Sasaram, Bihar City Guide: Where To Go, Stay, Eat, And shop in India’s best city.
Sasaram, Bihar
Sasaram is a historically and culturally significant city in Rohtas district, Bihar. It is best known as the birthplace and resting place of Sher Shah Suri, the Afghan ruler who built the Grand Trunk Road (GT Road). The city is also famous for its architectural marvels, waterfalls, and natural landscapes. Today, Sasaram is a growing urban and industrial hub in southwestern Bihar.
1. Location & Geography
- Located in southwestern Bihar, about 150 km from Patna and 120 km from Varanasi.
- Lies on the Grand Trunk Road (NH-19, Old NH-2), one of India’s oldest highways.
- Surrounded by the Kaimur Hills, making it rich in natural resources and scenic beauty.
- The Sone River flows nearby, supporting agriculture and irrigation.
2. Historical & Cultural Significance
- Sher Shah Suri’s Legacy:
- Tomb of Sher Shah Suri (UNESCO Tentative List Site) – A massive Indo-Islamic tomb built in the 16th century, floating on an artificial lake.
- Shergarh Fort (40 km from Sasaram) – A ruined fort with Mughal and Afghan-era history.
- Ashokan Inscriptions at Kaimur Hills:
- Ancient rock edicts from Emperor Ashoka’s time (3rd century BCE).
- Maa Tara Chandi Temple:
- A famous Hindu pilgrimage site dedicated to Goddess Tara Chandi.
3. Economy & Industries
- Stone & Mining Industry:
- One of India’s largest stone mining and crushing centers.
- Supplies construction materials across Bihar and neighboring states.
- Agriculture & Irrigation:
- Major crops: Rice, wheat, lentils, and mustard.
- The Sone Canal System provides irrigation support.
- Trade & Commerce:
- Sasaram is a regional business hub, especially for construction materials.
4. Education & Institutions
- Shershah College, Sasaram
- Rohtas Institute of Technology & Science (RITS)
- Several government and private schools affiliated with CBSE and BSEB.
5. Tourist & Cultural Attractions
- Tomb of Sher Shah Suri:
- A massive red sandstone structure, considered a masterpiece of Pathan-era architecture.
- Rohtas Fort (80 km from Sasaram):
- A UNESCO-listed historical fort, built by Sher Shah Suri, surrounded by the Kaimur Hills.
- Manjhar Kund & Dhua Kund Waterfalls:
- Popular natural waterfalls, visited by tourists and pilgrims.
- Indrapuri Barrage (25 km from Sasaram):
- One of India’s largest water reservoirs on the Sone River.
6. Connectivity & Transport
- By Road:
- Lies on NH-19 (GT Road), well-connected to Patna, Varanasi, and Kolkata.
- Regular bus services to major cities.
- By Rail:
- Sasaram Railway Station (SSM) is on the Delhi-Howrah main line, with direct trains to Delhi, Patna, and Kolkata.
- By Air:
- The nearest airport is Gaya International Airport (130 km away).
7. Lifestyle & Development
- Urban infrastructure is improving, with new shopping centers, hotels, and hospitals.
- Government projects for industrial and tourism development.
- Increasing real estate growth due to better connectivity and economic activities.