Lying on the western bank of River Phalgu, in southwestern Bihar, Bodh Gaya was previously known as Uruwela, Sambodhi, and Vajrasana. Among all the famous tourist places in Bihar, the town of Bodh Gaya is famed as the home to the sacred Bodhi tree, under which Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment.
The beauty of Bodhgaya is mainly defined by its magnificent age-old Buddhist temples that not only offer you a glimpse into the rich Buddhist mythology but also showcase impressive architectural designs for you to marvel at. The beauty of this pilgrimage hub has attracted famous personalities, including China’s Xuanzang and Fa Hien in times gone by.
Location: The city of Bodhgaya lies at a distance of 110.7 KM from Patna.
Historical Facts:
The beauty of Bodhgaya is mainly defined by its magnificent age-old Buddhist temples that not only offer you a glimpse into the rich Buddhist mythology but also showcase impressive architectural designs for you to marvel at. The beauty of this pilgrimage hub has attracted famous personalities, including China’s Xuanzang and Fa Hien in times gone by.
Location: The city of Bodhgaya lies at a distance of 110.7 KM from Patna.
Historical Facts:
- The place is considered to be the spot where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment.
- King Ashoka constructed a small shrine at this site in the 3rd century BCE and a stone railing was constructed around this place in the 1st century BCE.
- The small shrine was replaced by the Mahabodhi Temple in the 2nd century BCE, which was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002.
Places to Visit:
Places to Visit:
- Known as the spiritual hub of the country, Bodh Gaya is packed with a plethora of ancient pilgrim sites, including the Mahabodhi Temple and the Great Buddha Statue.
- This town is also home to the Bodhi Tree, which was a sapling placed by his highness Dalai Lama.
- There are numerous monasteries and temples including the Thai Monastery, the Royal Bhutan Monastery, Cankamana, and the Indosan Nippon Japanese Temple.
- Another important attraction of Bihar includes the Tibetan Refugee Market, which attracts shopaholics.
Activities to Do:
- On your trip to Bodh Gaya, you can take a spiritual tour through the various religious and theological places of the town.
- You can also spend time indulging in shopping for unique souvenirs, including handicrafts and winter garments.
Best Time to Visit:
The most ideal time to visit Bodh Gaya is between the winter months of October and March when the town experiences pleasant and comfortable weather. The town also receives a heavy influx of tourists between April and May, when the famous festival of Buddha Purnima is celebrated here with great pomp and show.