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    Rajgir is an ancient city known as Raja Griha in Sanskrit, which translates to “ the abode of kings “. Rajgir is an ancient university town in the Nalanda district of the Indian state of Bihar. Rajgir is a city that holds prominence in various religious scriptures, including Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. The town was the capital city of various ancient dynasties, including the Mauryan Empire. It was the first capital of the ancient Magadhan kingdom, which eventually transformed into the Mauryan Empire. Many luminaries, such as the Buddha and Mahavira, also visited the city. In this guide, we’ll explore the different places to visit in Rajgir.

    Top Places To Visit In Rajgir

    We’ve listed all the best places to visit in Rajgir for an exciting trip to this ancient city and university town. Each exploration will ensure the entire family has a fulfilling time rediscovering the area’s ancient culture.

    1. Rajgir Zoo Safari

    A lion minding its own business at the Rajgir Zoo Safari

    Image Source: Pexels

    The Rajgir Zoo Safari is an exciting zoo safari opened first by the Govt. of Bihar in 2022. The zoo has five zones, including the Tiger and the Leopard Safaris, the Lion Safari, the Bear Safari and the Herbivore Safari. The other wildlife species that can be spotted here include animals such as the Wild Boar and the Indian Leopard, various types of herbivores such as the Black Buck, the Chital, the Barking Deer, the Hog Deer, the Sambar deer, as well as other animals such as the Asiatic Lion, the Sloth Bear and the Royal Bengal Tiger.

    There are special arrangements for children and older people at the zoo safari. Getting some exciting wildlife photographs is possible if you are into wildlife photography.

    Location: NH 120 on the outskirts of Rajgir
    Entry Fee: Adults, Children: INR 250 each
    Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM

    Also Read: Temples In Bihar

    2. VenuVana

    Places to visit in Rajgir - Bamboo grove in Venuvana

    Image Credit: BPG for Wikimedia Commons

    Venu Vana is one of the first places King Bimbisara of the Mauryan Dynasty gifted to Lord Buddha. Although only a few bamboo trees were present at the site, it was reportedly a large bamboo grove. An interesting legend is associated with the king gifting this grove to the Buddha. One day, the king was late from his usual bath on the outskirts of the kingdom.

    However, the gates of the kingdom locked the king out. As a result, the king spent the entire night in the company of the Buddha at this grove.

    Location: 2C89+5PQ, Nimal, Rajgir, Bihar 803116, India
    Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM
    Entry Fee: Free entry

    Highlight: The site currently has a large artificial lake and a statue of the Buddha built by some of his Japanese devotees.

    3. Japanese Stupa

    Places to visit in Rajgir - Golden Buddha in Japanese Stupa

    Image Credit: ExPsittacine for Wikimedia Commons

    The Japanese Stupa, also called the Vishwa Shanti Stupa, is a Stupa that the Japanese erected as a symbol of World Peace. It is situated at the top of the Gridhakuta hill at an altitude of about 400m. A marble pillar at this stupa showcases four golden statues of the Lord Buddha.

    These statues depict the Lord Buddha in the different stages of his life, including birth, eventual enlightenment, preachings, and death. The Japanese Stupa can be reached by taking the aerial ropeway. It is located near the Gitai Mandir. There is also a small Japanese temple and a large park, which is enjoyable to stroll in. This is easily one of the top places to see in Rajgir.

    Timings: 9 AM to 5:30 PM
    Location: Near Gitai Mandir, take the Rajgir ropeway to access the Stupa
    Entry Fee: Free entry

    Highlight: The Japanese Stupa can be accessed through the Rajgir Ropeway, one of the oldest ropeways in Bihar.

    Related Post: Places to Visit in Patna

    4. Vulture’s Peak

    Vultures Peak, where the Buddha gave many of his sermons

    Image Credit: Tevaprapas for Wikimedia Commons

    Vultures Peak is an exciting place to spend at least half a day on your trip to Rajgir. The peak derives its name from the Sanskrit original, Gridhakuta, which means place of the vulture. It is so named because the peak looks like a vulture sitting with closed wings. It is essential for Buddhists because the Lord Buddha was very fond of this particular spot for giving a large variety of his sermons.

    It is also possible to see vultures atop this peak, which offers a 360-degree view of the entire landscape. This is one of the best places to explore in Rajgir.

