Places To Visit In Rajgir

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1. Venuvana

Venuvana
Top Attraction 3.5 /5

2 km
from city center
1 out of 29
Places To Visit in Rajgir

King Bimbisara donated the Bamboo Grove, Veluvana to Buddha for his residence. Today, it is a park with admiring sights of bamboos, flowers and a large pond with Buddha's image in the centre.

2. Japanese Stupa

Japanese Stupa
Top Attraction 3.5 /5

4 km
from city center
2 out of 29
Places To Visit in Rajgir

Also known as the Vishwa Shanti Stupa, this pillar is situated atop the Gridhakuta hill at an altitude of 400m. It was built as a symbol of world peace by the Japanese.

3. Vulture's Peak or Griddhakuta

Vulture's Peak or Griddhakuta
Top Attraction 3.5 /5

4 km
from city center
3 out of 29
Places To Visit in Rajgir

Gridhakuta is a popular sightseeing location perched at an altitude of 400 m. It is also known as the Vulture's Peak as it is shaped like a vulture and also provides frequent sightings of the bird. It is said to be the place where Lord Buddha resided for many years.

4. Rajgir Ropeway

Rajgir Ropeway
3.1 /5

4 km
from city center
4 out of 29
Places To Visit in Rajgir

Enjoy the ride on the ropeway which takes you to the Japanese Peace Stupa. The ride itself is very scenic and should be on every traveler's itinerary. The timings are 8.15 am- 5 pm (with a break between 1pm and 2pm) and the tickets are available for around Rs. 30 - Rs. 50 per person.

5. Bimbisara's Jail

Bimbisara's Jail
3.1 /5

2 km
from city center
5 out of 29
Places To Visit in Rajgir

Believed to be the place where Bimbisara was confined by his son King Ajatshatru, Bimbisara Jail offers a brilliant view of the Japanese Stupa situated on the same hill.

6. Veerayatan Museum

Veerayatan Museum
3.1 /5

5 km
from city center
6 out of 29
Places To Visit in Rajgir

Veerayatan Museum is a fascinating Jain museum showcasing history of each of the 24 Jain Tirthankaras. It features ornate dollhouse like 3-D panel depictions made from wood and metal.

7. Cyclopean Walls

Cyclopean Walls
3.1 /5

1 km
from city center
7 out of 29
Places To Visit in Rajgir

Dating back to 2500 years ago, the Cyclopean walls are 4 meters wide and encircle the city, being 40 km long. It was built by the Mauryans with an objective to fortify the city. Today most of it stands in ruins.

8. Sonabhandar

Sonabhandar
3.2 /5

4 km
from city center
8 out of 29
Places To Visit in Rajgir

Sonabhandar caves are situated on the southern slopes of the Vaibhava Hills and feature black stone statues of the first four Jain Tirthankaras and Lord Buddha.

9. Saptaparni Caves

Saptaparni Caves
3.2 /5

3 km
from city center
9 out of 29
Places To Visit in Rajgir

Located on the Vaibhava Hills, Saptaparni Caves was the host to the First Buddhist Council, attended by over 500 monks and was led by Maha Kashyapa.

10. Pawapuri

Pawapuri
3.1 /5

0 km
from city center
10 out of 29
Places To Visit in Rajgir

A holy pilgrimage for Jains, Pawapuri is an important destination located in the Nalanda district. Its history dates more than 2600 years and is famous for being the burial site for Lord Mahavira.

11. Maniar Matth

Maniar Matth
3.1 /5

3 km
from city center
11 out of 29
Places To Visit in Rajgir

The Maniar Matth was once a monastery of a cult that worshipped snakes. This can be seen by the figures of different snakes that are found here. The structure is in the shape of a stupa and named after a small shrine that was found here on excavation. Buddha photos are seen on the outer walls.

12. Kundalpur

Kundalpur
3.1 /5

0 km
from city center
12 out of 29
Places To Visit in Rajgir

Located just outside Nalanda, Kundalpur is the place which is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Mahavira, the 24th and last of Jain Thirthankaras.

13. Tapodharma or the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir

Tapodharma or the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir
3.2 /5

16 km
from city center
13 out of 29
Places To Visit in Rajgir

An ancient Buddhist monastery was once present at Tapodharma. The Lakshmi Narayan Mandir has been built here now. There are a few hot springs found at the place and it is believed that these hot water springs have curative properties.

