The largest city in north India in Buddha’s time, Rajgir was the scene of several important events in the Buddha’s career and the site of the First Council. It is also a Jain pilgrimage site.

Nowadays Rajgir is a small town, just a 2 hour drive from BodhGaya. From the parking area a chairlift ascends the hill to the Vishwa Shanti Stupa and a temple built by the Japanese Buddhist Society. From here a short walk on an undulating but clear path through the forested hillside leads to Gridhkuti Hill, also known as Vulture’s Peak. There is a platform and shrine here to commemorate the place where Buddha discussed transcendental wisdom with two of his followers. From here, it is an easy walk downhill back to the parking area.

Close to the centre of Rajgir town is Venu Van, also known as The Bamboo Grove. This is a now peaceful garden surrounding a pond where Buddha took a bath along with his disciples.