Things To Do in
Bodhgaya

UNESCO World Heritage Site — the 55m tall temple marking the exact spot of the Buddha's enlightenment. The Vajrasana (Diamond Throne) inside is the most sacred object in Buddhism.

A direct descendant of the original Bodhi Tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. Meditating beneath its branches is the most powerful experience in Bodhgaya.

The spot where the Buddha stood motionless for seven days after enlightenment, gazing at the Bodhi Tree in gratitude — a deeply moving meditation spot.

The path where the Buddha walked in meditation for seven days after enlightenment — one of the seven sacred sites within the Mahabodhi complex.

5 km from Bodhgaya — where Sujata offered rice milk to the starving Siddhartha, giving him strength before enlightenment. A quiet, beautiful stupa on the Niranjana riverbank.

12 km from Bodhgaya — the caves where Siddhartha practised severe asceticism before enlightenment. Three Hindu temples here, one inside a cave with a golden Buddha statue.

A stunning Thai-style temple with a golden spire and serene meditation gardens — built by the Royal Thai Government. Beautiful in the evening with lights.

An 80-foot white pagoda with large Buddha statues on four sides — gift of the Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist order. Peaceful grounds for meditation.

A vibrant Tibetan Buddhist monastery with spinning prayer wheels, colourful thangka paintings and chanting monks. Very welcoming to visitors.

One of the most beautiful monasteries in Bodhgaya — Bhutanese architecture with intricate woodwork and golden rooftops.

A large Vietnamese-style temple complex with a 10m white Buddha statue in the meditation posture — surrounded by tranquil gardens.

10-day silent Vipassana retreats taught in the tradition of S.N. Goenka — held at the Dhamma Bodhi centre near Bodhgaya. Completely free of charge.

Arrive at the Mahabodhi complex by 5:15 AM and meditate under the Bodhi Tree as the sun rises — the most profound experience you will have in India.

A Tibetan Buddhist retreat centre offering courses in Buddhist philosophy, yoga and healing. Set in beautiful gardens 3 km from the main temple.