Bodhgaya is the birthplace and crucible for a new philosophy. It is the epitome of knowledge and compassion.
Bodhgaya, located in the Gaya District in the Indian state Bihar, is a small town where Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment under a Pipal tree some 2500 years back.
Bodhgaya is for Buddhists the same as Mecca for Muslims or Varanasi for Hindus in terms of blessings. The town draws thousands of Buddhist pilgrims annually from all over the globe, many of whom come to meditate, pray, and study in flaming red robes. Others are dressed in Turmeric or Saffron robes.
You will find more of the Buddhism influence in Bylakuppe if you’ve been to Tawang Monastery or Namdroling Monastery in Arunachal Pradesh.
Bodhgaya
Although the Mahabodhi temple complex is home to the Bodhi Tree, it’s not the most beautiful spot. The many Buddhist monasteries, temples, and monasteries that dot the rural landscape are in the same style as the Mahabodhi. They were built by foreign Buddhist communities.
Each country with a Buddhist population has its version of Bodhgaya’s Buddhist monastery. Their diversity in architecture is fantastic. You will find a mixture of small-town bustle and monastic tranquility as you walk through the streets.
Bodhgaya is a fascinating place – it is the birthplace of Buddhism and a home that offers a multicultural Buddhist experience.
The scene inside the Mahabodhi temple is balanced. It favors one idea and follows one god. The Buddha himself practiced meditation and devotional exercises here, as can many modern pilgrims.
Many Buddhists travel to Bodhgaya and India to visit the sacred Bodhi tree, but they only spend a few hours there and pay their respects to the temple. My visit was because I was so close to it.
Bodhgaya, located just a few hours from Varanasi, ‘the spiritual city of India,’ is accessible via the streets. You’ll be there in no time if you take the late-night bus/train from Varanasi.
Before I went to Bodhgaya, I expected the town to resemble Mcleodgunj. A Buddhist monk rotates a prayer wheel while chanting their favorite mantra. It is a symbol of a long-lost community.
“One day to visit the monasteries would suffice,” I thought. As I arrived in Bodhgaya, I realized there needed more time to explore the monasteries.
I suggest you spend at least two days exploring, understanding and feeling the spirituality of Bodhgaya.
Let’s now talk about some helpful tips for how to travel here. What to do, where you should go, and so forth.
Also, check out this Incredible India page, which provides more information about Bodhgaya’s attractions. You can trust the suggestions and tips provided as it is a government site.
These are some valuable tips for traveling.
Bodhgaya is where?
It is located in Gaya, Bihar state, approximately 1000 km east of New Delhi. It is situated by the river Niranjana.
The number of monasteries in Bodhgaya
You may be curious about how many monasteries there are and which countries they are from. The total number of monasteries is more than 60. More than 55 monasteries are foreign Buddhist monasteries. They come from many countries, including China, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar. Tibet, Japan, Bhutan, and others.
Which monasteries are most well-known in Bodhgaya
All monasteries are worthwhile to be explored, but the most notable ones include Mahabodhi Temple and Thai Monastery.
How many days is it that? Can you see Bodhgaya in one day?
It all depends on how much you want to see. Three days is sufficient if you are only looking at monasteries quickly. You may need to scan more than one monastery daily if you are looking for detailed scanning. To get to know the area, it is recommended that you spend at least two days.
Which is the best time of year to visit Bodhgaya
Winter months between December and February are the best times to travel. The temperature is most pleasant during this time. If you don’t mind getting wet, you can still travel to Bodhgaya in the monsoon season.
Also, I recommend visiting monasteries in the morning, especially the temple with the Bodhi tree. It is very crowded during the daytime.
The nearest airport to Bodhgaya
Gaya is the nearest airport (17 km), with frequent flights to multiple cities. However, flights to Gaya airport are often expensive. Fly to Patna (120km) and then take a bus.
How do you travel from Delhi to Bodhgaya?
You can also travel by train, other than flying to Gaya and Patna airports. You can find the nearest railway station in Gaya (the Gaya Railway Station), which regularly shares tuk-tuks and taxis to Bodhgaya.
Bus service is available to Bodhgaya from Varanasi and Patna as well as Kathmandu, Patna, and Kathmandu.
How far is Bodhgaya away from Gaya station?
The distance from Gaya railway station is approximately 17km.
How do I travel from Gaya, Gaya railway station to Bodhgaya?
You can rent a shared taxi, a tuk tuk or a taxi to travel a distance of less than 20 km. Between the two destinations, there are frequently shared taxis and tuk-tuks. You can also hire a private cab to Gaya.
Is Bodhgaya safe for travel?
Yes. It is safe to travel to for everyone from families to solo female travelers in India. Although the city is in Bihar, a state with a high crime rate and a poor image, it is very safe. Because of the many foreigners who have arrived, local authorities have taken steps to reduce crime.
The best hotels in Bodhgaya
You can stay in one of the monasteries. Sakura House and Marasa Savar Premiere are some of the most popular hotels.
Bodhgaya is the best place to meditate.
The sacred Mahabodhi Temple is the best.
This is it for this travel blog. You can ask me any questions in the comments section. I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
