About Gridhrakuta Hill (Vulture's Peak), Rajgir

Rajgir (ancient Rajagriha) is where the Buddha spent many rainy seasons and delivered some of his most important discourses, including the Prajnaparamita Sutra, from Gridhrakuta (Vulture's Peak) hill. A chair-lift (ropeway) carries pilgrims to the Japanese-built Vishwa Shanti Stupa (Peace Pagoda) at the top. Rajgir also has the Venuvana (Bamboo Grove) — the first monastery donated to the Buddha by King Bimbisara — and the Jivaka Amravana. The hot springs of Rajgir have therapeutic value and are used by pilgrims for ritual bathing. Nearby Nalanda ruins and Pawapuri (Jain) complete the circuit.

Rajgir was the capital of the Magadha kingdom during the Buddha's time. Emperor Ashoka later fortified and patronised the city. The First Buddhist Council was held here after the Buddha's death (483 BCE) to compile the Dhamma and Vinaya. Rajgir is also significant in Jainism — Mahavira spent 14 rainy seasons here.

Darshan & Aarti

🚌 How to reach

Last mile: Shared autos and taxis within Rajgir. Chair-lift (ropeway) ticket ₹75 to Vishwa Shanti Stupa.

Where to stay

Estimated expense (per person)

Estimated for a short 2-day pilgrimage.

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