Rajgir - The Untapped Natural Realm of Bihar

Situated in the district of Nalanda under the state of Bihar, India; the city of Rajgir was the first capital of the kingdom of Magadha, a state which would eventually turn into the Mauryan Empire. Known for its influence of Jainism and Buddhism, this was one of the favorite places of Mahavira and Gautama Buddha. This beautiful city is surrounded by seven hills - Vaibhara, Ratna, Saila, Sona, Udaya, Chhatha, and Vipula, which adds more to the beauty of this city. Surrounded by lush green forests and historic heritage, this place is not only a stronghold for Buddhist and Jain devotees, but also fast making into the the list of places travellers need to visit in India.

Tourism has become an integral part of Bihar economy. There are numerous Hotels in Rajgir, both owned by the corporation of the Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation (BSTDC) or ones owned by private enterprises. Although the hotels owned by the corporation comes at a very reasonable rate, you can also opt for the ones run by private enterprises if you fancy going all out on a special treatment on your visit there. Just 19 km from the district of Nalanda, Rajgir is also an easily accessible city through many means of transport. The BSTDC provides travel facilities from state capital Patna to visit Bodh circuit (Bodhgaya, Rajgir, Nalanda, VAishali, Kesaria, Lumbini, Kushinagar, Sarnath), JAin Circuit (Rajgir, Pawapuri) and Sikh Circuit in Bihar. Regular buses are available on the said points to Rajgir. The local means of transport consist of taxis, buses and tongas. Although there is not any airport surfaced on Rajgir itself, the nearest airport, Gaya International Airport, Gaya is situated just 78 km from Rajgir which connects to international cities like Bangkok, Colombo etc. You can also choose to travel from the Patna airport which is also only 101 km away from Rajgir with airlines like Air India, Indigo, Jet airways connect you to all metropolitan cities. Rajgir has its own railway station making it easier for you to get to the airport with ease in the shortest span of time.

This small city/town is a place for spiritual awakening and enlightenment not for Jains and Buddhists alone but everyone. The historic caves preserved to date religiously, the hot springs, the view and rituals from the mountain tops to the monasteries. All these and the aura of that place is what draws people to Rajgir, what makes Rajgir what it is and what puts it on the map. Though a tiny city, the simple natural beauty of the city and its past religious history is what makes people folk to this place for a get away from their busy life. Rajgir has invested to preserve the natural beauty and the ruins of the city and they have paid the city in terms of the ever rising growth of Rajgir Tourism.

Although you can choose the option of travelling by trains from the airport to Rajgir, travelling by road is by far a whole new experience. The country roads makes you feel like you are in an urban village with the sight of hills far and near as you look out of your windows as you pass by beautiful trees and bamboo groves all the way through. The fresh air and the pure sight of the hills and the approaching city and your final destination will be a sight and moment you can capture forever in your mind.