Bodhgaya:

Brief History

According to Buddhist traditions, circa 500 BC Prince Siddhartha, wandering as an ascetic, reached the sylvan banks of Falgu River, near the city of Gaya. There he sat in meditation under the Bodhi tree. After three days and three nights of meditation, Siddharta attained enlightenment. He spent seven weeks at seven different spots in the vicinity meditating. After seven weeks, he traveled to Sarnath, where he gave his first sermon about Buddhism.

Mahabodhi Temple: The complex, located about 96 kilometers from Patna contains the Mahabodhi Temple with the diamond throne and the holy Bodhi tree. This tree was originally a sapling of the Sri Maha Bodhi tree in Sri Lanka, itself grown from a sapling of the original Bodhi tree. It is believed that 250 years after the enlightenment of the Buddha, Emperor Asoka visited Bodh Gaya. He is considered to be the founder of the original Mahabodhi temple. It consists an elongated spire crowned by a miniature stupa and a chhatravali on a platform. A double flight of steps led up to the platform and the upper sanctum. The mouldings on the spire contained Buddha images in niches. Some historians believe that the temple was constructed or renovated in the 1st century during the Kushan period. With the decline of Buddhism in India, the temple was abandoned and forgotten, buried under layers of soil and sand. The temple was later restored by Sir Alexander Cunningham as part of his work for the British Archaeological Society in the late 19th century. In 1883, Cunningham along with J. D. Beglar and Dr Rajendralal Miitra painstakingly excavated the site. Extensive renovation work was carried out to restore Bodh Gaya to its former glory.

It is the main attraction of Bodhgaya town and is located near the spot where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. It stands east to the Bodhi Tree.  The Mahabodhi Temple is situated in the temple complex. The matchless design of this temple is attractive with gilded image of Lord Buddha.

Other Monasteries

There are several Buddhist temples and monasteries exist in Bodhgaya, which are constructed by the people of Bhutan, China, Japan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sikkim, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Tibet and Vietnam. These buildings reflect the architectural style, exterior and interior decoration of their respective countries. The statue of Buddha in the Chinese Temple is 200 years old and was brought from China. Japan’s Nippon Temple is shaped like a pagoda. The Myanmar Temple is also pagoda shaped and is reminiscent of Bagan. The Thai Temple has a typical sloping, curved roof covered with golden tiles. A massive and spectacular bronze statue of Buddha exists in the temple. Next to the Thai temple there is a recent 25-meter statue of Buddha located within a garden, which has existed there for over 100 years. Tibetans build two temples.

The archeological museum of Bodhgaya is special, a must see attraction of Bodhgaya. There are various meditation courses offered around the town by many institutes. The courses are conducted in winters from October-February. Apart from Bodhgaya, there are some interesting excursions available such as Gaya, Nalanda and Rajgir.

The Bodhi Tree

At the western side of the Mahabodhi Stupa in Bodhgaya stands the large and historic Bodhi Tree under which Shakyamuni Buddha, then known as Gautama, attained enlightenment some 2540 years ago. The present Bodhi Tree is the fifth descendant of the original tree planted at this site. It still has a lot of significance for Buddhists, being revered as the actual Buddha by some enthusiasts. It is an inspiration and imprint of peace for the followers of Buddhism.

Vajrasana: Vajrasana, the stone platform is the seat of stability.

Ancient Railings: The ancient railings of 1^st century BC that surround the temple are very interesting monuments.

Chankaramana : This marks the sacred spot of the Buddha’s meditative perambulation during the third week after pious enlightenment. It is believed that wherever the Buddha put his feet lotus sprang up.

Animeshlochana: It is believed that the Buddha spent one week here looking towards the Mahabodhi Tree out of gratitude, without twinkling his eyes.

Ratnagar: The Buddha spent one week here, where it is believed that five colors came out of his body.

Lotus Tank: The sacred tank where it is believed that Buddha had spent one week.

How To Reach Bodh Gaya

Air: The Patna airport is located at a distance of 112 Kms.

Rail: The nearest Railway station is Gaya Railway Station situated at a distance of 16 Kms.

