At the heart of the town lies the Mahabodhi Temple complex, which features the iconic Mahabodhi stupa and a sacred Bodhi Tree believed to be a descendant of the original tree under which the Buddha meditated. Surrounding the complex are temples and monasteries established by Buddhist communities from countries such as Bhutan, Thailand, Tibet, Taiwan, and Japan, showcasing the town’s global spiritual appeal.
The town attracts pilgrims and tourists from across the Buddhist world. As a result, a bustling tourism industry has developed, unfortunately accompanied by a rise in hustlers, scammers, and beggars. Nonetheless, stringent security measures help preserve the serenity and sanctity within the stupa compound.
Understand
[edit]
The man who would become the Buddha was born in Lumbini, in present-day Nepal. As the son of a local ruler, he was raised in comfort and afforded a strong education by the standards of the time. Yet, as a young man, he grew restless in his privileged life and became a seeker of deeper truth. Renouncing his worldly comforts, he travelled extensively and studied under various spiritual teachers. His transformative moment came in Bodh Gaya, where, while meditating beneath the Bodhi Tree, he attained enlightenment and became the Buddha. See Buddhism for more information.
Get in
[edit]By plane
[edit]The nearest airport is at Gaya (10 km) - Druk Air flies from Paro once a week from November to March. Thai Airways flies to Gaya daily. Air India flies from several destinations including Kolkata and Delhi.
Alternatively, you may take a flight to Patna Airport (110 km away) and take a train or a taxi to Bodh Gaya as Patna has multiple daily direct flights to Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai.
By car
[edit]The road from Patna to Bodh Gaya is very rough and narrow, making the three-hour journey feel much longer.
By train
[edit]The nearest railway station to Bodh Gaya is in Gaya, approximately 16 km away. From there, visitors can travel to Bodh Gaya by bus or by autorickshaw. Rickshaw fares vary, but tourists should expect to pay around ₹50 for a shared ride or ₹200-250 for private one. Rickshaws are widely available, making transportation convenient.
Trains from Patna to Gaya offer affordable options: passenger trains cost ₹25, and express trains with non-reserved seating are ₹50. Early morning express services cover the distance in around two and a half hours, while slower local trains take about four hours — comparable to travel by bus. Trains typically run at one - to two-hour intervals.
For longer journeys, travel from Kolkata to Gaya by train takes approximately eight hours, while trains from Delhi require around fifteen hours. A second-class air-conditioned seat from Delhi costs ₹161.
By bus
[edit]- Bihar State Tourist Development Corporation, ☏ +91 612 225411. runs seasonal deluxe bus services to and from Patna.
Departing from:
- Kolkata. Daily 4:30 (Sri Ram Travels - non-A/C sleeper), 5PM (Maharani Express - A/C sleeper), 7PM Bengal Tiger - A/C sleeper). Respectively, ₹450, ₹650, ₹1,100. 11-12 hours.
- Siliguri. Daily, 3PM and 9PM from Tenzin Norgay Bus Station (receptively, Jay Jagdambey Bus Company - A/C sleeper - ₹700-1,000 - 17 hours, and Sri Krishna Rath - A/C sleeper - Approx ₹1,500-1,700 - 13-14 hours.
Private buses leave in the morning from Varanasi, Nalanda, and Rajgir. In addition, from November to March, special services ply the route from Phuentsholing through Siliguri.
Get around
[edit]
By car
[edit]By far the most convenient way to get around Bodh Gaya are the auto-rickshaws, cycle-rickshaws, and tourist taxis. As always, make sure to bargain and agree on a price before setting out on the trip. The costs are usually quite low; a few rupees will likely get you most places in the city.
By foot
[edit]Bodh Gaya is very walkable. Most of the major destinations and are within 2 km (about a half-hour walk) from the Mahabodhi Temple complex. There are lots of pilgrims visiting for much of the year, so the streets will have people in them.
See
[edit]Most temples open from 6AM to sunset and close between noon and 2PM.