14. Hiuen Tsang Memorial Hall

Hiuen Tsang Memorial Hall

13 km
from city center
14 out of 29
Places To Visit in Rajgir

The Hiuen Tsang Memorial Hall was built in memory of the Chinese scholar in the location where he was said to have resided for over 12 years during his time in the country. The memorial hall is home to writings of the scholar about his observations regarding medieval India, which forms the basis of much of the knowledge of that time.

15. Chariot Tracks

Chariot Tracks
3.1 /5

5 km
from city center
15 out of 29
Places To Visit in Rajgir

The Chariot Tracks feature two parallel furrows cut into the rocks and are believed to have been made by Lord Krishna's chariot. Shell inscriptions are also seen here engraved on the rocks.

16. Rajgir Hot Springs

Rajgir Hot Springs

2 km
from city center
16 out of 29
Places To Visit in Rajgir

Rajgir city is famous for the seven hot springs or Saptarshi, which come and mingle together into a big pool of warm water, named Brahmakund. This is a holy place for bathing of the Hindus, Buddhists and Jains alike. The water is said to contain medicinal properties and healing features, and was visited by the likes of Gautam Buddha and Mahavira.

17. Stupa of Sariputra

Stupa of Sariputra

1 km
from city center
17 out of 29
Places To Visit in Rajgir

The Stupa of Sariputra contains the bones of one of the two chief disciples of Gautam Buddha. Sariputra became a celebrated Arhat after he was able to attain salvation following Buddha's footsteps. The stupa is of a pyramidal shape and is imposing in size, surrounded by pillared structures, typical to Buddhist structures. Seven layers of construction explain its colossal size, making it a sight to behold.

18. Ghora Katora Lake

Ghora Katora Lake

8 km
from city center
18 out of 29
Places To Visit in Rajgir

The Ghora Katora Lake, located off-road in Rajgir derives its name, which means a ¥horse bowl' from its own shape which is like a horse. This location is an excellent picnic spot and is known for being one of the cleanest sight-seeing locations in Rajgir. Very much loved by the locals, the lake is located at the same place where it is believed that Jarasandha from Mahabharata had his stable.

19. Ajatshatru Fort

Ajatshatru Fort

3 km
from city center
19 out of 29
Places To Visit in Rajgir

Ajatshatru was a king and the ruler of the Magadha's in 6th Century B.C when he built this grand fort. According to the legend of history, Ajatshatru imprisoned his father Bimbisar in a jail inside this fort after he took the throne; and Bimbisara, a staunch Buddhist, chose a spot from where he could see Lord Buddha give his sermons every morning. The once sturdy and stable fort is now famous for being in ruins and hardly even resembling the magnificence that it once was.

20. Jivaka's Mango Garden

Jivaka's Mango Garden

1 km
from city center
20 out of 29
Places To Visit in Rajgir

Jivaka's Mango Garden is located in the Jivakameavan Gardens inside Rajgir City. Jivaka was the Royal Physician of Bimbisara and Ajatashatru, the Magadha rulers; and he had his dispensary within this garden gifted to him by Bimbisara, and used the plants here to make Ayurvedic medicines and cure his patients. He was famous for being the one who treated Lord Buddha's wounds when Buddha came to him for treatment. The garden contains the ruins of an old monastery built by the doctor.

21. Swarna Bhandar

Swarna Bhandar

3 km
from city center
21 out of 29
Places To Visit in Rajgir

Swarna Bhandar, translating to ¥the treasure of gold', are two identical caverns cut out of monolithic rocks in the foothills of Vaibhar range. There is a legend about how the cave hides a secret door to a treasure trove of gold within the hills. There are seated and standing figures etched onto the walls of the rocks as well as inscriptions in the ancient text of Sanklipi, which say that the cave was used by Jain saint Muni Vairadevi and other ascetics as a refuge.

22. Pandu Pokhar

Pandu Pokhar

2 km
from city center
22 out of 29
Places To Visit in Rajgir

Pandu Pokhar is a nature-cum-amusement park which extends for a sprawling 22 acres across the foothills of the Rajhara hills in Rajgir. From lovely gardens with crisscrossing walkways, the tranquil lake for boating and meditation point to open air amphitheatre, bronze statues of King Pandu and arenas for kid's entertainment, Pandu Pokhar park brings recreation and spirituality together perfectly.

