This is a religious center in Bihar state of India. The religious center is located in a district referred to as Gaya. Bodhgaya India is a famous tourist destination. There are several reasons behind the popularity of the region. It has a rich and well-connected transport channel. This makes it easy for the transport and local movement of tourists. There are several local roads that provide transport within the Bodhgaya region. Bodhgaya India is also a major heritage center. The tourist in the region is boosted by the major historical centers within this region. The history of Bodhgaya dates back to the 18th century. This was the period the region was given its current name. The name f the region is associated with a former Buddha. It was named after the Buddha. After the main attractions in the area are mainly historical sites and structures. Mahabodhi temple is one of the most famous temples in Bodhgaya.
The temple was founded by Emperor Asoka. The temple has a history that states that it was built more than two hundred and fifty years ago. The temple has a diamond throne. It also has the holy Bodhi tree. The tree is considered holy by the Buddha devotees. The Bodhgaya region has several other Buddhist temples. They have significance to the local followers and the devotees of Buddha. The temples are located around the Mahabodhi temple. Their architecture and décor depends on the origin country of the temple. Some of the countries with their Buddha temples in Bodhgaya include China and Japan. The Chinese temple has a Buddha idol that is more than two hundred years old. The statue was imported from China. The Nippon is the Japanese temple. There is a Thai temple located close to a garden. The garden has a 25 meter tall statue of Buddha. The garden is approximately one hundred years old.
Main Sightseeing Pilgrimages of Bodhgaya
Bodhgaya Archaeological Museum
The Bodhgaya Archaeological Museum is a major tourist attraction site in Bodhgaya. The museum was built in the 1956. It has major historical and religious monuments of the people. The museum has ancient monument collections. The oldest of the monuments dates back to the 1st century BC to the 11th century AD. The museum is one of the largest and has some of the best displays. It has a courtyard with ancient pillars. The pillars were a collection of the remains of the old Mahabodhi temple. The temple was destroyed and the remains of the major pillars are still displayed at the Bodhgaya Archaeological Museum. Other attractions within the museum are the monuments. Most of the monuments are from the Buddhist religion.
Some of these include the zodiac writings, the Surya and the Buddhist pantheon. The museum is divided in to two major galleries. The first gallery has general sculptures. These include the statues of Buddha in different attires and location, the statues of Manjushri and those of Surya. They also show pillars with image carvings on them. The other hall or gallery two has collections of the Buddha and the Brahmanical faith followers and statues. The museums’ inner verandah has an incarnation of lord Shiva. The museum is toured by the pilgrimages and followers of the two major religions. It is also toured by those interested in the history of the region. The museum is accessible through the major local roads.
Japanese Temple
The region of Bodhgaya has several other temples for the Buddha religion. The Japanese temple is located close to the Mahabodhi temple. It is referred to as the Indosan Nippon temple. The temple is located approximately fifteen kilometers from the Bodhgaya town. It was built in the 1972. The temple is a major attraction due to its architecture, history and the religious significance. The temple is a major site for Buddhist teachings. It has a rich Japanese architecture. It also has been constructed from wood carving. The architecture is of ancient Japanese architecture of the shrines. It has many Japanese paintings. This displays the Buddha religion and Japanese events since the Gautama Buddha period.
During the major festive seasons, the temple is usually flocked by thousands of Buddha devotees. They attend prayers and thanksgiving ceremonies at the temple. Apart from the Mahabodhi temple, the Japanese temple is second in architecture. Being built from carving of natural wood, the temple is also exiting. This makes it a different type of temple from the rest made of stones and bricks. The Japanese temple is also toured since it is close to the Mahabodhi temple. The Mahabodhi tourists displays their interest in the Japanese temple since it is the second most outstanding among the other smaller temples. From the Japanese temple site, one can tour several other sites. These include the Mahabodhi temple, the Bodhi tree and the Chinese temple. There are also other temples from different other countries within Bodhgaya.
