What to Wear in Rajgir

Dress for the shrines

Almost every stop in Rajgir is sacred to someone. Buddhist pilgrims pray at the top of Vulture Peak, Hindu families bathe at the Brahmakund springs, and Jain temples crown the hills. Cover your shoulders and knees and you will be comfortable everywhere. A cotton kurta with loose trousers, or a long skirt with a T-shirt and a light stole, works for women. Men do well in long trousers and a shirt or kurta. Avoid sleeveless tops and short shorts at the springs, where the complex is a working temple.

Shoes you can climb in

The stone steps up Vulture Peak are uneven and can be slippery after rain, so trainers or sturdy sandals with grip are better than smooth soles. You will take your shoes off at the shrine at the top and at the temple around the hot springs, so pick something easy to slip on and off. Socks help on hot stone.

Winter: October to March

November to February mornings are cool, around 8 to 12 °C in the coldest weeks, and the chairlift ride up to the pagoda is breezy. Wear a light jumper or shawl over cotton, and take it off by midday. October and March are warm by afternoon.

Summer: April to June

This is the hardest season. Temperatures often pass 40 °C, and the hilltops and the Nalanda ruins have little shade. Wear loose, light-coloured cotton or linen that covers your arms, a wide hat, and sunglasses. Carry water; a glass of sattu sharbat in the bazaar helps too.

Monsoon: late June to September

Expect warm, sticky days and heavy showers. Quick-drying fabrics and a compact umbrella are enough. Paths up the hills get muddy.

Colours for photos

White and saffron look natural against the white peace pagoda. Earthy rust, cream and mustard suit the red brick of Nalanda. At Vulture Peak, where monks wear maroon, a pale outfit stands out better than a dark one.

Bihar's own textiles

Bhagalpur tussar silk is Bihar's best-known handloom. It is heavy for summer, but a tussar stole or saree is a good buy in winter.