Location : Bihar
Tourist Attractions : Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhi Tree
Local Tongue : Hindi
STD Code : (91) - 631
Best time to Visit : October to March
About Bodhgaya
Bodhgaya is situated in Bihar, just 13 km from the holy city of Gaya.
Bodhgaya which means 'the place of enlightenment', is the exact place where
Gautama Buddha became enlightened under the Bodhi tree about 2500 years ago,
thus starting a chain of events which led to the founding of Buddhism. The
city is today visited by thousands of devotees including the great Dalai
Lama who often visits the place. The entire city is dotted with temples and
Buddhist monasteries, both recent and ancient. The most important structure
is the Mahabodhi temple, situated adjacent to the Bodhi tree.
According to history, Siddhartha Gautama, a young prince left his kingdom
in search of peace. After years of journeying across different places, he
was finally blessed with what he craved for, the ultimate knowledge. Since
then the site where the event took place, Bodhgaya, has been a prominent
religious pilgrimage for people belonging to the Buddhist faith.
Climate & Best time to Visit
Bodhgaya experiences pleasant weather throughout the year and can be
visited anytime. However, the most suitable time are the winter months from
October to March when the climate is at its best.
Religious Attractions in Bodhgaya
Mahabodhi Temple
Situated near the tree where Lord Buddha was enlightened about 2500 years
back, the Mahabodhi temple is the most important pilgrimage in Bodhgaya.
Built on a high square platform, the temple houses a centuries old beautiful
statue of Lord Buddha as well as an ancient Shivalinga. The tower of the
temple rises to a height of 179 feet.
Bodhi Tree
The tree is believed to be the descendant of the actual tree under which
Lord Buddha sat and meditated before attaining the supreme knowledge. The
tree rises up to a height of 80 feet and is believed to be over 120 years
old. The diamond throne (red sandstone slab) is situated nearby.
Dharma Chakra
The Dharma Chakra or the wheel of law is located in a Tibetan monastery,
situated at a short distance from the Mahabodhi temple. Numerous devotees
visit the monastery to be enlightened with the teachings and principles of
Buddhism.
Parasnath Hill
About 40 km from Bodhgaya are a series of ancient rock cut Buddhist caves.
One of the most sacred destinations for people belonging to the Buddhist and
Jain religions, the caves house a number of intricately decorated temples.
Gaya
Gaya is a holy Hindu city, lying 16 km from Bodhgaya. It is believed that
the cremation ceremony of a deceased performed here in Bodhgaya leads him
towards salvation. The Vishnupad temple, situated on the banks of river
Falgu is visited by numerous devotees.
Stay At
Both Gaya and Bodhgaya boast of several quality accommodation options.
Amongst the best ones are The Royal Residency (3 star, situated on Dumuhan
Road just 3 km from airport, 12 km from railway station & 1 km from the
Mahabodhi temple), Hotel Siddhartha International (3 star, situated on
Station Road just 7 km from airport, 0.5 km from railway station & 21 km
from bus stand), Lotus Nikko Hotel (3 star, situated near the city centre
just 17 km from railway station & 15 km from bus stand) and Hotel
Bodhgaya Ashok (3 star, situated just 20 km from railway station & 15 km
from bus stand).
Getting There
By Air : Patna is the nearest airport, situated just 105
km from Bodhgaya. Regular flights connect Patna with major Indian cities
including Delhi and Mumbai. Buses and taxis are easily available from Patna
to reach Bodhgaya.
By Rail : The nearest and most convenient railhead is
Gaya. Situated 16 km from Bodhgaya, the city is well connected to all the
major Indian cities through regular trains. Gaya and Bodhgaya are
conveniently connected through local buses.
By Road : Bodhgaya is connected to other cities in Bihar
through well built roads. State road transport buses link the city with
Gaya, which is further connected to all the cities across Bihar.
Distance from Major Cities
- Allahabad : 375 Km
- Calcutta : 489 Km
- Kanpur : 570 Km
- Jamshedpur : 350 Km
- Patna : 97 Km
- Varanasi : 250 Km
