Bihar ·
Rajgir
Rajgir (or Rajagriha) is a city in Bihar in India. It is 15 km from the ruins of Nalanda University, and 100 km from Patna, the capital of the state.
Rajgir at a Glance
Why Rajgir?
The highlights, landmarks and experiences that make this destination worth visiting.
- Saptaparni Cave
- Vulture Peak
- Pant Wildlife Sanctuary
- Giriyak Stupa
- Chariot Tracks
- Bimbisara's jail
Rajgir at a Glance
Essential travel information to understand Rajgir before planning your visit.
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Explore Rajgir
Places to Visit
- Saptaparni Cave: Saptparni Cave, also referred to as Sapta parni guha (Sanskrit) or sattapaṇṇi guhā (Pali), literally Seven-leaves-cave (cognate with sapta, sept), is a Buddhist cave site about 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) southwest from Rajgir, Bihar, India. It is embedded in a hill.
- Vulture Peak: The Vulture Peak, also known as the Holy Eagle Peak or Gridhrakūta, was, according to Buddhist tradition, the Buddha's favorite retreat in Rajagaha – now Rajgir, located in Bihar, India.
- Pant Wildlife Sanctuary: Pant Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary in India, situated near Rajgir in Nalanda district, Bihar, India. It is under the Nalanda forest division.
- Giriyak Stupa: Giriyak Stupa, also known as Jarasandha-ka-baithak (Jarasandha's Throne), is an ancient cylindrical stupa located in the Nalanda district of Bihar, India.
- Chariot Tracks: The Chariot Route and shell inscriptions consist of two parallel furrows cut deep into the rock ground for about thirty feet and are believed to have been made by Lord Krishna's Chariot. Several undeciphered shell inscriptions are engraved in the rock around the chariot marks.
- Bimbisara's jail: This archeological site is believed to be the jail in which King Ajatshatru imprisoned his father Bimbisara. From his prison cell, Bimbisara could see Buddha meditating on the Vulture Peak (Gridhakuta).
Things to Do
- Hot springs: Take a deep bath in a hot spring (Kund).
- Ropeway: Enjoy the ride on the ropeway.
- Bimbisara's jail: This archeological site is believed to be the jail in which King Ajatshatru imprisoned his father Bimbisara. From his prison cell, Bimbisara could see Buddha meditating on the Vulture Peak (Gridhakuta).
- Chariot Tracks: The Chariot Route and shell inscriptions consist of two parallel furrows cut deep into the rock ground for about thirty feet and are believed to have been made by Lord Krishna's Chariot. Several undeciphered shell inscriptions are engraved in the rock around the chariot marks.
- Cyclopean walls: Believed to be 2500 years old, these Cyclopean walls are a 40 km long and 4 metres wide fortification running around the city.
- Gridhakuta: The place is atop a small hill and believed to be a meditating place of Buddha. You can continue on to the top of Ratnagiri hill, there is a Viswa Shanti Stupa (Peace Stupa) built by the Buddhist school Myohosan of Japan.
Sightseeing Places
- Saptaparni Cave: Saptparni Cave, also referred to as Sapta parni guha (Sanskrit) or sattapaṇṇi guhā (Pali), literally Seven-leaves-cave (cognate with sapta, sept), is a Buddhist cave site about 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) southwest from Rajgir, Bihar, India. It is embedded in a hill.
- Vulture Peak: The Vulture Peak, also known as the Holy Eagle Peak or Gridhrakūta, was, according to Buddhist tradition, the Buddha's favorite retreat in Rajagaha – now Rajgir, located in Bihar, India.
- Pant Wildlife Sanctuary: Pant Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary in India, situated near Rajgir in Nalanda district, Bihar, India. It is under the Nalanda forest division.
- Giriyak Stupa: Giriyak Stupa, also known as Jarasandha-ka-baithak (Jarasandha's Throne), is an ancient cylindrical stupa located in the Nalanda district of Bihar, India.
- Chariot Tracks: The Chariot Route and shell inscriptions consist of two parallel furrows cut deep into the rock ground for about thirty feet and are believed to have been made by Lord Krishna's Chariot. Several undeciphered shell inscriptions are engraved in the rock around the chariot marks.
- Bimbisara's jail: This archeological site is believed to be the jail in which King Ajatshatru imprisoned his father Bimbisara. From his prison cell, Bimbisara could see Buddha meditating on the Vulture Peak (Gridhakuta).
Places That Define Rajgir
Explore the most iconic landmarks and sacred sites.
Saptaparni Cave
Saptparni Cave, also referred to as Sapta parni guha (Sanskrit) or sattapaṇṇi guhā (Pali), literally Seven-leaves-cave (cognate with sapta, sept), is a Buddhist cave site about 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) southwest from Rajgir, Bihar, India. It is embedded in a hill.
Vulture Peak
The Vulture Peak, also known as the Holy Eagle Peak or Gridhrakūta, was, according to Buddhist tradition, the Buddha's favorite retreat in Rajagaha – now Rajgir, located in Bihar, India.
Pant Wildlife Sanctuary
Pant Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary in India, situated near Rajgir in Nalanda district, Bihar, India. It is under the Nalanda forest division.
Giriyak Stupa
Giriyak Stupa, also known as Jarasandha-ka-baithak (Jarasandha's Throne), is an ancient cylindrical stupa located in the Nalanda district of Bihar, India.
Chariot Tracks
The Chariot Route and shell inscriptions consist of two parallel furrows cut deep into the rock ground for about thirty feet and are believed to have been made by Lord Krishna's Chariot. Several undeciphered shell inscriptions are engraved in the rock around the chariot marks.
