Gaya is considered to be one of the seven sacred cities in Hinduism.
Gaya is an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists.
Gaya is an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists and is located in the Indian state of Bihar. The town is considered to be one of the seven sacred places in Hinduism and it is said that in Gaya Lord Vishnu enlightened the warrior prince, Bhagiratha. There are many Hindu and Buddhist temples in Gaya and its one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in the North-Eastern part of the country.
The city of Gaya is considered a major pilgrimage place for Buddhists, as this is the site where Buddha delivered one of his important sermons. Apart from its religious significance, the city is also known for its scenic beauty and historical places. Mahabodhi Temple and the Bodhi tree where Buddha got enlightenment are some of the important sites in the city.
Things to know
Time zone: IST (GMT+5:30)
Currency: Indian Rupee (INR), (Current exchange rate)
Languages: Hindi
Country calling code: +91
Police, Medical helpline: 100
How to reach Gaya?
Gaya is one of the major religious destinations in Bihar, India. The town is well-connected by road, train, and air network. It’s very close to Patna and Ranchi, and Varanasi. Gaya attracts millions of tourists every year, let’s find out the best way to reach Gaya from your city.
By road: The most convenient way to reach the town is to hire a cab/car from Patna to Gaya. Patna is the capital city of Bihar and it’s around 100 Km away from the city. It takes around 3 to 4 hours to reach Gaya from Patna.
Trains to Train: Gaya railways station is one of the most important stations in North-East India. Train from Kolkata to Delhi and Mumbai goes through the city. There are multiple train options available from the national capital New Delhi to Gaya. Mahabodhi Express and Purushottam Express are some of the most popular trains on this route.
By flight: Gaya has its own international airport (GAY), although this airport is not very busy but operates daily flights from New Delhi and a few other cities in the country. There are a few airlines that operate international flights from Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Thailand to Gaya.
Online ticket booking websites in India
Flights: Makemytrip
Bus: Redbus
Train: IRCTC
Gaya is home to several significant temples and monasteries, and it makes the town one of the most religious sites in the region. These are just a few of the many significant temples and religious places in Gaya, Bihar.
Mahabodhi Temple
One of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world, World Heritage Mahabodhi Temple is believed to be the site where Lord Buddha achieved enlightenment. There are many other Buddhist Temples built in the small locality of Gaya the place is known as Bodhgaya and it’s just 15 Km away from the city center.
Address: Bodh Gaya, Bihar 824231 (location)
Opening hours: 5 am to 9 pm
Entry fee: Free
Contact: +91 63122 00735
Vishnupad Temple
The temple is considered one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites in India and it’s dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This is the place where Lord Vishnu granted enlightenment to the warrior prince, Bhagiratha. The temple is built on the bank of the Falgu river and you will find the footmark on Lord Vishnu on a rock at this temple.
Address: Chand Chaura, Gaya, Bihar 823001 (location)
Opening hours: 5 am to 10 pm (Friday, 6 am–9 pm)
Entry fee: Free
Mangala Gauri Temple
Mangala Gauri Temple of built in the 15th century and it is one of the 52 Mahashaktipeeths dedicated to Goddess Sati. It is believed that some body parts of Goddess Sati fell on a hill and since then it is considered one of the most important pilgrimage sites.
Address: Mangla Gauri Mandir Rd, Shakti Peetham, Gaya, Bihar 823001 (location)
Opening hours: NA
Entry fee: Free
Barabar Caves
These caves are made on Barabar Hill and are considered to be the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in the country. Many believe that this site was used by Buddhist monks for meditation and worship and is considered a pilgrimage site for Buddhists.
Address: Barabar Hill Road, Barabar, Sultanpur, Bihar 804405 (location)
Opening hours: 24 hours (Sunday, Closed)
Entry fee: Free
Thai Monastery
There are a number of monasteries in the town, Thai Buddhist monastery is one such beautiful monastery. Thai monastery is an important pilgrimage site for Thai Buddhist followers, who come to the city to pray and meditate.
Address: Sujata Bypass Rd, Belsar, Bodh Gaya, Bihar 824231 (location)
Opening hours: NA
Entry fee: Free
Bodhi Tree
This is a sacred fig tree and it is believed to be a direct descendant of the tree under which the Lord Buddha got enlightenment. The Bodhi tree is considered the most important site of the Buddha’s enlightenment. It is a major pilgrimage site for Buddhists from all over the world.
Address: Bodh Gaya, Bihar 824231 (location)
Opening hours: 5 am to 9 pm
Entry fee: Free
Contact: +91 63122 00735
Important apps to download
Redbus online bus booking
MakeMyTrip Online hotel and flight booking
Uber app-based taxi
Swiggy app-based food delivery
IRCTC, train booking app
Google translate
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