The 10 Best Things to Do in Bodh Gaya, India

October 29, 2017 Tonie Szymanski

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

Bodh Gaya, India +91 96000 17031
Excellent
81%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5 based on 818 reviews

Mahabodhi Temple

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

Bodh Gaya, India +91 96000 17031
Excellent
82%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 440 reviews

Bodhi Tree

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

Buddhist Town, Bodh Gaya, India +91 96000 17031
Excellent
65%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 101 reviews

Royal Bhutan Monastery

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

Great Buddha Statue Road | Daijokyo Buddhist Temple, Bodh Gaya, India +91 631 220 0747
Excellent
58%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 284 reviews

Great Buddha Statue

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

Near Buddha Statue, Bodh Gaya, India
Excellent
58%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
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4.5 based on 144 reviews

Thai Monastery

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

Near the Giant Buddha Statue, Bodh Gaya, India
Excellent
50%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 81 reviews

Indosan Nippon Japanese Temple

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

Northern Bodhi Temple Complex, Bodh Gaya 824231, India
Excellent
64%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
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4.5 based on 46 reviews

Cankamana

Reviewed By Shailendrasood - Hyderabad, India

Ratnachakarma or the jewel walk is located in the Bodhi temple. As per legend, Buddha spent third week walking during meditation. The lotus signs indicate where Buddha walked.

8. Muchalinda Lake

In Main City, Bodh Gaya, India
Excellent
31%
Good
51%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
1%
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Overall Ratings

4 based on 57 reviews

Muchalinda Lake

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

Gaya District, Bodh Gaya 824231, India +91 72608 41601
Excellent
66%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
5%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 53 reviews

Root Institute

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.

Reviewed By kikkotta - Florence, Italy

Just short visit , but never the less very nice . A place to study and follow courses. The atmosphere is peaceful...and not too far from the center of Bodhigaya

10. Chinese Temple

Nr. Bodhi Temple Complex, Bodh Gaya 824231, India
Excellent
37%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 45 reviews

Chinese Temple

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.

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