Griddhakuta (Vulture Peak)

Where the Buddha taught

Griddhakuta, which means vulture peak, is a rocky ridge on the edge of Rajgir. Buddhist tradition holds that the Buddha stayed here often and gave many of his teachings on this hill; Mahayana Buddhists link it with the Lotus Sutra and the Heart Sutra. The name comes from the shape of the rock near the top, which looks like a vulture with folded wings.

The climb

A stone path with steps winds up the hillside. It was first laid, tradition says, by King Bimbisara so that he could visit the Buddha, and the modern path follows the same line. Most people take between 30 minutes and an hour to reach the top, with rest stops. On the way you pass two small caves where the Buddha's disciples are said to have meditated.

Note that the chairlifts go to the Vishwa Shanti Stupa on Ratnagiri, not to Vulture Peak. You climb Griddhakuta on foot.

At the top

The summit is a small brick platform, the remains of a shrine thought to mark the Buddha's hut. Pilgrims leave flowers, light candles and incense, and tie prayer flags. Groups from Thailand, Sri Lanka, Tibet, Japan and Korea often come to chant or meditate here, especially in winter. From the edge you look down over the valley and across to the white pagoda on Ratnagiri.

Practical notes

There is no ticket. The hill is usually open from around sunrise to sunset. The path has no shade and no stalls, so carry water and go early. Shoes come off at the shrine platform. Local guides at the foot of the hill will tell you the stories of each cave; agree a fee first.