Are you planning to visit the holy city of Gaya , which is popular for attaining Nirvana/Moksha? Whether you are a Buddhist, Hindu or even Jain, the Gayapuri regions have a lot to offer! Visit the top tourist attractions in Gaya with the best cab service in India, exclusively with Chiku Cab, and receive assured discounts when you book today! Offer available for a limited time only!
Considered one of the most sacred sites in India, Gaya is known for attracting thousands of pilgrims from across the world. Find a range of holy temples in Gaya, which include the popular Vishnupad Temple, or witness the sacred Pind Daan ritual that has continuously been performed for thousands of years on the banks of the Falgu River. Numerous temples, ghats, and heritage sites in Bihar will make you want to come more often.
In addition, you can also witness Bodh Gaya, located approximately 12 to 15 km away from Gaya city. This is the popular Buddha city where the prince Gautam became Buddha. Relax in the peaceful shade of the Bodhi Tree in the Mahabodhi Temple, the famous Gaya Temple. Alongside, you can also witness a range of monasteries, meditation caves and stupas from ancient India. Hence, apart from the Hindu beliefs, this is also a major place of worship for the Buddhists.
Moreover, you can also witness a range of Jain Temples scattered around in Gaya, Rajgir, and Varanasi, which you can travel to with Chiku Cab’s outstation cab. Closely related to the life of Lord Mahavira, the 24th and the last Tirthankara of Jains, Rajgir and Pawanpuri are some of the top places to visit near Gaya.
Hence, we have listed the list of top 15 Gaya tourist places, with photos, for a better overview in this guide.
Read More – Pind Daan Places in India
Are Bodh Gaya and Gaya Different?
As a matter of fact, yes, they are located around 15 km apart. The majority of the locations in Gaya are holy for Hindus, while most of the parts in Bodh Gaya are considered holy for Buddhists. While Gaya is popular for the Pind Daan ritual, Bodh Gaya is famous for being the site where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment, or Nirvana, under the holy Bodhi Tree. Hence, this blog will guide you through some of the popular places to visit in Gaya and Bodh Gaya in both locations.
Top 7 Best Places to Visit in Gaya
First, let’s start with the best tourist attractions in Gaya and its cultural and religious significance.
Vishnupad Temple
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this is an ancient Hindu Temple, which is also one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in Gaya. You can witness the footprints of Lord Vishnu in this temple, known as Dharmshila, which has been visited by various saints, including Ramanujacharya, Sri Ramakrishna and Madhavacharya, among others. Hire a reliable taxi service for local sightseeing with Chiku Cab for a comfortable exploration of the best places in Gaya.
Ramshila Hill
Located approximately 8 km North of the Vishnupad Temple, this beautiful hill station in Bihar offers scenic views from the hilltop. According to locals, Lord Rama visited this hill with his brother Lakshmana and wife Sita during their exile. He also took a bath in the Ram Kund Sarovar before performing the Pind Daan of his father, Raja Dashrath. Hence, there is a temple dedicated to Lord Rama at the top of the hill. Get connected with the history amidst nature to explore the cultural and religious importance of the Ramshila Hill with your loved ones with Chiku Cab’s reliable and cheapest cabs in India.
Maa Sarva Mangla Gauri Shakti Peeth
Considered one of the holiest Shaktipeethas in India, the Sarvamangla Devi Mandir is believed to be among the top 18 Shaktipeethas, the place where Goddess Sati’s breasts fell. Hence, as a symbol of nourishment, this temple is believed to bring prosperity to the worshippers. Visit here during this Navaratri 2025 with Chiku Cab to celebrate the festival of Goddess Durga in this popular Shakti Peeth. Our best local taxi service will help you explore the pilgrimage sites comfortably so that you can make the best of your trip in the limited time.
Akshaya vat
Believed to be blessed by Sita to be eternal, you can witness the century-old Banyan Tree, apart from the Akshayavat of Prayagraj, in Bihar itself. This tree is known to be indestructible even by the Pralaya and has a significant role in performing the sacred ritual of Pind Daan . As the Phalgu River is known to be cursed by Sita Mata for bearing false witness, the Akshaya Vat was rewarded for staying true. A popular story goes on about the time when Mata Sita performed the penance for Maharaj Dashrath, the father of Lord Rama.