- 1 Mahabodhi Temple (Maha Bodhi Maha Vihara), ☏ +91 631 220 0735. 5AM-9PM. The site where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment. This complex is large and contains a number of major attractions within it. One common way of visiting the statue is to "walk in the steps" of the Buddha. It is said that, after attaining enlightenment, the Buddha spent seven weeks in what is now Mahabodhi temple meditating on the nature of what he had discovered. There are several spots in the temple that relate to this tradition. Since the bombing incident in 2013, the temple has been under enhanced security. No laptop, mobile phone, or camera are allowed into the temple ground. The temple is open from 6AM to 9PM. There is no dress code, though visitors are expected to act in a way that respects the sacred nature of the site and expresses courtesy to others. See: Buddhism Free, photo camera ₹100, video camera ₹300.
- Bodhi Tree: During the first week, the Buddha remained under the Bodhi tree. A descendant of this tree can be seen on the western side of the temple today.
- Animeshlocha Stupa: During the second week, the Buddha sat in a spot and stared at the Bodhi tree. This spot is now the Animeshlocha Stupa, or "unblinking stupa," where a statue of Buddha sits staring at the tree in the northern part of the temple.
- Ratnachakrama: During the third week, the Buddha paced back and forth between the tree and the stupa. This path is marked by the Ratnachakrama (Jewelled Ambulatory), which is near the north wall of the main temple. Lotuses sprang up from where he walked, and today, there are raised stone lotuses marking his steps.
- Ratnaghar Chaitya: This is the spot where Buddha spent the fourth week, to the northeastern part of the temple.
- Ajapala Nigrodh Pillar: The Buddha spent the fifth week meditating and answering the questions of the Brahmans under the Ajapala Nigrodh tree, a spot which is commemorated with a large pillar, on the central path past the east entrance.
- Lotus Pond: The Buddha spent the sixth week next to the Lotus Pond, to the south of the main complex.
- Rajyatana Tree: The seventh and final week was spent under the Rajyatana Tree, whose spot is marked in the southeastern corner of the temple with an actual tree.
- 2 Archaeological Museum (Oppos. Jaiprakash Park). Sa-Th. ₹10.
- 3 Bodhgaya Multimedia Museum (next to the Mahabodhi Temple), ☏ +91 99778545. Open daily. Museum provides the historical and geographical context for the life of Buddha through a set of multimedia films and 3D animation movie.
- Gandhen Phelgye Ling Monastery (Namgyal Monastery, Bodh Gaya). A monastery with close ties to the Dalai Lama.
- 4 The Great Buddha Statue (The 80-foot Buddha Statue), Great Buddha Statue Road, Bodh Gaya, ☏ +91 631-2200-747, fax: +91 631-2200-407, [email protected]. 7AM-noon, 2-6PM (5:30PM in winter). This statue is also called the "80-foot Buddha Statue" due to its impressive 25-metre height. Constructed by the nearby Daijokyo Buddhist Temple in 1989, the spectacular statue attracts pilgrims and tourists alike. Note: the contact information is for the Daijokyo Temple, which operates the statue.
- 5 Japanese Temple (Indosan Nipponji), Temple Road, ☏ +91 2200743. 5AM-noon, 2-6PM. A beautiful temple with a calm garden. Great place to meditate.
- Karma Dhargye Chokhorling Monastery. Beru Khyentse Rinpoche
- Phowa Center. Choeje Ayang Rinpoche
- 6 Taiwanese Temple (World Changhwa Buddhist Sangha). A peaceful temple that also serves as a great example of Chinese architecture. A short walk from Mahabodhi.
- Tergar Monastery. Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche
- 7 Thai Monastery, Mastipur, ☏ +91 99312 79251.
Do
[edit]
Bodh Gaya is foremost a pilgrimage destination for Buddhists, and nearly all of its main attractions reflect this spiritual focus. While a secondary tourist industry has developed—offering shopping, dining, and accommodation — these are not the primary draw. That said, several shops in the main town sell inexpensive souvenirs unique to Bodh Gaya, which may interest some pilgrims.
The central activities for pilgrims include circumambulating the stupa and meditating beneath the Bodhi Tree. Non-Buddhist visitors may simply enjoy the peaceful, contemplative atmosphere that surrounds the site. The lighting installed in 2020 has added a particularly warm and serene quality to the area, making the evening an especially beautiful time to walk around the stupa or sit quietly under the tree.
- Kagyu Monlam Chenmo. In January/February (it corresponds to the fourth through eleventh days of the first month on the Tibetan calendar), a large prayer festival (Monlam) takes place.
- Nyingma Monlam Chenmo. Prayer festival, January/February
- Siddhartha Festival and Khyentse Monlam. A bi-annual event held in October or November, The festival aims to celebrate the life and teachings of the Buddha. Conducted under the auspices of Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche.
