The Buddhist pilgrim town in Bihar where the Buddha is said to have reached enlightenment.
FamousPilgrimageHeritage
Bodh Gaya is built around the Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Bodhi Tree beside it. Monasteries built by Buddhist countries such as Thailand, Japan and Bhutan sit within a short walk. It suits pilgrims, people interested in Buddhist history, and anyone looking for a quiet, walkable town for a day or two.
Trip planner
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| When | What to expect |
|---|---|
| October to March | Cool and pleasant, the main season for visitors and for large Buddhist prayer gatherings in winter. |
| April to June | Hot and humid. Visit sights early in the morning or in the evening. |
| July to September | Monsoon rain. Open courtyards and paths can get slippery. |
The main temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, marks the spot where the Buddha is said to have been enlightened. The complex holds the Bodhi Tree, the Vajrasana and several shrines, with chanting in the morning and evening.
A sacred pond in the Mahabodhi Temple area, linked to the story of the Buddha's meditation.
A giant Buddha statue about 80 feet (25 m) tall, built in 1989.
A wooden temple in Japanese style, built in 1963, with a garden and paintings of the Buddha's life.
A monastery built by Thailand, one of several national temples in the town.
A monastery built by Bhutan, one of the national monasteries near the main temple.
A stupa linked to Sujata and Sujata village, part of the Buddha's story in Bodh Gaya.
Caves in the Dungeshwari hills, also called the Mahakala caves, where the Buddha is believed to have meditated for some years. They hold Hindu and Buddhist shrines.
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| Budget level | Type | Price per night |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Guest houses, homestays and budget hotels | ₹900 to ₹1,500 |
| Mid-range | Mid-range hotels near the temple and on the main roads | ₹3,000 to ₹4,500 |
| Luxury | Four-star and international chain hotels | ₹5,000 to ₹12,000 |
Cafes and restaurants around the temple serve Indian, Tibetan, Thai, Japanese and international food, aimed at pilgrims and foreign visitors.
Vegetarian food is easy to find, since many cafes cater to Buddhist pilgrims.
| Budget level | Stay per room | Food per person | Local transport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | ₹1,000 | ₹400 | ₹100 per person |
| Mid-range | ₹3,500 | ₹900 | ₹700 per vehicle |
| Luxury | ₹8,000 | ₹2,000 | ₹1,500 per vehicle |
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No permit is needed for Indian visitors. Carry a photo ID. Check at the temple gate whether phones and cameras are allowed inside, as rules have changed over time.
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Unless a sight is described as accessible, assume it is not step-free.
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