India /Bihar /Nalanda / Rajgir

Rajgir is a town that is located in the district of Nalanda in the state of Bihar. The town is an ancient place and artifacts dating back to 1000 BC have been found here. The town is located in a valley and it surrounded by rocky hillocks. Many Buddhist influences can be seen in the town and one can see Buddhist monks meditating at a place called Vultures Peak. This serene setting serves to revitalize both the body and soul. Lord Buddha is said to have delivered many sermons at the town of Rajgir. Lord Mahavir is also said to have to spend some amount of time at the town of Rajgir. You can see many old ruins and temples in the town, and there are plenty of sites that can see visited during the stay in Rajgir. The place is a popular holiday destination due to its serene and laid back nature. The old town was surrounding by a wall and much of it is in ruins at the moment.

Quick Facts-Edit

Category : Heritage

Time Zone: UTC + 5:30 Hours

Pincode: 803116

STD Code: 6112

Info Website: bstdc.bih.nic.in/Rajgir.htm

Best Time to Visit:  October – March

HistoryEdit

Rajgir is a very ancient place referred to in the mythical period of Ramayana.. In ancient India it was known by several names, one being Rajgriha. The other ancient names were Vasumati, Barhadrathapura, Kusagrapura, Girivraja. Rajgriha (Rajgir) was the capital city of the Magadha empire for many centuries. There are several hills near Rajgriha called the Vaibhara, Ratna, Saila, Sona, Udaya, Chhatha and Vipula. Rajgir is linked with Vasu the fourth son of Brahma (creator) who is considered to have founded the old Girivraja. It is also linked with Brihadratha and Jarasandha. Bimbisara ruled over Magadh from 543-491 B.C, then Ajatasatru (491-459 B.C). The accounts of ancient Rajgir are given by the Chinese travellers and pilgrims Fa-hien and Hiuen Tsang. Buddhaghosha has also given accounts. Buddha lived in Rajgriha and gave many sermons here. Mahavira the twenty fourth Jain tirthankara also spent a long time here. Lord Mahavir performed Twelve ‘Chaturmas’ here and sprayed his spiritual ambrosia on this district. Of the Nearly seven lakh hermits and nuns devoted to Lord Mahavir, nearly one-fourth belonged to Rajgriha district. From this viewpoint it can be said that Lord Mahavir had a boundless influence on Rajgriha district. The twentieth Jain tirthankara Muni Suvrata is born here.

Places to VisitAdd

How to ReachEdit

By Air : Rajgir does not have an airport of its own. Although the nearest airport is Gaya, the most convenient one is the airport in Patna. Patna Airport is well linked to cities like Delhi, Mumbai by regular flights run by several airlines.

By Train : Rajgir has a railway station of its own, which is linked to Gaya. Several important trains from all parts of the country in turn service Gaya.

By BUS : State buses connect the town of Rajgir to Patna. They are frequently available and tickets are inexpensive as well. Buses may not be comfortable and they are generally crowded.

By Taxi : Auto rickshaws are easily available for moving about in the city.

By Other : N.A.

Top HotelsAdd

Budget  – Up to Rs. 800

• Siddharth Hotel ; Rajgir, Nalanda, Patna 803116 Bihar. ; Ph – N.A. ; Facilities – Doctor on call, Travel Desk, 24-hour front desk, 24-hour room service, Air conditioning, Laundry, Parking.

Economy – Up to Rs. 801 to Rs. 1200

• Hotel Mamta ; Opp. Digambar Jain Temple, Sukiyawan Bridge, Bangali Para, Rajgir, Bihar 803116. ; Ph – 093 34 176328 ; Facilities – Doctor on call,Travel Desk, 24-hour front desk, 24-hour room service, Air conditioning, Laundry, Parking.

Deluxe – Up to Rs. 801 to Rs. 1200

• Hotel Vandana ; Dhramshala Road Near HDFC Bank, Rajgir Nalanda Bihar 803116. ; Ph – 076 77 552739 ; Facilities – Travel Desk, 24-hour front desk, 24-hour room service, Air conditioning, Laundry.

Luxury – Rs. 2501 and above

• Hotel Vijayniketan ; Sukiyawan Bridge, Bangali Para, Rajgir, Bihar 803116. ; Ph – 098 35 620220; Facilities – Travel Desk, 24-hour front desk, 24-hour room service, Air conditioning, Conference facilities, Elevators, Laundry, Parking.

Top RestaurantsAdd

• Manish Fast Food & Restaurant ;  Sukiyawan Bridge, Dangi Tola, Rajgir. ; M –  N.A. ; Food Serve :  N.A.

• Daimond Plaza ;  Sukiyawan Bridge, Dangi Tola, Rajgir. ; M –  N.A. ; Food Serve :  N.A.

Must Eat FoodAdd 

Must Do ActivitiesAdd

Must ShopAdd

Nightlife (Pub / Disc / BAR)Add 

SpaAdd 

FestivalAdd

Rajgir Dance Festival ; Venue:  N.A. ; Period :  October ; Details:  The Rajgir Dance Festival is organized by the Bihar Government’s Department of Tourism. The festival that extends over 3 days is held in the month of October.Rajgir is located around 15 km away from the ancient university town of Nalanda. Rajgir is a town of great historical importance. It was the capital of the Magdhan Empire. The town consists of a complex of monasteries and temples set in the lush green environs of a valley. The setting is a perfect backdrop for the 3-day cultural treat provided by the Rajgir Dance Festival. The festival showcases the very best of Indian culture. Leading artists from India come to this beautiful little town for the privilege of performing at the festival.

Makar Sankranti ; Venue:  N.A. ; Period :  January ; Details:  Another festival specific to Rajgir is “Makar Sankaranti Mela”, held on the last day of lunar calendar month “Paus”, around middle January (14th January). Devotees make flower offering to the deities of the temples at the Hot Springs and bathe in the holy water.

Malamasa Mela ; Venue:  N.A. ; Period :  N.A. ; Details:  Rajgir celebrates the Malamasa mela when a fair is held here every three years. The Indian calendar every three years has a thirteenth month which is considered auspicious.

Safety / WarningEdit

• Beware of pickpockets as Rajgir is a major tourist city in India.

HelplineEdit

• Ambulance : 102
• Fire Brigade : 101
• Police : 100

ItineraryEdit

N.A.

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