October to March is the Best Time To visit Rajgir. During this time the temperature is mild, and the weather is pleasant and comfortable and the famous Rajgir Mahotsav is also celebrated in the month of October. During this time, you can visit all the Best Tourist spots in Rajgir.
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What are the different routes from Patna to Rajgir:
Rajgir(or Rajagriha ) is a city in Bihar in India. It is 15km from the ruins of Nalanda University and 100km from Patna, the capital of the state. Rajgir was once the capital of the kingdom of mighty Magadh Empire and was known by various names such as Vasumati, Barhdrathpura and Rajagrih. Rajgir is famous for rock cut caves, forts, Buddhist ruins, shell inscriptions, Hindu and Jain temples and Muslim tombs. The place is well connected to other parts of Bihar and eastern India through railway and roads.
Places Around Rajgir:
Bodh Gaya, the place where Buddha got enlightenment is around 34km off Rajgir and connected through a good network of roads. Major tourist attractions here are the Mahabodhi temple, the place where under a pipal tree, Buddha got his enlightenment.
Pawapuri is situated some 35km from Rajgir and believed to be the place where Lord Mahavira died.
12 km from Rajgir is Nalanda which was a resort for saints and ascetics. It was made into a university in fifth century AD and remained the greatest seat of learning for over 700 years.
Nalanda University
How to Reach Rajgir:
By Road: Rajgir is fairly well connected by road with Patna, Gaya and Bodh Gaya besides other cities and towns that are nearby. Rajgir is connected to Patna by road one can reach there from Patna by using NH 31-82. There are some direct buses from Patna to Rajgir. The fastest way to reach from Patna to Rajgir is cab to Rajgir and takes 2hrs 39 minutes.
By Train: There are 4 trains running from Patna to Rajgir covering an approximate distance of 82kms. While some trains run on a daily basis, others run weekly. The cheapest way to reach from Patna to Rajgir is train and takes 3hrs 5m.
Daily Trains from Patna to Rajgir:
Budhpurnima Express – Timing: 3:30 Am (patna junction) to 6:00 Am (Rajgir)
Shramjeevi SF Express – Timing: 7:15 Am to 10:25 Am
Rajgriha Express – Timing: 7:25 Am to 10:45 Am
Danapur to Tilaiya Passenger Special – Timing: 9:30 Am to 1:15 Pm
Rajgir MEMU Express Special – Timing: 6:50 Pm to 10:35 Pm
By Air: Since Rajgir does not have its own airport, you will have to land at Patna from your city and thereafter cover the distance between Patna and Rajgir(100km) by either deluxe buses or taxi. Patna has fairly good aerial connectivity with the rest of the country. Therefore, this option is a workable proposition. The closest airport is Gaya International Airport in Gaya, which is 78km away and is connected to destinations outside including Bangkok, Columbo etc. Patna, 101 km away, has another airport. The airlines Air India, Indigo, Jet Airways and Go Air connect Patna to Kolkata, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, Ranchi.
Best places to visit in Rajgir:
1.Vishwa Shanti Stupa:
Most popular Tourist places in Rajgir Bihar
Vishwa Shanti Stupa is one of the Best Tourist spots in Rajgir that can be reached via ropeways. Vishwa Shanti Stupa is a huge white stupa situated at a height of 400 meters on the Ratnagiri hill in Rajgir. It is made of white marble and has four shining golden Buddha statues on the corners of the Stupa. The Vishwa Shanti Stupa is another name of Shanti Stupa. It is a significant Buddhist pilgrimage site. There are superbly detailed sculptures of the Lord Buddha inside the marble towering stupa. It is mostly recognized as a spiritual and photographic attraction.
It was built as a symbol of world peace by the Japanese. you can also visit a small Japanese Buddhist Temple located within the Stupa premises and the temple also has a large park. There is also a temple or pagoda where prayers for universal peace are conducted.
2. Pandu Pokhar:
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 amphitheater, bronze statues of king Pandu Pokhar park bring recreation and spirituality together perfectly.
As per historical stories, when king Pandu attacked Rajgir, he converted the area into a stable and a swale was created here, and the swale filled up with rainwater to give existence to the present Pandu Pokhar. This area has been converted into a entertainment park where you can enjoy various adventurous outdoor activities like Bull riding, Horse riding, Bungee jumping, Zipline, Trampoline, Boating, and a Bouncy for the kids.