Bodhgaya Temple
The Mahabodhi temple is a place of major tourist interest in Bodhgaya. The temple belongs to the Buddha devotees. The temple was built using the Dravidian architecture. It is outstanding due to this architecture that is different from the other local temples. The temple site was toured in the 250BC by the emperor Asoka. This was after the enlightenment of the Buddha. He built a diamond throne as the mark of Buddha’s enlightenment. The throne was also the mark of where the Buddha monastery would be set up. The temple was approximately built between the 5th and the 6th century. The temple is built using bricks all round. It is one of the temples that are still standing that were built using bricks only.
It is also one among the oldest temples built by bricks in the eastern India region. The temple has a main central tower. This is approximately one hundred and eighty feet tall (180ft). This is surrounded by four smaller towers. They have the same architectural designs. They were renovated and renewed in the 19th century. Around the temple on the outer side are two meters high stone railings. The railings are of two categories. The first category is made of sandstones. The stones were probably of the 150BCE century. They have inscriptions of the Hindus’ goddess of wealth known as Lakshmi. They show the goddess being bathed by elephant. The recent railings were made of unpolished granite. They have inscriptions of the Surya, eagles and lotus flowers. The temple has a rich history and architecture.
Bodhi Tree
The Bodhi tree is a place toured by many tourist attractions. It is a holy and sacred fig tree. The tree has a rich history about its significance. It is also the oldest among the spiritual trees in the area. The Gautama Bodhi who was a spiritual teacher was enlightened under the Bodhi tree. The tree has heart shaped leaves that are its main attraction. The tree is in the Mahabodhi temple area. It was planted in the 288BC. The Bodhi tree that was planted was not the original one. The seed was raised from the original Bodhi tree. The Bodhi tree in Mahabodhi is referred to as Sri Maha Bodhi. The history of the tree indicates that after his enlightenment, the Buddha stood in front of the tree without blinking for a whole week. This was an indication of his gratitude.
The pilgrimages built a shrine in the place where the Buddha stood. After some time, the tree withered but grew up again. This led to the construction of a larger monastery. This is known as Bodhimanda Vihara. This shrine is a site for the yearly festival held at the tree site. The tree site also has a big statue of Buddha meditating under it. The tree has so much religious significance to the locals. They tour the place especially during the festival seasons. The tree is also in the same site with the Mahabodhi temple. The temple tourists also flock the tree site in large numbers.
Chinese Temple
There are several other temples and places of worship within the Bodhgaya region. The Chinese temple is one of the famous smaller temples. It is located within the vicinity of the Mahabodhi temple. The temple was renovated in the year 1997. It has a great Chinese architecture. The temple is made of Chinese materials and architecture. It has a rich Chinese décor and design. The writings and portraits within the temple have a Chinese origin. Within the temple there is a shrine sanctum. The sanctum was imported from China. It is more than two hundred years old. The temple also has other attractions. The major attraction is the annual temple festival. Since it is a Buddhist religious center, the temple holds the peace festival and the Buddha anniversary annually. There are also some three golden statues of Buddha.
There are several other temples of tourist attraction within the Chinese temple. These include the Thai temple, the Japanese temple and the Mahabodhi temple. They are major centers for religious festivals. The temples are toured many any followers and devotees of the Buddha. Other attractions in the Bodhgaya region include the Mahakala cave with a temple cave. This shrine is a major tourist center. It is a meditation center for the Buddha devotees. Other interesting places include the eighty feet statue of Buddha. This is a large statue representing the main deity. It is one among the largest statues of Buddha in Bodhgaya. Within the Mahabodhi temple site, there are several notable shrines.
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Best Time to Tour Bodhgaya
The Bodhgaya region has different seasons that affect tourism in different ways. The area has three main seasons. The summer occurs in the month of March to May. They are characterized by a hot and humid climate. The humid climate gets extreme during the month of April all the way to May. At this time, tourism is at its minimum. The other major season is the monsoon. The season happens between June and August. Monsoons are usually rainy seasons. The Bodhgaya monsoon is characterized by heavy rains. Temperatures are also high and humid at the time. The rains occur rapidly and could be at times unpredictable. These factors hinder many outdoor activities and sight seeing. The Bodhgaya region also experiences winter seasons. This is during the months of December to the month of February. The seasons have average and cool temperatures. They are considered ideal for outdoor activities.
