Things To Do In Bodh Gaya For Divine Experience 2025
Bodh Gaya is a sacred site, the very place where Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment while meditating under a Bodhi tree.
This pilgrimage place is of immense importance in Buddhism, and hundreds of thousands of devotees visit yearly. Since the time of Buddha, the place has gained its own personality. With the arrival of Chinese, Nepalese, Bhutanese, Japanese, and Vietnamese Buddhists who settled in this holy place, Bodh Gaya has become a multicultural melting pot. Whether you are visiting as a devotee, or simply as a tourist, there are many things to do in Bodh Gaya on your trip. Read more!
List of 10 Best Things To Do in Bodh Gaya
Check out the list of Bodh Gaya religious spots, tourist places, experiences, and quintessential activities.
- Mahabodhi Temple: Major Buddhist Site
- Bodhi Tree: Where Lord Buddha Meditated
- Shopping: Explore Main Market & Tibetan Market
- Great Buddha Statue: Magnificent Craftsmanship
- Thai Monastery: Intricate Architecture
- Muchalinda Lake: A Serene Spot
- Indosan Nippon Japanese Temple: Epitome of Japanese Architecture
- Bodhgaya Archaeological Museum: A Collection Of Artefacts
- Local Cuisine: Taste The Flavours of Bodh Gaya
- Royal Bhutan Monastery: Tribute To Lord Buddha
1. Visit The Mahabodhi Temple
Image Credit: Amitabha Gupta for Wikimedia Commons
Also known as the ‘Great Awakening Temple’, Mahabodhi Temple is one of the most significant Buddhist sites in the world. The temple showcases excerpts from Lord Buddha’s Life. The temple was first built by the emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC. The present version of the temple was rebuilt in the 5th-6th century AD, and has seen many renovations since.
The gigantic 170-foot temple stands as a cylindrical pyramid, called a shikhara, on the 48 sq. ft. basement. Atop the temple are the Chataras, which depict the sovereignty of religion. The architecture is endlessly fascinating, and the theological noteworthiness is invaluable. Visiting the Mahabodhi Temple is the first and foremost thing to do in Bodh Gaya.
- Location: Bodh Gaya, Bihar 824231, India
- Timings: 5 am – 9 pm
- Things To Do: Worship, meditate, explore temple carvings, photography
Also Read: Gaya Mandir
2. Meditate Under The Bodhi Tree
Buddha attained enlightenment while meditating underneath this tree for seven weeks without moving an inch from his position. The giant holy Bodhi Tree is one of the most sacred artefacts of Buddhism. Located in the same place, this tree is considered the direct descendant of the original bodhi tree.
A shrine has been built on the same spot where Buddha meditated, called Animisalocana cetiya. You can also meditate under the same tree to experience mindfulness and detoxify mind and soul.
- Location: Mocharim, Bodh Gaya, Bihar 824231
- Timings: 5:00 am – 9:00 pm, Monday- 5:00 am – 12:00 am
- Things To Do: Meditation, soul searching, and photography
3. Go Shopping
Shopping in Bodh Gaya is an experience like no other. The Tibetan market is right in the centre of the town, where you will find excellent quality woollen clothes in bright colours. You can buy a diverse range of trinkets and souvenirs related to Buddhism. One can spend hours and hours just looking at the various products on sale.
This flea market has several shops, all run by Buddhist folks, mainly with a Tibetan background. The statues and figurines of Buddha are beautiful and you may find some in sandalwood or metal. Shopping in Bodh Gaya is one of the best things to do.
- Location: Node 1 road, near bus stand, Bodh Gaya, Bihar 824231
- Timings: 8:30 am–8:30 pm
- Things To Do: Shopping for clothes, bags, trinkets, and souvenirs.
Related Post: Temples In Bihar
4. See The Great Buddha Statue
One of the most popular things to do in Bodh Gaya is visit the Great Buddha Statue. At an impressive 80 ft., the Statue is one of the top attractions in Bodh Gaya. The open-air statue represents Buddha in a profound meditation on a lotus flower, extending peace and harmony.
