Places to Visit in Rajgir

Rajgir, often known as the “City of Kings,” plays a significant role in Indian history. Rajgir, a city in Bihar's Nalanda district, is revered by followers of the Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist faiths. Since Rajgir is mentioned in the Mahabharata and served as the first capital of the Magadha Kingdom, it holds a significant role in Indian history and mythology. The city dates back between two and three thousand years, and it was here that the legendary Nalanda University once flourished. Tourist attractions in Rajgir revolve around important cultural and historical landmarks.

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Things To See & Do

Makhdoom Kund

Makhdoom Kund

Home to a shrine and a hot spring
There is a shrine and hot spring in honour of the Sufi saint Makhdum Shah in a place called Makhdum or Makhdoom Kund. Both Hindus and Muslims go to this kund because of its reverence. People come here to pay respect to the Sufi Saint, and some also take a dip in the pond's water.

2 to 3 hours

Suggested Time

Cyclopean Wall

Cyclopean Wall

UNESCO world heritage site
A 40-kilometre-long stone structure, known as the Cyclopean Wall, surrounds the city of Rajgir. As one of the world's earliest instances of cyclopean masonry, it is a must-see on every trip to Rajgir. Built without the use of cement and entirely out of massive rocks of limestone, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.

2 to 3 hours

Suggested Time

Saptaparni Caves

Saptaparni Caves

Incredible tourist attraction
Saptaparni Guha, Saptaparni Caves, and Sattapanni Guha all refer to the same location. The first Buddhist Council was held here following Buddha's death, and it is widely believed that Buddha spent some time in this cave before his death.

3 to 4 hours

Suggested Time

Pant Wildlife Sanctuary

Pant Wildlife Sanctuary

Home to exotic flora and fauna
The Pant Wildlife Sanctuary, which can be found next to the Bimbisara Jail, is yet another popular tourist destination in Rajgir. The lovely Rajgir hills in the Gangetic Plain are partially forested and are part of the Nalanda forest division. Numerous ecosystem services are provided to the surrounding area, and you may observe a wide range of vegetation and wildlife.

3 to 4 hours

Suggested Time

Maniyar Math

Maniyar Math

Revered site for Hindus
Located in close proximity to the Swarna Bhandar, the Maniyar Math is essentially a deep well upon which a modest Jain temple has been constructed. Location in Rajgir, next to the Warm Water Spring, this monastery will mesmerise your senses. It was the Nirman Koop of Queen Chalanna and King Sheel Bhadra in Jain history. During the Buddhist epoch, it was also a Yagna site. The Gupta-era marvel that is Maniyar Math was built with cylinder bricks.

2 to 3 hours

Suggested Time

Vishwa Shanti Stupa

Vishwa Shanti Stupa

Perfect Buddhist destination
The 400-meter-high Vishwa Shanti Stupa can be seen atop Ratnagiri Hill in Rajgir. It is constructed of white marble and features four golden Buddha sculptures in its four corners. Each of the four Buddha sculptures represents a major turning point in the life of the historical Buddha.

1 to 2 hours

Suggested Time

Bimbisar Jail

Bimbisar Jail

Dedicated to Lord Buddha
Bimbisar, a great Magadh Emperor, constructed the stunning Venuvana as a home for the Buddha. Venuvana was the first gift the monarch gave to Lord Gautama Buddha, and it was an artificial forest and sanctuary designed for enjoying calm and meditation. The location also features a monastery where the historical Buddha once practised meditation.

2 to 3 hours

Suggested Time

Rajgir Ropeway

Rajgir Ropeway

Ropeway to reach Ratnagiri Hill
The Rajgir Ropeway, which will take you to the peak of Ratnagiri Hill, has the distinction of being the oldest ropeway in India. This chairlift ropeway will take you to an elevation of around 1,000 feet above sea level, where you can take in stunning vistas of the picturesque Pant Wildlife Sanctuary and the towering peaks of Udaygiri, Songiri, Vaibhagiri and Vipalachal.

4 to 5 hours

Suggested Time

Swarna Bhandar

Swarna Bhandar

Man-made caverns
Swarna Bhandar, also known as the Son Bhandar caves, is a pair of man-made caverns hewn from a single enormous rock. According to the writings discovered inside, the Jains used these caverns around the third or fourth century. The main cave takes its cues from the first manmade caverns, the Barabar Caves, and is rectangular in plan with a pointed roof and a trapezoidal entrance. A votive Jain stele was placed within the main cave, which was constructed during the Mauryan era. The cave floor has been polished to some degree.

