Tourism in Bihar

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Buddhist Tourist Destinations in Bihar
Bodhgaya (Buddhist Circuit in Bihar)

Bodhgaya
Bodhgaya is situated in Bihar, just 13 km from the holy city of Gaya. Bodhgaya which means 'the place of enlightenment', is the exact place where Gautama Buddha became enlightened under the Bodhi tree about 2500 years ago, thus starting a chain of events which led to the founding of Buddhism. The city is today visited by thousands of devotees including the great Dalai Lama who often visits the place. The entire city is dotted with temples and Buddhist monasteries, both recent and ancient. The most important structure is the Mahabodhi temple, situated adjacent to the Bodhi tree.

According to history, Siddhartha Gautama, a young prince left his kingdom in search of peace. After years of journeying across different places, he was finally blessed with what he craved for, the ultimate knowledge. Since then the site where the event took place, Bodhgaya, has been a prominent religious pilgrimage for people belonging to the Buddhist faith.

 
Prime  Attractions in Bodhgaya

Mahabodhi Temple
Situated near the tree where Lord Buddha was enlightened about 2500 years back, the Mahabodhi temple is the most important pilgrimage in Bodhgaya. Built on a high square platform, the temple houses a centuries old beautiful statue of Lord Buddha as well as an ancient Shivalinga. The tower of the temple rises to a height of 179 feet.

Bodhi Tree
The tree is believed to be the descendant of the actual tree under which Lord Buddha sat and meditated before attaining the supreme knowledge. The tree rises up to a height of 80 feet and is believed to be over 120 years old. The diamond throne (red sandstone slab) is situated nearby.

Dharma Chakra
The Dharma Chakra or the wheel of law is located in a Tibetan monastery, situated at a short distance from the Mahabodhi temple. Numerous devotees visit the monastery to be enlightened with the teachings and principles of Buddhism.

Parasnath Hill
About 40 km from Bodhgaya are a series of ancient rock cut Buddhist caves. One of the most sacred destinations for people belonging to the Buddhist and Jain religions, the caves house a number of intricately decorated temples.

Gaya
Gaya is a holy Hindu city, lying 16 km from Bodhgaya. It is believed that the cremation ceremony of a deceased performed here in Bodhgaya leads him towards salvation. The Vishnupad temple, situated on the banks of river Falgu is visited by numerous devotees.

Stay At
Both Gaya and Bodhgaya boast of several quality accommodation options. Amongst the best ones are The Royal Residency (3 star, situated on Dumuhan Road just 3 km from airport, 12 km from railway station & 1 km from the Mahabodhi temple), Hotel Siddhartha International (3 star, situated on Station Road just 7 km from airport, 0.5 km from railway station & 21 km from bus stand), Lotus Nikko Hotel (3 star, situated near the city centre just 17 km from railway station & 15 km from bus stand) and Hotel Bodhgaya Ashok (3 star, situated just 20 km from railway station & 15 km from bus stand).

Getting There
By Air : Patna is the nearest airport, situated just 105 km from Bodhgaya. Regular flights connect Patna with major Indian cities including Delhi and Mumbai. Buses and taxis are easily available from Patna to reach Bodhgaya.

By Rail : The nearest and most convenient railhead is Gaya. Situated 16 km from Bodhgaya, the city is well connected to all the major Indian cities through regular trains. Gaya and Bodhgaya are conveniently connected through local buses.

By Road : Bodhgaya is connected to other cities in Bihar through well built roads. State road transport buses link the city with Gaya, which is further connected to all the cities across Bihar.

Distance from Major Cities
Allahabad : 375 Km
Calcutta : 489 Km
Kanpur : 570 Km
Jamshedpur : 350 Km
Patna : 97 Km
Varanasi : 250 Km

Bodhgaya General Information
Location : Bihar
Tourist Attractions : Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhi Tree
Local Tongue : Hindi
STD Code : (91) - 631
Best time to Visit : October to March

Buddhist Tour Packages  in India
|| India Buddhist Tour || Buddhist Tour With Golden Triangle || Buddhist Tour With Nepal || Footsteps of Lord Buddha
|| Buddhist Sites In India and Nepal || Footsteps of Buddha || Buddhist Tour With East India || Land of Buddha Tour
|| Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour || Buddhist Temple Tour || Buddhist Travel Package || Buddhist Destination Tour India
|| Buddhist Travel India ||  Ladakh Buddhist Tour ||