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Bodh Gaya is essentially a pilgrimage destination for Buddhists and all of its main attractions are related to this. The subsidiary tourist industry that has grown up around it (shopping, eating, and accommdation) is not really the main attraction. Most of the goods for sale in Bodh Gaya come from elsewhere in India and can be found for better prices and at better quality elsewhere. Perhaps unique to Bodh Gaya are the rather cheesy CDs for sale near the temple entrance that purport to be monks chanting Buddhist texts. You will know whether you want to take this home with you!

Whether you're a Buddhist or not, the main thing to do in Bodh Gaya is just to absorb the vibe of the place where the Buddha attained awakening: the vapor trail of that energy is still in the air!


Photos from Bodh Gaya, India
The Mahabodhi Temple
80-foot Buddha Statue

Most temples open from 6 am to sunset and close between noon and 2 pm.

  • Bodhi Tree - it is believed that this tree is a direct descendant of the one under which the Buddha Sakyamuni attained enlightenment, inside the Mahabodhi complex.
  • Mahabodhi Stupa
  • Thai Monastery, [2]
  • 80-foot Buddha Statue
  • Japanese temple (Indosan Nippon), Temple Road, ☎ 2200743. 5am-6pm.  edit Daily meditation at 6 AM and 5 PM.
  • Archaelogical Museum, [3], closed Fridays, IR 2 (foreigners and locals alike)
  • Tergar Monastery, [4], Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche
  • Phowa Center, [5], Choeje Ayang Rinpoche
  • Gendhen Phelgyeling Monastery [6]
  • Karma Dhargye Chokhorling Monastery, Beru Khyentse Rinpoche
  • Root Institute, [8], Zopa Rinpoche
  • Kagyu Monlam Chenmo, [9], prayer festival, January
  • Nyingma Monlam Chenmo, [10], prayer festival, January/February

Photos from Bodh Gaya, India
The Mahabodhi Temple
80-foot Buddha Statue

By plane

The nearest airport is at Gaya (16 km) - Druk Air flies from Bangkok once a week. Thai Airways flies to Gaya daily. Indian Airlines flies from Kolkata on Fridays at 10.00 a.m. and Returns back on Mondays from Gaya at around 15.00 hrs.

By train

The nearest Railway station is Gaya (16 km). From there you can take a bus or a three wheel taxi to Bodh Gaya. Three-wheel taxi price is extremely variable, depending on time of day, but should be between 80-120 Rs. You should bargain considerably, there is rarely a shortage of service.

The train from Patna (which as the nearest good size airport and railhead) to Gaya costs 34 rupees (as of January 2008). The express trains take about two hours. Best train travel from Calcutta is about 8 hours; from Delhi, about 15 hours.

The road from Patna is in condition at the moment, train is also recommended.

By bus

There is a main road connecting Bodhgaya and Gaya. The Bihar State Tourist Development Coporation (Tel: 0612-225411) runs daily deluxe bus services to and from Bodh Gaya.


Photos from Bodh Gaya, India
The Mahabodhi Temple
80-foot Buddha Statue
  • Cafe Om. Excellent pastries, great food too. This is the place where everybody meets everybody.  edit

Photos from Bodh Gaya, India
80-foot Buddha Statue
The Mahabodhi Temple

Bodhgaya may have been a "dry" town, without liquor outlets. Hotels and guesthouses will in their restaurants serve beer (100-150 IR), provided it is drunk indoors out of public view. However in 2009 there are government liquor stores selling Wine ($10 usd / liter) and Rum, Whiskey etc. approx same price as the wine. Beer is 60 Rs/can.


Photos from Bodh Gaya, India
The Mahabodhi Temple
80-foot Buddha Statue