Rajgir

Rajgir is a town in Bihar surrounded by seven green hills and situated on grounds filled with ancient monasteries, palace ruins, and natural hot springs. Streets are lined with homes and small shops, and throughout the area visitors can see remains from centuries of habitation.

Rajgir served as the first capital of the Magadha empire roughly 3000 years ago and flourished between the 7th and 4th centuries BCE. Though it later lost political importance, it became renowned as a place where Buddha and Mahavir taught and established their spiritual movements.

The name Rajgir means 'royal mountains' and the town served as a major center for Buddhism and Jainism. Both Buddha and Mahavir taught here, and visitors can walk to the places where these spiritual leaders shared their teachings.

The best time to visit is from October to March when the weather is mild and comfortable. The town is easily reached by train from various cities, or travelers can fly into Patna airport roughly 90 kilometers away and travel by road.

Mahatma Gandhi visited the town in the 20th century and brought new attention to the place. These visits connected Rajgir to India's modern independence movement and made it a location of both ancient and contemporary importance.