By: Pal Groups
Location
Rajgir is situated 34 Km from Gaya and 102 km from Patna, Bihar. Tourist Attractions: Amaravana, Venuvana, Ajatashatru's Fort, Bimbisara's Jail, Swarna Bhandar, The Cyclopean Wall, Griddhakuta, Jain Temples, Hot Springs, Pippala Cave, Jarasandha Ka Akhada.
Best Buys:
Though the city has nothing unique to offer, but one can go for the local handicrafts.
Best Hangouts:
Enjoy a dip at the hot water springs, located at the foot of the Vaibhava Hill. The source of hot water is the "Saptaparni Caves", up in the hills.
Best Activities:
Take the roapway tour and see the glorious city of Rajgir.
Festivals:
The Malamasa Mela is celebrated every 3rd year (The Indian calendar every three years has a 13th month which is considered auspicious), and the Rajgir dance festival holds from Oct 24-26 every year.
Nearest Tourist Destinations:
Vaishali, Nalanda, Bodhgaya.
When to Visit:
February to April and August to November.
About Rajgir
Rajgir, "House of the King", is an important religious place for Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. This ancient town has reference in Mahabharata, Buddhist and Jain texts. Lord Buddha lived here in the sixth century BC while Vardhman Mahavir spent 14 years here. It was in Rajgir that Lord Buddha delivered some of his famous sermons. King Bimbisara of the Magadha Kingdom got converted here. A small town, Rajgir is witness to a glorious and legendary past. The historical monuments here presents the real scene of the glorious past. The monuments are said to be built by the business class who devoted themselves to Buddha. Jivaka, the legendary physician of Magadha kingdom, also resided here and once served Buddha for illness. Lately, the Japanese have built a Stupa on top of the Ratnagiri hill, linked by a rope way. It was here that the teachings of Buddha were penned down for the first time. Rajgir also has the Nipponzan Myohoji, the Japanese temple, and the Centaur Hokke Club which offers some traditional facilities to Japanese pilgrims.
Major Tourist Attractions in Rajgir
Amaravana (Jivaka's Mango Garden) Jivaka, the royal physician during the times of Ajatshatru and Bimbisara used to practice here. It is said that lord Buddha was also brought here for a cure of a wound. Swarna Bhandar The twin Rock-cut caves, are supposed to be the doorway to the treasury of King Bimbisara. One of the caves is said to be the guard room. While the other is supposed to be the passage to king Bimbisara's treasury. The treasure, according to folklore, is still intact.
The Cyclopean Wall: The 40 km long wall encircles ancient Rajgir. Built from massive pieces of stones, it was constructed before the Mauryan rule.
Griddhakuta: (Vulture's Peak) At the top of Ratnagiri hill, where Lord Buddha preached many inspiring sermons, a Peace Pagoda has been built by the Buddha Sangh of Japan. There is a roapway which takes around 8 minutes to take tourists on the top. It gives a splendid view of Rajgir.
Jain Temples: There are more than 25 Jain temples around Rajgir. Situated on mountains, they are approached easily by those who love trekking.
Hot Springs: The hot springs are a major tourist attractions. They are at the foot of the Vaibhava Hill. The hot water is supposed to come from the 'Saptaparni Caves', situated on top of the hill. Brahmaputra is the hottest spring with water temperature being 45 degree C. Separate bathing places for men and women have been organised.
Getting There
Air: The nearest airport is the Loknayak Jai Prakash International Airport, Patna, 100 Km away.
Rail: The nearest railway station is Bhakhtiyarpur, 54 Km from Rajgir.
Road: Rajgir is connected by an excellent road to Patna as well as to Bodh Gaya.
Accommodation: There are a number of moderately priced hotels available in Rajgir. Apart from hotels, tourists can opt for Tourist Bunglows, the Government owned hotels or guest houses.
