| Places around Rajgir |
| Ajatashatru Fort |
| To strengthen the defenses of his capital Rajagriha, the Ajatashatru Fort was built by King Ajatashatru of Magadha in 6th centaury. Built on the Ganges, the ruins of this fort can be seen on the road to Nalanda. The distance of the fort from Rajgir Railway Station is about 6 km. The Ajatashatru Fort is built with blocks of rock at a height of 1.5 to 4 m. Access into the fort is provided by 32 large and 64 small gates. Ajatashatru had imprisoned his father Bimbisara in the fort so the place is historically an interesting spot. |
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| Bimbisara's Jail |
| Bimbisara's Jail is the site where King Bimbisara was put in prison by his son and heir, Ajatashatru. The captive king chose this place for his imprisonment because from here, he could see Lord Buddha climbing up the Griddhakuta Hill to his mountain retreat. From this spot, one can also get a clear view of the Japanese Pagoda or Shanti Stupa built atop the hill. |
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| Chariot Route |
| The Chariot Route is believed to be the route of lord Krishna on his way to the city Raigir. Some shell inscriptions are also found in the place worth a visit for the strangeness of the phenomenon. Several shell inscriptions, the undetermined characters current in central and eastern India from the 1st to 5th centuries AD, and engraved in the rock around the chariot marks. |
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| Jain temple in Rajgir |
| Modern day Rajgir is a centre of Jainism and Jain temples. On the top of the hill surrounding Rajgir about 26 jain temples are seen far in the distances. |
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| Pippala cave |
| Pippala cave is a popular Buddhist pilgrim destination and was a center of religious activities during Lord Buddha’s time. The caves are located in Rajgir. The cave is the outcome of natural process of natural forces overtime. The cave is known as ‘Jarasandha ki Baithak’ among locals as it is believed that the famous wrestler Jarasandh rest here. The cave was used as watch tower by the ruler’s army are some historians opinions by looking at its strategic location.
The caves is regarded an ideal location for meditation for its tranquility and peace at the heights. In different time period various saints and hermits came to Pippala cave for meditation and spiritual healing is the belief. |
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| Sonbhandar Caves |
| The two strange caves located at Rajgir are Sonbhandar Caves. These cave chambers have separate doorways hollowed out of a single massive rock, leading to the treasury of king Bimbisara, which is still undamaged. Inscriptions on the wall in the Sankhlipi or shell script give the clues to open the doorway.
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| Attraction around the Rajgir are Amaravana (Jivaka's Mango Garden), Swarna Bhandar, the Cyclopean Wall and Hot Springs. |
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