“The City of Kings” Rajgir has become one of the best tourist places in Bihar because many places to visit in Rajgir have been added in the last 2-3 years.
The city is located in South Bihar and is of historical importance. Rajgir is one of the most significant Buddhist sites in the world and is also home to several Hindu and Jain places of worship. The ancient town of Rajgir has been the capital of several Indian kingdoms, including the Mauryan Empire, Pradyota Dynasty, and Brihdratha Dynasty.
Some of the most popular tourist places to visit in Rajgir include Vishwa Shanti Stupa, Bimbisar Jail, and Ghora Katora. Thousand of tourists from all across India visit Rajgir every day. The town is the centre of religious and nature tourism in Bihar state. An international cricket stadium is being constructed in Rajgir, which will further boost its importance globally. Let’s now discuss the top 10 most amazing tourist attractions and places to visit in Rajgir.
10 Must Places to Visit in Rajgir During Malmas Mela 2023
1. Swarn Bhandar
Swarn Bhandar, also known as Son Bhandar Caves, is in Rajgir, Bihar. The Son Bhandar Caves are two man-made caves carved into the base of the Vaibhar Hills in Rajgir in the state of Bihar in India. There is a legend about how the cave hides a secret door to a treasure trove of gold within the hills. The main cave was built during the Mauryan empire and has a votive Jain stele inside. The surface of the cave is partially polished. The second cave also dates back to the 3rd-4th century A.D. and has been mostly destroyed.
2. Cyclopean Wall
The Cyclopean Wall is a 40-kilometre-long stone wall encircling the entire Rajgir (formerly known as Rajgriha). It is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Rajgir and the oldest example of cyclopean masonry globally. It was built by King Jarasandh, the 2nd ruler of the Brihadratha or Rawani dynasty, to protect the city from invaders and enemies. The Cyclopean Wall Rajgir is supposed to be made sometime between the 1st and 5th century A.D.
3. Rajgir Zoo Safari
Rajgir Zoo Safari, also known as Rajgir Wildlife Safari, was opened to the public on 16 February 2022. Rajgir Zoo Safari is the newest and most interesting places to visit in Rajgir. Rajgir Zoo Safari is situated between two mountains, Ratnagiri and Swarnagiri hills, in the Rajgir of Nalanda district of Bihar. Rajgir Zoo Safari is a high-level National Park. Rajgir Zoo Safari is spread over an area of 480 acres. It cost Rs 176 crore rupees to build it. The main wild animal species includes in Rajgir Zoo Safari are Chital, Sambar, Blackbuck, Hog Deer, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Sloth Bear, Indian Leopard, Royal Bengal Tiger and Asiatic Lion
4. Rajgir Glass Bridge
Rajgir Glass Bridge is one of the most amazing places to visit in Rajgir. The bridge is being constructed amid five picturesque hills in the Rajgir area of Bihar. One can observe the natural beauty through the clear glass floor and the surrounding open spaces on the bridge. During Malmas Mela time, the surrounding of this place become more extraordinary because of rain sessions, and it makes most places to visit in Rajgir during the Malmas Mela.
5. Rajgir Nature Safari
Many people are confused about Rajgir Nature Safari and Rajgir Zoo Safari. These two are different places to visit in Rajgir. During the Rajgir Nature Safari, you can enjoy the natural beauty. There are many parks and activities are build inside the Rajgir Nature Safari. Rajgir Nature Safari was developed before the Rajgir Zoo Safari. You need a whole day to cover all activities inside the Rajgir Nature Safari.
6. Amaze Water World Rajgir
Amaze Water World Rajgir is the largest amusement park in Rajgir. Amaze Water World is a trendy places to visit in Rajgir during the Malmas Mela 2023. Spread across an area of whooping 7 acres, this gorgeous recreational centre is facilitated with a water park and an amusement park, which have exhilarating water and land rides for kids and adults. The entry ticket is quite expensive here compared to other tourist places in Rajgir but its a worth of money to visit here with family and friends.
7. Vishwa Shanti Stupa, Rajgir
The Vishwa Shanti Stupa is situated atop the Gridhakuta hill at an altitude of 400m. It was built as a symbol of world peace by the Japanese. It is made of white marble and has four shining golden Buddha statues on the corners of the Stupa. The four Buddha statues represent four crucial events in the life of Lord Buddha. It is one of around 80 Peace Pagodas built worldwide by the neo-Buddhist organisation Nipponzan Myohoji.
8. Ajatshatru Fort
Ajatshatru Fort was built more than 2500 years ago, during the reign of King Ajatshatru. If you love visiting historic places, Ajatshatru Fort must be in Rajgir. Ajatshatru was a king and the ruler of the Magadha in the 6th Century B.C. when he built this grand fort. According to the legend of history, Ajatshatru imprisoned his father Bimbisar in jail inside this fort after he took the throne; and Bimbisara, a staunch Buddhist, chose a spot from where he could see Lord Buddha give his sermons every morning.
9. Ghora Katora Lake
Ghora Katora Lake is one of the cleanest places in Rajgir. Ghora Katora, meaning “Horse Bowl”, is a natural lake in Rajgir. The horses of the Rajgir kings are said to have drunk water from here, and therefore, the lake’s form is similar to that of a horse. Mountains surround it on three sides and next to the World Peace Pagoda. To reach here, you need to hire an easily available tuk-tuk. Private vehicles are not allowed to visit here. On 29 January 2011, the lake was opened to the general public. A 70 feet high Buddha statue was inaugurated in November 2018.
10. Saptaparni Caves
Saptparni Cave, also known as Sapta parent Guha (Saraiki) or sattapaṇṇi guhā (Pali), which means Seven-leaves-cave, is a Buddhist cave site which, is located about 2 kilometres southwest of Rajgir. This Buddhist cave is considered the place where Buddha resided for some time before his death and where the first-ever Buddhist Council was held after Buddha’s death.
Keep visiting The Ganga Times for such beautiful articles. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Koo for regular updates.