Rajgir – A city in India that is known across the country for its breathtaking views. It is a city in the Nalanda district of Bihar state, India. Rajgir is a source of religiosity, historicity, and age-old tradition.
Rajgir is surrounded by five hills. Being surrounded by mountains on all sides, Rajgir offers a very picturesque view. The city has many religious and historical places for tourists to visit. Some of these are important, such as the ruins of the ancient Nalanda University, Vishwa Shanti Stupa, Ajatshatru Fort, Pandu Pokhar, and the Golden Reserve.
History of Rajgir
The city of Rajgir has a long and rich history. Rajgir was established by King Bimbisara of the Haryanka dynasty. Many important events in the history of India took place in Rajgir. Rajgir was earlier also known as Rajgriha and its original meaning is the home of the royals. The city is known as a famous center of both Buddhism and Jainism.
Rajgir is not only known for its ancient architecture and stunning environment but is also often used as a place to host religious ceremonies. The city is home to many important temples belonging to various religions, from Buddhist holy places to Jain pilgrimage sites. Rajgir is known as Girivraja in the epic Mahabharata and it retained this identity throughout its ancient history.
Places to visit in Rajgir

There are many cultural and historical tourist places to see and visit in Rajgir. Below are the names of some popular places that you must visit during your visit to Rajgir.
S. No. | Name of Place | Type of Place |
---|---|---|
1. | Ajatshatru Fort | Heritage |
2. | Bimbisara’s Jail | Heritage |
3. | Chariot Tracks | Heritage |
4. | Chariot Wheel Marks | Sightseeing |
5. | Cyclopean Walls | Heritage |
6. | Ghora Katora Lake | River and Lakes |
7. | Griddhakuta Hills or Vulture’s Peak | Hills and Valleys |
8. | Hiuen Tsang Memorial Hall | Heritage |
9. | Jivaka’s Mango Garden | Park |
10. | Jarasandha Ka Akhara | Sightseeing |
11. | Jarasandha’s Baithak | Sightseeing |
12. | Japanese Stupa | Buddhist |
13. | Kundalpur | Religious |
14. | Makhdum Kund | Sightseeing |
15. | Maniar Matth | Religious |
16. | Pandu Pokhar | Sightseeing |
17. | Pawapuri | Religious |
18. | Rajgir Hot Springs | Hot Spring |
19. | Rajgir Ropeway | Activity |
20. | Saptaparni Caves | Caves |
21. | Stupa of Sariputra | Heritage |
22. | Swarna Bhandar | Sightseeing |
23. | Veerayatan Museum | Museum |
24. | Venuvana | Greenery |
Ancient Culture and Cuisine of Rajgir
The city of Rajgir is not only known for its rich history but also for its famous traditional cuisine. The ancient cuisine of Rajgir reflects its rich culture. Even after many years have passed, the traditional methods of cooking are followed in Rajgir. The city still remains an important center of food and culture in India.
Typically famous food like Litti Chokha, Sattu Paratha, Dahi-Chura, Thekua, and Malpua are some of the favorites of the locals and specialties that visitors must try while they are in the area.
Why You Should Visit Rajgir
Rajgir is a city steeped in history and archaeology, which holds significant cultural heritage over the centuries. Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism are some of the religious philosophies that have left their mark on the culture of Rajgir. This culture is a centuries-old culture that has been going on since the time of the Magadh Empire. Travelers can trace the age-old traditions of this city.
Apart from this, there are many tourist places to visit in Rajgir, whose list is given above. The Bihar State Government has also done many things to make Rajgir a better tourist destination. Rajgir Zoo Safari or Wildlife Safari and Rajgir Glass Bridge are the main ones.
Hotels and resorts in Rajgir
Given below are the names of some hotels to stay in Rajgir during the trip. Before deciding to stay at any of these hotels, please review the prices on various hotel booking platforms.
S. No. | Hotel/Resort Name | Price (Taxes & Fees Excluded) |
---|---|---|
1. | Indo Hokke Hotel | ₹3200 |
2. | Hotel Diamond Inn | ₹2200 |
3. | The Rajgir Residency Hotel | ₹5300 |
4. | Hotel Nageshwar Palace | ₹1400 |
5. | Hotel Nalanda Regency Rajgir | ₹3000 |
6. | Hotel Vijay Niketan | ₹700 |
7. | Pandu Pokhar Camping Pitch | ₹3800 |
8. | Hotel Glory Grand | ₹2450 |
How to reach Rajgir
Information on how to reach Rajgir by various means is given below:
By Flight – Jai Prakash Narayan International Airport is located in Patna, the capital of the state of Bihar. Which is about 100 kilometers from Rajgir city. Travelers can reach the city by bus or other transportation from the airport.
By Train – To promote the development of tourism, Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation runs regular buses to take tourists to tourist places.
By Bus – The presence of a railway station in the city of Rajgir makes it very convenient for tourists. Travelers can take cabs or buses from the railway station and go wherever they want to go.
Where is Rajgir in Google Maps?
Important Links
Nalanda, Bihar Offical Website | Click Here |
Bihar Tourism Official Website | Click Here |