Rajgir

Vishwa Shanti Stupa is a huge white stupa situated at a height of 400 metres on the Ratnagiri hill in Rajgir. It is made of white marble and has four shining golden Buddha statues on the corners of the Stupa. The four Buddha statues represent four important events of the life of Lord Buddha. Also called the Gridhakuta, Vishwa Shanti Stupa is one of the most famous tourist places to visit in Rajgir that can be reached via ropeways. You can also visit a small Japanese Buddhist Temple located within the Stupa premises and the temple also has a large park. There is also a temple or pagoda where prayers for universal peace are conducted. It is also one of 80 Peace Pagodas built all around the world by Nipponzan Myohoji, a neo-Buddhist organisation.Location: Vishwa Shanti Stupa Rd, Rajgir, Bihar 803121, IndiaTimings: 9 AM to 5.30 PMPrice: INR 60 for chairlift

The breathtaking Venuvana was built by Bimbisar, a powerful Magadh Emperor, as a residence for Lord Buddha. An artificial forest and a sanctuary built to enjoy peace and meditation, Venuvana was the first offering made by the emperor to Lord Gautama Buddha. There is also a monastery within the premises and Lord Buddha used to meditate here. Here you can admire the huge and beautiful Bamboo Grove, flowers, and a large pond with a statue of Buddha in the centre of the pond. You can stay in the numerous hotels located near the Venuvan. There is also a Japanese Buddha temple on the backside of the garden which you can explore while visiting here. You can enjoy the serenity of this place while taking a stroll around the garden or by sitting in one peaceful place. You can also meditate near the pond early in the morning or during the evening under the shade of trees.Location: Nimal, Rajgir, Bihar 803121, IndiaTimings: 6 AM to 6 PMPrice: INR 7 per head for Indians, INR 100 per head for foreigners

Leading you to the top of the Ratnagiri Hill, the Rajgir Ropeway is considered to be the country’s oldest ropeway. Taking you to an altitude of around 1000 feet above the sea level, this chairlift ropeway lets you soak in the breathtaking panoramic views of charming Pant Wildlife Sanctuary and the majestic peaks of Udaygiri, Vaibhagiri, Songiri, and Vipalachal. The ropeway is usually taken by the Jain, Hindu, and Buddhist pilgrims, who use the charlift as a medium of transport to the Vishwa Shanti Stupa, which is located at the top of the Ratnagiri Hill. Location: Bihar Sharif - Rajgir Road, Dhanawa, Nalanda, Bihar 803111, IndiaTimings: Monday to Saturday - 8 AM to 5 PM, Sunday - 8.30 AM to 5.30 PMPrice: INR 60 per head for adults, INR 30 per head for children

Swarna Bhandar or the Son Bhandar caves are a set of two artificial caves carved out of a single massive rock. As per the inscriptions found inside the caves, they date back to the 3rd or the 4th century and belong to the Jains. The main cave is rectangular in shape and has a pointed ceiling with a trapezoidal entrance, similar to the Barabar Caves, the first artificial caves. The main cave was built during the Mauryan empire and has a votive Jain stele inside. The surface of the cave is partially polished. The second cave also dates back to the 3rd-4th century AD and has been mostly destroyed. This cave houses many spectacular Jain relics and sculptures on the walls of the cave. It is an ideal tourist place in Rajgir for history buffs.Location: Rajgir, Bihar 803116, IndiaTimings: 9 AM to 5 PM

After becoming a King, Ajatshatru put his father King Bimbisara in this jail built inside the Ajatshatru Fort. It is one of the most well-known places to visit in Rajgir because of its ancient history. The king was detained here because of his devotion to Lord Buddha and was moved to another small room during his last days so that he can see and hear Lord Buddha who was staying in the fort at that time.Surrounded by stone pillars and high walls, this jail is situated near the Maniyar Math. You can admire the ruins and learn about Indian history and also get a panoramic view of the famous Japanese Peace Pagoda at the top of the hill. You can also explore the Ajatshatru fort, Shanti Stupa, and the Cyclopean wall nearby.Location: NH 82, Rajgir, Bihar 803116, India

Makhdum or Makhdoom Kund is a dargah and a hot water spring dedicated to a Sufi saint, Makhdum Shah. This kund is famous for its sanctity and is visited by both the Hindu and Muslim sect. The saint lived in the forest of Rajgir for 12 years and used to regularly visit the kund. It is believed that the water of the kund never dries. The water of the pond is also believed to be blessed by some divine powers and people come here to seek the blessing of the Sufi Saint. This popular tourist place in Rajgir is especially populated on festivals like Eid-Ul-Fitr, Diwali, and Holi. The best time to visit the Makhdum Kund is during the winter season and you can even take a dip in the warm water of the pond.Location: Nimal, Rajgir, Bihar 803121, IndiaTimings: 8 AM to 7 PM

The Cyclopean Wall is a 40 kilometre long stone wall encircling the entire Rajgir (formerly known as Rajgriha). It is one of the beautiful places to visit in Rajgir and the oldest examples of cyclopean masonry found across the world. It was built by King Jarasandh, 2nd ruler of Brihadratha or Rawani dynasty to protect the city from invaders and enemies. This wall is protected by the National Monument and most of the wall has been destroyed with time. Built with huge limestone boulders without any use of mortar and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 1987. You can also see the Chariot Wheel Marks near the Cyclopean Wall and engravings in an unencrypted script around the Route Marks of the Chariot. The engravings are supposed to be made sometime between the 1st and 5the century AD.Location: NH82, Nimal, Rajgir, Bihar 803116, IndiaTimings: 6 AM to 6 PM

Saptaparni Caves, also known as the Saptaparni Guha or the Sattapanni Guha literally means the seven-leaves-cave. This Buddhist cave is considered as the place where Buddha resided here for some time before his death and also as the place where the first-ever Buddhist Council was held after Buddha’s death. Being one of the most famous places to visit in Rajgir, the Saptaparni Caves can be reached by taking a 40-minute uphill hike from the backside of the Lakshmi Narayan Temple. You can also visit the Hindu and Jain temples near the caves. You can also enjoy the beautiful atmosphere nearby and relax on the natural rock platforms. It is said that Lord Buddha meditated in the caves and you can also enjoy the peace and spiritual vibes of the place.Location: Rajgir(Nalanda), Bihar 803116, IndiaTimings: 6 AM to 4 PM