Learn
[edit]While there is plenty to learn from just walking around in Bodh Gaya, there are some institutions that offer instruction specifically geared toward travellers and pilgrims.
- 1 Root Institute, ☏ +91 631 220 0714. Office hours: 8:30-11:30AM, 1:30-4:30PM. The Root Institute is a Buddhist spiritual institute which offers courses for travellers wishing to learn more about Mahayana Buddhism as well as the culture and wisdom of India. Courses last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks and a list of the dates they offer courses can be found here.
Eat
[edit]Many restaurants and cafes are seasonal, and so from the beginning of April untito the end of September many of the places listed will be closed.
- 1 Bowl of Compassion Cafe, Bodhgaya (Opposite the police station). 10AM-11PM. Newly set-up restaurant serving delicious Indian and international cuisine, with connections to the nearby Bowl of Compassion NGO. Patrons can choose special "Compassion meals", where the extra money goes towards helping the poor of the Tikha Bigha Village. Volunteers welcome. ₹20-100.
- 2 Fujia Green (a little out of the way around the south side of the sports oval). The Japanese options are surprisingly good (although not authentic). Big portions. ₹30-120.
- 3 Hari Om Cafe, ☏ +92 72 50 956999, [email protected]. Very cute cafe that offers a variety of food (they advertise themselves as offering "American (New), Chinese, Indian/Pakistani, Japanese and Thai"). Very inexpensive as well. Also offers free Wi-Fi.
- 4 Lotus Restaurant, ☏ +91 78 70 000034. Next to Fujia Green restaurant. A nice place with a lot of Indian options. Fairly inexpensive.
- 5 Mahayama Restaurant, ☏ +91 631 220 0221, [email protected]. Breakfast 6-11AM, lunch 11AM-3PM, dinner 5-11PM. A restaurant inside Hotel Mahayama (but open to non-guests). Offers good food and is extremely close to the temple complex (~2 minutes walking).
- 6 Mohammed's Restaurant, Birla Dharamshala Rd, ☏ +91 94312 89084. Lovely restaurant with food options from a variety of countries. Good Wi-Fi and a fun atmosphere.
- 7 Samim Thai Restaurant, ☏ +91 88 04 623766, [email protected]. Fairly good Thai food for very good prices. Not authentic Thai, but still pretty good. Very close to Mahabodhi Temple. ₹130-350.
- 8 Tibet Om Cafe, Inside Namgyal Monastery court yard gate, ☏ +91 72779 40832. Excellent pastries, specializes in Tibetan dishes. ₹30-100.
Drink
[edit]Coffee
[edit]- 9 Be Happy Cafe, Kalachakra Ground (Behind Namgyal Monastery - follow signs), ☏ +91 87971 18390. A cosy cafe run by a Canadian woman. The cafe specializes in thin crust pizzas, Italian pastas, sandwiches in thick bread, freshly made cakes, homemade granola for breakfast and a variety of coffees. Shaded terrace seating among flowers.
- 10 Kirti Guesthouse Cafe, Main town, ☏ +91 631 220 0744. A simple cafe with good coffee. Excellent breakfasts. Outdoor seating.
Alcohol
[edit]While there are no alcohol outlets in Bodh Gaya, hotels and guesthouses serve beer (₹100-150), provided it is drunk indoors out of public view.
Sleep
[edit]Monasteries
[edit]Monastery Guest Houses offer an affordable and culturally immersive alternative to traditional hotels in Bodh Gaya. Guests are expected to observe house rules, which may include quiet hours, modest dress, or participation in communal activities. Rather than fixed nightly rates, these accommodations typically operate on a donation basis—new visitors are encouraged to ask fellow guests about the customary contribution.
A line of guesthouses sits just opposite the park near the Mahabodhi Temple. Most are well-maintained, with simple yet clean rooms and ground-floor restaurants offering convenient dining options. The cheapest rates are are around ₹440–₹600/night. Another cluster of basic guesthouses can be found north of Kalachakra Maidan, providing budget-friendly lodging for pilgrims and travellers alike.
- 1 Bhutan Monastery. Pleasant but basic single and family rooms, some with private bathroom
- 2 Burmese Vihara, Gaya Road. Very basic accommodation. The Vihara exists mainly to cater to groups of Burmese pilgrims, but there are often rooms available for others. Rules are posted prominently. Food service is only for those arriving in groups, and by prior arrangement.
- 3 Maha Bodhi Society of India (Sri Lankan Temple), Bodhgaya, ☏ +91 7484880598, toll-free: +91 6312200742, [email protected]. Check-in: noon, check-out: noon. Private rooms and dorms available. 5 min walk from Mahabodhi Temple. Clean and comfortable. Observe rules and respect for the temple. Join them for daily Puja sessions (40 min) in the morning and evening.
- Sakya Monastery Guesthouse, Mastipur Village (Near Bhutan Monastery), ☏ +91 631 2200770. Clean, simple, friendly, peaceful and calm environment.
- 4 Siddhartha Vihar, Bihar Tourist Complex, ☏ +91 631 220-0445. Simple, but comfortable rooms.
- Shechen Guesthouse, Main town, ☏ +91 631 220 0650. Cosy twin bed rooms. Some with shared bathroom. Others with private bathroom. Quiet and centrally located.
- Taiwan Temple, ☏ +91 2200503. A pleasant guesthouse in a convenient location.
Budget
[edit]- 5 Kundan Bazar Guest House, Bhagalpur Village (near Old Vietnam Temple), ☏ +91 6312200049, [email protected]. Single rooms to full-service apartments, bike rentals, internet cafe, book, gift, and clothing shop, snooker bar, self-service kitchen, laundry facility, tour packages, and more
- 6 Rahul Guesthouse (Less than 100 m north of Kalachakra Maidan.). Check-out: Noon. Amazingly clean rooms, with medium customer service. Some rooms have access to common balconies. Single from ₹200, Double from ₹250.
- 7 Rainbow Guesthouse, next to Burmese Vihara on Gaya Road, ☏ +91 94312 80810. Basic rooms, are cleaned more thoroughly on request, friendly and reliable staff. ₹1000-1500.
- 8 Welcome Guest House, 2 mins walk from Tamplenear Mahabodhi Temple (opp-jayprakash prak), ☏ +91 631 2200377, [email protected]. Check-out: Noon. Welcome Guest House offers cheap and pleasant rooms in the center of town.
Mid-range
[edit]- 9 Hotel Sujata, Buddha Marg, ☏ +91 631 220 0481, fax: +91 631 220-0511, [email protected]. Clean environment and good restaurant. ₹5000-7200.
- Marasa Sarovar Premiere, Ward No 5, Newataur, Newtapu, ☏ +91 631 220 0222, fax: +91 631 220-0181. Stylish rooms. Outdoor swimming people.International restaurant. ₹6000-8500.
- 10 Royal Residency, Domuhan Road, ☏ +91 631 220-0124, fax: +91 631 220-0181. Comfortable rooms with Japanese style same-sex communal hot tub. Two-story building with acceptable quality and services. Dining facilities are good. ₹6000-8500.
Splurge
[edit]- Sambodhi Retreat, Hathiyar, ☏ +91 74885 35210, [email protected]. Spacious and elegant rooms. Individual cabins. Outdoor pool. International cuisine. Verdant garden. ₹14,000 plus.
Stay safe
[edit]Crime
[edit]Despite Bihar’s reputation for high rates of violent crime — and its capital, Patna, often being labelled the nation’s murder and kidnapping capital — Bodh Gaya stands out as a remarkably safe international tourist destination, with visitors reporting few incidents of crime. That said, basic vigilance is still advised, and the serene and peaceful atmosphere around the Mahabodhi Temple should not lull travellers into a false sense of security.
Stomach issues are common throughout India and can be difficult to avoid entirely. However, taking basic precautions — such as avoiding salads likely washed in tap water and using bottled or filtered water to brush your teeth — can help reduce the chances of gastrointestinal trouble and save you time spent in the bathroom.
Like many parts of India, Bodh Gaya experiences cases of malaria and dengue, particularly during the monsoon months. Nonetheless, it is wise to take precautions even during the dry season, as many pilgrim activities — such as meditation — are sedentary and often conducted outdoors. Wearing long clothing and using insect repellent is recommended for those planning to spend extended periods sitting still in the open air.
Medical treatment
[edit]There are no major hospitals in Bodh Gaya - the nearest being in Gaya - but there are a few clinics suitable for minor ailments.