    Timings: Open all day
    Location: Off Gaya-Mokama road
    Entry Fee: Free Entry

    Highlight: There is also a meditation area at the top of Vultures Peak where you can leave all your stress behind and meditate in the sacred and pure ambience of Vulture’s Peak.

    5. Rajgir Ropeway

    Places to Visit in Rajgir - Rajgir Ropeway

    Image Source: Pexels

    Rajgir ropeway has the record for being the oldest ropeway in India. Travelling in the Rajgir ropeway puts you right into the lap of nature. Rajgir ropeway is the only ropeway of its kind in Bihar. The ropeway is a single-seater ropeway that leads to the summit of Ratnagiri Hill. This same ropeway will take you to the Vishwa Shanti Stupa, Japanese Stupa, or Peace Pagoda.

    This single-seater chair ropeway extends to a thrilling height of more than 1000 feet from the ground. The surrounding scenery falls under the Pant Wildlife Sanctuary’s ambit and provides unparalleled views and unique photographs.

    Location: Bihar Sharif, Dhanawa, Road, Rajgir, Bihar 803111, India
    Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:30 AM
    Entry Fee: Chairlift prices: Adult: 25; Children: INR 10;

    Highlight: The entire length of the ropeway will give you an exciting view of the valley in which it is situated.

    Related Post: Things To Do In Patna

    6. Son Bandar Caves

    Places to Visit in Rajgir - Inner Cave of Swarn Bandar

    Image Credit: Aryan Paswan for Wikimedia Commons

    The Son Bandar caves are ancient caves located on the southern slopes of the Vaibhava hills on the outskirts of Rajgir. They feature black stone statues of the Thirthankaras of the Jain religion and statues of the Buddha. The caves were named so (sona means gold) because they were thought to have housed the treasury of King Bimbisara of the Mauryan dynasty.

    According to archaeologists, the inscriptions on the walls of these caves are said to contain the key to opening the doorway. The caves are ancient and generally date back to the 3rd or 4th century CE. They should be on your Rajgir sightseeing list.

    Timings: Open all day
    Location: Swarn Bandar Road, off Gaya Mokama Road
    Entry Fee: INR 15 for Indians, INR 200 for foreigners

    Highlight: An ancient king’s treasure is said to be hidden beneath the Son Bandar caves, and people are still trying to open the doorway.

    7. Cyclopean Walls

    Places to Visit in Rajgir - Cyclopean Walls

    Image Credit: Chandan Singh for Wikimedia Commons

    The Cyclopean walls of Rajgir are a set of walls built with Cyclopean architecture dating back to the Mauryan period. They are easily said to be about 2500 years old. The walls were erected to protect the city from external threats and invaders.

    Early Magadhan rulers erected this wall with massive undressed stones. The entire fence lies in ruins, and most of the walls have disappeared. This is one of the best places to visit in Rajgir as it takes you back to a different period.

    Timings: Open all day
    Location: Near Shiligram, off the Gaya Mokama road
    Entry Fee: Free entry

    Highlight: It is among the world’s oldest examples of cyclopean masonry.

    Related Post: Places to Visit in Nalanda

    8. Bimbisara’s Jail

    Places to Visit in Rajgir - View of Bimbisara’s Jail

    Image Credit: Venkygrams for Wikimedia Commons

    Bimbisara’s jail is one such location in Rajgir that is teeming with religious and historical significance. The jail was specially built to house King Bimbisara, a ruler in the Haryanka dynasty between 543 – 492 BCE. He was succeeded by his son Ajatashatru, who ascended to the throne after throwing his father, Bimbisara, in jail. The significance of this spot for building the jail for Bimbisara is that Ajatashatru asked Bimbisara if we wanted to be jailed in any particular place.

    Bimbisara chose the same spot for his incarceration because, from there, he could see Lord Buddha rise to Gridhakuta Hill every day for meditation and to give his sermon. Because of its association with Buddhism and its deep connection with Gridhakuta Hill and Nalanda University, Bimbisara’s jail has been a big draw for Buddhist tourists worldwide. It has become part of the “Buddhist circuit” in Rajgir.

    Location: XCVH+XP2, NH 82, Rajgir, Bihar 803116, India
    Entry Fee: Free entry
    Timings: Open every day from 6:00 AM – 5:30 PM

    Highlight: Ajatashatru had an allegiance with Jainism, and when he was about to release his father, Bimbisara, from jail, Bimbisara thought he was about to be executed and committed suicide.

