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A Rendezvous with
Bodhgaya |
Located
on the banks of Falgu river, Bodhgaya in south of Bihar is a popular
Buddhist pilgrimage destination. Famous as the place where Lord Buddha
attained enlightenment, Bodhgaya qualifies as one of the four holiest places
of Buddhism. A descendant of the original tree under which Buddha attained
enlightenment still grows there. Emperor Ashoka also constructed a few
Buddhist monuments in the place in later years. Gaya is the nearest big town
from the pilgrimage destination at a distance of 13 kms. Patna, the capital
city of Bihar is 113 kms from Bodhgaya. Bodhgaya has also emerged as a major
centre for Buddhist studies and meditation.
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Things You Can Do
In Bodhgaya |
» Sightseeing : Bodhgaya is knitted with an
abundance Buddhism sites and is visited by Buddhists from all over the
world. The importance of the place also beckons others religious adherents
to its surroundings. A few monasteries built by foreign Buddhist followers
are also frequented. The Archeological Museum of Bodhgaya is another
important place to visit.
» Shopping : Deecorative items associated with
Buddhism like statues of Buddha made of various metals, sandalwood beads
etc. can be shopped and carried back home as sovenirs.
» Yoga & Meditation : Just 13 km from Bodh Gaya
is Gaya, a major centre for Yoga & Mediation with numerous beneficial
Yoga & Meditation courses. The peaceful ambience of the place will leave
one rejuvinated.
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Sightseeing in Bodh
Gaya |
» Mahabodhi Temple : This temple is the
chief attraction of Bodhgaya. This is the place where Buddha had gained
enlightenment sitting under the Bodhi tree. The original Bodhi tree had died
but the present one is a descendant of the original tree. The red sandstone
slab under this tree is believed to be the same throne on which Buddha sat
for meditation. The temple has meticulously done carvings and a large gilded
image of Buddha. It is an imposing structure built in the shape of a pyramid
and rises to a height of 52 meters from the ground.
» The Buddhist Monasteries : There are a number of
big and small monasteries in Bodhgaya that are worth a visit. Most of the
monasteries have been built and managed by Buddhist followers from countries
like Japan, Burma, China, Sri Lanka, Korea and Nepal. A remarkable feature
here is that these monasteries have been built by the countries according to
their own architectural styles.
» The Archeological Museum : The archeological
museum of Bodhgaya is a must-see for tourists. Many historical items
associated with Buddhism including items found during excavations in and
around Bodhgaya have been kept in the Museum. The museum throws a lot of
light on Buddhist history of the place.
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Excursions from
Bodh Gaya |
Close
to this sacred town are some other places of religious significance like
Nalanda, Vaishali and Rajgir. Rajgir is at a distance of 74 kms from
Bodhgaya. All these destinations are associated with Buddhism, Jainism and
Hinduism. The state capital Patna is only a few kilometres away. The ruins
hold a proud testimony to Nalanda - which once had the largest university
teaching students from all over the world, Vaishali - where Lord Mahavira
was born and Rajgir - the venue for many significant historical events that
still steer our blood. Gaya, at 13 km, an important pilgrimage centre for
the Hindus. This small town is also known for the stone made items, favorite
shopping items for the tourists. An excursion to these places will give you
an enriching insight into the august days of Bihar.
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Most Ideal Time To
Visit Bodhgaya |
The climate of Bodhgaya is tropical. Winters here are extremely
pleasant and October-February is ideal period to pack your bags for
Bodhgaya.
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Getting There |
» By Air : To reach Bodhgaya, one can travel
by air to Gaya airport located at a small distance of 12 kms. Recently
upgraded to international standards, there are direct flights to this
airport from Kolkata and Bangkok. There are plans to introduce direct
services from New Delhi in the near future. Plans to connect Bodhgaya with
Colombo, Singapore and a few other destinations of South East Asia are also
in the pipeline. Taxis and buses are readily available at the airport to
transport tourists to Bodh Gaya.
» By Trains : Gaya is the nearest railway station at
a distance of some 13 kms from Bodhgaya. Express train services are
available to Gaya from Delhi, Kolkata, Varanasi, Puri and Patna. As Gaya is
on the main Delhi-Kolkata line, most trains operating between the metros
also halt at Gaya. Local trains also operate between Gaya and other local
destinations of Bihar.
» By Road : Bihar State Road Transport Corporation(
BSRTC) runs bus services to Bodhgaya from Patna, Nalanda and Rajgir. Private
bus services and taxis are also available. Bodhgaya is at a distance of 74
kms from Rajgir, another popular Buddhist pilgrimage destination. The
Rajgir-Bodhgaya state highway is one of the better roads of Bihar.
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Anchoring in
Bodhgaya |
The
spiritual aura of Bodhgaya is sure to rejuvenate the souls of visitors.
Tourists can saunter freely and explore the town at leisure. A place where
Buddha meditated for several years, the atmosphere of Bodhgaya is always
calm and influences of Buddhism can be seen in every aspect of life. The
place has a mesmeric peacefulness about it and the amenities available will
make your stay a comfortable one too. Being one of the major Buddhist
tourist destination, the town has continuos influx of the devotees no matter
what month or season. The peace and tranquility of the region charms
everyone irrespective of religion or nationality.
State Transport Buses are available from Gaya. But for the most comfortable
and hasslefree pilgrimage we are there to guide you through. Our experienced
tour operators posted there can provide you suitable conveyance. Just
concentrate on your pilgrimage and leave issues like transportation and
accommodation to us. We have a fleet of luxury cabs and tie ups with leading
hotels.
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Accommodation |
The ITDC run Bodhgaya Ashok is the main hotel of Bodhgaya in
high-end category. Budget hotels and other places of cheap accommodation are
available within walking distance from the main bus stand. There are a few
Buddhist monasteries that also provide accommodation to tourists.
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