Bodhgaya Tour

Fact File
» Location from major metros : Patna (113 kms), Gaya (13 kms)

» Known For : Bodhgaya is a revered Buddhist pilgrimage destination. Lord Buddha had attained enlightenment at Bodhgaya sitting and meditating under the Bodhi tree of the place.

» Climate & the best time to visit : Tropical climatic conditions prevail in Bodhgaya. Summer months can be very hot with temperatures in excess of 40 degrees. Winters are also very cold and mercury may dip to a low of 10 degrees or even less during this period. Most of the rainfall is received during the July-September monsoon period. The best time to visit Bodhgaya is during the months of November-April.


The City
Located in southern Bihar on the banks of river Falgu, a tributary of river Ganges, Bodhgaya is one of the most important centres of pilgrimage for the Buddhists. Infact, Bodhgaya qualifies as one of the four holiest places of Buddhism. It is at Bodhgaya that Lord Buddha had attained enlightenment some 2500 years ago and telling mankind that desire is the root cause of all sufferings. In the later years, Emperor Ashoka built the Mahabodhi temple and a few other monuments here. The strength of Bodhgaya lies in the fact that people belonging to different religious denominations visit the spiritual destination and seek blessings of the divine.

Attractions in the city
» Mahabodhi Temple : The place where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment was given a perennial status by Emperor Ashoka when he built the magnificent Mahabodhi temple at the place. The imposing structure has been built in the shape of a pyramid and rises to many feet from the ground. The original Bodhi tree under which Buddha meditated had died but the present one is regarded as the fifth descendant of the original tree. The red sandstone slab under this tree is believed to be the same throne on which Buddha sat for meditation. The temple has meticulously done carvings and a large gilded image of Buddha.

» The Buddhist Monasteries : There are a number of big and small monasteries in Bodhgaya that are worth a visit. All these monasteries have been built by the followers of Buddhism from different countries like Japan, Burma, China, Sri Lanka, Korea and Nepal. A remarkable feature here is that these monasteries have been built in the architectural styles of these countries. Lamas belonging to many foreign countries come to stay and earn knowledge on Buddhism.

» The Archeological Museum : The Archeological Museum of Bodhgaya is a must-see for tourists. The museum houses many historical items associated with Buddhism including items found during excavations in and around Bodhgaya. The museum throws great light on the history of Buddhism and also gives historical insights of the place.

Other Places to visit
» Rajgir : Rajgir is a place of great historical importance. It is revered by Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. There is mention of Rajgir in Ramayana and Mahabharata. It was the capital of mighty Magadhan empire in 6th century BC. Lord Mahavir and Guru Nanak also visited Rajgir. After the Mahaparinirvana of Lord Buddha, his teachings were penned down here. The hot water springs of the place are believed to have medicinal properties.

» Gaya : Gaya is located only 13 kms from Bodhgaya. Gaya is a sacred pilgrim centre for Hindus. Hindus offer ashes of the dead ones for salvation here. The temple of Vishnupad on the bank of river Falgu attracts a very large number of pilgrims.

» Nalanda : Nalanda is located 96 kms. from Bodhgaya. Nalanda is the site of the world famous international university which was at its peak of glory in the 5th century AD. The University had the capacity to house ten thousand students and two thousand teachers at the same time. The ruins of this ancient University still inspire visitors to the place.


How To Reach
» Air : Patna, at a distance of 113 kms, is the nearest airport from Bodhgaya with regular flights to Delhi, Ranchi, Lucknow, Kolkata, Chennai and Mumbai.

» Rail : Gaya is the nearest railway station at a distance of some 13 kms from Bodhgaya. Express train services connect Gaya with many destinations of the country.

» Road : Both government and private buses operate to Bodhgaya from places like Patna, and Gaya. Local taxis can be easily hired for Bodhgaya from other parts of Bihar.