Nalanda & Rajgir Tour Packages
Nalanda was one of the world's first residential universities, flourishing from the 5th to 12th centuries; its excavated ruins are a UNESCO site. Nearby Rajgir, ringed by hills, was where the Buddha often preached, at Vulture's Peak.
Nalanda & Rajgir at a glance
- LocationBihar, India
- Time zoneIndian Standard Time (UTC+5:30)
- Driving sideLeft
- Calling code+91
- CurrencyIndian rupee (INR)
- LanguagesHindi, Maithili, Bhojpuri
- Ideal stay1 day
- Getting thereGaya Airport (GAY), about 80 km
Best time to visit: October to March
Top Nalanda & Rajgir travel packages
A few of our Nalanda & Rajgir itineraries in different travel styles. Every one is private and can be changed to suit you.
Essential tips for travelling to Nalanda & Rajgir
UPI and cards are widely accepted in cities and hotels; keep some cash for small shops, rural areas, hill towns and tips.
Tipping is not compulsory; around 5–10% in restaurants and a small tip for drivers and guides is appreciated.
Drink bottled or filtered water; it is cheap and easy to find.
112 (all emergencies)
Languages spoken: Hindi, Maithili, Bhojpuri.
Gaya and Patna have airports. Bodh Gaya is about 15 km from Gaya, and Rajgir and Nalanda are 2–3 hours away by road.
Winter is peak season for Buddhist pilgrims, especially around December–January teachings; book early.
Dress modestly and walk clockwise around the stupas at Bodh Gaya.
Do Nalanda in the morning and Rajgir in the afternoon; they are 15 km apart.
General guidance. Local rules and services change; we confirm details for your dates.
Where is Nalanda & Rajgir?
Who should visit Nalanda & Rajgir?
Plan your Nalanda & Rajgir trip
Everything you need to know about Nalanda & Rajgir
Nalanda was one of the world's first residential universities, flourishing from the 5th to 12th centuries; its excavated ruins are a UNESCO site. Nearby Rajgir, ringed by hills, was where the Buddha often preached, at Vulture's Peak.
Highlights include Nalanda Mahavihara ruins, Nalanda Archaeological Museum, Vulture's Peak (Griddhakuta) and Vishwa Shanti Stupa, Rajgir. Local food worth trying: Litti chokha and Khaja from Silao. Plan 1 day here; it suits history lovers, pilgrims. Our Nalanda & Rajgir itineraries run from 4 to 6 days and every one can be changed to suit you.
When to go
October to March. Pleasant days for walking the ruins.
How to reach Nalanda & Rajgir
- By air: Gaya Airport (GAY), about 80 km
- By rail: Rajgir station
- By road: About 2.5 hours from Bodh Gaya
View all Nalanda & Rajgir packages
Private, customisable itineraries with prices quoted for your dates, hotel category and group size.
6D / 5NVaranasi · Bodh Gaya · Nalanda & RajgirBuddhist Circuit: Varanasi to Bodh Gaya
Sarnath, Bodh Gaya's Mahabodhi Temple, Rajgir's Vulture's Peak and the ruins of Nalanda's ancient university.
View itinerary →
4D / 3NBodh Gaya · Nalanda & RajgirBodh Gaya Pilgrimage
The Mahabodhi Temple and international monasteries, then Rajgir's Vulture's Peak and Nalanda's ruins.
View itinerary →2 itineraries
More places in Bihar
Top things to see in Nalanda & Rajgir
Nalanda & RajgirFinds from the site
Nalanda & RajgirWhere the Buddha preached
BiharPeace pagoda reached by ropeway
Wildlife in Nalanda & Rajgir
Sightings depend on season and luck and are never guaranteed. Keep your distance, stay with licensed guides and never feed wild animals.
Cultural experiences in Nalanda & Rajgir
Heritage and landmarks
On the menuFood to try
- Litti chokha
- Khaja from Silao
Outdoor activities in Nalanda & Rajgir
Many activities are seasonal. Best time for Nalanda & Rajgir: October to March. We check operating seasons for your dates.
Nalanda & Rajgir travel tips
Visa and entry
Indian citizens do not need a visa; carry a government photo ID such as Aadhaar or a passport for hotels and flights.
Health and safety
Travel insurance is a good idea, especially for adventure activities. Carry prescription medicines in their original packaging with a copy of the prescription.
Currency and tipping
The currency is the Indian rupee (INR). Tipping is not compulsory; around 5–10% in restaurants and a small tip for drivers and guides is appreciated.
Best time to visit
October to March. Pleasant days for walking the ruins.
Getting around
Gaya and Patna have airports. Bodh Gaya is about 15 km from Gaya, and Rajgir and Nalanda are 2–3 hours away by road.
Local etiquette
- Dress modestly at temples, churches and mosques, and remove footwear where asked.
- Ask before photographing people, and follow photography rules at religious sites and museums.
- Dress modestly and walk clockwise around the stupas at Bodh Gaya.
What to pack
Pack modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees for religious sites and comfortable walking shoes.
Phone and internet
Mobile data is good in towns and cities.
Budget
We don't publish fixed prices because the season, hotel category, flights and group size change the cost. Your written quote lists exactly what is included, so you can compare like for like.
Nalanda & Rajgir FAQs
What is Nalanda & Rajgir famous for?
What is the best time to visit Nalanda & Rajgir?
How many days are enough for Nalanda & Rajgir?
How do I reach Nalanda & Rajgir?
Is tap water safe to drink in Bihar?
What are the emergency numbers in Bihar?
How much does a Nalanda & Rajgir tour package cost?
Can Nexara Holidays plan a Nalanda & Rajgir trip from Chennai?
Destinations near Nalanda & Rajgir
JharkhandDeoghar
Deoghar is one of India's great pilgrim towns, home to the Baidyanath Dham temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
JharkhandRanchi
Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand, sits on a cool plateau surrounded by waterfalls, hills and lakes.
Uttar PradeshSarnath
Sarnath, 10 km from Varanasi, is where the Buddha gave his first sermon after his enlightenment, setting the Wheel of the Dharma in motion.
Uttar PradeshVaranasi
Varanasi is one of the oldest living cities in the world and the holiest place in Hinduism.
West BengalKurseong
Kurseong, the land of white orchids, sits between Siliguri and Darjeeling at about 1,450 m.
West BengalDarjeeling
Darjeeling, the queen of the hills, is famous for its tea and for sunrise views of Kanchenjunga from Tiger Hill.
Nalanda & Rajgir guides and articles
Travel guidePlan your Nalanda & Rajgir holiday
Fill this in and WhatsApp opens with your enquiry ready to send. Nothing is stored on this website.
Sending opens WhatsApp on your device; your enquiry reaches us only when you press send there. An enquiry is not a booking.