This colossal statue with a combination of sandstone and red granite blocks took seven years to complete with 12,000 stonemasons. Inside the statue is a hollow spiral staircase leading you up to the chest and around 16,300 small bronze images of the Buddha.
- Location: Great Buddha Campus Road, Great Buddha Rd, Bodh Gaya, Bihar 824231
- Timings: 7:00 am – 12:00 noon, 2:00 pm – 5:30 pm
- Things To Do: Sightseeing, admiring the statue, photography
5. Admire The Intricate Architecture of Thai Monastery
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Located just 650 meters from Mahabodhi Temple, the Thai Monastery or Wat Thai Buddhagaya exhibits a perfect blend of Thai and Buddhist architectures. The 25-meter-high bronze statue of Lord Buddha inside is the epicenter of the monastery. The sloping roof embellished with golden tiles is a mainstay of classic Thai architecture.
One of the top things to do in Bodh Gaya is imbibing this monastery’s tranquil aura, attending meditation classes held every morning and evening, and learning about Theravada Buddhism, one of the oldest sects in Buddhism.
- Location: 700 m from Mahabodhi Temple, Sujata Bypass Road, Bodh Gaya
- Timings: 4:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Things To Do: Prayer, meditation, photography
Related Post: Places To Visit In Nalanda
6. Unwind At Muchalinda Lake
Image Credit: Chandan Singh for Wikimedia Commons
The lake is named after the serpent King Muchalinda, and visiting it is one of the most sought-after things to do in Bodh Gaya, Bihar. According to legend, this is the spot where Buddha spent the sixth week while attaining enlightenment.
While he was drowned in meditating, a thunderstorm struck, and the serpent king emerged as a shield for Buddha. The central sculpture here is Buddha and the snake around him as a protector. The clean waters of the lake and lush greenery around it make it a sight for sore eyes.
- Location: Opposite Mahabodhi Temple, Muchalinda Lake Rd, Mocharim, Bihar 824231
- Timings: Open all day
- Things To Do: Nature photography, meditation, relaxation
7. Explore Indosan Nippon Japanese Temple
Image Credit: Hiroki Ogawar for Wikimedia Commons
Built in 1972, the Indosan Nippon Japanese Temple is an exemplary piece of Japanese architecture. This temple resembles Japanese shrines carved out of wood and featuring a giant pagoda. Listed among the best things to do in Bodh Gaya, exploring this magnificent temple fills one with awe and wonder.
The prime goal of constructing this temple was to preserve Buddhism and spread its teachings, especially the ecclesiastical thoughts of Lord Buddha. Here, you can also witness numerous Japanese paintings illustrating the life of Buddha.
- Location: Buddha Road, Bodhgaya Ho, Bodhgaya, Bihar 824231
- Timings: 5:00 am – 12:05 pm, 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
- Things To Do: Attend prayer, learn about Buddhism in Japan, photography
Related Post: Buddhist Monasteries In India
8. Excavate History At Bodhgaya Archaeological Museum
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Located near Mahabodhi Temple, the Bodhgaya Archaeological Museum features a vast collection of artifacts, sculptures, and antiques based on Hinduism and Buddhism from 2nd century BC to 11th century CE. Inaugurated in 1956 by the 14th Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso, the museum has three prime galleries, apart from the portico and corridor.
The museum’s exceptional collection, including intriguing images of Buddha, Manjusri, Maitreya, and other prominent Buddhist figures, makes visiting it a true delight and one of the best things to do in Bodh Gaya, Bihar.
- Location: Gaya Center, Bodh Gaya, Bihar 824231
- Timings: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Closed on Friday.
- Things To Do: See the diverse collection of sculptures, coins, thangkas, miniature pots.
9. Taste The Local Cuisine
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Bodh Gaya’s local cuisine is a delicious blend of traditions and cultures intermingled for centuries. This place holds immense significance for Hindus and Buddhists. Many outside influences have shaped its diverse and flavourful cuisines.
