“Here on this seat, my body may shrivel up,

my skin, my bones, my flesh may dissolve,

but my body will not move from this seat

until I have attained Enlightenment,

so difficult to obtain in the course of many kalpas”. 

Spiritual, serene and spellbinding, Bodhgaya is everything magical on the travel map of India.

It is the treasure trove of Buddhism located in the southwest of the state Bihar.

It is home to the holiest Buddhist site Mahabodhi Temple, where, under the Bodhi tree, Prince Sidhartha (later famous as Buddha) attained enlightenment.

Bodhgaya is one of the four key pilgrimage sites of Gautam Buddha’s life.  And, needless to say, it is probably the most influential one too. Well, there is no way one wouldn’t want to visit the very spot of spiritual enlightenment after all.

Do you crave for answers to the questions of life? Then, follow the fluttering prayer flags on the Buddhist circuit to land on the much-acclaimed Buddhist site waiting for you under the Mahabodhi tree. Care to give it a look? Woohoo!

Storytime!

Who doesn’t love a good story? If you do, just like us, then, this will be a roller coaster ride. So, fasten your seatbelts, maybe?

To find the answers to suffering, Prince Sidhartha stayed on the banks of Nairanjana in harsh conditions for six years.  Accompanied by five followers who later abandoned him, Siddhartha was keen on finding his answers.

In the gist of which, even after failing, Sidhartha moved forward towards a village called Senani. He then took patronage under a Pipal tree and resolved to sit there until he attains enlightenment (which he did).

During the course of the meditating process, he was allured and disturbed by multiple forces (primarily, the God of illusions Maya). Fortunately, he was able to beat all the odds and garner the world with knowledge and philosophies which would have otherwise not existed.

So, this was the tale of Bodhgaya and if it got you all caught up, then, we have so much more to offer you on our tours to India. So, give it a try maybe?

Bodhgaya is famous for a plethora of things, the top ones of which are mentioned below. Don’t forget to add them to your checklist on your cultural trip. We will take your thanks later!

Have you ever wondered what it will be like to travel leaps and depths in Buddhism? No? Then try your luck and find answers to your questions at the most revered Buddhist sites of India.

With many secrets and relics of Buddha buried somewhere deep in its vicinity, Mahabodhi temple is one of the most promising places to visit in Bodhgaya.

Phenomenally built Mahabodhi temple Bodhgaya traces its root back to the 3rd century BC. During that time, Emperor Ashoka built a temple around what was supposed to be Lord Buddha’s final destination before attaining spiritual enlightenment.

Later the structure was rebuilt leaving behind traces of the original shrine.

Today, this splendid spiritual sight is one of the most loved UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India.

Why visit?

1. Earliest Buddhist Temple built in brick surviving today.
2. A courtyard of temples filled with Stupas.
3. The existence of the very serene Bodhi tree.

Timings: 5 am to 9 pm. Chanting and meditation 5:30 onwards.

Imagine sitting on the very spot where Buddha once meditated and attained the answers to everything. Sounds enticing, doesn’t it? Well, you can experience all this. Just make your way to the Bodhi tree, the only inheritance of the ancient Bodhi tree in India and experience the pinnacle of tranquility. (One sapling is in Sri Lanka)

It is the top tourist attractions of Bodhgaya, so much so, that it has its own annual festival in the month of December.

You can imagine its value in Buddhism, as the mighty Emperor Ashoka himself paid this place frequent visits.

Come experience this enigma on your North India trip and while you are at it, listen to the tales attached to its name.

PS: The tree is within the same compound as Mahabodhi temple. So, just follow the fluttering prayer flags you!

Are you a shutterbug? Also, would you like some amazing photos of your Bodhgaya sightseeing escapade?

Then, the 25 m long statue will be the perfect backdrop for you.

Towering in the Mahabodhi complex and tearing the sky, this statue is the Japanese style adaptation of a meditating Buddha. Surrounding it will be 10 disciples of Gautam Buddha that will accord yet another opportunity to grab some gram friendly photos.

If you are not much into photos, then, the structure’s relevance in Buddhism is enough to get it a spot on your travel bucket list in Bodhgaya.

Fun fact: This granite and sandstone statue is partially hollow. Also, did you know that it took 12000 stone masons and seven years to complete this 80 feet statue? No? Well, now you do.

Timings: 7 am to 12 pm and 2 pm to 6 pm (winters 5 pm)

Let history be your muse and lead you on to the most whimsical cave excursion you’ve ever been to.

Pamper yourself with more spiritual tokens and cave temples at approximately 12km north east from Bodhgaya.

Don’t know which caves to explore? Let us break it down for you!

There are a total of three caves with illustrious shrines. Devotees believe that lord Buddha did meditate in these ancient caves. Temples on display here flamboyantly portray the phases of Buddha’s life and the star of this destination is the golden statue of meditating Buddha.

