- Best time
- Oct–Mar
- How long
- 1–2 days
- Stay a night
- ₹800–8,000
- Food a day
- ₹250–1,200
- Nearest railhead
- 15 km away
- Nearest airport
- 10 km away
Plan Bodh Gaya in a minute. Day-by-day plan, stays, budget and trains — free on JrnyLoop.
Plan this tripAbout Bodh Gaya
The holiest Buddhist site in the world — the Mahabodhi temple and Bodhi tree, and monasteries built by a dozen Buddhist nations.
Things to do in Bodh Gaya
Mahabodhi Temple
Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the holiest Buddhist pilgrimage place. It marks the exact location where the Buddha attained enlightenment. The complex features a magnificent brick structure and a descendant of the sacred Bodhi tree.
Tip: Visit the museum beside the temple to see the oldest original sculptural elements.
Great Buddha Statue
The Great Buddha Statue is an 80-foot seated Buddha located at Bodh Gaya in Bihar, India. Consecrated in 1989 by the Dalai Lama, the monument is constructed from sandstone and red granite blocks. Inside, a hollow spiral staircase leads up to shelves displaying thousands of small bronze images of the Buddha.
Tip: Look for the hollow spiral staircase inside the statue that leads from the ground up to the chest.
International Monasteries
International Monasteries in Bodh Gaya features distinct architectural styles from different nations. You can see Thai, Japanese, Bhutanese and Tibetan temples all in one area.
Tip: Dress modestly and remove footwear before entering the temple halls
Sujata Stupa
Sujata Stupa is a historic Buddhist monument located across the Niranjana river from Bodh Gaya. Built in the 2nd century BCE, it honors the milkmaid Sujata, who offered rice milk to Gautama Buddha to end his long fast.
Tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes for the approximately 20-minute walk from Bodh Gaya.
Dungeshwari Caves
Dungeshwari Caves, also known as the Mahakala Caves, are located near Bodh Gaya in Bihar. This sacred site marks the place where Siddhartha Gautama practised severe austerities for years before attaining enlightenment.
Tip: Climb up the hill to enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding countryside and villages
Vishnupad Temple, Gaya
Vishnupad Temple in Gaya is a revered Hindu pilgrimage site located on the Phalgu River. It is the primary location where devotees come to perform the pind-daan ritual for their ancestors, a tradition mentioned in ancient epics like the Ramayana.
Tip: Dress modestly as befits a sacred Hindu pilgrimage centre
Where to stay in Bodh Gaya
Near Mahabodhi
Walk to the temple at dawn.
Domuhan Road
Larger hotels and resorts.
What to eat
Litti chokha
Sattu-stuffed wheat balls with mashed veg.
Tilkut
Sesame sweet from Gaya, best in winter.
Tibetan food
Winter tent restaurants near the temple.
Good to know
- Winter brings Tibetan pilgrims and occasional large teachings — rooms fill up.
- Shoes and leather items are left at the gate.
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