Bimbisara's jail
This archeological site is believed to be the jail in which King Ajatshatru imprisoned his father Bimbisara. From his prison cell, Bimbisara could see Buddha meditating on the Vulture Peak (Gridhakuta).
Saptaparni Caves
These caves hosted the First Buddhist Council and were used by early Buddhist monks as resting places as well as centers of debates.
Venuvana
It is said to be a bamboo grove gifted to Lord Buddha by Bhimbisara, the then king of Magadha.
Explore Destination on Map
Discover all sub-destinations, routes and detailed navigation information on an interactive map.
Explore Rajgir on Map
Open the destination map to discover attractions and routes.
Plan Your Trip
Plan Your Way
- When to Visit: Climate-based guidance for choosing your dates.
- Getting Around: How to reach and move around.
- Budget & Practical Tips: Costs and safety notes from local guidebook sources.
All Itineraries
- 1 Day in Rajgir: 1 days with detailed day plans
- 2 Days in Rajgir: 2 days with detailed day plans
How to Reach
- By Air: The nearest airport is Gaya Airport (GAY), about 57 km from Rajgir.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Rajgir railway station, about 1 km from central Rajgir.
- By Road: Rajgir is connected to Patna by road and one can reach there form Patna by using NH 31–82. There are some direct buses from Patna to this town but more frequent with the connection at Bihar Sharif.
Best Time to Visit
- Summer: Summer in Rajgir (Apr, May, Jun) averages 25–36°C with about 45 mm of rain per month.
- Monsoon: Monsoon in Rajgir (Jul, Aug, Sep) averages 27–33°C with about 215 mm of rain per month.
- Post-monsoon: Post-monsoon in Rajgir (Oct, Nov) averages 20–28°C with about 68 mm of rain per month.
- Winter: Winter in Rajgir (Dec, Jan, Feb) averages 11–23°C with about 0 mm of rain per month.
Weather
- Summer: Average highs of 36°C and lows of 25°C.
- Monsoon: Average highs of 33°C and lows of 27°C.
- Post-monsoon: Average highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C.
- Winter: Average highs of 23°C and lows of 11°C.
Suggested Itinerary
Choose the perfect duration for your Rajgir trip.
Spiritual & Religious
History
- Summary: Rajgir (or Rajagriha) is a city in Bihar in India. It is 15 km from the ruins of Nalanda University, and 100 km from Patna, the capital of the state.
- Overview: Rajgir (or Rajagriha) is a city in Bihar in India. It is 15 km from the ruins of Nalanda University, and 100 km from Patna, the capital of the state.
- Ancient History: The epic Mahabharata calls it Girivraja and recounts the story of its king, Jarasandha, and his battle with the Pandava brothers and their allies Krishna. Mahabharata recounts a wrestling match between Bhima (one of the Pandavas) and Jarasandha, the then king of Magadha. Jarasandha was invincible as his body could rejoin any dismembered limbs. According to the legend, Bhima split Jarasandha into two and threw the two halves facing opposite to each other so that they could not join.
Planning Guide
- Overview: Rajgir (or Rajagriha) is a city in Bihar in India. It is 15 km from the ruins of Nalanda University, and 100 km from Patna, the capital of the state.
- Accommodation: There are a few places to stay near both the railway station and the bus station, and on the 2km road in between. The town has many budget hotels (Double ₹300), as well as Bihar tourist run hotels (Double ₹1200).
- Best Way To Explore: Tanga (horse-drawn carriage) is the main mean of the transportation. Ongoing rate to the base of Ratnagiri or Gridhakuta (Vulture's Peak) is ₹150 return including waiting but can be negotiated down to ₹50 one-way.
The Sacred Heart of Rajgir
A timeless journey of faith and devotion.
Significance
The town is also notable in Jainism and Buddhism. It was the birthplace of the 20th Jain Tirthankar Munisuvrata, and is closely associated with the Mahavira and Gautama Buddha.
Historical Significance
The town is also notable in Jainism and Buddhism. It was the birthplace of the 20th Jain Tirthankar Munisuvrata, and is closely associated with the Mahavira and Gautama Buddha.
Architectural Legacy
The epic Mahabharata calls it Girivraja and recounts the story of its king, Jarasandha, and his battle with the Pandava brothers and their allies Krishna. Mahabharata recounts a wrestling match between Bhima (one of the Pandavas) and Jarasandha, the then king of Magadha.
Artistic Heritage
Rajgir, meaning the abode of Kings, has been mentioned first in the ancient Hindu epic Mahabharata as the capital of Magadh, ruled by the mighty King Jarasandha.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rajgir is most comfortable in January, February, March, November and December, when average daytime highs stay at or below 32°C and rainfall is low. The hottest month is June (average high 37°C) and the wettest months are July, August, September and October.
The nearest airport is Gaya Airport (GAY), about 57 km away. The nearest railway station is Rajgir railway station, about 1 km away. See the How to Reach page for road, rail and air details.
Main attractions include Saptaparni Cave, Vulture Peak, Pant Wildlife Sanctuary, Giriyak Stupa, Chariot Tracks and Bimbisara's jail.
A stay of 2 days covers the main sights. Ready-made 1-day and 2-day itineraries are linked on this page.
Average highs range from 21°C to 37°C over the year, with about 931 mm of rain in total.
Tour Packages for Rajgir
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Explore top attractions, local culture, and the experiences that make this destination worth visiting.