Bodhgaya has several festivals that attract tourists. The Buddha Jayanti is the main religious festival. The season is for celebrating the full moon. The festival happens either in the month on April or in May. The Buddha devotees celebrate his birth and anniversary. The other major festival is the Nyingma Monlam Chenmo. The festival takes place in the month of January and February. The celebrations are held for three continuous weeks. The season is for celebrating the world’s peace and is attended by major leaders. The final season is held for three days. The Buddha Mahotsava is a cultural and traditional festival.
Hotels in Bodhgaya
Hotel Tokyo Vihar
The Bodhgaya hotel is located in an easily accessible place. It is close to the Japanese temple. The hotel offers major accommodation in Bodhgaya. It is also close to the Mahabodhi temple that is a major sightseeing attraction in the region. The hotel has accommodation rooms with necessary facilities. The amenities offered include satellite connection, multi-channel TVs dial only direct phones, hot and cold water and attached baths. The hotel has other general amenities like in-room movies, kitchenettes, coffee and tea makers and optional mini-bars. The hotel provides parking lot with ample security, a spa and a health center. They offer massage and doctors on request. They provide a travel information desk, money exchange services, laundry services and babysitting services. The hotel has a multi-cuisine restaurant. They provide Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Indian and continental dishes. They provide sightseeing packages to the historical places and temples.
Hotel Lumbini International
The Lumbini hotel offers luxury and business setting accommodation. The hotel has sixteen luxury rooms. They are fitted with the necessary room amenities and services. Among the most notable room services offered include hot and cold water, attached baths, towels in all rooms, satellite connection and remote controls. The hotel has other facilities like dial direct phones, carpeted floors and tea and coffee makers. They offer a safe deposit locker at the front desk. They provide services like all time room services, periodic laundry and call facilities. They provide rental car services and taxis. The hotel has a multi-cuisine restaurant. This provides Thai, Indian, Chinese and Japanese foods. They also offer major sightseeing packages. The places widely toured include the main temple, the museum and the other smaller temples. The Hotel Lumbini International is accessible through the major roads. It is also close to the Gaya junction railway station.
Hotel Thai International
Thai international is a business and leisure center. It offers accommodation in thirty six well furnished rooms. They offer super deluxe and deluxe rooms. All the rooms are air-conditioned and well ventilated. They offer room services and amenities like, all time room services, TVs, remote controls, satellite connection, money exchange services and periodic laundry. The hotel has other room and laundry facilities like a secure parking lot, and complementary papers. They provide hot and cold water, an optional mini-bar, a dressing area, and safe locker desks and dial only phones. The hotel has a large conference room. It is fitted with modern facilities like projectors and photocopiers. They arrange for meeting facilities and board meeting rooms. The hotel also has a large restaurant. This provides local, Indian, continental, Thai and Chinese dishes. There is a bar and lounge that offers exotic drinks and cocktails. They have local sightseeing tours arranged.
Hotel Heritage Bodhgaya
The hotel is located close to the Nyingma monastery. It is a major accommodation center for the Bodhgaya tourists. The luxury hotel is also close and at a walking distance from the Mahabodhi temple. It offers thirty three rooms. The rooms are well furnished, ventilated and air-conditioned. There are several room amenities availed. These include the room services, dial only phones, safe deposit lockers, optional mini-bars, Wi-Fi connection, and internet access, hot and cold water and attached baths. The hotel offers several services. These include room services, laundry services, secure parking and car rental services. They have a travel desk for dispatching travel information. The hotel has a large conference and banquet hall. They also have board meeting facilities. They have a well-stocked library. The hotel has a multi-cuisine restaurant and lounge. This provides local, Indian, Chinese and Japanese dishes. They provide doctors on request and postal services.
The Royal Residency
The royal residency is a three stars hotel for luxury and business tours. It is located three kilometers from the Gaya airport. It is also located several kilometers from the rail station. The hotel is close to the Mahabodhi temple. It has been built on three acres of land. It has sixty two rooms. The rooms are suites and twin bed rooms. They have facilities and services aiming at the comfort of the guests. Among the facilities offered include dial direct phones, satellite TVs, remote controls, and coffee/tea makers, towels, dressing mirrors, a study area, a computer and emergency exit. The hotel offers services like all time room services, doctors on request, rental car services and sightseeing tours. The hotel has conference and banquet halls. They also provide a shopping arcade. The hotel has a multi-cuisine restaurant. It provides Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Thai and continental dishes. There is a bar with exotic drinks.
