Rajgir (ancient Rajagriha) was the first capital of the Magadha kingdom, ruled by Bimbisara and Ajatashatru in the 6th and 5th centuries BCE. The Buddha spent many rainy seasons here and gave important sermons on Vulture's Peak, and Mahavira, the 24th Jain Tirthankara, also lived and taught here. After the Buddha's death, the first Buddhist council was held in a cave in the hills.
The things to do in Rajgir include the ropeway up Ratnagiri hill to the white Vishwa Shanti Stupa, the walk to Vulture's Peak, the hot springs at the foot of Vaibhar hill, ancient ruins such as Bimbisara's Jail and the Cyclopean Wall, Jain temples on the hills, newer attractions such as the glass bridge and nature safari, and a visit to Nalanda's ruins nearby.
One to two days is enough. October to March is the best time; the Rajgir Mahotsav is held in autumn or winter.
For how to get there, when to go and where to stay, see our Rajgir travel guide.
Quick answer: best things to do in Rajgir
- Ride the ropeway to the Vishwa Shanti Stupa
- Walk up to Vulture's Peak
- Bathe at the Brahmakund hot springs
- See Saptaparni Cave
- Visit Bimbisara's Jail
- See the ancient Cyclopean Wall
- Walk in Venuvana
- Visit the Jain temples on the hills
- Walk the glass bridge at the nature safari
- Explore the ruins of Nalanda
Planning a pilgrimage? See our guide to the Buddhist Circuit.
Hills and Buddhist sites
Ride the ropeway to the Vishwa Shanti Stupa
The Vishwa Shanti Stupa, a white peace pagoda built by the Japanese Nipponzan Myohoji order and inaugurated in 1969, stands on Ratnagiri hill with gold statues of the Buddha in four niches. A chairlift and a newer cabin ropeway run up the hill.
From the top, paths lead across the ridge towards Vulture's Peak, and a Japanese temple beside the stupa holds daily prayers with drums. Early morning, before the crowds and heat, is the calmest time.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
- Good for
- Everyone
Walk up to Vulture's Peak
Griddhakuta, or Vulture's Peak, is a rocky outcrop where the Buddha is believed to have given many sermons, including teachings associated with the Lotus Sutra. A stone path leads up to the remains of brick platforms, where pilgrims pray and meditate.
- Best time
- Early morning or sunset
See Saptaparni Cave
Saptaparni Cave, on Vaibhar hill, is where the first Buddhist council was held after the Buddha's passing to compile his teachings. It is reached by a steep climb.
Walk in Venuvana
Venuvana, a bamboo grove gifted to the Buddha by King Bimbisara, is now a landscaped park with a pond, a peaceful spot to rest.
Ancient ruins
Visit Bimbisara's Jail
The ruins known as Bimbisara's Jail mark where King Bimbisara is said to have been imprisoned by his son Ajatashatru. According to tradition, he chose this site because he could see the Buddha on Vulture's Peak from here.
See the Cyclopean Wall
The Cyclopean Wall, a massive dry-stone wall that once ran for about 40 km around the city, is one of the oldest stone structures in India, dating from before the Mauryan period.
See the Swarna Bhandar caves
The Son Bhandar caves, two rock-cut chambers with Jain inscriptions, are linked in local legend to a hidden treasure.
Hot springs, Jain temples and new attractions
Bathe at the Brahmakund hot springs
At the foot of Vaibhar hill, hot springs feed bathing tanks at the Brahmakund, where pilgrims bathe for their healing properties. It is busy in winter and during festivals.
Visit the Jain temples
The five hills around Rajgir have Jain temples on their summits, reached by steps, as Mahavira spent many monsoons here. Pawapuri, where Mahavira attained nirvana, is about 35 km away and has the white Jal Mandir in a lotus pond.
