Bodh Gaya is a picturesque town located in the Indian state of Bihar and situated on the banks of the Neranjana River and is regarded as a holy site, particularly by Buddhists from all over the world. Things to visit in Bodh Gaya are ideal for those who are looking for a holiday that would calm their minds and soothe their souls because of the city’s abundance of Buddhist temples and pilgrimage sites. The Mahabodhi Temple, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the enormous Great Buddha Statue, which is 80 feet tall, and the holy Bodhi Tree are just a few of the many things that make Bodh Gaya an ideal location in which to spend a few days. Discover the finest that Bodh Gaya has to offer by visiting the top sites and adding them to your travel plan.
Sights to See When You’re in Bodh Gaya
You may have a holiday you’ve never had before by visiting these fascinating locations while you’re on your way to this peaceful destination.
Mahabodhi Temple
The Mahabodhi Temple is a significant Buddhist temple that is well-known for being referred to as the “Great Awakening Temple.” It displays passages from the life of Lord Buddha. The attraction includes significant artifacts that date back to the 5th and 6th centuries AD. The massive temple measures 170 feet in height and is in the shape of a cylindrical pyramid known as a shikhara. The basement measures 48 square feet. On top of the temple is the Chataras, which are representations of religious authority. You are welcome to visit the temple at any point during the week between the hours of 5:00 am and 9:00 pm.
A monastery in Thailand
The Thai Monastery, also known as Wat Thai Buddhagaya, is located about 650 meters away from the Mahabodhi Temple. It is an excellent example of the harmonious blending of Thai and Buddhist architectural styles. The 25-meter-tall bronze statue of Lord Buddha that housed within the monastery serves as the focal point of the complex. The gently sloping roof that adorned with golden tiles is a wonderful example of traditional Thi architectural design. Attending the meditation courses that held twice a day, in the morning and the evening, is the best way to absorb the calm atmosphere that permeates this monastery.
The Grand Statue of the Buddha
A towering 80 feet in height, this structure is quite remarkable. One of the most important religious landmarks in Bodh Gaya is the Great Buddha Statue, which is also one of the city’s most popular tourist destinations. The statue in the open air depicts Buddha in a profound state of meditation while sitting on a lotus flower and bringing forth peace and harmony. This enormous monument constructed using blocks of sandstone, red granite, and other stones over the course of seven years by a workforce of 12,000 stonemasons. There are around 16,300 miniature bronze pictures of the Buddha inside the statue, as well as a hollow spiral stairway that leads up to the chest at the top of the statue.
Bodhi Tree
The Bodhi Tree is a massive holy tree that is revered for the extreme sanctity it exudes. It is thought to be a direct descendant of the bodhi tree that existed in ancient times. It is said that the Buddha acquired enlightenment while meditating beneath this tree for seven weeks straight without shifting from the posture in which he had been sitting. You may also meditate under the same tree to experience the highest possible level of mental and spiritual purification.
Indosan Nippon Japanese Temple
The Indosan Nippon Japanese Temple, which was constructed in 1972, is a prime example of architecture in Japan. Wood was used in the construction of the Indosan Nippon Japanese Temple, which was designed to look like traditional Japanese shrines. In addition to this, the temple is home to a number of Japanese artworks depicting various aspects of the life of Buddha. The preservation of Buddhism and the dissemination of its teachings, which include the spiritual musings of Lord Buddha, is the primary objective of the construction of this temple. The temple is accessible every day of the week between the hours of 6:00 am and 12:00 pm, as well as 2:00 pm and 6:00 pm.
The Temples of Dungeshwari Cave
The Dungeshwari Cave Temples are another important landmark associated with the life of Buddha. They may be found at a location that is 13.9 kilometers away from Bodh Gaya. The Dungeshwari Cave temples, which are sometimes referred to as the Mahakala caves, are claimed to be the location where the Buddha resided for six years prior to his ascent to Bodh Gaya, where he attained enlightenment. In addition to the temples dedicated to Hinduism and Buddhism, visitors are drawn to the cave by its serene atmosphere.
