Bodh Gaya
Bihar · Magadh · 115m
Where Siddhartha became Buddha
Why Special
The Bodhi Tree, Mahabodhi Temple (UNESCO), and the spiritual ground zero of Buddhism. Pilgrims from across the world gather under the very tree where Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment in the 6th century BCE.
Before you decide
Everyone goes to Bodh Gaya
Here's what they miss.
At least now you know what's out there.
Festivals & Events
Buddha Purnima
MayMay (Vaishakha Purnima)
The holiest day in Buddhism — celebrating Buddha birth, enlightenment, and death. Thousands gather at Mahabodhi Temple.
The holiest Buddhist celebration at the holiest Buddhist site on Earth
Meditation Retreat Season
DecOctober-March
International meditation retreats at monasteries around Mahabodhi Temple. Zen, Vipassana, Tibetan traditions all represented.
Where the world comes to meditate — every Buddhist tradition under one Bodhi tree
Infrastructure Reality
Network Coverage
Good 4G coverage in town. Weakens in surrounding villages.
WiFi: Most hotels
Medical & Emergency
Hospital: Magadh Medical College Gaya (17km) (13 km)
Ambulance: 108
Police: Bodh Gaya (2km from temple)
Getting There
Gaya 17km (30min). Patna 110km (3hrs). Delhi→Gaya flight 2hrs.
Roads: NH connecting Gaya to Bodh Gaya well-maintained.
Public transport: Flights to Gaya. Trains to Gaya Junction. Shared autos to Bodh Gaya.
Fuel & Stay
Fuel: Bodh Gaya town
Stay: ₹500-8000/night
80+ options (hotel, monastery-guesthouse, budget-lodge)
Emergency: Hotels always available except Dec-Feb peak.
Helpline: Bihar Tourism: 0612-2225295
The stay decisions worth flagging in Bodh Gaya.
Bodh Gaya is the enlightenment place of the Buddha — UNESCO Mahabodhi Temple complex with the Bodhi Tree (descended from the original). Stay scene is 3-star pilgrim hotels: Hotel Taj Darbar, The Royal Residency, Hotel Lotus Nikko, Hotel Siddhartha International, Tathagat International. No 5-star luxury (despite the Buddhist-pilgrim demand). Peak season Oct-Mar; winter sees Dalai Lama teachings. Gaya airport is 12 km.
Hotel Taj Darbar is ₹2-3k more per night than The Royal Residency — what you get: UNESCO-heritage-city-precinct location minutes from Mahabodhi Temple, long-established pilgrim hotel. Royal Residency gives you clean, large rooms with good AC and attentive service. The delta buys you the flagship Bodh Gaya position; both are solid pilgrim-focused picks.
Hotel Taj Darbar Bodh Gaya
Within the UNESCO heritage city precincts of Bodh Gaya. Minutes from Mahabodhi Temple. Free breakfast, WiFi, parking. Long-established Bodh Gaya pilgrim hotel. The default pick for Buddhist tourists and heritage visitors.
The Royal Residency Bodh Gaya
Clean huge rooms with good AC, tasty restaurant food, attentive and trustworthy staff consistently cited in reviews. Near Mahabodhi Temple with Nigma Temple Road location. Solid alternative to Taj Darbar at moderately lower pricing.
No location pick here that's worth the flag. See alternatives below.
No x-factor pick here that's worth the flag. See alternatives below.
Ready to book?
We don't sell bookings. Check these trusted platforms.
कैसे पहुँचें
🌍 अंतर्राष्ट्रीय यात्रियों के लिए
सांस्कृतिक संदर्भ
Where Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree 2500 years ago, becoming the Buddha. The Mahabodhi Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the holiest site in Buddhism. Monasteries from Japan, Thailand, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Tibet surround the main temple — each built in their national architectural style. A global pilgrimage site.
क्या पहनें
Modest dress — remove shoes at the temple. Cover shoulders and knees. No leather items inside the Mahabodhi Temple complex.
खाद्य सुरक्षा
Safe in monastery restaurants and established eateries. Many international options — Japanese, Thai, and Tibetan restaurants cater to pilgrims from those countries.
सामान्य धोखाधड़ी से सावधान
- Fake monks requesting donations — genuine monks do not solicit money from strangers
- Aggressive "donation" pressure from unofficial temple guides
- Fake Buddhist artifacts and relics sold near the temple
- Self-appointed guides at the Mahabodhi Temple — official guides available at the entrance
कार्ड और नकद
Limited — Bodh Gaya is a small town. Carry sufficient cash. A few ATMs exist but can be unreliable. Some hotels accept cards.
अंग्रेज़ी बोली जाती है
Low — but Japanese, Thai, and Burmese menus are common in restaurants due to international pilgrim population. Hindi is the primary language.
फ़ोन और SIM
Airtel and Jio work in Bodh Gaya. Get your SIM in Delhi before arriving — local activation is difficult.
निकटतम दूतावास
New Delhi — approximately 1000km (flight via Gaya airport 15km away, or overnight train).
Standard e-Visa covers Bodh Gaya. No special permits needed.
Meet the Locals
Ready to book?
We don't sell bookings. Check these trusted platforms.