Walk the glass bridge
The Rajgir Nature Safari, opened in recent years, has a glass skywalk bridge suspended over a valley, zip lines and a safari zone. The Rajgir Zoo Safari nearby has big cats and other animals in large enclosures.
- Good for
- Families
- Good to know
- Book tickets online
Relax at Ghora Katora
Ghora Katora, a lake surrounded by hills in a protected area, has a large Buddha statue in the water and electric boats. Only non-polluting transport is allowed on the approach.
Nalanda
Explore the ruins of Nalanda
Nalanda, about 15 km north, was one of the greatest centres of learning in the ancient world, flourishing from the 5th to 12th centuries, with thousands of students and teachers. Its red-brick monasteries, temples and stupas, including the great Sariputta Stupa, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site museum and the Xuanzang Memorial Hall are nearby.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Good for
- History lovers
By season
October to March
Pleasant weather for walking the hills and ruins; the Rajgir Mahotsav cultural festival is held in this season.
April to June
Very hot; visit early.
July to September
Monsoon rains green the hills; some trails are slippery.
Things to do in Rajgir by type of traveller
Pilgrims: Vulture's Peak at dawn, the Peace Pagoda, Saptaparni and Nalanda.
Families: The ropeway, the glass bridge, the zoo safari and Ghora Katora.
History lovers: Nalanda, Bimbisara's Jail and the Cyclopean Wall.
What to do in Rajgir with one day
Walk up to Vulture's Peak at dawn and take the ropeway to the Vishwa Shanti Stupa. After breakfast, visit Venuvana, Bimbisara's Jail and the hot springs, then drive to Nalanda for the afternoon.
Practical tips for Rajgir
- The nearest airports are Gaya and Patna; Rajgir has a railway station.
- Bihar is a dry state; alcohol is prohibited.
- Book nature and zoo safari tickets in advance.
- Carry water and a hat for the hill climbs.
Plan the rest of your Rajgir trip
Rajgir things to do: FAQs
What are the best things to do in Rajgir?
Ride the ropeway to the Vishwa Shanti Stupa, walk up to Vulture's Peak, bathe at the hot springs, see Saptaparni Cave, Bimbisara's Jail and the Cyclopean Wall, walk the glass bridge and visit Nalanda.
How far is Nalanda from Rajgir?
About 15 km, roughly 30 minutes by road.
How many days are enough for Rajgir?
One to two days, including Nalanda.
Is Nalanda a UNESCO site?
Yes. The Nalanda Mahavihara was inscribed in 2016.
Things to do near Rajgir
- Nalanda: the ancient university
- Things to do in Bodh Gaya: the Mahabodhi Temple
- Things to do in Patna: museums and the Ganga
More things to do in Bihar
Published by the Kudozz Club editorial team Β· Last updated Β· How we research our guides
Want us to plan this trip for you?
Tell Kudozz Club where you want to go and what kind of trip youβre looking for. Weβll build a Rajgir and Bihar itinerary around your dates and budget.
Continue Exploring
View all guides
HeritageBarabar Caves Travel Guide: India's Oldest Rock-Cut Caves
Polished granite caves carved under Emperor Ashoka nearly 2,300 years ago, believed to have inspired the Marabar Caves in A Passage to India β the complete guide to Barabar Caves.
HeritageNalanda Travel Guide: Ruins of an Ancient Buddhist University
The excavated remains of a residential university that once housed thousands of monks and scholars from across Asia, over a thousand years before Oxford existed β the complete guide to Nalanda.
HeritageAmaravati Travel Guide: Ancient Buddhist Stupa & New Capital
A 2,000-year-old Buddhist stupa site that gave its name to a distinct school of sculpture, now also the site of Andhra Pradesh's planned new capital β the complete guide to Amaravati.
HeritageSasaram Travel Guide: Sher Shah Suri's Tomb & Grand Trunk Road History
A monumental tomb rising from an artificial lake, built for the emperor who gave India the Grand Trunk Road and the rupee β the complete guide to Sasaram.