India Tourism | Rajgir

46 kms from Bodhgaya, Rajgir is sacred to the memory of the founders of both Buddhism and Jainism. Rajgir today is vestiges of a legendary and historical remains like the cyclopean wall and the marks engraved in rocks.

Rajagriha in Patna district was the ancient capital city of the Magadha kings. The Buddha often came here to retreat at the Jivkamaravana monastery in a beautiful orchard. One of his most devoted and prosperous devotees, surgeon Jivaka also lived here. The rich merchant community here soon became the Buddha’s followers and built many structures of typical Buddhist architecture. The Buddha converted the Mauryan king Bimbisara, one of his most celebrated followers at the Griddhakuta hill, where he delivered many of his sermons as well. The Japanese have built a Stupa on top of the Ratnagiri hill, linked by a ropeway. After the Buddha reached ’parinirvana’ his followers met at the Saptaparni cave in Rajagriha, the first Buddhist Council ever held. It was here that the teachings of the Buddha were penned down for the first time. Rajgir is also an important place of pilgrimage for the Hindus and Jains. Other places to be visited are Bimbisara ka jail, Jarasandha ka akhara, Venuvana, Karand tank, Maniyar math, Swamabhandar cave, Pippala cave, Viswa Shanti Stupa, the famous hot water springs and ruins of an old fort.

Temperature (°C):
Summer: Max 45, Min 20
Winter: Max 28, Min 6
Rainfall: 186 cms (Mid-June to Mid-September)
Best Season: October to March

How to get there

	Air: The nearest airport is at Patna 101 kms. Indian Airlines connect Patna to Kolkata (Calcutta), Mumbai (Bombay), Delhi, Ranchi and Lucknow.
	Rail: Though Rajgir itself is the railway station yet the nearest convenient railhead is at Gaya 34 kms.
	Road: Rajgir is connected by road to Patna 102 kms, Nalanda 12 kms, Gaya 34 kms, Pawapuri 38 kms, Bihar Sharif 25 kms etc.
	Local Transport: Regular buses are available from all the above said points to Rajgir. Taxis and Buses and Tongas are available.

Places of Interest

Ajatashatur's Fort
Amaravana (Mango Garden)
Venuban
Bimbisara's Jail
Swarna Bhandar
Cyclopean Wall
Griddhakuta (Vulture's Peak)
Saptparni Cave
Pippala Cave (Watch Tower)
Jain temples
Karnada Tank
Maniyar Math

Excursions

Bihar Sharif (25 kms)
Nalanda (12 kms)
Sawarajpur Baragaon
Gaya (34 kms)
Bodhgaya (50 kms)
Kundalpurr (18 kms)
Pawapuri (38 kms)
Pawapuri is also known as Apapuri, is a sacred Jain pilgrim centre. Jalmandir, a marble temple in the centre of a big lotus tank, is the biggest attraction here. Other Places of interest here are Samosaran and Naya mandir. It was here thet Mahavir delivered his last sermon and was also cremated.

The Region