Rajgir Travel Guide
Top 15 Places to Visit in Rajgir | Rajgir Travel Guide
1. Ruins of Nalanda University, Nalanda
Ruins of Nalanda University lies approximately 95 Kms from Patna, near the city of Bihar Sharif. It was a major seat of learning in India from 5th Century CE to 1200 CE and flourished under the patronage of kings linke Guptas and Harsha, It attracted students from neighbouring countries like Tibet, China, Korea and Central Asia. The writings of Chinese pilgrim and a student at Nalanda University, XuanZang provides detailed account of this period. Unfortunately, the University campus had a tragedic demise as it was burnt down by Turkish invader Bakhtiyar Khilji in 1193 CE.
2. Hieun Tsang Memorial, Nalanda
Hieun Tsang/XuanZang Memorial hall was built in memory of the Chinese Buddhist traveller, scholar and translator, Ven XuanZang. He came to India in seventh century and stayed here for seventeen years. The Museum is said to have been built at a place where he spent major part of his stay in India. The Museum contains his writings which describes the Indo-China Buddhist relationships of medieval period. He also spent a considerable time in the then Nalanda University which has a mention in his writings.
3. Vishwa Shanti Stupa, Rajgir
Built in 1965 as an initiative of a Buddhist organisation to build Stupas , Vishwa Shanti Stupa at Rajgir symbolises peace and harmony. The white Stupa on the Ratnagiri Hills and the ropeway ride to reach the Stupa is one of its kind experience. The Panoramic view of the beautiful valley is mesmerising and leaves us awestruck.
4. Vulture Peak, Rajgir
Vulture Peak in Rajgir is an important pilgrimage place for Buddhist as Buddha spent a lot of time here meditating and preaching. It was one of his favorite places in Rajgir for retreat. It derives its name from its appearance which is very similar to a vulture sitting on the peak with its wings folded. It is also known as Griddhakuta.
5. Bimbisar Jail, Rajgir
Bimbisar’s Jail is a historical place where Ajatshatru, son of Bimbisar kept him in captivity in order to ascend the throne. Bimbisar, the King of Magadh was a contemporary of Buddha and one of his greatest followers. Bimbisar had made Rajgir as the capital of his kingdom which was later shifted to Patliputra by his son, Ajatshatru.
6 Venu Van, Rajgir
An artificial forest with bamboo groves believed to be gifted to Buddha by King Bimbisar. Bimbisar was the king of Magadh and a contemporary of Buddha. He built a monastery for Buddha to reside, meditate and preach, now known as Venu Van. With its quiet and serene surroundings, it is a perfect place to get eternal peace.
7. Saptaparni Cave, Rajgir
Saptaparni Cave also known as Saptaparni Guha is located in Rajgir and is an important site in Buddhist tradition. It is believed that Buddha spent some time in this cave before his death. The first Buddhist council was also held in this cave. Embedded in a hill, this place lies 2km south-west of Rajgir and is a great tourist attraction.
7. Son Bhandar Caves, Rajgir
Son Bhandar Caves is a set of two rock-cut caves lying at the foothils of Vaibhar hills. These caves are believed to be of 3rd- 4th Century B.C from the inscriptions found at the entrance of the cave. The inscriptions also indicate that the cave was constructed by a Jain-muni, named Vairadeva. The mystery behind its name is interesting as it is believed that the cave consists of a huge amount of treasure in the form of gold behind the walls of the cave.
8. Jarasandh ka Akhada, Rajgir
Jarasandh ka Akhada or the battleground of Jarasandh is linked to the the epic story of ‘Mahabharata’. It is believed that it was here where the battle between Jarasandh, the king of Magadh and Bhim, one of the five Pandavas took place for 14 consecutive days. Bhim finally killed Jarasandh on the advise of Lord Krishna.
9. Maniyar Math, Rajgir
Maniyar Math, located near the Rajgir Kund is around 4 km away from Rajgir Railway station. This structure which is in the form of deep well is believed to be built by the King of Magadha, Jarasandha. During its excavation in 1860-61, many idols of Lord Ganesha and lord Shiva were found here which are now placed in Nalanda museum.
10. Veerayatan Museum, Rajgir
Veerayatan museum also known as Shri Brahmi Kala Mandiram is located in the foothills of Vaibhavgiri hills. The museum depicts the lives and teachings of 24 Tirthankaras of Jain religion in the form of fifty three-dimensional models. The museum was dsigned by Acharya Chandanaji and is a one of its kind museum in the world.
11. Pandu Pokhar, Rajgir
Pandu Pokhar is named after king Pandu, father of the Pandavas in the epic story of Mahabharata. It is said that King Pandu attacked Rajgir and converted it into a horse stable. A deep void was left over in the place which filled by rain water later and formed the Pandu Pokhar.
12. Rajgir Kund, Rajgir
Rajgir Kund or the hot springs of Rajgir are famous for its hot water throughout the year. There are around 22 hotsprings in Rajgir. It is said that it was made by Lord Brahma and hence these are also called Brahma Kund. Bathing in the kund is considered sacred. They attract thousands of tourists and devotees throughout the year.
13. Cyclopean Wall, Rajgir
Cyclopean Wall is a 40 km ong stone wall in Rajgir which encircles the entire city to prevent it from enemies. It is one of the oldest example of stone masonry. Most part of the wall has disappeared with time, however the remaining part is a great tourist attraction and holds a significant place in the history of India.
14. Ghora Katora Lake, Rajgir
Ghora katora lake, a tourist attraction is a natural landscape surrounded by three hills. It has a 70-ft Buddha statue at the centre. With the sound of the winds and picturesque beauty all round, it is a perfect place to get lost in the mesmerising beauty of nature
15. Glass Bridge, Rajgir
Glass Bridge, a man made structure in the midst of the five hills of Rajgir is one of the most coveted attractions in Rajgir. A first-of-its-kind in India, the bridge gives a panaromic view of the hills and the valley and is 85-foot long and 6-foot wide. It can accommodate 40 people at a time and requires an entry ticket for getting on to it.