However, upon being questioned by Lord Rama, the witnesses: The Phalgu River, a Brahmin, a Cow, a Tulsi Plant, and the Akshayavat Tree, only the Akshaya Vat tree remained true. Hence, the other four were cursed by Sita, while the Akshayavat was granted their divine blessings. Hence, the worship of this tree is a must in Gaya, especially for those performing the sacred Pind Daan ritual.
Dakshinaarka Surya Mandir
You must have come across some of the popular Sun temples in India, especially the one in Konark. However, to your surprise, the Dakshinaraka Sun Temple is one of the ancient structures in Bihar, dating back to the 13th Century. This is one of the offbeat places in Gaya, which you cannot miss. You can find the evidence of this temple even in the Puranic scripts. Decorated with beautiful and intricate carvings, visit this temple to witness its survival through the ravages of history. There is also a beautiful Surya Kund located just adjacent to the mandir sanctum.
Brahmayoni Temple
Located just 1 km away, at a walking distance from the Vishnupad Temple, the Branmayoni Temple is made up of two caves, including Brahmayoni and Matreyoni. This location is nestled on the hilltop, where Lord Buddha gave the Fire Sermon to thousands of his followers, who also attained Nirvana after listening to his speech. There is also an ancient Ashtabhuja Devi Temple within the temple premises.
Sita Kund
Sitakund is one of the most sacred ponds in Ramayana, located on the other side of the Phalgu River. It is believed to be the place where Goddess Sita took a bath during their exile. As a result, this place has become popular and sacred for seeking blessings for a happy married life. Hire Chiku Cab’s local sightseeing cab for a comfortable trip to Gaya with your loved ones.
Visiting Gaya for Pind Daan?
If you are in Gaya for the Pind Daan Ceremony, there are dedicated places to do so. Is a popular city for Pind daan, which is one of the most important post-death rituals in India. These include the Pind Daan at the Phalgu River, the Vishnupad Temple, and the Akshayavat Tree. In addition, the Pretshila Hill and the Ramshila Hill are also among the popular Pind Daan sites in Bihar.
Read More – Shradh 2025: Dates, Timings & Ritual Guide for Pitru Paksha
Top 5 Best Tourist Attractions in Bodh Gaya
Now, let’s move on to exploring the best places in Bodh Gaya for a fulfilling journey. However, if you want to make your journey more comfortable, you can trust Chiku Cab’s reliable taxi services in Bodh Gaya and ensure a memorable trip with your loved ones.
Mahabodhi Temple and the Bodhi Tree
Popular for being the site where Lord Buddha attained spiritual enlightenment or Nirvana, the Bodhi Tree is located inside the Mahabodhi Temple, which shares the tales of history. This is one of the best places to visit in Bodh Gaya with your loved ones. The Mahabodhi temple is also one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites in India, which makes it a more tourist-friendly place in Gaya.
Thai Monastery
Built in 1956 by the monarch of Thailand, this is the only Thai Temple in India, which has its distinctive aura, making the place more serene and ambient for visitors. One of the most popular tourist spots in Bodhgaya, you can visit this site with Chiku Cab’s local cab in Bodh Gaya. Simply dial 844-844-5504 and learn more about our services.
The Royal Bhutanese Monastery
Built by the King of Bhutan in memory of Lord Buddha, the monastery features some of the most important moments from the life of Gautam Buddha. In addition, this place is a bliss for art and architecture lovers, thanks to its intricate detailing and carvings. It has a 7-foot-tall Buddha structure, which attracts thousands of tourists from around the world to pay homage.
Muchalinda Pond
One of the most popular spots in Bodh, there is a beautiful lake located just next to the Mahabodhi Temple, where you can witness the meditating statue of Lord Buddha, covered by a serpent. The local legends say that when Buddha was meditating near the Sarovar, a storm tried to awaken Buddha from his meditation. However, the king of snakes, Muchalinda, came out to coil around Lord Buddha to prevent him from getting discomforted. Many Buddhist monks still come to the Muchalinda Sarovar to meditate. If you are in Bodh Gaya, you must feed fish in the Muchalinda Lake with puffed rice for an enriched Karma.
