Sasaram

Sasaram, a city in the Rohtas district of Bihar, is known for its rich history and beautiful monuments. The most famous attraction here is the tomb of Sher Shah Suri, a great ruler who once defeated the Mughals and built the Grand Trunk Road, one of India’s oldest highways. His tomb is built right in the middle of a large artificial lake, and its beautiful design still attracts tourists from across India and the world.

Sasaram is an ancient city that has seen many important events in Indian history. It was once a key route to Nalanda and Gaya, two important centers of learning and religion. Surrounded by the Kaimur Hills and located near the Sone and Kav rivers, Sasaram offers a mix of natural beauty and historic charm.

In addition to the Sher Shah Suri Tomb, the city is also home to other historical sites like Hasan Khan Suri’s Tomb, Tomb of Salim Shah Suri, and Rohtasgarh Fort, located nearby. Visitors can explore old Mughal-style architecture, peaceful natural landscapes, and learn about the glorious past of this region. Whether you're interested in history, architecture, or quiet scenic places, Sasaram is a great travel destination in Bihar worth exploring.

Best Time to Visit Sasaram

As soon as the best time to visit Sasaram is concerned, early mornings and late evenings are apt to visit this destination. In case you are planning to have an elaborate trip to the entire state, then winter is great to explore the city. 

History of Sasaram 

Sasaram is an ancient city in Bihar that has witnessed many powerful kingdoms. It was in its golden period during the rule of Sher Shah Suri and, currently, is a hub of many historical Hindu and Islamic structures. Historians claim that the city was a part of the Kashi kingdom and it derived its name from ‘Sahastrarama’ which means a thousand groves.  

Sasaram flourished a lot in the region of Sher Shah Suri, who belonged to the Suri empire and was also born here. There is another popular destination in Sasaram and that is the Rohtasgarh Fort which is believed to be the residence of Sher Shah Suri. Rohtasgarh Fort was built by Raja Harishchandra in the 7th century and the name of the Fort came from his son who was called ‘Rohitashwa’. 

Babu Nishan Singh, who fought the Gadar freedom struggle of 1857 belonged to Sasaram. Apart from that, one finds no mention of the city during British rule. After India’s independence, Sasaram was made a city of Rohtas district and all the historical structures got preserved. Today, Sasaram stands as an ancient urbanized city that has all the facilities and advancement that a modern city needs along with old treasures from the bygone era. 

Places To Visit In Sasaram

Sasaram is among the most popular tourist places in Bihar. Here's the list of best places to explore in Sasaram.

Things to Do in Sasaram

• Explore the grand Sher Shah Suri Tomb and Rohtasgarh Fort.
• Visit the beautiful waterfalls – Manjhar Kund & Dhua Kund.
• Go on a jungle safari at Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Seek blessings at Gupta Dham Cave Temple and Chandan Shaheed Dargah.
• Trek to Rohtasgarh Fort for scenic views and history exploration.

How to Reach Sasaram

Sasaram has a well-developed transportation network that connects it to all the prominent and nearby cities and states. You can arrive here conveniently via roadways, railways, and airways. The distance to Sasaram from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru is approx. 935, 1,600, 550, and 1,900 km respectively. Listed below are some best travel options that you may consider.  

By Road

One may make a reservation in the inter-state tourist buses or private Volvo buses to reach Sasaram in Bihar. Apart from that, riding enthusiasts may also take their cars or bikes to travel. All the major attractions of Sasaram are well connected by roads hence commuting in the city will be a pleasurable experience. In case you have any plans to travel by road then the below-mentioned information will be useful for you.

• Delhi - 975 km via Agra Lucknow Expressway 
• Lucknow - 435 km via NH 19 
• Patna - 155 km via NH 139 
• Ranchi - 300 km via NH 20 
• Gaya - 130 km via GT Road

By Train

One must deboard the train at Sasaram railway station to reach the historic city Sasaram. The station receives trains from all the metropolitan cities of India like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Pune, Bengaluru, and Chandigarh. The railway station is just a kilometer away from the popular site, hence one may take an auto-rickshaw to reach this popular tomb. Shipra Express, Gaya Special, and Budhpurnima express are the trains on which seats can be reserved to reach Sasaram. You can consider traveling by the following direct trains to reach Sasaram. 

• Delhi - Mahabodhi Express, Neelachal Express, Poorva Express 
• Lucknow - Doon Express, Gangasatluj Express, Kolkata Express 
• Patna - Budhpurnima Express 
• Ranchi - RNC BSB Express, RNC DOS Express
• Gaya - Shipra Express, Durgiana Express, Garbha Express

By Air

Gaya International Airport (GAY) is the nearest airport to reach Sasaram. One has to travel another, nearly, 125km from the airport in any locally available transportation such as a taxi or a bus. Gaya airport receives direct and connecting flights from all the major airports of India. You may fly with AirIndia if arriving from Delhi and IndiGo airlines from Kolkata via their direct flights to Gaya.  

Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available to Sasaram

• Delhi to Gaya Flight
• Mumbai to Gaya Flight
• Kolkata to Gaya Flight
• Patna to Gaya Flight
• Ranchi to Gaya Flight

Frequently Asked Questions about Sasaram

Q1: Why is Sasaram famous?
A1: Sasaram is famous for being the birthplace and resting place of Sher Shah Suri, a great Afghan ruler. His grand tomb, built in the middle of an artificial lake, is a major attraction. The city is also known for historical monuments, natural waterfalls, and its ancient cultural heritage.

Q2: How far is the waterfall from Sasaram?
A2: The Manjhar Kund and Dhua Kund waterfalls are located about 2–3 km from the main town of Sasaram. These waterfalls are especially popular during the monsoon season and are easily reachable by road or a short trek.

Q3: Is Sasaram a district of Bihar?
A3: No, Sasaram is not a district. It is a city and the headquarters of the Rohtas district in the state of Bihar.

Q4: Is Sasaram worth visiting?
A4: Sasaram is definitely worth visiting, especially for history buffs, architecture lovers, and spiritual travelers. The city offers a unique mix of monuments, temples, waterfalls, and scenic landscapes, making it a great short getaway in Bihar.

Q5: Which is the nearest airport to Sasaram?
A5: The nearest airport to Sasaram is Gaya International Airport (GAY), located about 130 km away. The city is also well-connected by rail, with Sasaram Railway Station being on the busy Delhi–Howrah route.