Do you want to know a secret? Presence of Goddess Dungeshwari is many times felt here.

Although don’t expect each of these caves to be Buddhist caves as the smaller ones do belong to Hinduism too, but take one thing for sure, you will have your jaw dropped by the glimpse of it.

Timings: 5 am to 9 pm

Do you share a knack for history too? Then how about exploring it amid the ancient relics of Buddhism?

The archaeological museum is a treasure trove of everything that screams Buddhism. Although most stone sculptures are headless, they still are worth a fortune and hold a special place in Buddhism.

The majority of the sculptures here are between the 8th and the 10^th century.

Are you interested in walking on the path of spirituality? Do you wish to align your chakras at the very spot where Buddha attained spiritual enlightenment? Then, you are in the right place, dear!

Bodhgaya is home to many spiritual, meditation and recreational centers that accord top notch services and provide peace seekers with a chance to dwell in the surrounding which was once inhabited by Lord Buddha.

Out of all the centers in Bodhgaya, the root institute for wisdom culture offers some introductory and intermediate meditation and philosophy courses that will win your heart in the long run. These classes describe aptly the Tibetan Mahayana culture and give you insights on this plush heritage.

Fun fact: Some monasteries do offer Buddhism course for the seekers of this religion.

India is the colossal diversity, where you can experience any shade of culture. But even the highest powers wouldn’t have known that in this country, in a small village like Bodhgaya you can enjoy the charms of Thai architecture.

Decked in flowery motifs and the shades of gold is Bodh Gaya Thai temple. Here, amid the crystal clearer skies and curved roofs, you will get to see an enormous bronze Buddha. 

Peace has found its home in this temple of India and we completely vouch for that.

In addition to all this, the temple showcases images relating to the life of Buddha in the form of carved scriptures.

And, don’t get over it so soon!

As Buddhist symbols and other precious Buddhist objects are kept here on display too!

Add Tibet to your Bodhgaya trip itinerary.

Confused, eh? Don’t be, as the next best thing to do in Bodhgaya is to visit the very beautiful and charming Karma Temple.

A new addition to the temples in Bodhgaya, Karma temple was built 15 years ago.

What makes it different you ask?

Well, besides portraying the life of Buddha in awe-inspiring paintings, this beautiful temple in Bodhgaya India flaunts a concoction of culture.

So, get ready for some tints of Tibet, India and western parts of the world on your Bodhgaya travel map.

The King of Bhutan, in the devotion of Lord Buddha, built it, to depict the life of Lord Buddha in the form of carvings made from clay on the interior walls of the monastery.

The murals depicting the life of Lord Buddha are adorned by people all over the world. Followers of Buddhism come here from various countries to witness these carvings. Needless to say, the most important instances of Lord Buddha’s life are here.

The monastery also hosts a temple inside, which has a huge 7 feet Statue of Lord Buddha made beautifully by Buddhists sculptures.

Apart from a rest house, which is meant for the Buddhists Monks, there are rest houses for visitors to stay. These are large spacious rooms with various facilities which are available round the clock.

The monks here organize peace prayers and guide for individual or group meditations. They preach the teachings of Lord Buddha and his life.

Timings: 7 am to 7 pm.

Does history run your mind and food run your soul? Do you get completely head over heels for places that offer finger-licking food whilst providing a spiritual thrill? Well, in that case, Bodhgaya is the place for you.

Little do people know, Bodhgaya is also famous for its rich gourmet platter.  Be it Thai food or authentic Italian meal, tasting these delicacies will definitely delight your taste buds. So, do give them a chance while exploring Buddha temple bodhgaya. Capeesh?

Craving for in-depth tourism information about Bodh gaya? Do you want to know BodhGaya location? Then, here is everything you need.

BEST TIME TO VISIT BODHGAYA

If you are a fan of tropical climate and can handle the scorching heat, anytime is a good time to be in Bodhgaya. Otherwise, the best time to visit Bodhgaya is between November and January.

It is during this time that Bodhgaya is flooded with tourists looking for peace and meditation. Also, weather wise too, in winters the destination is no less than a paradise.

Planning your Bodhgaya trip in summers? Then April to May is the best time to be here. Why? Well, that’s because Buddha Jayanti (birthday of Buddha) celebration take place in late April or early May. 

HOW TO GET THERE

By Air:

Traveling to Bodh gaya Bihar from the major cities of India? Then your nearest airport will be Patna which is 140 kms away from this amazing travel destination.

By Train:

If you are much of a train person then, the nearest train station for you will be in Gaya. It will be another 12km from Gaya to Bodhgaya.

If you are visiting Bodhgaya as a part of your tourist circuit, then, taking Mahaparinirvan Express will be the right choice for you.

By Road:

Whether it is a road trip to Bodhgaya from Varanasi or from any other prominent destination, the road networks here will always scream, “be our guest!”.