Sasaram is the district headquarters of Rohtas, on the Grand Trunk Road between Varanasi and Gaya. Its calling card is the tomb of Sher Shah Suri, a three-storey octagon of red sandstone that rises from the middle of an artificial lake and is, by some distance, the most striking Indo-Afghan monument in Bihar. The tomb of his father, Hasan Khan Suri, stands close by, so the town gives an unusually complete picture of the Sur dynasty's roots.
Behind the town the land lifts into the Kaimur range. A cave shrine to Tarachandi sits in the hills a few kilometres south of the centre, an Ashokan rock edict is cut into a cave on a spur above Chandan Shaheed, and the twin falls of Manjhar Kund and Dhua Kund (Dhuan Kund) draw local crowds in the rains. Further out are two very different hill forts: Rohtasgarh, a huge ruined plateau citadel reached by a long limestone stair, and Shergarh, a quieter ruin in forest above the Durgavati river.
Sasaram is a small, working town rather than a polished tourist centre. Facilities are basic, signage is thin and the hill sites involve rough roads, climbing or both. It rewards travellers who like history and landscape more than comfort, and who are happy to hire a local driver and go early. For most visitors it works as a one- or two-day stop, often combined with Varanasi, Bodh Gaya or Gaya, all within a few hours' reach.
Before you plan
Sasaram at a glance
- Best months
- November to February is the most…November to February is the most comfortable; March and October are workable. April to June is very hot, and July to September is wet (best only for the waterfalls).
- Ideal trip length
- 1 day for the town's tombs and…1 day for the town's tombs and Tarachandi; 2 days if you add a waterfall or fort outing
- Airport
- No scheduled airport in Sasaram itselfNo scheduled airport in Sasaram itself. Gaya (GAY) is about 100 km away, Varanasi (VNS) about 120 km and Patna (PAT) about 157 km.
- Railway station
- Sasaram JunctionSasaram Junction (SSM), on the Howrah-Delhi Grand Chord main line, with frequent long-distance trains
- Getting around
- Autos and e-rickshaws in townAutos and e-rickshaws in town; a hired car or taxi with a local driver for Tarachandi, the waterfalls and the forts
- Daily budget
- Modest by Indian standardsModest by Indian standards; most costs are a hired car, simple meals and any local guide. Entry fees and hotel rates should be confirmed locally.
- Senior comfort
- Fair in townFair in town (tombs are level, with a causeway and steps); demanding at Rohtasgarh and Shergarh, which involve long climbs on broken steps
- Language
- Hindi and Bhojpuri locallyHindi and Bhojpuri locally; Urdu is widely understood; English is limited outside hotels
Prices, opening hours and weather change. Recheck live details before booking.
Best time to visit Sasaram: January, February, November, December. Month-by-month weather →
How many days do you have?
Sasaram itinerary
One good day
1 day in Sasaram
Start at the tomb of Sher Shah Suri soon after opening, when the lake is calm and the light is low on the red sandstone. Walk the causeway, then take the short drive to the tomb of Hasan Khan Suri (Sukha Rauza). After lunch in town, go up to the Tarachandi cave shrine in the Kaimur foothills and, if energy allows, ask a local guide about the Ashokan edict at Chandan Shaheed. Return to the tomb lake at dusk if you can.
Day-by-day plan →Two days
2 days in Sasaram
Spend the morning at the tomb of Sher Shah Suri and the tomb of Hasan Khan Suri, then visit Tarachandi before the afternoon heat. Use the evening for a stroll around the tomb lake and a simple dinner in town.
Day-by-day plan →Three unhurried days
3 days in Sasaram
Sher Shah's tomb and the neighbouring tomb of Hasan Khan Suri in the morning; Tarachandi in the late afternoon.
Day-by-day plan →
