Updated February 22, 2023
Rajgir
Rajgir was the ancient kingdom of Magadha, the first center of power and the state capital of the mighty Mauryan monarchs. Throughout history, spiritual giants like Lord Mahavira and Gautama Buddha were known to favour Rajgir. Rajgir is a popular destination for both Jains and Buddhist pilgrims. As a city with significant historical significance, it provides a stunning glimpse into India’s vibrant culture. Are you wondering where you should go during your stay in Rajgir? Check out this list of top tourist places in Rajgir.
Best 4 Tourist Places to Visit in Rajgir
Here is your comprehensive guide to the best tourist places in Rajgir to guide you on your next trip to this city of great significance in Jainism and Buddhism.
#1 Griddha-Kuta
Griddhakuta is a famous tourist destination located on a small hill near Rajgir at an altitude of 400 m. This mountain is in the shape of an eagle, and it is called Eagle Peak because birds often visit it. It is said that Buddha lived there for many years. Vulture Peak also offers stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding area and can be an enjoyable half-day trip. Many Buddhist monks visit this place on pilgrimage so they can pray and meditate in the cave-like building that has been constructed on top of the hill.
Things to do:
- You can go hiking.
- You can also try sightseeing.
- Try meditating in peace.
Best time to visit:
The best time to travel to Griddha-Kuta Peak is in the winter, from October to March.
#2 Venuvana
The great Emperor Bimbisar of Magadha made the magnificent city of Venuvana the home of the Buddha. An artificial grove and haven created for the pleasures of silence and meditation, Venuvana was the first emperor’s tribute to Lord Gautama Buddha. The area where Buddha used to meditate is also home to a monastery. As a sign of extreme respect for the monk, it is reported that the great ruler gave Gautam Buddha the bamboo for the building.
Things to do:
- Take relaxing walks.
- Go sightseeing.
- Explore the home of Gautam Buddha.
Best time to visit:
This structure is available to the public all year, although the ideal time to visit is in the winter, preferably between October and March.
#3 Vishwa Shanti Stupa
The Vishwa Shanti Stupa is commonly known as the Peace Pagoda, and its location on the highest peak of Ratnagiri Hill, at 400 m in Rajgir, gives it a great appeal. The stupa is made entirely of marble and features four golden Buddha statues, each representing a different stage of life: birth, enlightenment, sermon, and death. A cable car will take travelers to the top of Ratnagiri Hill to visit the Vishwa Shanti Stupa. A winding staircase leads in different directions to this “stupa.”
Things to do:
- Explore Japanese architecture.
- Try meditating.
- Click stunning pictures.
Best time to visit:
The structure is available to the public all year, although the ideal time to visit is in the winter because summers in Rajgir may be brutal.
#4 Sonbhandar Caves
Situated in the city of the kings, Rajgir, the Son Bhandar Caves are two man-made caves whose origins are still unclear to archeologists. They are renowned for having unusual interiors that haven’t been seen in any other caves that have been found, and they contain well-polished facets that are frequent in mediaeval objects of Mauryan origin but uncommon in other hollow shrine.
The Vidarbha kingdom, which ruled over southern Asia and India between the end of the 4th and the beginning of the 2nd century BC, is supposed to have left behind one of the caves. There are still some intricate Jain sculptures in a nearby cave, despite the fact that they have been mostly ruined and show indications of wear and tear.
An inscription in the ancient script used by the Mauriyan dynasty can also be seen near the cave’s trapezoidal entrance, initially built in the third or fourth century by the Jain monks who lived there.
Things to do:
- Go sightseeing.
- Explore old inscriptions.
- Relax in the structural complex.
Best time to visit:
Like all the places aforementioned in this list of tourist places in Rajgir, this structure is open to the public all year. However, the ideal time to visit is in the winter, from October to March, and summers should be avoided.
Conclusion
Rajgir is a small city, so two days are enough. Rajgir and Nalanda are only 15 kilometers apart; thus, a day trip is advised. The most famous scenery here is the view from the top, which cannot be expressed in pictures. The shadows that are produced over ponds and cottages, however, are highlights of the park’s rest areas. Rajgir is the place to go if you want to explore India’s unexplored heritage. You only need to include these tourist places in Rajgir on your next trip to make it memorable.
