Griddhakuta (Vulture Peak)

Griddhakuta, or Vulture Peak, is one of the hills ringing Rajgir and among the most spiritually significant sites in Buddhism, believed to be where the Buddha delivered some of his most important sermons, including much of the Lotus Sutra central to Mahayana Buddhist tradition. A short but steep climb — or a ropeway ride partway up — leads to a small platform near the summit marking the traditional site of these teachings.

The peak's name comes from a nearby rock formation said to resemble a vulture's head; today the summit is marked with simple shrines and prayer flags left by pilgrims, and the view across Rajgir's surrounding hills and ruins from the top provides a quiet, elevated perspective on the wider landscape of ancient Magadha.

The Buddha is traditionally said to have spent several rainy seasons meditating and teaching on this peak, making it one of the most frequently referenced physical locations in early Buddhist scripture, particularly in Mahayana texts.

In Rajgir, reached via a hillside path or partway by ropeway from the town.