Location: Bodh Gaya
Top Things to do in Bodh Gaya
The 10 Best Things to Do in Bodh Gaya, India
Bodh Gaya is a religious site and place of pilgrimage associated with the Mahabodhi Temple Complex in Gaya district in the Indian state of Bihar. It is famous as it is the place where Gautama Buddha is said to have obtained Enlightenment (Pali: bodhi) under what became known as the Bodhi Tree.It is also famous for the famous Vishnupad Mandir .
Restaurants in Bodh Gaya
1. Mahabodhi Temple
Overall Ratings
5 based on 818 reviews
One of the most sacred places for Buddhists, the temple is an imposing example of early brick structures in India. It holds the diamond throne, a colossal image of Buddha and the holy Bodhi tree.
Reviewed By Ankur B
The place is so amazing and the positive vibes experienced inside the temples is beyond description. The place is so mesmerizing that you will feel absolute peace. It is advisable to hire a guide before entering the temple otherwise you will miss interesting facts about the temple. Guides are available at the entry gate and charges approx. INR 200.00 only. Mobiles, laptops, battery banks are not allowed inside the temple. Lockers are available free of charge.
2. Bodhi Tree
Overall Ratings
5 based on 440 reviews
Reviewed By sactokw - Northern Cal
This is a must for the pilgrimage as this is where Gautama became the Buddha. There are many monks and pilgrims, so it can get crowded around the tree. Do take a seat and breathe in the reverence people have for the Buddha. Although the tree may be the 4th or 5th generation, it is a site to see. Many people collect the leaves as momento or gifts. To get in, there are a couple of security check points, and no cellphones or iPads allowed. You can pay 100 rubies (about $1.50USD) to bring in a regular camera.
3. Royal Bhutan Monastery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 101 reviews
Reviewed By AnkitJ_rpr - Raipur
Their are many Buddhist temple, in the Gaya, & this one is surely among them. These temples lets you experience the Buddhist culture, & also to get knowledge about, how different parts of the world, have adopted the Buddhism.
It's a kind of lifetime experience. Good to go...
4. Great Buddha Statue
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 284 reviews
Reviewed By Jia Q - Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Since Bodh Gaya is so important for Buddhists, many Buddhist Countries/Regions built monasteries in Bodh Gaya. These monasteries normally close from noon to 2pm, so we visited them in the afternoon after a rest in the hotel. In the picture below was the first place we visited in the afternoon. The 80-foot Buddha statue was built by Japan, and as you can see, our driver in blue shirt was taking a selfie in front of the statue. Everyone had to remove shoes to walk around the statue. Since my period just came, I really didn’t want to walk on the cold marble. I put on plastic bags to cover my shoes, but the driver gave me a “you better show some respects” look. After I told him I was not feeling well, he allowed me to walk with shoes that covered by plastic bags.
5. Thai Monastery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 144 reviews
Reviewed By AnkitJ_rpr - Raipur
The temple made in the Thai style, basically depicting their art of architecture, & their method of the worship. Nice to getting to know about the Thai culture.
6. Indosan Nippon Japanese Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 81 reviews
Reviewed By annelainea - London, United Kingdom
Lovely peaceful place. Very simple large shrine. Nice and quiet - not too many visitors. Good murals of episodes from the life of the Buddha.
7. Cankamana
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
8. Muchalinda Lake
Overall Ratings
4 based on 57 reviews
Reviewed By seedhunter - Hyderabad, India
We happened to be here at Muchalinda Lake while visiting main shrine. It is just besides main temple. There is Buddha statue protected by hood of Muchalinda snake. Water of the lake is not very clean. People use to throw coin and also eatable for fishes inside.
9. Root Institute
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 53 reviews
A Buddhist centre in the Tibetan tradition located in Bodh Gaya, India, providing a tranquil haven for the study and practice of philosophy & meditation, we also serve Bodh Gaya and surrounding villages through our three social service projects.
10. Chinese Temple
Overall Ratings
4 based on 45 reviews
Reviewed By Aryan2007 - MUMBAI
The Buddha temple just near the main Bodh Gaya temple complex is built in Chinese architectural style by the Chinese government. This Chinese monastery is a very small structure in Bodh Gaya but worth visiting since its on the way to main temple. Dedicated to Lord Buddha, the monastery has a Chinese temple and is open for the visitors from 7am to 5 pm with lunch in between.
