Gaya is an ancient holy city on the Falgu River located in the northeast state of Bihar. It is home to the 18th-century Vishnupad Mandir, a riverside temple with an octagonal shrine. Other sites of interest include the ancient Mangla Gauri Temple and Brahma Kund pond. This holy city is a famous Hindu pilgrimage center.
Ganga Mahotsav
There are many reasons to go to Gaya on vacation. The annual Ganga Mahotsav, which takes place from September 12 to September 15, is a cultural festival that highlights the culture and heritage of the Gangetic plains and the ancient city of Kashi, now known as Varanasi. It is organized by the Mahotsav Samiti, an Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department branch.
Gaya is easily accessible by road, rail, and air. It is located around 100km from the state capital Patna and is surrounded by hill ranges and the Phalgu River. It is a peaceful and relaxing vacation destination.
Royal Bhutan Monastery
The Royal Bhutan Monastery is one of the most important Buddhist monasteries in the world. It is an important religious center built on the king’s orders. The complex features a 7-ft. statue and lodging.
The monastery features beautiful, traditional Bhutanese architecture and a rest house for monks. It also has a magnificent temple with a seven-foot statue of the Lord Buddha. The statue is carved with Buddhist symbols. Visiting the monastery is free, but visitors are encouraged to donate to help support the monastery’s expenses.
If you have a lot of time in Bodh Gaya, you should look at the Royal Bhutan Monastery. The King of Bhutan built this beautiful Buddhist monastery to memorialize the Lord Buddha. Inside the monastery, you will find extensive clay carvings of essential events in the life of Gauthama Buddha.
Barabar Caves
Located in the Gaya district, Barabar Caves are a popular side trip for tourists. However, the tourist facilities haven’t been developed too much. As a result, no restaurants or accommodations are available in the caves.
The Barabar Caves are some of the oldest rock-cut caves in India. They date back to the Mauryan period and are believed to have been used by Buddhist monks. The architecture of the caves is unique, and their inner chamber is famous for its echoing effect. There are four caves in Barabar Hills, Karan Chaupar, Lomas Rishi, and Visva Zori. Similarly, the nearby Nagarjuna Hills also has three caves.
In Gaya, you can visit the Buddha Temple, where Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment. You can also visit the Vishnupad Temple and the Sujata Temple, dedicated to a woman who served Buddha during his meditation. And those religious people visit the Barabar Caves, the oldest rock-cut caves in India.
Indosan Nippon Japanese Temple
The Indosan Nippon Japanese Temple has located 15 km from the center of Bodh Gaya. It is a temple that features Japanese architecture and wood carvings. It also contains inscriptions on the walls, which detail the life of Lord Buddha. The temple remains open until 6 pm daily.
The Japanese Temple is one of the top attractions in Bodh Gaya. The temple features an 80-foot Great Buddha statue. The temple was built in 1972 and showcased Japanese architectural brilliance. It is free to enter and is located near the Mahabodhi Temple.
The Indosan Nippon Japanese Temple is another place to visit during your vacation in Gaya. It is a beautifully carved wood shrine that is dedicated to Lord Buddha. It is a fantastic blend of Japanese architecture and Buddhist culture. You can see inscriptions in Japanese, and you can even see Japanese paintings and statues. The temple is a must-see for any visitor to Bodh Gaya.
Bodh Gaya temple
The UNESCO World Heritage site, Bodh Gaya temple, is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the world. Situated under the Bodhi Tree, it is also considered the birthplace of Buddhism. The Buddha preached and lived here in great simplicity, renunciation, and compassion for all living beings.
Another important temple in Gaya is the Mahabodhi Temple. This temple, built in the 7th century, is situated around the Bodhi Tree, where Buddha attained enlightenment. The temple contains a colossal statue of the Buddha, considered the tallest statue in the world. Instated by the XIV Dalai Lama in 1989, the Buddha statue is a masterpiece of ancient Indian architecture. It is one of the oldest brick structures in eastern India.
If you are traveling from Kolkata or another major city, you can take a train to Gaya. Gaya Junction is the nearest train station. It is located 17 km from the main town of Bodh Gaya. You can take the following direct trains to Gaya: