Bodhgaya is one of the four most sacred pilgrimage place for Buddhist where the desire of Prince Siddhartha was fulfilled after years of seeking the truth. This is the place where the saga of Buddha began and he finally attained enlightenment at the age of 29 under the sacred Bodhi tree. The Prince had been wandering, practicing austerities in search of answers to his questions of supreme peace. But it was at Bodhgaya only where his efforts were finally rewarded. Buddhists from all over the world, especially the affluent South East Asia consider this place as sacred one. Lying in secluded sylvan, this holiest place is located on the bank of Niranjana river. It is situated at a distance of 13 kms from Gaya town. Apart from Buddhist pilgrimage center, Gaya is considered as an important destination for Hindus as people often used to pray for the salvation of their ancestors here.

MAJOR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN BODHGAYA

Bodhi Tree
The present Bodhi tree is probably the fifth descendant of the original tree to be planted at this site where the Prince Siddhartha had finally attained enlightenment. This sacred tree plays a very important role in rites and rituals of Buddhists as it is an inspiration of Buddha’s enlightenment.

Mahabodhi Temple
The Mahabodhi temple is located in the east adjacent to the original Bodhi tree. It actually stands on the temple erected by Emperor Ashoka and rises in the form of pyramidal spire till it reaches its neck, which is cylindrical in shape. People looking for peace and serenity can spend hours in this temple..

Animesh Lochan Chaitya
According to legends, it is believed that Lord Buddha spent seven days here looking towards the sacred Bodhi tree, without flashing his eyes..

Chankramana
Chakramana is considered as the holiest spot of Prince Siddhartha’s meditative perambulations during the third week before he finally became consecrate. It is believed that the place where Buddha kept his feet lotus blooms.

Ratnagarh
Lord Buddha passed seven days of his life in Ratnagarh, where it is believed that five colors came out of his body.`.

Charanpaduka:
The footprints of Lord Vishnu can be seen on a boulder in this beautiful meadow.

HOW TO REACH BODHGAYA
By Air
The nearest airport to Bodhgaya is Gaya which is at a distance of 17 kms from Bodhgaya. Patna is another Reach by Jet Airwaysairport at a distance of 135 kms which is well connected by major cities

By Rail
The nearest railway station to Bodhgaya is also Gaya at a distance of 16 kms which is well connected by means of super fast trains from rest of India. Indian Railways has launched a new train, Buddha Parikrama that will take you to Buddhist spiritual tour by connecting all the places associated with Buddha and Buddhism.

By Road
The nearest transport hub is Gaya, 16 kms to Delhi-Calcutta highway junction on Grand trunk road.

BEST SEASON TO VISIT
October to February is considered as the best time to visit this place.