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Rohtasgarh Fort, located in the Rohtas district in Bihar, is a strategic defence fortress built by Rohitaswa, the son of the great ruler Harishchandra. Perched at the top of the Kaimur Hills, since ancient times, there was only one way to reach from all four directions, i.e., via the Ghats. It features a beautiful and authentic Afghani architectural style and symbolises Bihar’s historical legacy. It is surrounded by dense forest, which makes it a perfect spot for trekkers. Being a relatively less explored site, it is a hidden gem for history enthusiasts and tourists.
Quick Details
Elevation: 1,500 feet above sea level
Where To Stay: Sasaram, Dehri-on-Sone
Where To Eat: Roadside eateries and small restaurants in Sasaram or Dehri-on-Sone offering local cuisine.
Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Location
Photo: Indianvagabond / Wikimedia Commons
The fort is located in the Rohtas District atop Kaimur Hill, in Bihar. It is at a distance of around 50–60 kilometres from Sasaram, the nearest town. It is located in the Sone River valley. The nearest airport is in Varanasi, at an approximate distance of 150 kilometres.
How To Reach
Photo: Rocker Sta / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
While there is no direct way to reach the Rohtasgarh Fort, the destination is only 102 kilometres away from the historical city of Sasaram. Once you reach Sasaram, you can travel by road to Rohtasgarh Fort. Given below are ways by which you can conveniently reach Sasaram:
By Air: Gaya International Airport is the nearest airport to Sasaram. The city is 144 kilometres away from Gaya and can be bus, train, or taxi.
By Train: While the most popular trains like Rajdhani or Shatabdi do not stop at Sasaram, you can take the Garib Rath train directly to Sasaram as it has connectivity from all famous cities.
Things To Do
1. Trekking
Photo: rayul / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
To reach the fort requires the tourists to trek through the dense forests and rocky terrain. The trek has moderate difficulty, but it offers a view of scenic vistas with a blend of history. The forested path and the rugged terrain, enhance the allure of the Fort, wind through valleys and hills, giving the visitors a chance to experience adventure and the aesthetics of nature. The trek takes around 2 to 3 hours but is a rewarding experience with nature trails and wildlife sightings.
2. Photography
Photo: Nizil Shah / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
This is an opportunity for photographers, as it gives them a variety of views to capture. Starting from the architectural finesse to a scenic panoramic view of the landscape from the hilltop, every bit is worth capturing. Capturing the beauty of the ancient ruins, ancient stone structures, and the surrounding wilderness makes it a paradise for photographers. Views from higher points of the fort make it perfect for landscape photography. The architectural details, such as the elephant carvings at the Hathiya Pol or the intricate glasswork of the Aina Mahal, provide marvellous close-up shots.
3. Viewpoints
Photo: Amitabha Gupta / Wikimedia Commons
The fort is located at an elevation of 1,500 feet above sea level, which enables a panoramic view of the picturesque landscape. It offers stunning views of the Son River and the surrounding valleys. Rani Ka Jharokha is one spot that serves as a balcony for a scenic view of the valleys. The fort’s location on the Kaimur Hills provides stunning vantage points.
4. Historical Exploration
Photo: Amitabha Gupta / Wikimedia Commons
Rohtasgarh Fort has an unbelievably long-standing historical background dating back to the time of Raja Harishchandra and Afghan ruler Sher Shah Suri. Exploration of its ruins reveals the military strategy and architectural expertise of that time. It is a treasure chest for history lovers. Exploring the fort allows the tourists to delve into the magnificent historical tales that are engraved in their ruins.
Places To Visit Near Rohtasgarh Fort
1. Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Tiger / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary spans approximately 500 square kilometres and is known for its biodiversity. This wildlife sanctuary is home to many animals and birds like leopards, sambar, etc. The sanctuary offers opportunities like wildlife spotting, bird sighting, and splendid nature walks. It is a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts, as it provides a vast habitat for its inhabitants.
Timings: 5 AM – 5 PM
Ticket Price: ₹100 for Indians and ₹300 for foreigners
2. Gupteshwar Temple
Photo: Shivam Malhotra / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Gupteshwar Mahadev Temple, also known as Gupteshwar Dham, is located at a distance of about 30 kilometres from the fort. It is a shrine devoted to Lord Shiva. This temple sees a surge of tourists and pilgrims during the Shravan season, that is, during July-August, because it is an auspicious time with a lot of special rituals done here. The temple’s mystic allure is highlighted by the natural rock formations at the cave entrance.
Timings: 10 AM – 9:30 PM
Ticket Price: ₹100 for Indians and ₹300 for foreigners
3. Sher Shah Suri Tomb
Photo: Nandanupadhyay / Wikimedia Commons
The Sher Shah Suri Tomb is located at a distance of 50–60 kilometres from the fort in Sasaram. It is a massive mausoleum, built in the 16th century, in honour of the founder of the Suri empire, Sher Shah Suri. This beautifully designed tomb is a fine example of the Indo-Islamic Mughal architectural style, featuring four minarets, intricate carvings, and a central dome. The tomb is situated in the centre of a large water tank that adds to its grandeur.
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM
Ticket Price: ₹20 for adults and ₹10 for children
4. Maa Tara Chandi Temple
Photo: आर्या जोशी / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Maa Tara Chandi temple in Sasaram is located at a distance of around 40-45 kilometres from the fort. It is an ancient Hindu temple devoted to Maa Tara/Maa Durga. It is situated on the top of a hill, featuring an enchanting view of the surrounding landscape. Pilgrims visit this place more during festivals like Navratri as they get a chance to be a part of the rituals and festivities. It is one amongst the 51 Shakti peeth. The scenic and serene location is a blend of spirituality and natural beauty.
Timings: 24*7
Ticket Price: N/A
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Indianvagabond / Wikimedia Commons
The ideal time to visit the fort is early in the morning until early in the evening. It is best to leave after sunset since the sunset affects visibility, making it difficult to navigate the trail. The best season to visit this place is between October and March since these are the post-monsoon months and the weather is cool and pleasant.
Rohtasgarh Fort and its surrounding spots offer a blend of spirituality and history. From the impressive trek to the fort to a tranquil experience at the temple, everything adds value to the deep-rooted culture of this region. Plan a trip with TripXL to effortlessly enjoy a smooth and tension-free journey while fully immersing yourself in the rich heritage of Bihar.
Cover Photo: Callmekaushik / Wikimedia Commons