Delta International Hotel
The Delta international hotel is located at a close distance to the railway and the airport. It is also very close to the major attractions in the area. The main attraction close to the hotel is the Mahabodhi temple. The hotel has several rooms. They are suites and executive rooms offered. The rooms have facilities like air conditioners, satellite connection. LCD TVs, remote controls and attached baths. They have room furniture like clocks, a study table and chair, an iron and ironing board and a safe deposit locker. The rooms also have towels, slippers and grab bar in the baths. They provide hot and cold water. The hotel has a conference room with necessary amenities. The have a hotel referred to as the Honey hotel. They provides Chinese, Indian, Japanese and continental dishes. The hotel provides local sightseeing packages. They include tours to the major places of interest in the region.
Sujata Hotel
The Sujata hotel is easily accessible. It is within reach from the major roads and rails. The hotel has several accommodation rooms. The rooms have amenities like air conditioners, tea and coffee makers, towels, dressing mirrors, safe deposit lockers and private bathrooms. The hotel also has amenities like TVs, satellite connection, internet access, mini-bars and attached baths. They provide hot and cold water for the bathrooms. The hotel has several services. They include laundry services, rental car services and money exchange services. They provide shops in within the hotel and secure parking lots. The hotel has a conference hall. The hall has necessary amenities like projectors and office amenities. They offer board room meeting facilities. The hotel has a multi-cuisine restaurant. The restaurant offers Indian, Chinese, Japanese and Thai dishes. They have a bar and lounge. This offers local and international cocktails. They also provide exotic drinks and wines.
Hotel Taj Darbar
The hotel is centrally located. It is easily accessible from the major roads and rails. The nearest railway station is the Gaya railway. The hotel is a major accommodation center for the Bodhgaya tourists. The luxury hotel is also close and at a walking distance from the Mahabodhi temple. It offers large and spacious rooms. The rooms are well furnished, ventilated and air-conditioned. The rooms have amenities like satellite TVs, remote controls, and coffee/tea makers, towels, dressing mirrors, a study area, a computer and emergency exit. The hotel offers services like all time room services, doctors on request, rental car services and sightseeing tours. The hotel has conference and banquet halls. They also provide a shopping arcade. The hotel has a multi-cuisine restaurant. It provides Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Thai and continental dishes. There is a bar with exotic drinks. They provide local sightseeing packages. The major places of interest are the multiple local temples.
Hotel Shashi International
This is a budget hotel in Bodhgaya. It is a business and leisure hotel. There are twenty accommodation rooms within the hotel. The rooms have modern facilities and services. They include satellite connection; multi-channel TVs dial only direct phones, hot and cold water and attached baths. The hotel has other general amenities like in-room movies, kitchenettes, coffee and tea makers and optional mini-bars. The hotel provides parking lot with ample security, a spa and a health center. They offer massage and doctors on request. They provide a travel information desk, money exchange services, laundry services and babysitting services. The hotel has a multi-cuisine restaurant. They provide Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Indian and continental dishes. They provide sightseeing packages to the historical places and temples. The major places toured include the temples, the shrines and the caves in the area. The hotel provides places for events and wedding grounds.
Hotel Embassy
The hotel is located in front of the Thai temple. It allows one to have a look at the major sights in the region. The hotel rooms are well furnished, ventilated and air-conditioned. There are several room amenities availed. These include the room services, dial only phones, safe deposit lockers, optional mini-bars, Wi-Fi connection, and internet access, hot and cold water and attached baths. The hotel offers several services. These include room services, laundry services, secure parking and car rental services. They have a travel desk for dispatching travel information. The hotel has a large conference and banquet hall. They also have board meeting facilities. They have a well-stocked library. The hotel has a multi-cuisine restaurant and lounge. This provides local, Indian, Chinese and Japanese dishes. They provide doctors on request and postal services. They provide local sightseeing packages. The places to tour include the close Thai temple, the Mahabodhi temple and the Bodhi tree.
