The ancient city of Rajgir was the first seat of power in the kingdom of Magadha. Rajgir is the place where Lord Buddha spent 12 years and preached two sermons and Lord Vardhaman Mahavir (24th Jain Tirthankara) lived and preached. You can read more about the history of Rajgir here.
Other than its rich history and religious significance, Rajgir is the best tourist spot in Bihar and a perfect weekend getaway from the capital city of Patna. Personally, I have visited Rajgir more than thrice and it is my most-favourite escape from Patna.
I have already written about Rajgir in my earlier blog post here. However, this post is more about the new tourist attractions in Rajgir developed by the state government in the recent past to attract more tourists not only from Bihar but also the neighbouring states.
Images on the top left and on the right by Amit Griyaghey
Best Time to Visit Rajgir
- Winter (November-February) for Kunda Snana and cold weather.
- Monsoon (July-September) for greenery and pleasant weather.
How to Reach Rajgir
- Take a flight to Patna Airport.
- Hire a cab from Patna to Rajgir (100 Km).
Things to do in Rajgir
- Kunda Snana (Bathing in hot water natural spring)
- Vishwa Shanti Stupa (Peace Pagoda)
- Rajjumarg (Ropeway)
- Ghora Katora Lake
- Zoo Safari
- Nature Safari (Glass Sky Walk, Sky Bike, Suspension Bridge)
- Pandu Pokhar (boating, indoor and outdoor sports, amusement and adventure park)
- Veerayatan Museum
- Sonbhandar Caves
Travel Tips for Nature Safari
- You can book the tickets online (only 3 days in advance) on their website here.
- The ticket price of INR 100 is only for the bus ride from the pick-up point (same as the Zoo safari) to the Nature Safari zone which is at a higher altitude.
- You need to pay separately for Glass Sky Walk (INR 125), Sky Bike (INR 100) and Suspension Bridge (INR 100).
- The entry is allowed between 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM on all days, except Mondays.
Travel Tips for Zoo Safari
- Book a ticket of INR 100 from the first ticket counter for your entry to the premises.
- Buy another ticket of INR 150 for the Zoo Safari after you have entered the premises.
- Watch a short video on marine life in their 180-degree screen theatre for no extra cost.
- The Zoo Safari is for 1 hour covering around 15 Km and comes with a tour guide and air-conditioned bus.
- Safari covers lions, tigers, leopards, bears, spotted deers and monkeys.
Vishwa Shanti Stupa (Peace Pagoda)
Vishwa Shanti Stupa is an iconic structure situated at the top of Ratnagiri hill symbolizing the message of peace and harmony given by Lord Buddha. The stupa has four golden statues symbolizing the four major stages of Lord Buddha’s life: birth, enlightenment, teaching and nirvana.
Where to Stay in Rajgir
The hotel is a beautiful fusion of classical Indian and Japanese architecture. You can instantly feel an aura of peace and equanimity greeting you the moment you enter the premises – a perfect weekend getaway from the chaotic hustle and bustle of Patna to unwind yourself and feel at peace.
Why Indo Hokke Hotel
- Peaceful location;
- Spacious rooms with bathtub;
- Reasonably priced room tariff;
- Good food;
- A large campus-like premises;
- Unique Japanese architecture;
- In-house souvenir shop,
- No other better alternatives at this price point.
Where to Eat in Rajgir
- Jungle Restaurant,
- Indo-Hokke Hotel
Read my earlier blog post on Rajgir below for more details.
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