his life.
Son Bhandar Rajgir Bihar
Caves are always a subject that raise plenty of curiosity and bring a lot of interesting stories to the limelight. They are either man made or natural.One such interesting structure of caves is found at Rajgir in Bihar popularly known as Son Bhandar cave. It is also known as “Sonebandar”. It is a structure of two rocks cut caves that are located at the foothills of Vibhara hill.
Inscription that were found inside one of the caves Naresh were constructed by Jain Saint MorniVeera Devi.The small inscriptions found both inside and outside of the cave were from 5th and early 6thcenturies that are believed to be left behind by the pilgrims who visited these Caves in time.
The cave are also an attraction due to the sculptures that are carved inside this caves and one of the major differences from other caves is that these caves chambers are polished which gives it an unusual feature.One would love to visit this place, who is interested in learning about Indian heritage and its history.
Nava NalandaMahavira Rajgir Bihar
Nava NalandaMahavira is located in Nalanda District of Bihar statein India. It was established under Rajendra Prasad in 1951 to revive the ancient seat of learning. To develop a centre of higher studies in Buddhism and Pali along the lines of ancient NalandaMahavira, NavanalandaMahavira was founded. The institution had limited number of Indian and foreign students and function as a residential Institution Indian University Grants Commission accorded the Nava NalandaMahavira the status of deemed to be university in 2006
Hot spring Rajgir Bihar
Natural hot Springs in India!Is that even possible?Yes, in Rajgir, Bihar state of India one can experience this at the foothills of vibhava hills. The hot springs of Rajgir is also known as “Brahmakund”. The foothills of vibhava have a staircase that leads to various temples on the hill. There are separate bathing places for men and women the water of the Fall flows carrying the water of 7 different streams hence it is also known as “Saptadhara”.
Above the hot Springs there is a rectangular shaped sculpture made by the forces of nature. It is called as pippala cave and also known as “Jarasandhakibaithak” after the name of king Jarasandh who ruled Rajgir during the popular epic Mahabharat, a contemporary of lord Krishna.
These hot water springs in Rajgir is one of the major tourist attraction due to its religious significance as well. It is also said that these 7 streams that forms the hotspring water pass through many herbal plants which gives it a medical property.
It is said that a pilgrimage of Hindu devotees come here to bath in the hot spring to get rid of their evils and achieve the attainment of Moksha after death. Due to its medical properties it is said that it has miraculously healing properties of muscular and joint pains.
Before the water enters brahmakund there are seven small water outlets with hot water from the centre of each Rishi namely Agastya,Aarti, Bharadhwaja, Goutham, Jamadagni, Vashishta and Vishwamitra.
Ruins of Nalanda University Rajgir Bihar
Ruins of Nalanda University is located about 100 KM from Patna city in Bihar state of India. It is one of the major tourists attracting place in Bihar. It is the second oldest university in India after Takshashila. It was built during the 5th century AD and even said that it reached the peak of its Glory during 5th century AD till 1197 AD.It is one of the greatest centres of learning in the world that had attracted students all over from China, Persia, Southeast Asia and Greece.
The place was destroyed by a Muslim invader bhaktiyarKhilji and the library was burnt down. It was built to be a centre of Buddhist learning according to the research this place occupies an area of 14 hectares and the complex was built with red bricks. The great library of Nalanda University was so vast that it is reported to have burned for three months after it was set on fire.
At the time of its peak demand it is said that the university had hosted around 10,000 students with over 2,000 scholarly teachers. The place is surrounded with greens and trees. There is an availability of local guides who will offer to provide information about the site.
GhoraKatora Lake Rajgir Bihar
Aimee Maganda is a natural lake located in the city of Rajgir, Bihar state og India. It is popularly known as “GhoraKatora Lake”. It is one of the cleanliest sightseeing locations inRajgir. The place attracts majority of birds from the Central Asia and Siberia during winter. It is known for being one of the best picnic spot in Rajgir. The shape of this Lake resembles that of a horse and it is surrounded by mountains on the three sides.
The lake is 6 kilometres away from the entry point, the locals’ offer horse riding from the entry point to the lake through a jungle like surrounding. Hills around the three sides of the lake give it a pleasant atmosphere. One can also enjoy a paddle boat ride in the lake. The place is also attracted by a 70 feet height statue of Gautama Buddha.
