Bodh Gaya is a popular Buddhist pilgrimage site, particularly famous for the Mahabodhi Temple. Located in Bihar, at a distance of 110 km from Patna Airport, Sambodhi is a sacred place visited by both Hindu and Buddhist devotees. This is the perfect spiritual gateway if you want to calm your soul and experience the soothing divine ambience. Just like the Sambodhi Mandir, there are many places to visit and things to do in Bodh Gaya that people may not be aware of. This blog will be your perfect guide to help you find the best things that you can do in Bodh Gaya and the beautiful places that you can visit.
Popular Things to Do in Bodh Gaya
Bodh Gaya’s Mahabodhi Temple is definitely a popular attraction visited by everyone. But there are many other things that you do and many places that you can go, which usually get overlooked. Many of these are very underrated.
Visit Different Temples:
While you are still in Bodh Gaya, don’t miss out on visiting various temples and monasteries that are from different countries. There is a Chinese Temple, a Japanese Nippon Temple, a Thai Monastery, a Bhutanese Monastery, and a Sinhalese Monastery. All of these structures represent the culture and architecture of their respective country. Exploring these temples is like having a tour of different countries.
The Tibetan Market:
This is a unique market that is run by the Tibetan refugees. You can find a variety of handicraft items, clothes, religious books, items for rituals, and more. It is a vibrant and colourful place to explore.
Muchalinda Lake:
This beautiful lake is just beside the Mahabodhi Temple. You can spend some time here, sitting by the bank of the lake and observing the serene environment. According to the mythological stories, Gautam Buddha was protected in the lake from the storms of the snake king Muchalinda, when he was meditating here under the Bodhi Tree.
Bodhgaya Archaeological Museum:
Another fun place to visit in Bodh Gaya is the Bodhgaya Museum. Get a glimpse into Buddhist history. The museum has a diverse collection of ancient artefacts.
Lotus Pond:
You can enjoy a nice time by the side of this serene pond. This is believed to be the very place where Lord Buddha used to bathe.
Rajgir Day Trip:
You can explore the ancient Rajgir town, which is near Bodhgaya. This town features many historical places like the Venuvana Monastery, Gridhakuta Hill, and more.
Places to Visit in Bodh Gaya
There are many popular tourist attractions within the Mahabodhi Temple. But there are many other attractions as well, which are equally worth visiting to make your vacation even more amazing and exciting. Do check out the following tourist attractions of Gaya:
1. Gaya
The ancient and revered religious town with deep roots in history, mythology, and religion. The town holds great significance for both Hindus and Buddhists. Gaya is a major pilgrimage destination because of its deep association with the two religions. The city is the second-largest city of Bihar after Patna and is a worthwhile place.
Best Time to Visit: September to January
How to reach Gaya?
You can easily reach Gaya from Bodhgaya as the distance is just 15.2 km, which is just a 30-minute drive. You can find different transport options that you can take to reach Gaya.
2. Dungeshwari Hills
These hills are known for their naturally formed caves and offer stunning views of the surrounding areas. It is said that Gautam Buddha stayed here for a few years before going to Sambodhi. There are many old stupas and ancient relics hidden within the lush greenery. It is also a popular tourist place where you can enjoy nature exploration and trekking. You can also enjoy birdwatching here.
Best time to visit: October to February
How to reach Dungeshwari Hills?
The Dungeshwari Hills are located 10 km from the Bodh Mandir. You can take any transportation, or you can book a cab for a seamless travel experience.
Places to Visit Near Bodhgaya
1. Nalanda
Home to the renowned Nalanda University, this city is situated just 90 km from Bodh Gaya. The ruins of the university are counted among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Exploring these archaeological sites would give you more insights into the rich history of this prestigious university.
2. Barabar Caves
These are ancient rock-cut caves situated 60 kilometres from Bodhgaya. The caves date back to the Mauryan Empire. You will find various rock carvings and amazing architectural structures.
3. Pawapuri
This is a popular Jain pilgrimage destination, at a distance of 95 km from Bodhgaya. The place is deeply associated with Jainism as it is said to be the very place Lord Mahavira attained Nirvana, the founder of Jainism. The place is lively with a spiritual ambience and places to explore, like Jal Mandir.
4. Varanasi
Another popular place to visit near Gaya, located at a distance of 250 km. Varanasi is already a renowned tourist destination throughout the world as the oldest city in existence. A place where you can experience true spirituality, history, and culture, intertwining together in its purest forms. Enjoy sightseeing, visit Kashi Vishwanth Temple, take a boat ride, and much more.
How to Reach Bodh Gaya?
There are multiple ways to reach Gaya. You can reach Bodh Gaya by train, by flight, as well as by road.
How to reach Bodh Gaya by train?
The nearest railway station to Bodh Gaya is the Gaya Junction, with Patna being the nearest railhead. You can easily get a train to Gaya or Patna from your city. And after arriving, you can hire any local transport to get to Gaya.
How to reach Bodh Gaya by flight?
You can also travel by flight. The nearest airport to Bodh Gaya is the Gaya airport with domestic flights from cities like Patna, Varanasi, Delhi, and so on. From the airport, you can hire a local cab or auto rickshaw to travel to Sambodhi.
How to reach Bodh Gaya by road?
Bodh Gaya is connected to well-established road networks from Patna and other major cities. If you wish to travel by road, you can do so. Both public and privately run buses are available as well, with a flexible schedule. The NH 22 connects Patna to Gaya and is 110 km long. Within a few hours, you will reach Bodh Gaya without any hassle.
Best Time to Reach Bodh Gaya
The best time for travelling to Bodh Gaya would be between October to March. Travelling during the summer season is not recommended as the region gets very hot. The rainy season can also be considered for exploring and Bodhgaya sightseeing.
For travelling, you would also require reliable transport, and Chiku Cab could be an optimal choice for this. Their cab services are perfect for travelling with ease without any unnecessary hassle. They provide affordable cab hire services for outstation travels, local transits, and airport transfers. You can easily find a reliable cab in Gaya for different travel needs. They also offer a complete Bodh Gaya tour package, which will include all the necessary bookings and transportation needs. Get Chiku Cab’s rental service for a better experience in Sambodhi.
FAQs About Tourist Places in Bodh Gaya
Q. Is 1 day enough of Bodh Gaya sightseeing?
A. In a 1-day trip, you can visit popular places like the Mahabodhi Temple, the Niranjana River, different Monasteries, and more. A one-day Gaya trip takes you to exciting places to explore.
Q. What is Bodh Gaya famous for?
A. Bodh Gaya is renowned around the world for the Mahabodhi Temple. It is also famous as Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment here, and is one of the major Buddhist pilgrimage destinations.
Q. What is the timing for darshan in the Mahabodhi Temple?
A. The temple remains open every day, and devotees may visit for darshan between 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM. A special chanting session is held as well between 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM.
Q. What is the best time to visit Bodh Gaya?
A. The best time to visit Gaya is during the winter season, between October to March. The weather remains pleasant and ideal for sightseeing and exploration.
Q. How to reach Bodh Gaya?
A. You can easily travel to Bodh Gaya by flight, by train, and by road. The nearest airport and railway station to Bodh Gaya is Gaya, with trains and domestic flights from major cities like Delhi, Patna, Kolkata, Varanasi, and more.
I’m a wanderer who loves venturing on to unknown and unseen places. I explore freely to various fun and adventurous places, whether it be spiritual temple tours, captivating landscapes, and more. I wonder around in search of hidden gems and tourist attractions, temples, and other places.
