Name: Rajgir
Rating: 3.1

Rajgir Ropeway, Rajgir Overview

Said to be the oldest ropeway in India, the Rajgir ropeway line is a wonderful excursion in the cradle of nature. It is the only ropeway in existence in the state of Bihar. The single person seater rope line is a thrilling adventure that leads you all the way to the top of the scenic Ratnagiri Hill which houses the famous Vishwa Shanti Stupa, also known as the Peace Pagoda. The chairlift ropeway rises to a height of over 1000 feet from the ground level and is a thrilling ride to undertake. The area falls under the Pant Wildlife Sanctuary which provides unmatched views of the surrounding forest area. The ropeway gives access to the Buddhist memorabilia and constructions of a bygone era on the hilltop, coupled with picturesque views, there's nothing more you can ask for!

Rajgir's location is set in a valley so that you can expect beautiful sightseeing views all around you. The place is richly associated with Buddhism and its practices, rituals and culture. Plans have been implemented to list the Rajgir ropeway as an important heritage site by the Bihar government under the suggestion of the Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation (BSTDC). It has been an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists, Hindus and Jains alike for centuries. There are several other landmarks on the hill top that possess great religious, historical and cultural significance. The important city of Rajgir has long been in historical records that date back thousands of years, finding its presence in age-old Mahabharata, Buddhist and Jain texts and the Rajgir ropeway is just another fantastic addition to your places to visit.

Rajgir Ropeway Attractions

The Rajgir ropeway offers fantastic views of the adjoining Pant Wildlife Sanctuary and the surrounding five hills namely Vipalachal, Vaibhagiri, Songiri and Udaygiri, other than the Ratnagiri hill that it is connected to. The attraction of the Peace Pagoda (a.k.a. Vishwa Shanti Stupa) on the hill top is a major cultural magnet attracting thousands of tourists and pilgrims during peak seasons. The gigantic stupa built in 1969 by the Japanese Buddhist order called Nipponzhan Myohoji serves as an earthly symbol of peace and harmony. There are a few other places of interest :

Sugarakhata Caves - According to legends, it was here that Buddha had preached the Lotus Sutra and delivered sermons.
Gridhkut Peak (Vulture's Peak) - One of the several sites frequented by Buddha and his disciples for training, retreat and delivering of sermons. Its location is frequently mentioned in ancient Buddhist texts.
Buddha Temple - A small, quiet temple situated on the hilltop with amazing views of the surroundings.
Ashoka Stupa - A brick construction quite a distance away from the pagoda known for its tranquil landscapes.

Best Time To Visit Rajgir Ropeway

The weather is pleasant and comfortable in the winter months from October to February and is ideal to explore what Rajgir has to offer. The summer months from March to June are hot and sweltering. The rainy season gives life to the surrounding hilly areas and is a beautiful sight, with the only downside in commuting as it can get quite uncomfortable.

How To Reach Rajgir Ropeway

Rajgir is easily accessible to major cities like Patna, Lucknow and Kolkata by road. Patna is a mere 100 kilometres from Rajgir via the towns of either Bakhtiyarpur or Islampur. Private and state operated buses frequent daily to Patna, Gaya, Nalanda and other towns in the neighbouring region.

The East Central Railway Zone has major junctions in Rajgir, Gaya and Patna, with trains that frequent to New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Amritsar, Chennai, Bhopal Varanasi, Howrah and many other cities. The nearest major airport is in Gaya, which connects many other Asian countries like Myanmar, Thailand and Sri Lanka. The Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport in Patna is another option.

The Rajgir ropeway itself is around 5 kilometres south of the city centre on the Gaya-Mokamah road.