Rajgir and Nalanda to Kushinagar
Your options
Ways to make the journey
9 h with stops
Leave Rajgir at 7 am, cross the Ganges at Patna, spend the late morning at Vaishali's lion pillar and relic stupa, lunch near Kesaria and visit its great stupa, then drive on to Kushinagar by early evening. The roads are mostly good but busy near Patna. An overnight in Patna splits the day for those who prefer.
Not practical
There is no convenient rail route that links these sites. A private car is the only practical way to see Vaishali and Kesaria on the journey.
Worth a stop
- Nalanda
- Patna and the Bihar Museum
- Vaishali
- Kesaria stupa
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
How long does it take to drive from Rajgir to Kushinagar?
About 9 hours with stops at Vaishali and Kesaria, for roughly 350 km. Without stops it is about 7 to 8 hours. It is a long day, so we leave early, plan a picnic lunch and aim to arrive before dark. A night in Patna splits it in two.
Can I see Vaishali on the way from Rajgir to Kushinagar?
Yes. Vaishali lies north of Patna on the way, and Kesaria is between Vaishali and Kushinagar. Together they add about three hours of sightseeing to the drive and follow the route of the Buddha's final journey. A picnic lunch near Kesaria keeps the day on schedule.
Is it worth staying a night in Patna?
For travellers interested in history, yes. The Bihar Museum, opened in 2017, is one of India's finest modern museums, with the Didarganj Yakshi and outstanding Mauryan and Buddhist pieces. A night in Patna also makes the Rajgir to Kushinagar journey much more relaxed.
How bad is the traffic at Patna?
Traffic in Patna and on the Ganges bridges can be heavy, especially at peak hours, and can add an hour or more. We plan to cross early in the morning and use the newer bridges where possible. Our drivers know the city well.