Bodhgaya is located in the state of Bihar, is known to most us as being related to Gautam Buddha. However the actual association and the facts about the place have always eluded us. Bodhgaya is the place where the wandering prince Siddhartha sat in meditation below a Bodhi Tree. His three days of initial meditation and subsequent seven weeks of enlightenment have been closely associated with various places in Bodh Gaya. History remembers Bodh Gaya as Bodhimanda and the main monastery as the Bodhimanda-vihra (Pali). Being one of the four most important sites related to the life of Gautama (Kushinagar, Lumbini, and Sarnath complete the quadrate). The present city is a historians’, tourists’ and religious minded people’s delight and is replete with numerous places and monuments that have a direct bond with the Enlightened Prince. The area remained the hotbed for Buddhism upto the 13th century till it was conquered by the Turks. Amongst the hustle of the city also stand proudly, the shrines dedicated to the Buddha by various countries like China, Japan, Bangladesh, Vietnam etc. The river surrounding hills and caves and the history of the city itself make it a must visit place for any nature and peace lover. Best season to visit Bodh Gaya is from October to March.
Quick Facts-Edit
Bhutanese temple at Bodh Gaya
Category : Historical
Time Zone: UTC + 5:30 Hours
Pincode: 824231
STD Code: 631
Info Website: gaya.bih.nic.in/
Best Time to Visit: October and March
HistoryEdit
Bodhgaya is a very important Buddhist place in India. Located in the Gaya district of Bihar, the history of this town can be traced back to 500 B.C. After renouncing worldly ties, Siddhartha, a prince of the Sakya clan, practised severe penance for six years, The history of Bodhgaya is closely associated with the life do Lord Buddha. This is the place where he achieved enlightment under the Bodhi tree. Not much of the history is known after that. It became an important pilgrim center and famous travelers like Faxian and Xuanzang from China visited this city during the 5th and the 7th century. The city was developed under the rule of the Buddhist civilization for many centuries before being attacked and conquered by the Turkish Empire in the 13th century.
Places to VisitAdd
How to ReachEdit
By Air : The Airport in Gaya is about 13 km away from city center. Taxi charges about Rs 250. This domestic airport connects to Calcutta, with limited frequency. Kolkata is the major Airport available nearby, which is about 485 km away. Kolkata is well connected to many foreign cities and to most of the Indian cities.
By Train : Gaya Junction is the nearest railhead, which is 13 km away from Bodh Gaya. Gaya junction is connected to major cities in state by rail. Taxi charges for travel from railway station to city is about Rs 300.
By BUS : BSTDC runs regular buses from Patna to Bodh Gaya. Bodh Gaya is connected to Gaya, Nalanda, Patna, Varanasi and Rajgir. Taxis and luxury buses connect Bodh Gaya with Kolkata. Luxury buses costs about Rs 1,500.
By Taxi : Taxis are arranged from Ranchi and Patna by Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation.
By Other : Taxis, Tongas, Auto Rickshaws, Cycle Rickshaws are available.
Top HotelsAdd
Luxury – Rs. 2501 and above
Bodhgaya Regency ; Near Japanese Temple, Bodhgaya, ; Ph – 1800 3000 ; Facilities – Room service, bar, internet, Business center, gym, pool, coffee shop Doctor on call.
Luxury – Rs. 2501 and above
Hotel Tathagat International ; Near Maha Bodhi Temple, Behind Hotel Mahamaya Bodhgaya, BRPh – 0631 220 0107 ; Facilities – 24-hour front desk,24-hour room service,Air conditioning,Laundry,Parking,Bus Parking,Laundry/Valet Services.
Deluxe – Up to Rs. 801 to Rs. 1200
Hotel Lumbini International ; Great Buddha Statue Road, 824231 Bodh Gaya ; Ph – N.A ; Facilities – Travel Desk, 24-hour front desk,24-hour room service,Air conditioning,Laundry,Parking,Bus Parking,Laundry/Valet Services, Doctor on call.
Top RestaurantsAdd
- Lotus Restaurant ; Near Birla Dharmsala, | Bus Parking, Bodh Gaya. ; M – N.A ; Food Serve : N.A
- Mohammed’s Restaurant ; Restaurant Row | Kalachakra Ground Area, Bodh Gaya, ; M – N.A ; Food Serve : N.A
- Swagat Restaurant ; Bodhgaya Rd Hotel Tathagat International ; M – N.A ; Food Serve : malai-kofta spicy tomato and onion based gravy.
Must Eat FoodAdd
Must Do ActivitiesAdd
Must ShopAdd
shopping-bodhgaya
Metal statue of Buddha ; local market ; “Local market of Bodh Gaya, which is situated around the temple.
” ; Ph/M: N.A
Woolens or textiles and colorful stones ; Tibetan Refugee Market ; Tibetan Refugee Market, Bodh Gaya, Bihar ; Ph/M: N.ANightlife (Pub / Disc / BAR)Add
Vaishali Bar ; The Royal Residency Hotel, Dumuhan Road, Bodhgaya HO, Bodhgaya – 824231 ; Ph/M: 0631) 2201157, 2201156, 2200124 ; Cost: N.A ; Food Serve : Alcohol
Sujata Bar ; Sujata Hotel, Bodhgaya HO, Bodhgaya – 824231 ; Ph/M: (0631) 2200761, 2200481, 2200009 (0631) 2200515 ; Cost: N.A ; Food Serve : AlcoholSpaAdd
Niranjana Resort ; River Side, Amwaan, Near Bodhgaya Block Building, 824231 Bodh Gaya ; Ph/M – N.A ; Cost: N.A ; Services – Fitness centre Spa and wellness centre Massage.
FestivalAdd
Buddha Jayanti
The Buddha Jayanti ; Venue: Bodhgaya ; Period : May ; Details: Buddha Jayanti in Vaishakh Purnima in the month of May. Buddha Jayanti is celebrated on the full moon night in the month of vaisaka (according to the Indian/Hindu calendar). It falls mostly in the month of May or April in the western calendar. As any other festival in Asia, this day too is celebrated with worshipping the figure of Lord Buddha. On the day of the festival, the monasteries are full of worshippers. Monks and followers read the Holy Scriptures through the day. People in large number parade the streets chanting prayers. Buddhists decorate their houses with lights, candles and diyas.
Safety / WarningEdit
Avoid touts!
- Do not touch the artifacts on display
- Do not touch the artifacts displayed in crystal gallery
- Keep your tone low while exploring the temple
- Cameras and handbags are not allowed inside the Synagogue.
- cameras are not allowed inside the palace and only can be used within the outside campus. Shoes are not allowed inside the main building and there is a counter to keep them.
- Don’t leave cash and valuables in your hotel room. Use room safes where available.
- Keep daily cash in separate pockets.
HelplineEdit
- Fire : 101
- Ambulance : 102
- police :100
ItineraryEdit
N.A
Gallery
