RAJGIR

RAJGIR

The ancient city Rajgir exited even before the Buddha’s time. ‘Rajgir’ or ‘Rajgriha’ – ‘the Home for the Kings’ as it was known in the ancient times, served as the capital of the then Magadhan Empire. The city was fortified by stone wall that still exists partly. The natural fortification by five hills and some of the caves believed to be Buddha’s favourite abode for meditation makes the region a point of reverence especially for the Buddhists.

Main Tourist Spots: Vishwa Shanti Stupa, Hot Springs, Gridh Koot (Gridhkuta) Parvat , Jarasandha’s Baithak, Saptaparni Caves, Bimbisara Jail, Venu Vana, 20-Feet Glass Bridge (first of its kind in India) etc.

Where to Stay: There are several hotels in and around Rajgir. Apart from hotels, tourists can opt for tourist bungalows or Govt. owned hotels or guest houses.

Indo-Hokke Hotel (3 star) Phone: 06112-255231, Rajgir Residency (2 star) Phone: 06112-255404,

Hotel Tathagat Vihar, Phone: 06112-255176, Hotel Siddhartha, Phone: 06112-255216.

How to Reach: Nearest Airport Loknayak Jayprakash Narayan International Airport, Patna, 100 km away from Rajgir. One can hire a taxi from Patna to Rajgir and Nalanda . There’s also a direct train between New Delhi and Rajgir called Shramjivi Express (12392) it takes 21 hours and 15 minutes.

Best Time to Visit: From October to February. May and June are hot and the mercury goes up to 46 degrees C. Monsoons arrive towards the end of June.