Bodhgaya
Overview

Bodhgaya,
located in eastern Indian state of Bihar, is the holy site where Lord Buddha
achieved enlightenment. The peepal tree (Ficus religiosa) under which he sat
to meditate became popular as the Bodhi Tree. Today, from all across the
globe, tourists and pilgrims pour into the city to pay their tributes to
Lord Buddha, who bequeathed the world not a mere system of belief but an
entire philosophy of life. Experience the mystical aura and get ready to be
fully engrossed as you make a trip here.
Climate & Best Time
The town of Bodhgaya is known to have a tropical kind of climate. Summers,
April to June, are very hot and the day temperature could move up to a
maximum of 48 degrees centigrade. Winters extend from October to February,
with the mercury showing a minimum of 10 degrees centigrade. The town
receives a good amount of rainfall from July till September. October to
March is the most suitable time for you to make a trip here.
Places to Visit
Bodhgaya is appealing to both tourists and pilgrims alike. Trip back into
the history of Buddhist faith and explore the religious treasures, one by
one. The journey will truly get you into a state of complete peace and
bliss.
» Mahabodhi Temple
The biggest draw for visitors at Bodhgaya, the Mahabodhi Temple was erected
by Budhhist emperor Ashoka, 250 years after Buddha's enlightenment. The
Vajrasana stands for the exact seat of enlightenment.
» Bodhi Tree

It
is the place where Lord Buddha took his seat to meditate which finally laid
him to gaining enlightenment. The seeds of this ancient tree has given rise
to a number of sacred peepal trees all across the country.
» Muchilinda Lake
According to Buddhist mythology, it is the site where Buddha was offered
refuge during a fatal storm. The multi-hooded snake or Muchalinga is known
to protect him from danger.
» Ajapala Nirgodha Tree
No less sanctified to pilgrims, the tree is the place where Sujata had
offered kheer (a preparation of rice and milk) to Lord Buddha.
Stay Options
To cater to the needs of a variety of travellers, Bodhgaya has a range of
stay options. You can choose to stay at the hotels, guest houses,
monasteries and dormitories. Hotels like Lotus Nikko and Siddharta
International offer standard services at economic rates.
Getting There
Gaya, 12 km from Bodhgaya, serves as the closest airport. The railhead at
Gaya has links with places like Patna, Delhi, Kolkata, Varanasi and Puri.
The Bihar State Road Transport Corporation plies regular buses from Bodhgaya
to Patna, Nalanda and Rajgir.