    9. Veerayatan Museum

    Places to Visit in Rajgir - View of Veerayatan Hand models

    Image Credit: Sumitsurai for Wikimedia Commons

    Veerayatan is an ashram established in 1971 by Acharya Shri Chandanaji. It is one of the most prominent tourist locations in Rajgir. The Brahmi Kala Mandiram, established in 1982, houses a museum named after Brahmi, the daughter of the first Tirthankar, Rishabdev Ji.

    The museum and ashram are dedicated to Jainism and exhibit many artefacts and handmade, homemade objects representing the life and teachings of the 24 Tirthankaras of Jainism. The museum is located in the foothills of Vaibhav Giri hills, on the outskirts of Rajgir. It has a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere suitable for meditation and spiritual seekers. Over 50 3D models of life, life occurrences, and teachings of the Tirthankaras have been made with wood, metals, discarded jewellery, plant materials, and more. There are frequent exhibitions held by the museum at regular intervals. Even those not from the Jain religion can visit this place and learn more about it.

    Location: Rajgir, Nalanda Bihar 803116
    Entry Fee: Very minimal fee for adults, old aged, and kids enter free.
    Timings: Open every day, 9 AM to 7 PM

    Highlight: Pujya Tai Ma made all the hand models and panels in the museum with her hands.

    Related Post: Tourist Places in Sasaram

    10. Saptaparni Caves

    Places to Visit in Rajgir - Sattapanni Caves

    Image Credit: Gavesako for Wikimedia Commons

    Saptaparni caves, also known as Sapta Panni caves in Pali, are a Buddhist pilgrimage site about 2 kilometres southwest of Rajgir. The caves are part of a hill structure. The name Sapta Panni translates to “seven leaves.” It is a significant site for Buddhists because it is believed that the Buddha gave sermons at this spot before he died and spent some time there.

    At this spot, a few hundred monks appointed Ananda, Buddha’s cousin, and Upali, alongside the Buddha when he gave sermons in the North of India, to write down and compose Buddha’s teachings for future generations. This was special because Buddha never wrote down his teachings, all of which were oral.

    Location: 2C46+Q63, Rajgir, Bihar 803116, India
    Timings: 6 AM – 4 PM
    Entry Fee: Free

    Highlight: There are seven caves located at this site, hence the name Santa panni (seven leaves)

    11. Pawapuri

    Places to visit in Rajgir - Pawapuri Jain Temple

    Image Credit: Nvvchar for Wikimedia Commons

    Pawapuri is a holy pilgrimage site for people following the Jain religion. It is located in the Nalanda district of the Indian state of Bihar. Originally, Pawapuri was the capital of Mall Mahajanpad. The kingdom of Mahajanpad eventually became part of the empire of Magadha. Ajatasahatru, a Jain, was a devotee of Lord Mahavira.

    At the time of Ajatashatru’s rule, the king of Pawapur was called Hastipal. Mahavira was known to have stayed in Pawapuri at the Rajikshala of the king. Lord Mahavira is known to have been cremated at Pawapuri sometime around 500 BCE. Another name for Pawapuri is Apapuri, which translates to “sinless town” because Lord Mahvira passed away here. There is a lotus pond over here, and there is an exciting story about how the pond was formed. Chhath Puja and the Rajgir Dance Festival are two of the most significant traditional festivals celebrated here.

    Distance: 19 kilometres from Rajgir
    Entry Fee: Free
    Timings: All Day

    Highlight: The lotus pond at Pawapuri was said to have been dug by all the followers of Mahavira following his cremation at that very spot, and people looking to carry some of his ashes inadvertently removed the soil from there.

    Related Post: Gaya Mandir

    12. Maniyar Math

    Places to Visit in Rajgir - Maniar Math Naga Worship Temple

    Image Credit: Venkygrams for Wikimedia Commons

    Maniar Matth is an ancient archaeological site and one of the essential sites of Bihar. It was initially discovered by Sir Alexander Cunningham, a British archaeologist who was also known as the father of the Archeological Survey of India. He was reputed to have found a Jain temple called Maniar Matth at the top of a large amount back in 1861.

