Bodh Gaya or the "The Land of Enlightenment Of Buddha”, is the place where Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment and came to be known as Gautam Buddha. Knowledge was endowed to him while meditating underneath a pipal (Ficus religiosa) tree. Bodh Gaya is an important religious destination for buddhists worldwide. It is situated on the banks of the river Niranjana (also called Falgu) and is 11 kms. from Gaya in Bihar in eastern India. One of the famous budhist pilgrimage places in India.

Light winter - wear required at night during the summer months. And heavy required during the remaining part of the year. During winter months, path may be blocked due to snowfall.

Getting There

• AIR: Patna is the nearest airport and is connected to major cities like Mumbai, Calcutta, Delhi, Varanasi, Hyderabad etc.

• RAIL: The town is also well connected by the Indian rail network, the nearest railhead being Patna.

• ROAD: Gaya is the nearest railway station, which is well connected with the major cities of India.

Places of interest

Bodhi Tree: It was here that the Sakya prince (then known as Siddhartha) first saw "light" under the Bodhi tree and became the "Buddha", the enlightened one. It is still a very important destination to Buddhists from all over and acts as an inspiration and a symbol of peace.

Chankamana: Chankaramana or the Jewel Walk is a raised platform with foot impressions of Buddha. It is believed that Buddha pondered here on whether to reveal his knowledge to the world or not (he decided to choose the former, and gave the world a new mantra for peace, harmony and better living). Inside it is a Tibetan monastery with a large Dharma Chakra or the Wheel of Law.

Maha Bodhi temple: Situated about 13 kms from Gaya, it is one of the important places of worship for Buddhists and is also a significant archaeological site. There is a large statue of Lord Buddha inside the temple with his hands touching the earth.

Pretshila Hill: This hill is about 10 kms from the Ramshila hill and just below the hill is the Brahma Kund. After taking bath in this pond people go for the Pind Dan (a ritual to appease departed souls of ancestors.) The temple is an attraction for tourists due to its unique architecture and magnificent sculptures.

Surya Kund: West of the Vishnu temple is the pond, Surya Kund. Festival of the Sun God is celebrated here In the Hindu months of Chaitra (March-April) and Kartik (September-October). A fair is also organized on these occasions at the Kund.

The Bodh Gaya Museum: The museum has a large collection of stone sculptures and other artifacts. The museum is maintained by The Archaeological survey of India. The bronze statues in the museum are very attractive. It also has a small collection of Buddha statues and pillars.

Vishnupad Temple: Situated about 3 kms. from the Gaya city is the Vishnupad temple. It is believed to have been built over the footprints of Lord Vishnu. The 40 cm long footprint of Lord Vishnu is imprinted in solid rock surrounded by a silver plated basin inside the temple.

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