BodhGaya Tours

Bodhgaya is located in southern part of Bihar. Situated on the banks of Falgu river, a tributary of river Ganga, Bodhgaya is at a distance of 113 kms from Bihar's capital city of Patna. Bodhgaya is regarded as one of the four holiest places of Buddhism. It is here that Lord Buddha received enlightenment some 2500 years ago. Emperor Ashoka had also built some important Buddhist monuments at Bodhgaya. Tourists cutting across religious lines visit Bodhgaya in large numbers from all parts of the world to pay obeisance to Lord Buddha. Devotees also come to Bodhgaya to engage in Buddhist studies and enroll for courses on Buddhist meditation.

Best Season to Visit : October-March

Sightseeing at Bodhgaya -
Mahabodhi Temple : This temple is sacred to Buddhists and the chief attraction of Bodhgaya. This temple is said to be constructed by Emperor Ashoka. The shape of the temple resembles that of a pyramid and rises to a height of 170 feet. This is the place where Buddha had gained enlightenment sitting under the Bodhi tree. The original Bodhi tree had died but the present one is regarded as the fifth descendant of the original tree. There is also a red sandstone slab under the tree which is 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 : Bodhgaya is full of big and small Buddhist monasteries. Most of the monasteries have been built and managed by Buddhist followers from countries like Japan, Burma, China, Sri Lanka, Korea and Nepal. Most of the monasteries have been built in the indigenous architectural styles of the countries that maintain them.

The Archeological Museum : Many historical items associated with Buddhism including items found during excavations in and around Bodhgaya have been kept in the Archeological Museum of Bodhgaya. All tourists who come to Bodhgaya make it a point to visit the museum.

Reaching Bodhgaya -
Air : Patna airport located at a distance of 105 kms from Bodhgaya is the nearest landing facility.
Rail : Gaya is the nearest railway station at a distance of 16 kms. Gaya is a major railhead and there are trains to Gaya from many destinations of India.
Road : Buses are available to Bodhgaya from Gaya, Patna and a few other places of Bihar.

STD/ISD Codes -
if dialing from India to Bodhgaya: 0631(number)
if dialing from outside India to Bodhgaya: + 91631(number)

Shopping in Bodhgaya -

The best buys of Bodhgaya are small decorative items associated with Buddhism like statues of Buddha made of various metals, sandalwood beads etc. Bodhgaya is a small town where such items are easily available in most of the shops.