Sasaram lies half way between Varanasi and Gaya. 17km west
of the main railway junction of Dehri-on-Sone and the three-kilometre-long
Sone River Bridge is noteworthy as the site of the impressive
mausoleum of Sher Shah Suri.
Prime Attractions
Mausoleum of Sher Shah Suri
It is one of two majestic Muslim monuments, which bear
the distinctive heavy lines of the early Lodhi monuments
of Delhi. The well-maintained five-storeyed, red sandstone
mausoleum capped by a massive dome, stands in the middle
of a 430-square-metre artificial lake. The 46m high dome
has 22metre span, which is 4metres wider than the dome of
the Taj Mahal.
The tomb was once adorned by red, white, blue and yellow
geometrical designs, and the dome, once white, topped with
a golden lotus. At its centre, a large octagonal chamber
contains the tomb itself, while pavilions mark each corner
of the building and steps lead down to the water.
Tomb of Hasan Sur Khan
Around 500m east, visible from the upper storeys of Sher
Shah's mausoleum, is the tomb of his father, Hasan Sur Khan.
Built in 1535, within a walled enclosure, it has been engulfed
by the rustic town of Sasaram and is in a somewhat dilapidated
condition. Despite its status as a protected monument, some
of the flagstones are being removed.
How to Get There
Rail:
There are only two direct trains from Varanasi, but from
Mugal Sarai station, there are frequent trains to Sasaram.
Road:
There are frequent buses for Sasaram, from Patna, Varanasi
and Gaya.
Where to Stay
The Shershah Tourist Lodge.
