Photo: Anand mohan Rai / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
📍 Rohtas, West Bihar, Bihar
One of the revered Shakti Peethas dedicated to Maa Tara (a form of Durga/Shakti), nestled in a natural cave of the Kaimur hills near Sasaram. According to tradition, the right eye of Goddess Sati fell here. The tranquil hillside setting, with springs and rock outcrops, makes it both a sacred and scenic destination that fills with pilgrims during Navratri.
The Maa Tara Chandi Temple is a Hindu Shakti shrine set in a natural cave of the Vindhya/Kaimur range, about 6 km from Sasaram town. Counted among the Shakta Pithas, it is believed to mark the spot where an eye of Sati fell, and is a major centre of goddess worship in western Bihar.
Beyond its spiritual pull, the site is prized for its setting — rocky hills, greenery and a peaceful cave sanctum. A short distance away lies the historic Tarachandi rock inscription of the region.
October to March; Chaitra and Sharadiya Navratri draw the largest crowds.
Historical & Ruins The magnificent mausoleum of Sher Shah Suri, the great 16thcentury emperor who founded the Sur dynasty and built the Grand Trunk Road. This grand domed tomb of red sandstone stands dramatically on a stone plinth in the middle of an artificial lake, regarded as one of the finest examples of IndoIslamic architecture in eastern India.
Nature & Waterfalls A tall, dramatic waterfall in the Kaimur Range near Sasaram whose plunge throws up so much spray that it looks like rising smoke — hence the name 'Dhua' (smoke) Kund. It is a popular ecotourism and picnic spot best seen in the monsoon. Trekking, camping and birdwatching are possible in the surrounding forest.
Nature & Waterfalls A scenic seasonal waterfall in the Kaimur Range near Sasaram, where water cascades over rocky steps into a deep natural pool. A popular monsoon picnic spot surrounded by forest, it lies close to its twin, Dhua Kund. The lush setting and cool spray make it a favourite weekend escape for the Rohtas region.
Forts & Palaces A vast, sprawling hill fort perched high on the Kaimur plateau above the Son river, spread over several kilometres. Rich in Hindu and later Mughalera history, it holds palaces, temples, mosques and gateways amid dense forest. Reaching it involves a steep trek, rewarding visitors with dramatic ruins and sweeping valley views.
