Rediscover India - Bodhgaya

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Bodhgaya is a religious town located in the northeast Indian state of Bihar and is home to numerous temples and religious sites, spanning Hinduism, Buddhism and several other revered religions. Bodhgaya is famously known for being the place where the founder of Buddhism, Gautama Buddha, attained enlightenment. Bodhgaya has attained veneration from both Hindus and Buddhists since time immemorial.

Bodhgaya is well connected and is accessible via air, rail and road. If you are planning to travel to this town via air, then you can alight at Gaya Airport, which is located about 14 km from Bodhgaya. However, the flight frequency here is less. Thus, it is best to alight at Kolkata International Airport, which is located about 473 km away, and takes about 9 hours from there by road. The town is also connected via railways and guests travelling here can alight at Gaya Junction, which is located about 15 km from the main city.

Tourists can also hop on to the many state-run and private buses that ply on routes from major cities to Bodhgaya. If you prefer to travel via your own transport, then Bodhgaya is well connected to nearby towns and cities thereby making for an easy commute.

Bodhgaya has a number of unexplored places known for their historical significance. The locals will tell you about the many stories that involve these destinations. Let us shed some light on these tourist places in Bodhgaya:

Bodhi Tree

 
Bodhi Tree is said to be the place where Lord Gautama Buddha meditated to attain enlightenment. It is believed that even after attaining divine enlightenment, Gautama Buddha continued to meditate under this tree for seven more years. Today, the Bodhi Tree is one of the most important places to see in Bodhgaya, where a massive tree stands, head and shoulders above the surrounding places. It shelters a number of monks who come from different places to read the works of Gautama Buddha and contemplate deeply about a variety of topics.

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The Great Buddha Statue

 
Travellers visiting Bodhgaya can take a trip to the Great Buddha Statue which is set beside the famous Mahabodhi Temple. It was constructed in the year 1989 and was consecrated by the 14th Dalai Lama. It has a height of about 80-feet and was constructed over a period of seven years. It is a landmark attraction in Bodhgaya and many tourists frequent this location.

Mahabodhi Temple

 
Mahabodhi Temple has a history spanning many centuries. It was originally built by the Mauryan King Ashoka, who was a staunch follower of Buddhism. This ancient temple has been rebuilt and restored by the locals, and contains many sculptures and religious works, which have since been replaced with replicas. The temple includes two straight-sided Shikaharas which have a height of over 180 feet. This temple was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2002.

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Thai Monastery

The Thai Monastery

 
The Thai Monastery is one of the main monasteries in Bodhgaya. It was built in 1956 by the royal family of Thailand. The monastery is built using Thai-styled architecture. It features a sloping roof and curved corners embellished with golden tiles. As you step into this temple, you are greeted by a 25-metre high bronze statue of Lord Buddha.

Indosan Nippon Japanese Temple

 
Indosan Nippon Japanese Temple is a Japanese- architecture inspired structure present in Bodhgaya. It was built in 1972 to popularise the teachings of Lord Buddha to the world. It showcases traditional Japanese architecture where the life and times of Lord Buddha are beautifully engraved onto the walls of the temple.

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Guests who are travelling to Bodhgaya can enjoy a pristine stay at Marasa Sarovar Premiere, Bodhgaya. This is the only thematic hotel in the area and its architecture draws inspiration from the nearby Buddhist structures. We look forward to welcoming you to our hotel, stay with us for a truly spiritual experience!