Bodh Gaya Tour

Perched on the bank of River Neeranjana, this tiny temple town is the Mecca of Buddhism. Over 2600 hundred years ago, a young ascetic Siddhartha meditated here under a Bodhi tree, attained enlightenment and became Buddha- the Enlightened One. With the decline of Buddhism after the 13th century, the city was lost in ruins. Rediscovered in the 19th century, Bodh Gaya has since been the epicenter of Buddhist pilgrimage in India.

Major Attractions of Bodh Gaya

Maha Bodhi Temple
In 260 BC, Emperor Ashoka is believed to have built the first temple and placed the original Vajrasana (Throne) marking the hallowed spot where Buddha is said to have meditated and received enlightenment. However, the temple was destroyed and rebuilt over the centuries. The temple complex consists of ancient stupas & votives related to significant events during & after Buddha?s enlightenment. The current Bodhi Tree in the temple is a sapling of the tree from Sri Lanka, which is believed to have grown from the original Bodhi Tree. Maha Bodhi Temple Complex is now a UNESCO preserved World Heritage Site.

The Great Buddha Statue
Also known as 80 ft Buddha, this colossal seated Buddha image is a marvel of fine art and is a must visit attraction in Bodh Gaya.

Thai Monastery
Resplendent in red & gold, this is the only Thai Temple in India. Built in 1956, the monastery is both a wonder of art and a pillar of faith.

Royal Bhutan Monastery
Built by the King of Bhutan, this monastery is a typical specimen of the traditional Bhutanese architecture. The monks here organize various peace prayers and meditation sessions.

Barabar Caves
Around 40kms from Bodh Gaya, these ancient rock cut caves are believed to date back to the Ashokan period. The caves are embellished with Hindu & Jain sculptures and were once the dwellings of the monks of the Ajivika sect.

Vishnupad Temple
Established by Queen Ahilya Bai of Indore in 1787, the temple holds a special place in Hindu mythology and enshrines a footstep of Lord Vishnu carved on a basalt rock known as Dharmasila. Hindus from all over the world visit this temple and perform rituals to relieve the departed from the cycle of death and rebirth.

Other Attractions

• Sujata Kuti Stupa
• Indosan Nippon Japanese Temple
• Archeological Museum
• Dungeshwari Cave
• Terger Monastery- Tibetan Monastery
• Pretshila Hill- A Hindu Pilgrimage

Fairs & Festivals in Bodh Gaya

• Kalachakra Festival- A Buddhist festival of prayers, mediation, vows and cultural revelry
• Buddha Poornima- Celebration Lord Buddha?s birth, enlightenment and nirvana

Nearby Excursions

• Rajgir (80Kms) - A Hindu, Jain and Buddhist Pilgrimage
• Nalanda (105kms) - Archeological Ruins

Best time to Visit
The best time to visit this spectacular Buddhist pilgrimage is in winters from October to March.

How to Reach
By Air- Gaya International Airport, around 17kms away, connects Bodh Gaya to all major cities in India and some international destinations.

By Train- Gaya Junction, around 13kms from Bodh Gaya, is the nearest railhead that connects Bodh Gaya to the rest of the country.

By Road- A network of roads and highways connect Bodh Gaya to all major Indian cities.