Nalanda: Just 12 km from Rajgir, Nalanda was one of the ancient world’s great universities. Established in the 5th century
AD, the university remained the greatest seat of learning for over 700 years and is mostly in ruins now. Nalanda is also popular as an important Buddhist centre. Chinese traveller and scholar Yuan Tsang is believed to have visited Nalanda some time between AD 685 and 762. Among the red brick ruins of the monasteries here, you will see the most impressive Great Stupa with steps, terraces and the monk’s chambers.
Archaeological Museum: This small but informative museum is located close to the Nalanda University. It has a good collection of
sculptures and bronze figures unearthed from Nalanda and Rajgir. Many figures of Buddha and Picasso-like 9th century Kirtimukha are among the interesting pieces on display.
Pawapuri: A major Jain pilgrim centre situated 38 km from Rajgir and 98 km from Patna. Lord Mahavira, the founder of Jainism, breathed his last at this place and was cremated here around 500 BC. The Jalmandir, a temple made of marble amidst a tank, is the main pilgrim spotfor Jains.