    The Survey found out that this place was initially a worship area of the local Naga cult of worshippers. Naga means snake in Sanskrit. At this site, the archaeologists found a deified Naga or a snake sculpture, above which there was an inscription that said “Mani Naga” or the bejewelled snake. Many large pots with unique snake-hooded spouts were also discovered during the excavation. The structure is unique in that there are two segments, with a cylindrical, well-like structure at the centre and a wall constructed around it.

    Location: Located off NH 120, near the Rajgir Wildlife Safari
    Entry Fee: Free entry
    Timings: 9 AM – 4 PM

    Highlight: This site seems to have been a place of worship of a variety of different sects over a period of time, such as the Nagas, the Hindus, the Jains and the Buddhists.

    13. Kundalpur

    Places to Visit in Rajgir - Nandyavarta Mahavira Jain Temple

    Image Credit: Odantapuribs for Wikimedia Commons

    Kundalpur is an important pilgrimage site for followers of the Jain religion. Kundalpur is a village located about 2.5 kilometres from the Nalanda Mahavihara. Many different Jain temples are located in this village, including those dedicated to Tirthankaras like Rishabanatha and Gautama Swami. According to the Digambara sect of Jainism, this village is Mahavira’s birthplace. Although this claim is disputed by the other branches of Jainism, pious Jain devotees still visit this village and pay their respects to the 24th and the last Tirthankara of the Jain religion, Mahavira.

    A large, sprawling temple with magnificent spires, called Nandyavarta, has been erected here to mark the birth location of Mahavira. The temple houses a 4-and-a-half-foot tall idol of Bhagawan Mahavira in the Padmasana yoga posture. Also inside the complex is a serene temple with 72 different idols of Tirthankaras, representing 24 Tirthankaras of the pas, 24 Tirthankaras of the present, and 24 Tirthankaras of the future. This temple is called the Trikal Chaubeesi Jinmandir. There are two lakes called Pandava Pushkarini and Dirga Pushkarini adjacent to the temple complex. It is among top Places to visit in Rajgir.

    Location: 1.6km from the ruins of Nalanda
    Entry Fee: Free entry
    Timings: All day
    Highlight: Kundalpur is believed to be the birthplace of the eleven Ganadhara, including Gautama Swami.

    Related Post: Sonepur Mela

    14. Tapodharma or Lakshminarayan Temple

    Places to Visit in Rajgir - Lakshminarayan Temple complex

    Image Credit: juggadery for Wikimedia Commons

    According to ancient lore, there used to be a Buddhist monastery present at the current site of the Lakshminarayan Temple. Hence, this place is called TapoDharma (literally meaning “justice of penance”). However, the Buddhist monastery was replaced by a temple called Lakshmi Narayan. This Hindu temple is devoted to the worship of Lord Vishnu and his consort, Goddess Lakshmi.

    The temple is painted pink and stands beside a group of seven hot springs called the SaptaDhara. It is a local belief that bathing in these hot water springs can cure you of diseases and that the hot spring water has curative properties.

    Location: 2CG7+FQ8, Rajgir, Bihar 803116, India
    Entry Fee: Free Entry
    Timings: 6 AM – 9 PM

    Highlight: The hot springs in Rajgir are water springs heated by geothermal energy or energy generated by magma from under the Earth’s crust, coming out of the surface as a vertical jet.

    15. Hiuen Tsang Memorial Hall

    Places to Visit in Rajgir - Hiuen Tsang Memorial Hall

    Image Credit: Sau22K for Wikimedia Commons

    The Hiuen Tsang Memorial Hall is a structure that was erected to promote peace, cooperation and understanding between India and China by Jawaharlal Nehru, the Indian Prime Minister, on the advice of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama of Tibet. The construction of this hall began in 1960 and was completed in 1984.

    The memorial was built as a tribute to the visit of Hiuen Tsang, the Chinese traveller and scholar-monk who visited India and documented everything he observed. He was initially a student at Nalanda and subsequently became a teacher at Nalanda Mahavihara. It is one of the best places to visit in Rajgir.

    Location: Nalanda, Bihar
    Entry Fees: Adult INR 15, Child INR 5
    Timings: Open every day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

    Highlight: In 1957, His Holiness the Dalai Lama gifted the relics of Hiuen Tsang and his autobiography to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.