Indosan Nipponji Japanese Temple
Established in 1972 by the International Buddhist communities, this temple showcases the blend of Japanese architecture with Indian architecture, making it one of the most popular sites in Bodh Gaya. Made with a wooden structure, you can enjoy walks around the temple with its iconic bell to appreciate the beauty of this shrine. The Indosan Nippon Japanese Temple is, therefore, a place showing peace and tranquillity.
Call 844-844-5504 to hire a tempo traveller in Bodh Gaya with Chiku Cab for a beautiful trip with your loved ones.
Read More – Pind Daan in Gaya | Pind Daan Pooja, Ritual, Date & Time
Other Popular Tourist Places near Gaya, Bihar
We have seen some of the best places in Gaya in the above sections. However, it is time to explore the popular tourist places near Gaya, which include the following.
Barabar Caves, Sultanpur
Considered one of the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India, you can witness history fading in these beautiful caves in Bihar. Saints and ascetics used the Barabar Caves for meditation. You can witness the history of Jainism and Buddhism linked with each other, as Gautam Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, and Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of the Jain sect, both are known to have meditated here.
Royal Bhutan Monastery, Rajgir
The second Royal Bhutan Monastery in Rajgir is another fine example of strong relations between Bhutan and India. It will be consecrated by the Prime Minister of Bhutan on 04th September, 2025. This marks the Karmabhoomi of the Buddha, or the place where Lord Buddha spent his time working. Hire Chiku Cab’s sightseeing taxi for a comfortable journey with your loved ones.
Dhungeshwari Hill Cave Temple, near Pragbodhi Caves
The Caves of Dhungeshwari Hills are popularly known for protecting Lord Buddha for six years before his travel to Bodh Gaya, where he attained Nirvana. This is one of the popular tourist sites, especially for Buddhist monks and students who walk the path of Lord Buddha. Located around 15 km from Gaya along the Falgu River, you can easily travel to the Dhungeshwari Hills with Chiku Cab.
It is recommended to hire a reliable taxi service in Gaya with Chiku Cab to explore the top tourist attractions with your friends and family.
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So what are you waiting for? Download our official Android app and book your local taxi to explore the best places in Gaya today.
Best Tips for Travelling in Gaya
Some of the top recommendations include:
- Dress Modestly
- Respect local customs, traditions and practices
- Try out the local handicrafts and artefacts
- Book accommodation and cabs in advance with Chiku Cab
- Best Time to Visit : October to March
Final Words
Chiku Cab ensures to make your pilgrimage trips divine and fulfilling, so that you can work out your lives comfortably after you finish your journey. Whether travelling locally, Chiku Cab provides everything you need for your trip. Just book a local sightseeing cab, explore the top tourist attractions in Gaya with your friends and family.
FAQs
1- Is Bodh Gaya and Gaya the same?
No. Gaya and Bodhgaya are located around 15 km away, where the former one is popular as a Hindu pilgrimage site, while Bodh Gaya is an important Buddhist site where Lord Buddha achieved Nirvana.
2- What is famous in Bodh Gaya?
The most important and popular site in Bodhgaya is the Mahabodhi Temple, which is the place where Lord Buddha achieved enlightenment or spiritual awakening in Bihar. Apart from this, there are several monasteries and an Archaeological Museum, which showcases the rich history of the city.
3- Where to do Pind Daan in Gaya?
You can do the Pind Daan at the Phalgu River, the Vishnupad Temple, and then the Akshayavat Tree. In addition, the Pretshila Hill and the Ramshila Hill are also among the popular Pind Daan sites in Gaya.
4- Why is Pind Daan in Gaya?
Related to the history of Lord Rama, Gaya is a popular pilgrimage site, especially for Pind Daan and Pitra Tarpan. These popular locations for Pind Daan include the Vishnupad Temple, Falgu River, Akshaya Vat Tree, Pretshila Hill, and the Ramashila Hill.
5- What are the four sacred places in Buddhism?
According to Lord Buddha, the four sacred places in Buddhism include Lumbini, where he was born; Bodh Gaya, where he achieved enlightenment; Sarnath, where he delivered his first sermon; and Kushinagara, where he achieved Mahaparinirvana.
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