Rajgir Information:

Location: Rajgir is situated 34 Km from Gaya and 102 km from Patna, Bihar.
Tourist Attractions: Amaravana, Venuvana, Ajatashatru`s Fort, Bimbisara`s Jail, Swarna Bhandar, The Cyclopean Wall, Griddhakuta, Jain Temples, Hot Springs, Pippala Cave, Jarasandha Ka Akhada.
Best Buys: Though the city has nothing unique to offer, but one can go for the local handicrafts.
Best Hangouts: Enjoy a dip at the hot water springs, located at the foot of the Vaibhava Hill. The source of hot water is the "Saptaparni Caves", up in the hills.
Best Activities: Take the roapway tour and see the glorious city of Rajgir.
Festivals: The Malamasa Mela is celebrated every 3rd year (The Indian calendar every three years has a 13th month which is considered auspicious), and the Rajgir dance festival holds from Oct 24-26 every year.
Nearest Tourist Destinations: Vaishali, Nalanda, Bodhgaya.
When to Visit: February to April and August to November.

Tourist attractions in Rajgir:

Rajgir, "House of the King", is an important religious place for Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. This ancient town has reference in Mahabharata, Buddhist and Jain texts. Lord Buddha lived here in the sixth century BC while Vardhman Mahavir spent 14 years here. It was in Rajgir that Lord Buddha delivered some of his famous sermons. King Bimbisara of the Magadha Kingdom got converted here. A small town, Rajgir is witness to a glorious and legendary past. The historical monuments here presents the real scene of the glorious past. The monuments are said to be built by the business class who devoted themselves to Buddha. Jivaka, the legendary physician of Magadha kingdom, also resided here and once served Buddha for illness. Lately, the Japanese have built a Stupa on top of the Ratnagiri hill, linked by a rope way. It was here that the teachings of Buddha were penned down for the first time. Rajgir also has the Nipponzan Myohoji, the Japanese temple, and the Centaur Hokke Club which offers some traditional facilities to Japanese pilgrims.

Venuvana Vihara: This was a favorite retreat of Lord Buddha. King Bimbisara had offered the site to Him. Today it is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Rajgir.

Amaravana or Jivaka`s Mango Garden: This was the site of the dispensary of Royal physician Jivaka. Lord Buddha was once brought here to have a wound dressed.

Griddhakuta or Vulture`s Peak: Another major tourist attractions in Rajgir, this is the site where Lord Buddha preached many inspiring sermons here and also set in motion his second wheel of Law and for three months every year during the rainy season.
Today Buddha Sangha of Japan have constructed a massive modern stupa, the Shanti Stupa (Peace Pagoda), at the top of the hill.

Ajatashatru`s Fort: Ajatashatru, the king of ancient Magadha is believed to have ruled from this fort for long. Inside is the Ajatashatru`s Stupa.

The Cyclopean Wall: This is the remnant of a stonewall, which once encircled ancient Rajgir during the Maurya rule.
Jain Temples: 26 Jain temples lie on the hilltops around Rajgir. It takes a hard trekking to reach the site. But for far, one can get a commanding view too.

Bimbisara`s Jail: This archaic monument is a mute witness to the bloody conflicts over power within the royal families. King Bimbisara was imprisoned here by his impatient son and heir, Ajatashatru.

Swarna Bhandar: This is believed to be the king Bimbisara treasury - a cave chamber hollowed out of a single massive rock. According to folklores the treasure is still intact.