Bodhgaya Weekend Trip | Short Trip To Bodh Gaya

OVERVIEW- Bodhgaya is where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment about 2600 years back. This tiny town is therefore an important pilgrimage spot for the Buddhists, which is not merely confined to Buddhists but people around the world come here, regardless of their religions. A visit to this holy town gives a new meaning to your life, especially if you are enrolling for meditation courses. If not it, the attractions would make you feel the beauty of Buddhism. Visit its beautiful monasteries and temples and just experience the warmth and serenity like never before.

GAYA- Gaya is one of the most symbolic city of Bihar. From being the birthplace of Buddhism to sharing deep bond with Hinduism and Jainism it is one of the major pilgrimage sites for Hindus and Buddhists. Its natural surroundings, narrow by lanes and its age old buildings make it special. Hindus consider Gaya to be the place for attaining salvation. Hence, they perform pindadaan (funeral offerings of the deceased) here. Gaya is an important site for Jains as it is home to numerous Jain temples. Gaya is important for Buddhists as Buddha preached the Fire Sermon at Brahmayoni Hill, which was earlier called Gayasisa.

Tour Destination: Gaya/Bodhgaya

Travel Duration: 02 Nights/03 Days

DAY 1: GAYA

Welcome at Gaya Airport / Railway Station. Transfer to the hotel. After breakfast, visit the holy city of Gaya.

MAHABODHI TEMPLE- The Mahabodhi temple is also called as the "Great Awakening Temple". It is among one of the World Heritage Sites. It is a Buddhist temple in Bodh Gaya, which marks the location where the Buddha, is said to have attained enlightenment. Mahabodhi temple is a historical place at which the Enlightenment of Gautam Buddha took place which later on became a place of pilgrimage.

BODHI TREE- The Bodhi Tree, is perhaps the most prominent and respected sacred places in Buddhism because of the rich historical significance attached to it. It is under this tree that Prince Siddhartha Gautama, the spiritual teacher who later became to be known as the Buddha, attained enlightenment. It is believed that Prince Siddhartha had to sit and meditate under this tree for seven days. Later on, a shrine known as Animisalocana Cetiya was erected on the spot where he had sat down. A small temple was also built near the Bodhi tree in the 7th century.

GREAT BUDDHA STATUE- This statue of Lord Buddha is the tallest in India and was instated by the XIV Dalai Lama in 1989. It is a meditating Buddha resting on a giant lotus, constructed using intricately carved sandstone and red granite.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 2: BODHGAYA

After breakfast, continue your sightseeing in the symbolic town of Gaya

THAI MONESTRY- Well known for its curved roof covered with exquisite tiles of gold, the Thai Monastery houses a bronze statue of Buddha and another recently erected 25m high statue in the garden.

ROYAL BHUTAN MONESTRY- The Royal Bhutan Monastery has been named so, as it was built by the King of Bhutan as a dedication to Lord Buddha. Clay carvings are seen on the interior walls of the monastery that depict different aspects of the Buddhist culture.

VISHNUPAD TEMPLE- As the name suggests, this temple was built as a dedication to Lord Vishnu and features a 40 cm long footprint of Lord Vishnu that is enclosed by a basin made of silver plates.

DUNGESHWARI CAVE TEMPLE- Drive about 12 km northeast of Gaya to reach the ancient Dungeshwari Cave Temples, also known as Mahakala Caves. It is believed that Lord Buddha meditated in the three caves here before continuing his journey to Bodhgaya. The caves here also feature Buddhist shrines which are called Sujata Sthan by the natives.

MUCHALINDA LAKE- A popular site at Bodh Gaya, the Muchalinda Lake is located next to the main temple. It is associated with a mythological tale stating that Lord Buddha was protected from the storm by Snake King Muchalinda.

PRETSHILA HILLS- The site is highly pious among Hindus where several devotees pay homage/Pinda Daan to their ancestors in order to free their soul and give them final relaxation. Moreover, before performing the rituals of Pind Daan, devotees take a holy dip in Brahma Kund which is considered divine.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 3: GAYA

Day free for leisure and later depart at Gaya airport/station to catch your flight/train towards onward destination.

Gaya at a Glance