2 to 3 hours

Suggested Time

Ajatshatru Fort

Ajatshatru Fort

Ancient fort with stunning structure
Following his coronation, Ajatshatru had this prison constructed inside the Ajatshatru Fort and sentenced his father, King Bimbisara, to life behind bars. Because of its significance in Rajgir's past, Bimbisara Jail is among the city's most popular tourist attractions. In his final days, the monarch was relocated to a smaller chamber so that he might be near Lord Buddha, who was also imprisoned in the fort due to the king's love for the Buddha.

3 to 4 hours

Suggested Time

Best Time To Visit Rajgir

Winter Destination

  • NOV-FEB

    Peak Season

  • JUL-OCT

    Moderate Season

  • MAR-JUN

    Off-season

  • What To Expect:Clear skies with gentle breezes in the mornings and evenings.
  • Things You'll Love:Religious spots, shopping complexes and outdoor spots

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

1/3

Makar SankrantiSecond Week of January

Buddha JayantiFirst Week of May

BihulaAugust

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Travel Options to reach Rajgir

Our Recommendations

Train to Rajgir

20h 15m . One way

Booking Price

₹550

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Flight to Patna Airport, then Train to Rajgir

Booking Options Starting From

₹4,408

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Stay in Rajgir

Recommended Options

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3 STAR HOTELS

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Average Price

₹3,197

EXPLORE
Pandu Pokhar Eco Adventure Resort

Pandu Pokhar Eco Adventure Resort

Virayatan Rd

4.4/5

₹5,460

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Hotel Buddha Imperial

Hotel Buddha Imperial

Bangali Para

4.4/5

₹1,632

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Hotel Nalanda Regency

Hotel Nalanda Regency

Dangi Tola

3.9/5

₹2,500

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4 STAR HOTELS

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₹3,881

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AARUNYA HOTEL & RESORT

AARUNYA HOTEL & RESORT

Dangi Tola

3.6/5

₹4,035

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Hotel Buddha Vihar International

Hotel Buddha Vihar International

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3.2/5

₹1,238

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KRIPANIDHI RETREAT RAJGIR

KRIPANIDHI RETREAT RAJGIR

Rajgir

4.3/5

₹6,370

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Best Places to Visit in Rajgir

But when one does arrive at that fresh frontier, there are ways better than others to begin your journey of discovery. Follow these steps and see the world with a new light.

  • Discover a new city through a food tour. Food tour's are the easiest way to take a tour, learn about the local delicacies, and the best of all, get great tips that aren't just "local" tips for tourists, but sometimes, lessons for a lifetime too
  • Use Public Transportation. When you are in a new city, you can possibly see places and people that you wouldn't normally see when simply walking to the places that checks your list. Some buses or rails take you to parts of the city you wouldn't get to see otherwise. Whilst using public transportation, just ensure that you are following the local norms and do remember to watch the locals!
  • Find a local festival. Go beyond what other tourists might do while visiting a place. Look for the unique things you would want to do. Use social media or the local tourism website to find out what's going on locally. You may have to move out of the center of the city to do some of the less popular but more unique things, so just keep that in mind!


Tourist Places in Rajgir

Makhdoom Kund, Cyclopean Wall, Saptaparni Caves, Pant Wildlife Sanctuary, Maniyar Math

State

Bihar

Best Time to Visit in Rajgir

November to February

Things to Do in Rajgir

Vishwa Shanti Stupa, Bimbisar Jail, Rajgir Ropeway, Swarna Bhandar, Ajatshatru Fort

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions about Rajgir

What are some of the most famous restaurants and eateries to explore in Rajgir?

If you are a foodie, Rajgir is the right place for you. Rajgir has many famous restaurants and eateries for you to explore, some of which are New Marwari Basa, Hotel Samrat & Restaurant and Gurunanak Cafe.

What are the best places to visit in Rajgir?

Rajgir has loads of places that you can visit on your vacation. Our recommendation of the best places to visit in Rajgir include - Makhdoom Kund, Cyclopean Wall, and Saptaparni Caves. Apart from these, there are multiple other places to visit that you can explore if you are on a longer trip!

What are the top things to do in Rajgir?

Rajgir is an incredibly lively place and is popularly known for its topmost things to do like Makhdoom Kund, Cyclopean Wall, and Saptaparni Caves. You will have a great time here, then why wait? Book your trip now!