Ayurveda
- Pushpa Ayurvedic Clinic, Domuhan–Bodhgaya Road near the Thai Temple. Daily: 07:00 to 20:00. Provides herbal consultations and therapies.
Western medicine
- Buddha Clinic, Near the Thai Temple. A small private medical clinic . Very high user ratings. Known for personal care and basic consultations.
- Buddha Medical & Healthcare Centre, Lal Kothi Compound, Shri Krishan Path. Offers general physician services in Bodh Gaya town for around ₹1,000 per consultation. +91 72506 02310. Daily: 08:00-19:00
Connect
[edit]Internet
[edit]Many of the restaurants listed in the "Eat" section provide free WiFi.
Respect
[edit]Temples
[edit]
As with many sacred sites, visitors to the Mahabodhi Temple complex—and the surrounding monasteries—are required to remove their shoes before entering the inner sanctum. To make this easier, it's advisable to wear sandals or footwear that's simple to slip on and off.
One important custom specific to Mahabodhi is to circumambulate the stupa and other sacred objects in a clockwise direction, in keeping with traditional Buddhist practice. While it should go without saying, please refrain from climbing onto statues, monuments, or any sacred structures, as doing so is considered deeply disrespectful.
As it is a religious town filled with pilgrims and monks, dressing modestly is a sign of respect. Loose-fitting clothing should suffice.
Beggars
[edit]For many foreign visitors, navigating the streets near Bodh Gaya can be a challenging experience. Rickshaw drivers (known locally as ricksha-wallahs) and beggars—especially groups of children sent to beg rather than attend school—can be noticeably more persistent here than in many other places. It's not uncommon for travelers to be approached every few steps. While this can feel overwhelming, it's important to remember that poverty and tourism often intersect in complex ways.
Go next
[edit]Train booking: In Gaya, the booking office is upstairs of Gaya Junction Station, while the payment is processed on the ground floor at window 29. In Bodh Gaya, a dedicated train booking office is located opposite the Bank of India, just past the Thai Temple and about one kilometer from the town centre.
- Deo, Bihar – Visit this place for a glimpse of Famous Sun Temple.
- Gaya - Hindu holy city very close to Bodh Gaya.
- Kolkata - The cultural capital of north east India. 11-13 hours by bus or train.
- Nalanda – This Buddhist university was established in 450CE. There are extensive ruins, but no inhabitants. Nalanda Museum is open 10AM-5PM daily except Friday. Shared jeeps plying the route between Rajgir and Bihar Sharif make a stop at the turnoff for Nalanda. Rickshaws and other vehicles are available from there to the main gate, a distance of 2 km. PWD operates a guest house near the gate.
- Patna - 130 km by road, deluxe buses for Patna available from BSTDC (enquiry phone No. +91 631 220 0672) Bodhgaya Hotel (7AM, 2PM daily). Local and express trains from Gaya Junction.
- Rajgir – The site of Gridhakuta (Vulture's Peak), where the Buddha stayed and gave teachings on the Mahayana (the second turning of the wheel), and Venuvana, the first Buddhist monastery. Rajgir is also an area known for its hot springs, which are open to the public. There are daily bus tours that depart from behind the Birla temple (close to Cafe OM) and cover Rajgir, Nalanda and around 10 to 12 other interesting sights on the way. These buses leave at around 8AM and return at 7PM. Be ready for a really bumpy ride, which is well worth the effort. Charges are surprisingly low. If you ask any travel agent within Bodh Gaya about this, they will most likely not tell you about this cheap option. It is preferable to book your tickets a day in advance, as at times there are large groups of pilgrims. If you want to venture out on your own, there is an option of changing buses at Bihar Sharif.
- Sarnath: Sarnath is another of the four main pilgrimage sites in Buddhism. It is a suburb of the holy city of Varanasi.
- Siliguri - One of India's most liberal cities. Gateway to Darjeeling, Sikkim, Bhutan, and North-East India Buses at 1PM (Jai-Jagdamba Travels) and 3PM (Sri Krishna Rath). Journey takes around 17 hours. Depending on passenger numbers, bus may depart Gaya, with shuttle bus running from Bofh Gaya.
- Varanasi - buses at 6AM (local bus - 7-8 hours) and 4PM (A/C bus - around 6 hours) - Jai-Jagdamba Travels.