    Related Post: Mahabodhi temple

    16. Chariot Wheels

    Places to Visit in Rajgir - Lord Krishna’s Chariot Wheel Marks

    Image Credit: Sumitsurai for Wikimedia Commons

    Chariot Wheels is a place that carries the imprints left behind by Chariot Wheels and is located close to the Jarasandha Monuments. The imprints are 30 feet long and are deep imprints cut into the rocks at the bottoms. According to local folklore, people say it was Lord Krishna’s chariot that left these marks by his chariot’s wheels as he visited the ancient city of Rajgir during the era of the Mahabharata.

    It is thought that the chariot’s strength and high speed caused these imprints into the rock. This location is one of the most popular tourist places in Rajgir. One can witness the carvings surrounding the Chariot Wheel marks, called the Chariot Route Marks.

    Location: Near Jarasandha Monuments
    Entry Fee: Free entry
    Timings: Open all day

    Highlight: Archaeologists are still unsure about the language used in the Chariot Route Marks carvings script, but it is believed that the language dates back to between the 1st and 5th AD.

    17. Hot Springs, Rajgir

    Places to Visit in Rajgir - Hot Springs in Rajgir

    Image Credit: juggadery for Wikimedia Commons

    Eleven hot water springs are located about 2.4 km southwest of Rajgir, a real treat to bathe in. Hindu devotees of all kinds visit the Brahmakund hot springs, one of these eleven, to take a holy dip. These eleven hot springs, which Hindu Devotees throng, are considered to have healing and curative powers for various chronic ailments.

    One enclosed hot spring site is meant exclusively for women to bathe in. Many vendors sell ritual articles and paraphernalia to the devotees along the stairways leading to the hot springs. It is one of the Places to visit in Rajgir.

    Location: Along NH 120 and Sabji Mandi Road
    Entry Fee: Free entry
    Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM everyday

    Highlight: Brahmakund, a murky grey-coloured hot spring, is one of the famous hot springs around here. The water temperature is about 45 degrees Celsius.

    Related Post: Places to Visit in Bodhgaya

    18. Stupa of Sariputra

    Places to visit in Rajgir - Stupa of Sariputra

    Image Credit: Venkygrams for Wikimedia Commons

    The Stupa of Sariputra houses the bones and remnants of one of the two chief disciples of Lord Gautama Buddha. Sariputra was one of the disciples of the Lord Buddha, and he was in a position to attain salvation or nirvana after following the footsteps of the Buddha. The stupa itself is imposing, large and pyramidal in shape.

    Pillared structures, typical of Buddhist structures, surround it. The monument has about seven layers of construction, which explains its large structure and size, making it a wonder to be witnessed. It is among the top Places to visit in Rajgir.

    Location: 4CPR+2VF, Bargaon, Bihar 803111, India
    Entry Fee: Indian, SAARC, and BIMSTEC visitors: Rs 25 in cash or Rs 20 online
    Other foreign visitors: Rs 300 in cash or Rs 250 online
    Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM

    Highlight: The structure of the Stupa of Sariputra had a chamber that once housed a large image of the Lord Buddha.

    19. Ghora Khatora Lake

    Places to Visit in Rajgir - Ghora Katora Lake with White Buddha Statue

    Image Credit: Chirag1745 for Wikimedia Commons

    The Ghora Khatora Lake is in the form of a horse, from which it derives its name. It is located on the outskirts of Rajgir, off the main roads on a dirt track, and surrounded by mountains. This location has the reputation of being one of the cleanest visiting spots in Rajgir and is impeccably clean. The area also doubles up as an excellent picnic spot.

    The locals also believe that Jarasandha, the emperor of Magadha from the Mahabharata, once had his stables at this very spot. It is one of the historic places to visit in Rajgir.

    Location: Located near the World Peace Pagoda, outside the city of Rajgir
    Entry Fee: Free entry
    Timings: Open all day

    Highlight: It is said that Rajgir’s emperor’s horses used to drink water from this lake.

    Related Post: Places to Visit in Nalanda

    20. Ajatshatru Fort

    Places to Visit in Rajgir - Ajatashatru Stupa

    Image Credit: BPG for Wikimedia Commons

    Ajatshatru was a king who ruled Rajgir during the time of the Buddha. He is infamous because he was a Jain who imprisoned his father, who was a Buddhist called Bimbisara, in a jail cell at this very fort. Bimbisara, however, chose to be detained at another spot where he could see the Buddha ascending Vulture’s peak every day.