Bodhgaya Archaeology Museum
The Bodhgaya Archaeology Museum is located in close proximity to the Mahabodhi Temple complex. This museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts, sculptures, and antiques that are based on Hinduism and Buddhism and date from the 2nd century BC to the 11th century CE. The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, was the one who opened the museum in 1956. One of the most interesting things to see in all of Bodh Gaya is the museum. It houses a remarkable collection that includes captivating depictions of Buddhist characters such as Buddha, Manjusri, and Maitreya, amongst other important figures.
Muchalinda Lake, which is located in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, is considered to be one of the holiest sites in all of India and is named after Muchalinda, King of the Serpents. According to the local folklore, this is the location where Buddha stayed for the sixth week of his quest to reach enlightenment. During the time when Buddha was meditating by the side of Muchalinda, a storm rolled in, and the snake king made his appearance to serve as a shield for Buddha. The primary sculpture in this area depicts Budha with a snake coiled around him to act as a guardian. It is a sight for sore eyes due to the clear waters of the lake and the verdant vegetation that surrounds it.
Barabar Hill Caves
The Barabar Caves are one of the most popular tourist destinations in the area around Bodh Gaya, which is located approximately 43.1 kilometers away from them. They constructed during the Mauryan Empire, which lasted from 322 to 185 BCE. The cave takes great pleasure in being the oldest rock-cut cave in India that is still in existence. The caverns’ cutting-edge architecture, which has precise cuts in the rock and is in direct rivalry with the most luxurious buildings of the modern day, is its primary selling point. Karan Chaupar, Sudama, Visvakarma, and Lomas Rishi are the four hills that makeup Barabar Hill. Barabar Hill is a cluster of hills.
Royal Bhutan Monastery
The Royal Bhutan Monastery is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Bodh Gaya. It was constructed by the King of Bhutan as a memorial to Lord Buddha. Clay sculptures in three dimensions tell compelling passages from the life of Gautam Buddha and are on display at the monastery. Your attention is definitely warranted due to the magnificent building, a Buddha statue that is 2.3 meters tall, and the peaceful atmosphere that surrounds the monastery. You may sense the tranquility that comes from within you by meditating for a few moments in addition to seeing the monastery.
Bodh Gaya is a one-of-a-kind location that captivates visitors immediately due to the calming influence that Buddhism exudes across the entire city. In addition, destinations such as the Mahabodhi Temple, the Bodhgaya Archaeology Museum, the Thai Monastery, Muchalinda Lake, the Bodhi Tree, and the Big Buddha Statue make it possible to discover the most noteworthy aspects of this peaceful settlement. Hence, if you are planning a vacation to Bihar in the near future, make sure to include Bodh Gaya on your itinerary so that you may partake in activities and encounters that your spirit will be grateful for.
Commonly Asked Questions About Bodh Gaya’s Attractions and Where to Go There
What are some of the most interesting sites to visit in Bodh Gaya?
The Mahabodhi Temple is one of the most important sites in Bodh Gaya and should not be missed. The Bodhgaya Archaeology Museum comes in second place. Next, the Monastery in Thailand and further Muchalinda Lake. Next, we can take Bodhi Tree Finally, we can visit the Big Buddha Statue in Bangkok
When would you say is the perfect time to go to Bodh Gaya?
October through March are the best months to visit Bodh Gaya since the weather is good during those months and temperatures range from 17 degrees Celsius to 35 degrees Celsius. You might make use of this time to visit some of the most interesting locations in and around Bodh Gaya.
Is it safe for me to travel to Bodh Gaya given the present situation with Covid?
Under the present scenario with Covid, it is possible for you to organize a trip to Bodh Gaya. Nonetheless, ensure that you have had all of the necessary vaccinations and that you carry the appropriate documentation with you at all times. In addition to this, you are required to follow the government’s guidelines, which include keeping a social distance from others, washing your hands at regular intervals, and wearing a mask while you are in public.
How many days would be sufficient to see everything in Bodh Gaya?
A tour lasting between one and two days would be sufficient to see the finest of Bodh Gaya, which includes sites such as the Mahabodhi Temple, the Bodhgaya Archaeology Museum, the Thai Monastery, Muchalinda Lake, the Bodhi Tree, and the Big Buddha Statue, amongst others.
Where can I find the most reputable hotels in Bodh Gaya?
The following is a list of some of Bodh Gaya’s most reputable hotels: