The city of Rajgir is home to a variety of attractions, of which most are associated with Buddhism and the life of Lord Buddha. The most popular attraction in the city is Griddhakuta Hill. This is a vulture shaped peak and a home to the Shanti Stupa with a stone containing parallel marks made by Lord Krishna’s chariot. This Shanti Stupa is said to have been built by the Buddhist Japanese.
Ghora Katora Lake is another popular attraction and a picnic spot of Rajgir. It is also famous as the place where Jarasandha’s stable was situated. There is also Mardakukshi, near this hill, which used to be an ancient monastery. Hot springs of Rajgir city comes from the Saptadhara, passing through the Saptaparni Caves. It's surroundings also comprise several small Buddhist and Hindu temples.
The Jarasandha Ki Baithak is situated near the Vaibhava Hill and is said to have been the drawing room of Jarasandha. In proximity to this site, is Jarasandha's Akhara, which used to be the wrestling arena of this legendary character of Mahabharata. At these hills, there are also Pippala Caves, which used to be the mediation site of Lord Buddha as well as home to several monks. Rajgir is also home to the gymnasium of Jarasandha.
The Jivaka Ambavana or Jivakarama Vihara is a part of the Jivakameavan Gardens. This is the mango garden that was gifted to Lord Buddha by his disciple, Jivaka. This garden also comprises the ruins of a monastery that lie on the way to the ropeway station of Griddhakuta Hill. The Venu Vana Kalandakanivapa used to be the green house of King Bimbisara, while the new Venu Vana Vihara is situated on the western part of the older Venu Vana.
The Maniyar Math of Rajgir is situated in the middle of the valley of Rajgir. This structure has been created in the shape of a stupa and has been provided shelter through a conical corrugated iron shade. Veerayatan is a combination of a Jain temple and a museum.
The Shankhalipi inscriptions can be seen engraved on a rocky terrain, situated at 2 km from the Bimbisara Jail. Bimbisara Jail is the place where King Bimbisara spent his last days of life and used to see Lord Buddha going up the Griddhakuta Hill for meditation. Situated in the southern scarp of Vaibhava Hills are two double storied caves, out of which the western caves are known as Sonabhandara or Swarna Bhandara Caves.
The city of Rajgir is encircled by a massive 40 km long wall called the cyclopean wall. Yesthivana or Jethiana is another famous site of Rajgir associated with Lord Buddha and its main attraction is a carved, six feet tall statue of Lord Buddha.
The son of King Bimbisara named Ajatshatru also built a fort in this city known as the Ajatshatru Fort. There is also an Ajatshatru Stupa situated near this fort. Rajgir is home to 26 Jain temples that are situated on its hill crest. Situated at 12 km from Rajgir is the town of Nalanda. This town is famous for its attractions like the ruins of Nalanda University, the Nava Nalanda Maha-Vihira, Lauria Nandangarh and the Nalanda Museum.
