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THE UNATTRACTIVE TOWN WITH HISTORICAL
ATTRACTIONS
Sasaram, a dreary and dusty little town is located on the Grand Trunk
Road, the famous Indian Highway built by the master architect, Aliwal
Khan, in the reign of Sher Shah in the mid -16th century. 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 SITES
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.
EXCURSIONS
There are quite a few Muslim tombs at Maner at Dehri, 17 kms from
Sasaram.
HOW TO GET THERE
Air:
There is no direct air connection.
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.