23. Jarasandha Ka Akhara

Jarasandha Ka Akhara

4 km
from city center
23 out of 29
Places To Visit in Rajgir

Jarasandha Ka Akhara, located near the Vaibhava Hill, was previously a wrestling arena and place for martial arts training for the armies which stood against Lord Krishna and the Yadava clan for King Jarasandha of Magadha. The great battle between Bheema and Jarasandha took place right here. The battle lasted for a month, according to legend, and in the end Bheem tore Jarasandha's body into half to defeat and kill him. Now a deserted ruins with overgrown flora, it is a favourite spot for picnickers.

24. Jarasandha's Baithak

Jarasandha's Baithak

1 km
from city center
24 out of 29
Places To Visit in Rajgir

Jarasandha's Baithak, located near Vaibhava Hill, is a rectangular stone at the foot which was used when Jarasandha of Mahabharata was the rule of Magadha. The locals believe that the place used to be an outpost of the military and had locations which were used as living quarters for the soldiers. The rock has two parallel cuts on it and it is famous, as the belief is that Lord Krishna made the cuts himself during the many battles between Jarasandha and Yadavas.

25. Shankhalipi Inscriptions

Shankhalipi Inscriptions

1 km
from city center
25 out of 29
Places To Visit in Rajgir

Two kilometres away from the jail of Bimbisar, the Sankhalipi Inscriptions are seen to be inscribed on the rocky terrain. Near the inscriptions are two parallel marks which are said to have been made by the wheels of Sri Krishna's Chariot. The inscriptions are of great cultural significance, as well as a tourist spot, as they provide a better insight into the society of the time during Mahabharata era.

26. Yesthivana

Yesthivana

1 km
from city center
26 out of 29
Places To Visit in Rajgir

The Yesthivana area used to be a retreat of the forest, but now it has become a nature park where tourists can visit. The area is located near the Tapovana and is said to be the site of the place where Lord Gautam Buddha met the Magadha King, Bimbisar before the latter became a devotee. One of the major sights to see here is the 6 feet tall carved statue of Lord Gautam Buddha and the sapling of the Great Mahabodhi Tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment.

27. Griddhakuta Hills

Griddhakuta Hills

4 km
from city center
27 out of 29
Places To Visit in Rajgir

The Griddhakuta Hill is one of the best sightseeing locations in Rajgir, with an uphill drive of 400 metres. Lord Gautam Buddha was said to have lived on the hill for a long time while preaching the Lotus, Heart and Prajnaparomita Sutras and the hill, resembling a perched eagle or vulture has recurring mention in the Pali Buddhist scripts. There is also a Peace Pagoda in this location called Vishwa Shanti Stupa. For travellers looking to get a better look at the scenery, they can take the aerial ropeway which will take you to the Pagoda.

28. Chariot Wheel Marks

Chariot Wheel Marks

5 km
from city center
28 out of 29
Places To Visit in Rajgir

The Chariot Wheel Marks are thirty feet long, deep marks on the rocks near the Jarasandha monuments. According to the local legends, these marks were made by Lord Krishna when he arrived in Rajgir. Other than the marks, around this area, there is an engraved script which is yet to be decrypted. The script was written at some time between 1 A.D. and 5 A.D, probably in a language unknown to historians now.

29. Makhdum Kund

Makhdum Kund

2 km
from city center
29 out of 29
Places To Visit in Rajgir

Makhdum Kund is one of the locations in Rajgir which is popular among the Muslim devotees for religious and spiritual purposes. It is a Muslim shrine and also a hot spring near the Vipula Hills. The Hot Springs are named after the Muslim Saint Makhdum Saheb. According to local legends he spent twelve years in the jungles of Rajgir near this region during the 13th century. The hottest spring has a temperature of over 450 degrees Celcius. There are separate areas for men and women to bathe, where the temperature is fitting.

FAQs on Rajgir

Can you suggest an itinerary for Rajgir?

Day 1- Arrive at Rajgir, check-in and rest. Then visit Huen Tsang Memorial Hall, Nalanda Archaeological Museum and ruins.
Day 2- Visit Venu Vana Kalandakanivapa, Rajgir Hot Springs, Griddhakuta Peak and Sariputra Stupa.
Day 3- Visit the Bimbisar Jail, Vishwa Shanti Stupa, Jivaka's Mango Garden, Ghora Katora Lake and Ashok Stupa Peak.

How can I commute within Rajgir?

Taxis, buses and tongas are available to get around the town.
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What are the top sightseeing places in Rajgir?

The top sightseeing places in Rajgir are Venuvana, Japanese Stupa, Vulture's Peak or Griddhakuta, Rajgir Ropeway, Makhdum Kund, Bimbisara's Jail.

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