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Rajgir is a beautiful town in the Indian state of Bihar. Formerly, it was named Rajagirha meaning, the ‘ House of Kings’. The city holds religious values and history linking with Buddhism and Jainism. It also has historic importance in Indian ancient history. In fact, Rajgir offers its visitors to experience the serene ambience and some of its unique handicrafts and artwork which you can take back home on your visit to Rajgir. So if you’re planning to visit Rajgir, this is the right place for you to know about the top 15 places to visit in Rajgir!
Read more about the top 15 Places to visit in Rajgir. Let’s get started.
Cyclopean Walls
The Cyclopean walls encircling the city of Rajgir are 40 Km long. It was built around 2500 years ago to strengthen the city and to protect from invaders entering the city. The rulers of the Mauryan Empire had built this great, massive structure with undressed stones. In fact, the site was declared as the World Heritage Site in 1987 by UNESCO. Most of it has disappeared with the passage of time but you can still find some remains of it.
You must visit this amazing place bearing historic importance of ancient India.
- Time: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Veerayatan Museum
The Veerayatan Museum is a Jain museum displaying the history of all 24 Tirthankaras. The museum is situated in the foothills region of Vaibhav Giri hills because of which the entire ambiance is calm. The religious values of Jainism are depicted through the 3-D models which are more than 50 in number.
You also get to see some amazing artwork on the walls of the museum. All these are handmade and designed by Acharya Shri Chandanji.
- Time: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Bimbisara Jail
Bimbisara jail is the place where King Bimbisara was prisoned during the ruling period of his son, King Ajatshatru. This place is a touristy spot because of its historical importance. You can get an excellent view of the Japanese Peace Pagoda situated at top of the hills. Additionally, you can explore the Ajatshatru Fort within which the Bimbisara jail is located.
- Time: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Entry: Free
Japanese Stupa
Located at top of Rajgir hills, at a height of nearly 400 meters is the Japanese Stupa also known as the Vishwa Shanti Stupa. The entire structure is made from white marble along with four gold shining statues of Buddha. To reach at the top of the hill, you will have to take the ropeways. Moreover, a small Japanese Buddhist temple is also present inside the premise of Stupa which also has a park.
You can visit this place which holds great religious importance.
- Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Entry Fee/Price: You will have to pay a price of INR 60 for the chairlift for both sides (the price may vary).
Swarn Bhandar
Swarn Bhandar or well known as Son Bhandar caves are an artificial cave situated in the slope region of Vaibhav Hills. According to the scriptures found inside the caves, it is said that it dates long back to the third or fourth century belonging to Jains. The main cave, built during the Mauryan Empire, is rectangular in shape with a pointed ceiling.
You can find scriptures belonging to Jainism on the walls of these caves. It is an ideal, historic, and religious place.
- Timing: 9 AM – 5:00 PM
Ajatshatru Fort
The Ajatshatru Fort is situated at a distance of 2 Km from Rajgir Railway Station. It is not only the most visited place in Rajgir, but also one of the historic ancient forts in Bihar. It dates back to the 6th century BC when it was built during the reign of King Ajatshatru. As per the structure, the fort was built with four corners each covered with stone towers.
However, you may only get to see only some part of it but it is of great historic importance. You can capture the beauty of this historic plae.
- Time: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Entry fee: INR 100 per person, INR 100 for tour guide (the price may vary).
Rajgir Hot Springs
At a distance of 3 Km from the Rajgir Railway Station, is the Rajgir Hot Springs that are the natural sacred water springs. It is situated at the foothills region of Vaibhav hills. As a religious site, it is one of the most visited places in Bihar.
- Time: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Entry: Free
Ghora Katora Lake
The Ghora Katora Lake is a calm, relaxing, and magnificent place in Rajgir. It is said, the horses of rulers of Rajgir drank water from here. The shape of this lake resembles the horse. Private vehicles are not allowed to enter the area. However, you can take the traditional ‘tongas’ or even a bicycle to reach this calm place.
- Time: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Plant Wildlife Sanctuary
It is one of the most visited tourist places in Rajgir and well known as the Rajgir Wildlife Sanctuary. You can see various species of flora and fauna. Fiver mountains namely, Vipulgiri, Udaygiri, Songiri, Ratnagiri, and the Vaibhavgiri surround this beautiful wildlife sanctuary are. The sanctuary is home to nilgai, elephants, and many other animals.
Apart from this, the sanctuary is known for its natural beauty. The duration from October to June is considered the best time to visit the sanctuary.
- Time: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Venu Van
Venu Van is a historical park associated with the historical and religious importance of Buddhism. This bamboo groove or the Venu Van was gifted by King Bimbisara to Buddha and is the first Buddhist monastery. Additionally, the Karandank tank is also present inside the Venu Van from that time.
There is a pond in middle, a Buddha temple, and trees in the park that gives a serene ambiance to its visitors.
- Time: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Pandu Pokhar
As per the historic importance, when King Pandu attacked Rajgirha (now Rajgir) the now known Pandu Pokhar was converted into a horse stable. After his army left the place, a swale was created because of the hoof mark of horses. And as time passed by, rainwater started accumulating into it which was later used as a pond. In fact, ‘POKHAR ‘ in the local language means pond.
At present this area is now utilized for outdoor activities like horse riding, trampoline, bungee jumping, and many more. You can visit this place and enjoy yourself with your friends and family.
- Time: 7:35 AM – 10:15 PM
Jivakarma Vihara
Jivakarma Vihara or well known as Jivaka Amravarna (Amra-vana meaning mango garden) Vihara is a known ancient Buddhist monastery (or vihara) in Rajgir. This was a mango orchard that was donated to sangha by Jivaka, a royal doctor who served King Bimbisara. In place of the mango orchard, Jivaka built a monastery and donated it to the sangha.
However, there are only remains of it at present but on your visit to Rajgir, do not miss out on this historic place of Jivakarma Vihara.
Vulture’s Peak
The Vulture’s Peak or the Griddhakuta is one of the frequently visited sites in Rajgir, Bihar. The place religious and historic importance for Buddhists. Situated on a small hill, Griddhakuta is a sight-seeing location. It is located at an altitude of 400 mt. The place is called Vulture’s Peak because its shape resembles that of a vulture.
It offers a mesmerizing view of nature. Additionally, you can view different bird species and the entire area surrounding them.
Saptaparni Caves
Well known as Sapt Parni Guha or Saptparni Caves in a literal sense, means seven-leaves caves. This is a Buddhist cave situated at a distance of 2 Km from Rajgir in Bihar. This place is said to be the place where the first Buddhist Council took place after Buddha’s death. Thus, the caves have a religious as well the historic importance.
On your visit to this place, you can also explore and visit the Jain temples nearby.
- Time: 6:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Hiuen Tsang Memorial Hall
The Hiuen Tsang Memorial Hall was built as a tribute to the Chinese traveller who as per belief resided over the place during his visit to the country to learn about Buddhism. The memorial hall has a special section that distinctly displays the religious and other exhibits founded by Hiuen Tsang.
You can visit this historic place and explore more about medieval Indian history.
- Time: 9:00 am – 5:00 PM
- Entry fee: INR 20 per person (the price may vary).
Hopefully this information will prove to be helpful for you while wish-listing the places to visit in Rajgir.
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