Bodhgaya is a famous Buddhist pilgrimage site. Moreover, it is a very popular city among Buddhists and Buddha lovers.
Not to mention, Bodh Gaya is the place where Gautama Buddha attained unsurpassed, supreme Enlightenment. Surprisingly, it is a place which should be visited or seen by a person of devotion and which would cause awareness and apprehension of the nature of impermanence”
Before you plan a trip, get all the details of Bodh Gaya.
- Currency – Indian Rupee
- Location – Located in the northern state of Bihar
- Best Time to Visit – October to March
How to Reach
By Air
The nearest airport to Bodh Gaya city is Gaya (17 kms away).
By Train
The nearest railway station to Bodh Gaya is called the Gaya Station (Approximately 13 kms away)
By Road
You can get regular buses to Bodh Gaya from major parts of the country.
Places to Visit in Bodh Gaya
1. Mahabodhi Temple & Bodhi Tree
Mahabodhi temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is an ancient site, a Buddhist temple in Bodhgaya.
Moreover, it is marked as the location where Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment. Also, it houses the Bodhi Tree under which Buddha gained enlightenment and has been a major Buddhist Pilgrimage Site for more than two thousand years.
Entry Fees: Free
Camera Charges – INR 100 for still cameras and INR 300 for video cameras
Opening hours: 5 am to 9 pm
Nearby Places to Eat:
Swagat Restaurant, Tibetan Om Café, Siam Thai Restaurant, Nirvana the Veg Café, Alice in Gaya Café & Bristro
Explore Bodh Gaya: Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour Packages
2. Great Buddha Statue
This statue of Buddha stands tall besides the Mahabodhi Temple. Also, the 14th Dalai Lama attended its ceremony in 1989 and blessed this site.
Buddha is sitting in a meditation pose upon a lotus.
This is one of the largest statues of India, and stands as a symbol of peace and spirituality of Buddhism.
Opening Hours: 7 am to 12 pm
2 pm to 6 pm
Nearby Places to Eat:
Swagat Restaurant, Tibetan Om Café, Siam Thai Restaurant, Nirvana The Veg Café, Alice in Gaya Café & Bristro
3. Indosan Nippon Japanese Temple
This temple is clearly one of the most beautiful temples in Bodh Gaya.
Moreover, the main purpose behind constructing this temple was to spread Buddhism and thoughts of Buddha.
Also, the Indosan Nippon Japanese Temple features beautiful Japanese architecture.
Opening Hours: 5 am to 12 pm
2 pm to 6 pm
Nearby Places to Eat:
Maya Heritage Restaurant, Nirvana The Veg Café, Sujata Restaurant, Tirupati South Café, Maya Rooftop Restaurant
4. Thai Monastery
This is the only Thai temple in India built by Monarchy of Thailand in 1956.
Back Story? The then Indian Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru requested Thai Monarchy to construct this monastery in India.
Why?
To strengthen relations between the two countries and spread the teachings of Buddha in India.
Best Time to Visit: early morning, evening
Nearby Places to Eat:
Siam Thai Resaturant, Magadh TastySweets & Pure Veg Restaurant, Rose Apple Café, Nirvana the Veg Café, Swagat Restaurant
Shopping Places
- TIBETAN REFUGEE MARKET – woolen clothes and other various textiles, souvenirs
- KUNDAN BAZAAR – clothing, gifts and books
- MAHABODHI TEMPLE COMPLEX BOOKSTORE – various books on Buddhism
What to Expect? / Tips
- You must visit Bodh Gaya city in the winter months as the weather is very pleasant.
- Do not show too much skin, as India is a very conservative country.
- Be careful of the vendors on the streets as they might con you.
- Be open and eager to know more about Buddhism.
Where to stay?
There are great accommodation options throughout Bodh Gaya.
Some of them are as follows-
- Oaks Bodh Gaya
- Tara Guest House
- Kundan Bazaar Guest House
- Hotel Orchid Bodh Gaya
- Maha Bodhi Hotel, Resort and Convention Centre
- Hotel Seven Inn
