Did you know that Sasaram is home to the second largest dome in the world, after the Taj Mahal? Sasaram is not just a city, but a living museum of IndiaтАЩs glorious past and vibrant present. Located in the Rohtas district of Bihar, Sasaram is a city that boasts of a rich history and heritage and offers some of the best tourist places and activities in Bihar. In this article, we will explore the history of Sasaram, and discover some of the best tourist places and activities to do in this fascinating city.
History of Sasaram
Sasaram has a long and illustrious history that dates back to the prehistoric times. According to legends, Sasaram was founded by Sahastrabahu, a mythical king who had a thousand arms. He was the ancestor of Ravana, the king of Lanka in the Ramayana. Sasaram was also a prominent center of Buddhism in ancient India, and was visited by Lord Buddha and his disciples. Sasaram was also part of the Mauryan and Gupta empires, two of the most powerful and prosperous dynasties in Indian history.
However, the most glorious period of SasaramтАЩs history was the medieval era, when it was ruled by Sher Shah Suri, one of the greatest rulers of India. Sher Shah Suri was a brilliant military strategist, administrator, and builder, who challenged the Mughal empire and established the Sur dynasty. He is credited with the construction of the Grand Trunk Road, one of the longest and oldest roads in Asia, that connected Kabul to Kolkata. He also built many forts, mosques, tombs, and other monuments in Sasaram, that showcase his architectural genius and artistic vision.
Sasaram also witnessed some turbulent times in the modern period, when it was under the British colonial rule. Sasaram was a hotbed of the freedom struggle, and produced many brave and patriotic leaders, such as Jagjivan Ram, Babu Kunwar Singh, and others. Sasaram also played a key role in the First War of Independence in 1857, and the Sasaram Movement in 1942, that fought against the British oppression and exploitation. After independence, Sasaram has emerged as a progressive and prosperous city, that has maintained its historical and cultural identity.
Tourist Places in Sasaram
Sasaram is a city that offers a variety of tourist places and activities for the visitors, who can enjoy the historical, cultural, and natural attractions of the city. Here are some of the best tourist places in Sasaram that you should not miss:
1. Sher Shah Suri Tomb
The Sher Shah Suri Tomb is the most iconic and magnificent monument in Sasaram, and one of the finest examples of Indo-Islamic architecture in India. The tomb is built on an artificial lake, and has a massive dome that is 22 meters in diameter and 42 meters high. The tomb is decorated with intricate carvings, calligraphy, and inlay work, that reflect the elegance and grandeur of the Sur dynasty. The tomb is also surrounded by a beautiful garden, that adds to the charm and serenity of the place. The Sher Shah Suri Tomb is a must-visit tourist place in Sasaram, that will awe you with its beauty and heritage.
Location: NH 2, Sasaram, Bihar 821115
Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time to Visit: October to March
2. Rohtasgarh Fort
The Rohtasgarh Fort is another masterpiece of Sher Shah Suri, and one of the largest and strongest forts in India. The fort is situated on a hill, and covers an area of 45 square kilometers. The fort has four gates, each with a unique design and name, such as the Hathiya Pol, the Kabuli Darwaza, the Ghorghat Darwaza, and the Sohail Darwaza. The fort also has many palaces, temples, mosques, and other structures, that showcase the diversity and splendor of the fort. The fort also offers a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape, that will mesmerize you with its natural beauty.
Location: Rohtasgarh, Bihar 802212
Timings: 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time to Visit: October to March
3. Manjhar Kund
Manjhar Kund is a natural wonder in Sasaram, and one of the most scenic and tranquil tourist places in Sasaram. Manjhar Kund is a series of waterfalls, that cascade from a height of 80 meters, and create a spectacular sight. The waterfalls are surrounded by lush greenery, and create a soothing and refreshing atmosphere. Manjhar Kund is also a sacred place, as it is believed that Lord Rama and Sita had visited this place during their exile. Manjhar Kund is a tourist place in Sasaram that will enchant you with its scenic beauty, tranquility, and religious importance.
Location: Manjhar Kund, Bihar 821115
Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time to Visit: July to September
4. Maa Tara Chandi Temple
The Maa Tara Chandi Temple is a popular and revered temple in Sasaram, and one of the most spiritual tourist places in Sasaram. The temple is dedicated to Maa Tara Chandi, a form of Goddess Durga, who is the presiding deity of Sasaram. The temple is located on a hill, and has a beautiful and colorful architecture, that attracts the devotees and visitors. The temple is also known for its miracles, as many people believe that their wishes are fulfilled by the grace of Maa Tara Chandi. The temple also hosts a grand fair during the Navratri festival, that draws thousands of pilgrims and tourists. The Maa Tara Chandi Temple is a tourist place in Sasaram that will fill you with devotion, spirituality, and miracles.
Location: NH 2, Sasaram, Bihar 821115
Timings: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time to Visit: October to March
5. Gupta Dham: Gupta Dham is a hidden gem in Sasaram, and one of the most adventurous and exciting tourist places in Sasaram. Gupta Dham is a cave complex, that has many chambers, passages, and formations, that create a mysterious and thrilling experience. The caves are also home to a variety of flora and fauna, that add to the biodiversity and beauty of the place. The caves also have a religious significance, as they are believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati. Gupta Dham is a tourist place in Sasaram that will challenge you with its serenity, biodiversity, and adventure.
Location: Gupta Dham, Bihar 821115
Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time to Visit: October to March
How to reach Sasaram
By Flight: Sasaram does not have an airport of its own, so you will have to fly to the nearest airport, which is in Gaya, at a distance of 97 km. Gaya airport is connected to some of the major cities of India, such as Delhi, Kolkata, Varanasi, and Mumbai. From Gaya airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Sasaram, which will take about 2 hours.
By Train: Sasaram has a railway station of its own, which is well connected to other cities of Bihar, such as Patna, Gaya, Mughalsarai, and Ara. You can also find trains to Sasaram from other states, such as Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Chennai. The railway station is located in the heart of the city, and you can easily find autos, rickshaws, or taxis to reach your destination.
By Bus: Sasaram is also accessible by road, as it is located on the National Highway 2, which connects Delhi to Kolkata. You can find regular buses to Sasaram from nearby cities, such as Patna, Gaya, Varanasi, and Ranchi. The bus stand is also located in the city center, and you can avail local transport to reach your destination.
By Car: If you prefer to drive to Sasaram, you can take the National Highway 2, which is a well-maintained and smooth road. You can enjoy the scenic views of the countryside and the hills along the way. The distance from Delhi to Sasaram is about 950 km, from Kolkata to Sasaram is about 470 km, from Patna to Sasaram is about 150 km, and from Gaya to Sasaram is about 100 km.
Best time to visit Sasaram
The best time to visit Sasaram is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant and moderate, and ideal for sightseeing.
We hope that this article has given you a glimpse of the history and culture of Sasaram, and inspired you to visit some of the best tourist places and activities in this fascinating city. Sasaram is a city that will surprise you with its historical and cultural gem and delight you with its natural and spiritual charm.