Road: Bodhgaya is connected by road and Patna is 105 Kms via Jehanabad and 181 Kms via Rajgir.

Best Time to Visit

The weather of Bodhgaya is pleasant throughout the year and can be visited anytime. However, the best season to visit is winter from October to March when the climate is cool and comfortable.

In this trip you will be enjoying Buddhist circuit along with popular Delhi-Agra- Jaipur golden triangle and the old culture city Varanasi. The important Buddhist centers as Bodhgaya, Rajgir, Nalanda and Sarnath are covered. This itinerary also features Mcleodganj and Dharamshala, the home of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Buddhist Pilgrimage & Golden Triangle Trip Booking

Bodhgaya: It is one of the most significant places of Buddhist Pilgrimage. This city has Mahabodhi Temple and sacred monasteries. It is one of the four holiest cities of Buddhists; other three are Kushinagar, Lumbini, and Sarnath. This is the place where the prince Siddhartha sat in meditation under the Bodhi Tree and attained enlightenment to become Lord Buddha. There are some important and interesting excursions from Bodhgaya such as Nalanda and Rajgir.

N.B: Please Contact Us to book this trip.

Duration: 18 Nights / 19 Days
Route: Delhi -Dharamshala- Agra-Bharatpur- Jaipur- Varanasi – Bodhgaya- Patna- Delhi

Day 1. Arrival Delhi: You will be assisted on arrival at Delhi International airport and then transferred to the hotel to spend overnight at hotel.

Day 2. In Delhi: In the morning after breakfast you will be taken on a full day sightseeing of Delhi starting from a walking tour of old Delhi’s narrow crowded streets through spice market and Chandni Chowk busy with their day to day business apart form grand Jama Masjid and magnificent Red Fort. You will then have a delicious lunch break at renowned Karim’s restaurant before driving to see some of the New Delhi sights such as Qutab Minar, India Gate, Humayun’s tomb and the Old Fort by the evening. Having visited these sights you will be back to hotel to spend overnight at hotel.

Day 3: Delhi / Dharamshala via Pathankot: In the morning after breakfast sight seeing of Delhi for rest of places then transfer to the old Delhi railway station to board overnight train to Pathankot.

Day 4: In Dharamshala: Assistance on arrival in the morning at Pathankot railway station then transfer to Dharamshala by road. Having reached check in at hotel and relaxation for few hours, then you will explore the beautiful hill city Dharamshala established in 1849 at the slopes of the Dhauladhar range. Dharamshala has a lovely view of snow peaks, lush green forests, tea gardens and beautiful hills. At present Dharamshala us inhabited by Tibetan settlements and it is the residence of His Holiness the ‘Dalai Lama’. There is overnight stay in Dharamshala.

Day 5: In Mcleodganj: Today morning after breakfast you will enjoy half day sight seeing of Dharamshala then transfer to Mcleodganj, having checked in at hotel, relax for some time. In the evening you will visit Dalai Lama Temple that is at a short walking distance from the main square. Mcleodganj got prominence as a major tourist attraction when Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama arrived along with thousands of followers in 1959. There are Tibetan settlements with religious education and other Buddhist Culture Centres here. There is overnight stay in Mcleodganj.

Day 6: In Mcleodganj: Today morning after breakfast you will enjoy full day sight seeing of Mcleodganj visiting Bhagsu Falls; a serene village located very close by to the Mcleodganj city center, Bhagsunath; an attractive tourist spot, Dharmakot; 14 km ahead of McLeodganj is a favourite with peace lovers surrounded by lush green deodar trees and beautiful landscapes and Church of St. John; it is a 20 minutes leisurely walk from McLeodganj main square. It is an Anglican church founded by the British Viceroy, Lord Elgin, in the year 1852, known for its peaceful environs and Belgian stained glass windows. There is overnight stay in Mcleodganj.

Day 7: Dharamshala / Agra via Pathankot: In the morning after breakfast, sight seeing of Mcleodganj for the rest of the day then transfer to Pathankot railway station to board overnight train to Agra.

