Top Things to Do in the Rajgir | Must-See Attractions & Experiences

Plan Your Travel To Rajgir

Places To Visit In Rajgir

Ajatshatru Fort

Ajatshatru was a king and the ruler of the Magadha's in 6th Century B.C when he built this grand fort. According to the legend of history, Ajatshatru imprisoned his father Bimbisar in a jail inside this fort after he took the throne; and Bimbisara, a staunch Buddhist, chose a spot from where he could see Lord Buddha give his sermons every morning. The once sturdy and stable fort is now famous for being in ruins and hardly even resembling the magnificence that it once was. Read More

Bimbisara's Jail

Believed to be the place where Bimbisara was confined by his son King Ajatshatru, Bimbisara Jail offers a brilliant view of the Japanese Stupa situated on the same hill.

The Chariot Tracks feature two parallel furrows cut into the rocks and are believed to have been made by Lord Krishna's chariot. Shell inscriptions are also seen here engraved on the rocks.

The Chariot Wheel Marks are thirty feet long, deep marks on the rocks near the Jarasandha monuments. According to the local legends, these marks were made by Lord Krishna when he arrived in Rajgir. Other than the marks, around this area, there is an engraved script which is yet to be decrypted. The script was written at some time between 1 A.D. and 5 A.D, probably in a language unknown to historians now.

Dating back to 2500 years ago, the Cyclopean walls are 4 meters wide and encircle the city, being 40 km long. It was built by the Mauryans with an objective to fortify the city. Today most of it stands in ruins.

The Ghora Katora Lake, located off-road in Rajgir derives its name, which means a ¥horse bowl' from its own shape which is like a horse. This location is an excellent picnic spot and is known for being one of the cleanest sight-seeing locations in Rajgir. Very much loved by the locals, the lake is located at the same place where it is believed that Jarasandha from Mahabharata had his stable.

The Griddhakuta Hill is one of the best sightseeing locations in Rajgir, with an uphill drive of 400 metres. Lord Gautam Buddha was said to have lived on the hill for a long time while preaching the Lotus, Heart and Prajnaparomita Sutras and the hill, resembling a perched eagle or vulture has recurring mention in the Pali Buddhist scripts. There is also a Peace Pagoda in this location called Vishwa Shanti Stupa. For travellers looking to get a better look at the scenery, they can take the aerial ropeway which will take you to the Pagoda. Read More

Vulture's Peak or Griddhakuta

Another top attraction in Bihar, located in Rajgir, Vulture peak, also known as Griddhakuta is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists. It is one of the top 3 places where Shakyamuni Buddha or the Gautama Buddha preached for many years. Located on a small hill, just outside of Rajgir, Griddhakuta is a popular sightseeing location perched at an altitude of 400 m. This peak is known as the Vulture's Peak as it is shaped like a vulture and also provides frequent sightings of the bird. It is said to be the place where Lord Buddha resided for many years. Vulture peak also offers a brilliant 360 degree view of the entire surroundings and can be an interesting thing to do for half a day. Read More

The Hiuen Tsang Memorial Hall was built in memory of the Chinese scholar in the location where he was said to have resided for over 12 years during his time in the country. The memorial hall is home to writings of the scholar about his observations regarding medieval India, which forms the basis of much of the knowledge of that time.

Also known as the Vishwa Shanti Stupa, this pillar is situated atop the Gridhakuta hill at an altitude of 400m. It was built as a symbol of world peace by the Japanese. This marble pillar also showcases four golden statues of Buddha depicting different stages of his life - birth, enlightenment, preaching and death. This location can be accessed by an aerial ropeway.