Bodhgaya: The Land of Enlightenment

Bodhgaya, located in Bihar, is one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world. It is the place where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree, making it a spiritual hub for Buddhists and travelers seeking peace and serenity.

Top Attractions in Bodhgaya

• Mahabodhi Temple – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this temple is built at the exact location where Buddha attained enlightenment.

• Bodhi Tree – The sacred tree under which Lord Buddha meditated and gained enlightenment.

• Great Buddha Statue – A 25-meter-tall statue of Lord Buddha in meditation pose, surrounded by smaller statues of disciples.

• Thai Monastery – A beautiful temple with traditional Thai architecture, offering a serene ambiance.

• Tibetan Monastery – A monastery showcasing Tibetan art and culture, with a peaceful meditation hall.

• Dungeshwari Cave Temples – Ancient caves where Buddha meditated before his enlightenment.

• Archaeological Museum – A museum displaying relics, sculptures, and artifacts related to Buddhism and ancient Indian history.

Bodhgaya is a vibrant destination, especially during Buddha Purnima and other Buddhist festivals, attracting devotees and spiritual seekers from all over the world.

Distance from Varanasi to Bodhgaya

Bodhgaya is approximately 250 km from Varanasi. The travel time is around 5-6 hours, depending on the mode of transport and road conditions.

How to Reach Bodhgaya from Varanasi

1. By Road (Car/Taxi/Bus) 🚗

• By Car/Taxi: You can hire a private taxi or drive via NH19. The journey takes around 5-6 hours.

• By Bus: Regular buses operated by Bihar State Transport and private operators connect Varanasi and Bodhgaya. The travel time is approximately 6-7 hours.

2. By Train 🚆

• Nearest Railway Station: Gaya Junction (GAYA), located about 16 km from Bodhgaya.

• Several trains connect Varanasi to Gaya Junction, with a travel time of 4-5 hours. From Gaya, you can take a taxi or auto-rickshaw to Bodhgaya.

3. By Air ✈️

• Nearest Airport to Bodhgaya: Gaya International Airport (GAY), located about 12 km from Bodhgaya.

• Alternatively, you can fly from Varanasi to Patna Airport (PAT), which is 120 km from Bodhgaya. From Patna, you can travel to Bodhgaya by car or train, taking around 3-4 hours.