VenuVana Rajgir Bihar
VenuVana is one of the popular travel destinations that attract tourists from various places in India. It is located in Rajgir, Bihar state of India. It is popular as a sacred place for Buddhist. VenuVana is a bamboo forest replica where Lord Buddha stayed for a while and interacted with his followers preaching his disciplines to them. The place was built by king Bimbisara, the founder of Haryanaka dynasty. It is also said that the place was built as a tribute to Lord Buddha.
Vishwa Shanti stupa Rajgir Bihar
Vishwa Shanti stupa means world peace stupa located in the city of Rajgir Bihar. It is one of the major tourist attractions, situated at the top of Ratnagiri Hills at an elevation of 100 feet height.
It is a white coloured large stupa mounted with statues of Buddha in all the four directions. The place also has a large park and a Japanese Buddhist temple. It is said that Lord Buddha stayed here to teach his disciplines to his followers.
How to Reach Rajgir
Rajgir By Air:
Gaya Airport(GAY), is situated 52 km away from main city in Rajgir district with good connectivity with other major airport Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai etc. Buses, taxi, car, available to reach desire location or hotels in Rajgir. Patna airport(PAT) is another major airport.
Rajgir By Train:
Rajgir railway station(RGD) is the main railhead in Rajgir with less connectivity. Gaya Junction(GAYA) is 60 km away and major railway station with good connectivity with Delhi, Kolkata, Patna and other major station. After getting down at the station busses, taxi, car are available to reach Rajgir.
Rajgir By Bus:
Rajgir is well connected with Patna. One can get regular bus from Gaya, Nalanda, Patna other major city and reach Rajgir. Interstate bus and private buses, rental car or cab are available to reach Rajgir.
Where to stay in Rajgir
Rajgir railway station or around is located centrally in Rajgir with good connectivity with other tourist attractions. One can easily get good hotels and It cost under 1000-1500/-per night depends on pick and off seasons. It is also gives you easy check-in and check-out option too. This travel itinerary is based on Rajgir railway station.
Best Time To Visit Rajgir
It is among one of the place where visitors visit through-out the year. Summer temperature reaches sometime 40 degrese celcius, rainy season receives heavy rain fall. One can avoid to visit Rajgir in these two seasons. The period from October to February is regarded as the best time to visit Rajgir or winter season consider as the best time to visit Rajgir.
Rajgir travel guide
Book your hotel near Rajgir railway station which is located centrally. From there you can book taxi for sightseeing also. It is also best place to check-in and check-out.
Rajgir has many places to visit, one can plan as per city and activity. In this Article we are covering 12 places, which can cover in 2 day or 3 days, it is up to you. One can plan as per your own choice.
- Day1 : Day 1 can cover by using local taxi as you have to cover 17-20 km with 6-7 places in one day. Book full day car is best option to roam around the city.One can split these places in 2 days also.
- Day 2 : Head toward ruins of Nalanda university along with Ghor katora lake, Xuan Zang memorial and Shati stupa. Book full day car for sightseeing is good option for day 2.
Rajgir Itinerary
Places to visit Rajgir in 2-3 days
Rajgir Tourist places day 1
- Hot spring
- Chariot Wheel
- Maniyar Math
- Swarn Bhandar
- Venu Van
- Veerayatan Museum-Rajgir
- Gridhakuta Hill(Rajgir hill)
Rajgir Tourist places days 2
- Nava Nalanda Mahavira
- Ruins of Nalanda University
- Xuan Zang ( Hsuen Tsang ) Memorial
- GhoraKatora Lake
- Vishwa Shanti stupa
Rajgir Travel Cost for 1 Couple for 1 Night & 2 Days.
- Food-2 Days : 1000/-
- Travel cost : 5000/-
- Hotel-2 Days : 1500/-
- Other Activity : 1000/-
Total cost around 3500-7000/-Rs for One Couple for 1 Night & 2 Days. You Can Negotiate and plan your own trip as per Distance, Enjoyment, Food, Transport and stay.
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Till enjoy, be happy and Jay Hind.