Rajauli is a tehsil town in Nawada district, in the south of Bihar, where the plain begins to rise into the hills of the Chota Nagpur edge. It sits at about 135 m on the Dhanarjay river, on National Highway 20 between Nawada and the Jharkhand border, so it is a town most people pass through on the Patna-Ranchi road rather than plan a trip around.
What it offers is quiet. The Rajauli Wildlife Sanctuary, a forest block of about 27 sq km, adjoins the Koderma sanctuary across the state line and shelters chital, sambar and sloth bear. In town, Gurdwara Rajauli Sangat is one of the larger Sikh sangats in Bihar and is listed on the state's Guru Circuit. Hills nearby are associated with ancient rishis, and the Phulwaria reservoir lies a short drive out.
Kakolat Falls, in the Ektara hills of neighbouring Govindpur block, is the district's best-known waterfall and works as a half-day outing. Rajauli suits travellers who like unhurried, low-key places and are comfortable with basic services; it is a poor fit for anyone needing polished tourist infrastructure.
The sensible way to visit is as a one- or two-day break, or as a stop between Gaya or Bodh Gaya and Ranchi. Come between November and February, ask locally about forest access, and carry what you need, since facilities are limited.
Before you plan
Rajauli at a glance
- Best months
- November to February is the most…November to February is the most comfortable. September to October suits Kakolat Falls; April to June is very hot, and July to August is heavily wet.
- Ideal trip length
- 1 to 2 days1 to 2 days; a half-day each for the town, the forest and Kakolat Falls
- Airport
- Gaya AirportGaya Airport (GAY), about 72 km by road; Patna (PAT) is about 144 km away and has far more flights
- Railway station
- Dilwa is about 19 km away but few…Dilwa is about 19 km away but few passenger trains stop; Koderma Junction (about 32 km) and Gaya Junction (about 70 km) are the practical railheads
- Getting around
- Hired car or taxi from Gaya, Nawada…Hired car or taxi from Gaya, Nawada or Koderma is the easiest option; local autos and shared vehicles run on the highway. Buses on NH20 connect Patna, Gaya and Ranchi.
- Daily budget
- ModestModest, mainly for a car hire, food and small donations; accommodation in town is basic, so many visitors stay in Gaya or Nawada
- Senior comfort
- Fair: the town and gurdwara are levelFair: the town and gurdwara are level, but forest and waterfall visits involve uneven ground and few facilities
- Language
- Hindi and Magahi locallyHindi and Magahi locally; Hindi is enough for the forest office and shops, and English is rarely used
Prices, opening hours and weather change. Recheck live details before booking.
Best time to visit Rajauli: January, February, November, December. Month-by-month weather →
How many days do you have?
Rajauli itinerary
One good day
1 day in Rajauli
Start at first light at the forest office for the sanctuary edge, where chital and sambar are most likely to be seen in the cool hours. Return to town for a visit to Gurdwara Rajauli Sangat and a langar meal. In the afternoon, drive to Kakolat Falls if the season is right, allowing plenty of time for the road, and be back on the highway before dusk.
Day-by-day plan →Two days
2 days in Rajauli
Spend the morning at the sanctuary edge with a local guide if the forest office allows, then rest through midday. In the late afternoon, visit Gurdwara Rajauli Sangat and sit for a while in the hall before dinner.
Day-by-day plan →Three unhurried days
3 days in Rajauli
Arrive from Gaya or Patna and settle in. Visit Gurdwara Rajauli Sangat in the late afternoon and take langar. Keep the evening quiet.
Day-by-day plan →
