Go for a spiritual retreat and Buddhist Experience in Bodhgaya, Bihar!

Under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya in Bihar, Lord Gautam Buddha attained the enlightenment. It is a pilgrimage site for Buddhists and it also attracts tourist from abroad. The major attractions are the Buddha statue, the Mahabodhi Temple, and the Bodhi tree. It is recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and it also has various temples and monasteries dedicated to Buddhism. The air around Bodh Gaya is laden with spirituality and you may also want to be part of an evening prayer held in the monasteries.

These places should be definitely visited!

1.     Mahabodhi Temple:

A Buddhist Temple in Bodh Gaya, Mahabodhi Temple is also recognized as a World Heritage Site. The ambience in and around the temple is quite serene. This temple was constructed by Emperor Ashoka when he visited in 260 BC and there is a tree near to it, called Bodhi Tree. The original structure was made up of bricks, surrounded by stone railings, the temple was restored later.

2.   Great Buddha Statue:

It is the tallest Lord Buddha statue, which was installed by the XIV Dalai Lama in 1989. The statue is 64 ft high, Lord Buddha, sitting in meditation posture.It is made up of sandstone and red granite.

3.     Bodhi Tree:

Under this tree, Lord Buddha attained enlightenment and it is one of the most visited tourist spots. The tree is sacred and has great historical significance.

4.     Thai Monastery:

It is famous for its bronze statue of Buddha and the gold-laden curved roof. It was built in 1956 by Thailand Monarch and it showcases Thai architecture. There is another 25 m high Buddha statue built recently.

Things to do

Shop in Tibetan Refugee Market:

You can walk and buy handicrafts, souvenirs and winter clothes in the Tibetan Refugee Market.

How to Reach Bodhgaya?

The nearest airport is Gaya Airport, at 17 km from Bodh Gaya. Also, Patna Airport is 135 km from Bodh Gaya, which is well connected. You can reach Bodh Gaya through bus services that run between Patna and Bodh Gaya. By train, the nearest railway station is Gaya junction and Patna Railway Station with good connectivity to major cities. 

Best time to visit Bodh Gaya:

The best time to visit Bodh Gaya is between October and March, as the weather is pleasant during this time.

Where to Stay in Bodh Gaya?

You can stay at the monasteries if you want to have a different experience that too on a limited budget. The stay is free and it can be booked in advance. There are many hotel options available and can be booked in advance.

Here are some travel tips for you:

·         Do not wear shoes, slippers inside the main temple complex

·         Maintain peace and silence in the premises

·         Do not try to touch any sacred object like statue, stupas