Bodh Gaya
India · Bihar · 113 m
Description
Bodh Gaya (बोधगया) is a small town in the Indian state of Bihar and the holiest place in Buddhism. Here the Buddha is said to have reached enlightenment beneath a fig tree. The Mahabodhi Temple Complex marks the spot with a tall brick tower, votive stupas and a descendant of that tree. Around the town, monasteries built by Thailand, Japan, Bhutan, Tibet and Myanmar show many national styles side by side. A giant stone Buddha sits in meditation nearby. Maroon and saffron robes fill the lanes, and chanting carries across the gardens. Travellers combine Bodh Gaya with Rajgir, Nalanda and the pilgrim city of Gaya.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 3 days (optimal 2 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: November – February
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Mahabodhi Temple Complex
- Vishnupad Temple in Gaya(Day trip)
- Great Buddha Statue
- Pitru Paksha Mela in Gaya (approx. September)(Day trip)
- Mangla Gauri Temple(Day trip)
- Rajgir and the Vishwa Shanti Stupa(Day trip)
- Nalanda Mahavihara Ruins(Day trip)
- Thai Monastery Wat Thai Buddhagaya
- Royal Bhutan Monastery
- Indosan Nipponji Japanese Temple
- Tergar Monastery
- Brahmayoni Hill(Day trip)
- Dungeshwari Cave Temples(Day trip)
- Archaeological Museum Bodh Gaya
- Sujata Stupa and Bakraur Village
- Tibetan Winter Market (December - February)
- Dalai Lama winter teachings (approx. December - January, some years)
- Chinese Temple and Monastery
- Myanmar Monastery
- Vietnamese Temple
- Barabar Caves(Day trip)
- Vipassana Meditation Retreats
Getting there
- Airports:
- GAY