    This fort was built sometime around the 6th Century BCE. The fort has a stupa of about 6.5 sq metres in size in its complex. This fort used to be famous and renowned but now lies in ruins and can hardly be recognised. It is one of the best places to visit in Rajgir with your family.

    Location: 2C38+8VH, NH 82, Rajgir, Bihar 803116, India
    Entry Fees: Adult: INR 20; Children: INR 5;
    Timings: 6:00 AM – 5:30 PM; Open every day
    Highlight: The Ajatshatru fort is built on a rectangular plan, with four corners and a stone tower at each corner. The walls are 60m long and 2m broad.

    21. Jivakambavana or Jivaka’s Mango Grove

    Places to visit in Rajgir - Jivakambavana or Mango Orchard of Jivaka

    Image Credit: BPG for Wikimedia Commons

    Jivaka’s mango grove is located inside the Jivakameavan Gardens near Rajgir City. Jivaka had created his royal dispensary within this mango grove, which was gifted to him by King Bimbisara. Jivaka was the Royal Physician of Magadha and used to treat both Bimbisara and Ajatashatru, his son. Jivaka used the plants he grew over her to make Ayurvedic potions and medicines to cure his patients.

    Jivaka was also renowned for being the physician who treated and tended to the Lord Buddha’s wounds when the Buddha came to him for treatment. The doctor Jivaka also built a monastery in his gardens, which now lie in ruins. Jivaka donated the mango grove and the vihara to the Buddhist sangha. It is among the top Places to visit in Rajgir.

    Location: Just below Gujjakuta Hill, outside Rajgir
    Entry Fee: Free entry
    Timings: 6:00 AM – 5:30 PM

    Highlight: The lord Buddha was carried to this spot by his disciples after a splinter from the rock thrown by Devadatta injured the Buddha’s foot.

    22. Pandu Pokhar

    View of Pandu Pokhar

    Image Source: Pexels

    Pandu Pokhar is a nature and eco-adventure park situated in Rajgir’s foothills of the Rajhara hills. The size of this park is a whopping 22 acres. The park has adventure features like aqua zorbing, fishing, boating, and a trampoline. It also has a children’s maze, a play area, a mini zoo and a sand pit. There are also numerous indoor activities, such as a pool table, indoor basketball, air hockey, indoor table tennis and table soccer.

    The park also has relaxation facilities like a meditation deck and serene fountains. Pandu Pokhar also has a restaurant that serves Tandoori, South Indian, Chinese and Indian food. There is ample parking area and clean toilets as well. It is one of the Places to visit in Rajgir.
    Location: Pandu Pokhar eco-adventure resort, Virayatan Road, PS- Rajgir,
    Rajgir, Nalanda, Bihar-803116
    Entry fee: Entry only Mon-Fri: INR 120; Sat, Sun: INR 150; Charges for activities extra.
    Timings: 7:30 AM to 10:30 PM
    Highlight: Pandu Pokhar also features ziplining, Burma Bridge and bungee jumping activities.

    23. Jarasandha Ka Akhara

    Places to Visit in Rajgir - Jarasandha Ka Akhara

    Image Credit: Rohit Sharma for Wikimedia Commons

    Jarasandha ka Akhara is a famous place in the epic Mahabharata, where the iconic wrestling match between Jarasandha and Bhima occurred. This place is located near the Vaibhava Hills. This used to be Jarasandha’s training zone and wrestling arena for martial arts and combat for his armies that were put to use against the Yadavas and Lord Krishna.

    According to legend, Bhima won the wrestling fight against Jarasandha by tearing his body in half. The place is a deserted ruin, a favourite spot for people who want to picnic.
    Location: Located in between Black Bear Safari and Hiran Safari
    Entry Fee: Free entry
    Timings: Sundays 8 – 10 AM, other days 3 – 9 PM

    Highlight: It is said that the battle between Bhima and Jarasandha, which took place over here, went on for a month.