Day 8: In Agra: Assistance on arrival at Agra railway station then transfer to hotel. Having reached check in at hotel, after freshen up you will be taken on a guided tour of Agra visiting the Taj Mahal that was built by the mughal emperor Shahjahan for his beloved wife Mumtaj Mahal, Agra Fort or Red Fort and I’timad-Ud-Daulah, the Empress Nur Jahan built this tomb for her father, it is also called the Baby Taj. Having done that you will be taken to Agra Bazaar in the evening then back to the hotel for overnight stay.

Day 9: Agra / Bharatpur: In the morning after breakfast departure transfer to Bharatpur visiting Fatehpur Sikri on the way, it is an old kingdom deserted by the Mughal king for the lack of water. Having reached check in at beautiful Laxmi Vilas Palace and have sound sleep after dinner. There is overnight stay at Bharatpur. There is overnight stay at Bharatpur.

Day 10: Bharatpur / Jaipur: Today early in the morning you will be driven to Jaipur. Having checked in at hotel you will have breakfast and relaxation for some time then you will proceed for guided tour of this colorful city visiting Gaitor; memorials to the former rulers of Jaipur the place has some gracefully carved cenotaphs in white marble, Jaigarh Fort; standing on a hilltop, world’s biggest cannon on wheels is positioned here and Nahargarh Fort; built in 1734. The walls of the fort run along the ridge with architectural beauties. There is overnight stay at hotel.

Day 11: Jaipur/ Varanasi: Today morning after breakfast you will be enjoying the guided trip to the city visiting Amer Fort (Amber Fort) The fort is remarkable blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture a fine piece of Rajput architecture, built in the seventeen centuary is famous for great views from the top. Later in the day visit Hawa Mahal; built in 1799 is one of the most recognizable monuments of Jaipur, City Palace situated in the heart of the old City houses important museum and allows a fine view of the gardens and the city. In the evening visit a magnificent observatory built in 18th century. Having seen all these you will be transferred to the railway station to board overnight train to Varanasi.

Day 12: In Varanasi: You will be assisted on arrival in the afternoon at Varanasi railway station then transfer to hotel. Having reached check in at hotel and relaxation for the day. The evening is at leisure on Ghats. There is overnight stay in Varanasi.

Day 13: In Varanasi: Today morning you will have an excursion to Sarnath, a Buddhist pilgrimage where Lord Buddha given His first sermon after enlightenment and walking around the Sarnath to see old Buddhist Stupas. Having visited you will be back to Varanasi to spend overnight at hotel.

Day 14: Varanasi/ Bodhgaya: Today you will have an early morning boat ride on the Ganges to see some of the Hindu religious activities and rituals on ghats such as bathing, washing and funeral pyres ansd some temples such as Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Sankat Mochan temple and Golden Temple then transfer to the railway station to board evening train to Bodhgaya. There is overnight stay in Bodhgaya.

Day 15: In Bodhgaya: Today morning you will be enjoying the guided trip of Bodhgaya visiting The Mahabodhi temple; It is the main attraction of Bodhgaya town and stands east to the Bodhi Tree. The Mahabodhi Temple is situated in the temple complex. UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site.

Day 16: In Bodhgaya: Today morning after breakfast you will be visiting full day at leisure exploring Monasteries of different countries. There are several Buddhist monasteries in Bodhgaya, constructed by many countries such as Japan, Myanmar, China, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Tibet and Thailand etc. These countries have built the monasteries in different designs. After that you will visit the archeological museum of Bodhgaya, that is a special and must see attraction of Bodhgaya. There is overnight stay at Bodhgaya.

Day 17: Bodhgaya / Rajgir: In the morning departure transfer to Rajgir by road. Having reached check in at hotel, then sight seeing of Rajgir and Nalanda for the rest of the day. There is overnight stay in Rajgir.

Day 18: Rajgir / Delhi via Patna: In the morning after breakfast, sight seeing for day then transfer to Patna to catch evening flight to Delhi. There is overnight stay in Delhi.

Day 19: Delhi/ Back Home: In the morning after breakfast full day at leisure in Delhi then transfer to the airport as per the flight schedule to board flight back home.

Important: The itinerary can be customized as per your preference, interest and available time. Click Here to adjust the same as per the requirement.