3. Veerayatan Museum:
This Veerayatan Museum or the Kala Mandir is one of the prominent tourist places to visit in Rajgir. This is one of Best places to visit in Rajgir. It has been dedicated to Jainism and exhibits several artefacts and homemade objects representing the teaching and lives of the 24 Tirthankaras of Jainism. The museum has a very peaceful and serene atmosphere. Here you can see more than 50 three-dimensional models of the lives and teachings of Tirthankaras, all created with metals and wood.
4. Ghora Katora Lake:
This is also one of the Best Tourist spots in Rajgir. Ghora Katora Lake, near Rajgir, is a very lovely and mesmerizing place. The horses of the Rajgir kings are said to have drunk water from here and therefore, the lake’s from is similar to that of a horse. It is surrounded on three sides by mountains and is next to the World Peace Pagoda. You need to take the traditional “tanga” as private vehicles are not allowed. It’s 6 kms from the main road and the journey towards this place is very mesmerizing.
The first glimpse itself will take your heart away. The lake looks picturesque and is ideal for strolling across it and taking wonderful pictures. This location is an excellent picnic spot and is known for being one of the cleanest sight-seeing locations in Rajgir.
5. Jarasandha ka Akhara:
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 picknickers.
6. The Cyclopean Wall:
The Cyclopean Wall is a 40-kilometer-long stone wall encircling the entire Rajgir. It is one of the beautiful places to visit in Rajgir and the oldest examples of cyclopean masonry found across the world. It was built by king Jarasandha. This wall is protected by the National Monument and most of the wall has been destroyed with time. Built with huge limestone boulders without any use of mortar and was declared a UNESCO world Heritage Site in the year 1987.
7. Griddhakuta Peak:
Gridhakuta is a popular sightseeing location perched at an altitude of 400m. This is another one of the best Tourist spots in Rajgir. 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 one of the Best places to visit in Rajgir. It is said to be place where Lord Buddha resided for many years.
8. Maniyar Math:
Maniyar Math is located near the Swarna Bhandar, the Maniyar Math is just a deep well with a small Jain temple built on it. This monastery is situated near the Warm Water Spring in Rajgir. In Jain history, it was known as the Nirman Koop of the Queen Chalanna and Sheel Bhadra.
Maniyar Math is made up of cylindrical bricks and is an amazing specimen of the Gupta period. It is one of the well-known places to visit in Rajgir and was built in remembrance of Naga Salibadra, who is supposed to were found during the excavations conducted in 1861-62.
9. Hiuen Tsang Memorial Hall:
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.
10. Swarna Bhandar:
Swarn Bhandar is also one of the Best Tourist spots in Rajgir. Swarna Bhandar or Son Bhandar caves are a set of two artificial caves carved out of a single massive rock. As per the inscriptions fond inside caves, they date back to the 3rd or the 4th century and belong to the Jains. The main cave was built during the Mauryan empire and has a votive Jain stele inside. The surface of the cave is partially polished.
Fun things to do in Rajgir:
Glass Skywalk:
It is the Best Tourist spots in Rajgir. It is most famous activity of Rajgir and attracts many tourists towards this place. As the name state, you would be able to walk on a glass height of 85 feet long and 6 feet broad, the glass floor bridge. The bridge can accommodate up to 40 passengers and is 400 feet above the earth. It is thrilling as it is another adventure sport to do.
Ticket price: 125/- per person (closed on Monday)
Timing: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Rajgir Ropeway:
Rajgir Ropeway, said to be 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.
Suspension Bridge:
A suspension bridge has been built here on the lines of Clifton in England. It connects the two mountain ranges of Vaibhargiri included including the five hills of Rajgir. 135m long and 6 feet wide, this is the first tourist suspension bridge in the state. About 50 lakhs have been spent on this.
Ticket price: 10/- per person
Timing: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (closed on Monday)
Zipline/ Flying Fox:
A rope connection between two points at different heights to cross gorges and rivers is called a zipline, also known as a flying fox or fun line. It is one of best Fun things to do in Rajgir. And the length of the Zipline is 300m in Rajgir, for a thrilling adventure.
Ticket Price: 100/-per person
Timing: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (closed on Monday)
Zip/ Sky Biking:
You may have heard of sky bikes and are wondering exactly what they are. A simple explanation would be a bike attached to a zipline. And there is more activity to do in Nature Safari of Rajgir in a very convenient way.
Rajgir Wildlife Safari:
Just 4 km Away from the Railway Station, the Rajgir Zoo Safari is one of the most beautiful places there. It is located near the Maniyar Math in Rajgir, Bihar. Someone who loves to visit wildlife and safaris should include in the trip. There is also a butterfly park, an interpretation center, a gallery for orientation, and amphitheater in the park.
Timing: 7 am to 4 pm and 6 am to 9 pm (on Saturday)
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