Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya

The holiest site in Buddhism — the exact spot where Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment and became the Buddha, beneath the sacred Bodhi Tree. A UNESCO World Heritage Site with a soaring 55 m pyramidal tower and a deeply peaceful, meditative atmosphere drawing pilgrims from across the world.

Bodh Gaya, on the bank of the Niranjana (Falgu) river, is where Buddhism was born. The Mahabodhi Temple marks the place where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment around the 6th century BCE. The present temple, largely from the Gupta period (5th–6th century CE), is one of the earliest and most imposing brick structures in India and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Key things to see:

• The Bodhi Tree — a descendant of the original tree under which the Buddha meditated, behind the temple.
• Vajrasana (Diamond Throne) — the red sandstone slab marking the seat of enlightenment.
• The 80-foot Great Buddha Statue — a striking landmark completed in 1989.
• International monasteries — Thai, Tibetan, Japanese, Bhutanese, Chinese and more, each in its national style.

• By Air: Gaya International Airport (GAY) is about 12 km away, with seasonal international flights (Buddhist circuit) and domestic connections. Patna Airport (~110 km) has more flights.
• By Rail: Gaya Junction (~13 km) is a major station on the Delhi–Kolkata route, well connected to most cities.
• By Road: Regular buses, taxis and autos run from Gaya. Bodh Gaya is about 100 km from Patna via NH-83 (2.5–3 hours).

October to March (pleasant winter). The Buddhist pilgrimage season peaks around December–January.