Kundalpur is a revered Jain pilgrimage town located near Nalanda in Bihar. It is famous for its ancient temples and spiritual significance, attracting devotees from across India. This guide helps you understand the best ways to travel to Kundalpur from major cities and nearby hubs.

Whether you are coming from Patna, Nalanda, or other parts of Bihar, this article explains the main transport options, step-by-step travel plans, and practical tips to make your journey comfortable and hassle-free.

Getting from Patna to Kundalpur – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular choice for many visitors due to the good rail connectivity to nearby stations. However, Kundalpur itself does not have a railway station, so you will need to combine train travel with road transport.

• The nearest major railway station is Rajgir, about 15 km from Kundalpur, well connected to Patna Junction and other cities via regular trains, with journey times around 2 to 3 hours and fares ranging from ₹50 to ₹200 depending on class.

• From Rajgir station, you can hire an auto-rickshaw or taxi to reach Kundalpur, which takes about 30 minutes and costs approximately ₹200 to ₹400 depending on the time of day and negotiation.

• Trains from Patna to Rajgir run frequently, but during festival seasons or weekends, trains can be crowded, so booking tickets in advance via IRCTC is recommended to secure seats.

• Monsoon season may cause occasional delays on this route due to waterlogging or track maintenance, so plan extra travel time if you are traveling between June and September.

Bus

Buses provide a direct and economical way to reach Kundalpur from nearby cities, though they may not drop you exactly at the pilgrimage site. You will need to use local transport for the final leg.

• State-run buses operated by Bihar State Road Transport Corporation (BSRTC) and private buses run from Patna to Nalanda and Rajgir, with journey times around 3 to 4 hours and fares between ₹80 and ₹150.

• From Nalanda or Rajgir bus stands, frequent shared autos and taxis are available to reach Kundalpur, which is about 10 to 15 km away, costing ₹150 to ₹300 depending on vehicle type and time.

• Buses can be crowded during weekends and religious festivals, so it is advisable to arrive early at the bus stand or book tickets in advance where possible.

• The main highway connecting Patna to Nalanda and Rajgir is NH 20, which is well maintained but may have toll plazas; expect some traffic congestion during peak hours.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving to Kundalpur offers flexibility and comfort, especially if you want to explore surrounding areas at your own pace. The roads are generally in good condition but can be busy near towns.

• The distance from Patna to Kundalpur is approximately 85 km via NH 20 and NH 120, with a typical drive time of 2.5 to 3 hours depending on traffic conditions and stops.

• Self-driving allows you to stop at Nalanda University ruins or Rajgir on the way, making the journey more enriching and convenient for sightseeing.

• Fuel stations and eateries are available along the highway, but it is best to fill up in Patna before starting your trip to avoid delays in rural stretches.

• During monsoon, some stretches may have waterlogging or potholes, so check local weather and road conditions before departure to ensure a safe drive.

• Toll plazas are present on NH 20, so keep some cash ready for toll payments; also, parking near Kundalpur temples is limited, so plan accordingly.

Flight

There is no airport in Kundalpur. The nearest airport is Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport in Patna, which connects to major Indian cities. From the airport, you will need to use road transport to reach Kundalpur.

• Patna airport is about 90 km from Kundalpur, with taxi services available 24/7; the drive takes around 3 hours depending on traffic and costs ₹1500 to ₹2500 by prepaid taxi or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber.

• It is advisable to book your taxi in advance, especially if arriving late at night, as public transport options are limited at odd hours.

• Domestic flights to Patna operate frequently from Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai, making it convenient for travelers coming from distant locations.

• From Patna airport, you can also hire a rental car or use app-based cabs to reach Kundalpur, offering flexibility in travel time and stops.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers to Kundalpur, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey.

• Book your train or bus tickets in advance through IRCTC or official bus websites to avoid last-minute rush and ensure seat availability, especially during festivals.

• Arrive at Patna Junction railway station or Patna bus stand at least 30 minutes before departure to navigate crowds and find your platform or bus easily.

• If traveling by train, disembark at Rajgir station and arrange for a pre-booked taxi or reliable auto-rickshaw to take you to Kundalpur, confirming fare beforehand to avoid overcharging.

• If driving yourself, start early in the morning to avoid city traffic in Patna and reach Kundalpur before evening; use GPS navigation apps to monitor traffic and road conditions.

• Carry bottled water and light snacks for the journey, as food options on the way may be limited or crowded during peak travel times.

• Upon arrival in Kundalpur, use local guides or temple staff for directions to the main pilgrimage sites and accommodation options, ensuring a comfortable stay.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry a valid ID and keep digital copies of your train or bus tickets to avoid issues during ticket checks or at checkpoints.

• Drink only bottled or boiled water during your journey and avoid street food unless it is freshly prepared and from a trusted vendor to prevent stomach issues.

• Book your transport tickets well in advance during festival seasons like Mahavir Jayanti or Paryushan when Kundalpur sees a surge in pilgrims.

• Use prepaid taxi services or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber in Patna and Rajgir for safer and more reliable local transport rather than hailing random vehicles.

• Pack light but include essentials like an umbrella or raincoat during monsoon, comfortable walking shoes for temple visits, and a power bank for your phone.

• Be prepared for foggy mornings in winter months that may delay trains or buses, so plan your departure times accordingly to avoid missing connections.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Kundalpur is during the cooler months from October to March when the weather is pleasant for travel and sightseeing. Summers can be hot and humid, while monsoon may cause travel delays.

Seasonal festivals bring crowds and traffic, so if you prefer a quieter visit, avoid major Jain festivals or weekends.

• Avoid traveling during the monsoon months of June to September as heavy rains can cause roadblocks and train delays on the Patna-Rajgir route.

• Winter fog in December and January can reduce visibility and slow down trains and buses; early morning departures may be affected.

• Peak pilgrimage periods like Mahavir Jayanti see increased traffic and accommodation demand, so book transport and stay well in advance.

• Mid-morning departures from Patna usually offer smoother traffic conditions compared to early mornings or late evenings when city congestion is high.

Arrival at Kundalpur & What to Expect

On arrival at Kundalpur, you will find a peaceful town centered around its famous Jain temples. The area is small, and most places are within walking distance from the main temple complex.

Local transport options include auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws for short distances. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are rare here, so negotiate fares before boarding. Accommodation ranges from simple guesthouses to dharamshalas catering to pilgrims.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Kundalpur is by train to Rajgir followed by a short taxi ride, balancing convenience and cost. For those preferring flexibility, self-driving from Patna offers the chance to explore nearby heritage sites along the way.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and arranging local transport will ensure a smooth journey. With these practical tips and detailed options, you can confidently plan your visit to Kundalpur and enjoy its spiritual atmosphere without travel stress.