    Related Post: Places to Visit in Madhubani

    24. Jarasandha’s Baithak

    Jarasandha’s Baithak or Giriyak Stupa

    Image Credit: DiverDave for Wikimedia Commons

    Jarasandha’s Baithak, also known as the Giriyak Stupa, is a cylindrical stupa which is very ancient and located in the Rajgir Hills. Jarasandha ka Baithak means “throne of Jarasandha”. According to Alexander Cunningham of the Archeological Survey of India, the stupa was likely built around 500 CE.

    Although the stupa currently looks like a cylindrical building, at the time of its construction, it had a dome on the top of the building. Its height was estimated to be at least 16.7 metres. Locals believe that this used to be a military outpost for Jarasandha, and he had locations where his army used to stay close by. It is among the top Places to visit in Rajgir.
    Location: 2C69+V49, Nimal, Rajgir, Bihar 803116, India
    Entry Fees: N/A
    Timings: All day

    Highlight: The Giriyak stupa is located on the western side of the river Panchane, opposite the village Giriyak, where it gets its name.

    25. Shankalipi Inscriptions

     Shankalipi Inscriptions

    Image Credit: Debazoti1985 for Wikimedia Commons

    The Shankalipi Inscriptions are located about two kilometres away from Bimbisara’s Jail. They are a bunch of inscriptions cut into the rocks very close to the Chariot Wheels spot where Sri Krishna’s Chariot made dents into the rocks. Shankalipi is thought to be the same as the Brahmi script, but archaeologists have yet to decipher it.

    The place gives one an insight into how people lived in ancient times. It has transformed into a popular picnic spot amongst the locals.

    Location: Near Bimbisara Jail, along the main road
    Entry Fee: Free entry
    Timings: All Day

    Highlight: The Shankalipi Inscriptions are carved out in the Shankalipi script, an ancient script that archaeologists have yet to decipher.

    26. Yesthivana

    Yesthivana forest retreat

    Image Credit: Sumitsurai for Wikimedia Commons

    Yesthivana used to be a forest retreat for Buddhist monks; however, now it has become a nature park destination that tourists can visit. The park is located near Tapovana, which is reputed to be the site where the Magadhan King Bimbisara first met with the Lord Buddha. Once he met the Lord Buddha, King Bimbisara eventually became his disciple.

    There is a six-foot-tall carved statue of the Lord Buddha over here, which everyone can see. There is also a sapling of the Mahabodhi tree, under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. It is one of the best Places to visit in Rajgir.

    Location: Near Tapovana
    Entry Fee: Free Entry
    Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM

    Highlight: Yesthivana has been mentioned in many ancient Buddhist scriptures.

    You May Also Like To Read: Temples in Bihar

    If you are looking for a fulfilling trip with the best that nature offers, history, religion, and culture, then there is no better place than Rajgir. Rajgir is one of India’s underrated and undiscovered tourist spots, and you will likely find only a few tourists here, too. The government has developed the infrastructure for the convenience of those who visit and is looking to promote Rajgir as a tourist destination in the future. You should add Rajgir while planning your trip to Bihar and make the most of this beautiful place.

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    Cover Image Credit: juggadery for wikimedia commons

    Frequently Asked Questions On Places To Visit In Rajgir

    What are some of the interesting places to visit in Rajgir?

    Some of the interesting places to visit in Rajgir include the Japanese stupa, the Rajgir Ropeway, the Rajgir Zoo Safari, Son Bandar Caves, the Cyclopean Walls, Pawapuri, Saptaparni caves, Veerayatan Museum, Bimbisara’s jail and many more.

    What are the timings for the Rajgir Ropeway?

    The ropeway operates from 8:30 AM to 5 PM. The ropeway functions on all the seven days of the week.

    What animals can I see on the Rajgir Zoo Safari?

    There are many different animals which you can see on the Rajgir Zoo safari, including the Asiatic lion, the royal Bengal tiger, the sloth bear, the wild boar, and a variety of species of deer including the chital, the sambhar deer, the barking deer and many others.

    What is the altitude of Vultures Peak?

    Vulture’s peak or Gridhakuta is not a very high mountain or hill. It is located at an altitude of just 400 m above ground level. The peak can easily be ascended on foot with a little bit of grunt effort.

    What is the best time to visit Rajgir?

    During October to March, which are the winter months, the temperatures at Rajgir drop to a very comfortable 8-10 degrees celsius. This is undoubtedly the best time to visit and explore Rajgir as the sun is also not too harsh.

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    Category: Bihar, Places To Visit