From ancient Tibetan recipes passed down through generations to many new hybrids, Gaya’s culinary scene keeps evolving. You can find the taste of Bihar here, and Gaya is also popular with those who have a sweet tooth. try Enursa, Tilkut, Khaja, Lai, Kesariya peda, Litti-chokha, Pua, Marua ka roti, and Chana Bhuja.
- Location: Visit the various restaurants and street food corners of the city
- Timings: NA
- Things To Do: Try out different restaurants and cafes.
Related Post: Ashoka Pillar
10. Pay A Visit To The Royal Bhutan Monastery
Image Credit: Shakti for Wikimedia Commons
Constructed in 2003 as a tribute to Lord Buddha by the erstwhile King of Bhutan, the Royal Bhutan Monastery is among the top attractions in Bodh Gaya. The monastery showcases excerpts from Gautam Buddha’s life with fascinating 3-dimensional clay carvings. The marvellous architecture, a seven feet tall structure of Buddha, and a serene aura surrounding the monastery deserve your attention.
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- Location: MXRM+WQ8, Bodh Gaya, Bihar 824231
- Timings: 5:00 am – 12:00 noon, 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
- Things To Do: Attend prayer sessions and explore Bhutanese architecture
Best Time To Visit Bodh Gaya
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Winter, from October to March, is considered the best time to visit Bodh Gaya. During this time, the temperature ranges from 8 to 25 degrees Celsius, making it comfortable for all travellers to explore and see in Bodhgaya without the uneasiness of scorching heat and rainfall. You can also witness and participate in significant Buddhist festivals, such as Buddha Jayanti and Kalachakra Festival, enhancing your overall travel experience.
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Conclusion
This was the be-all and end-all of the things to do in Bodh Gaya. There is no shortage of exciting opportunities for sightseeing, be it religious places or pure natural spots. Explore Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhgaya Archaeological Museum, Thai Monastery, Muchalinda Lake, Bodhi Tree, and Great Buddha Statue in Bodh Gaya on your next trip to Bihar.
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FAQs About Things To Do in Bodh Gaya
What to buy from Bodh Gaya?
You can buy Buddhist religious texts, prayer beads, handicrafts, and clothing in Bodh Gaya. If you want to buy souvenirs, the Tibetan Refugee Market is the best place. Woodwork, zari embroidered fabrics, silver jewelry, brass work, lacquer bangles, Madhubani paintings, everything is available at reasonable prices.
What to do in Bodh Gaya?
Travellers can indulge in a variety of things in Bodh Gaya, such as delving into the teachings of Lord Buddha, praying and seeking blessings, marvelling at architecture, and sightseeing.
Is 1 day enough for Bodh Gaya?
Surprisingly, one day is adequate time to explore Bodh Gaya. The popular attractions in Bodh Gaya are all within reach of each other. You can pay a visit to the Mahabodhi Temple, Giant Buddha Statue, and Muchalinda Lake, have your lunch, and then go on to exploreother attractions like the Archaeological Museum and the various monasteries.
Which is the famous food of Gaya?
Gaya is famous for its sweet treats and traditional Bihari cuisine. Don’t forget to try Enursa, Tilkut, Khaja, Lai, Kesariya peda, Litti-chokha, Pua, Marua ka roti, and Chana Bhuja when visiting Gaya.
Which is the best month to visit Gaya?
October to March is generally considered to be the best time to visit Bodh Gaya, as the weather is simply delightful during winters. Buddha Purnima, or Buddha Jayant, which celebrates the birthday of Gautam Buddha (usually in May) is another time when a lot of devotees love visiting the town.
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Abhay Kumar is a graduate of English Literature. Writing is both his hobby and his passion. He writes academic research articles as well as poetry and short fiction. He loves reading science fiction, fantasy, literary fiction, and translated fiction. He also loves traveling and writing about himself in the third person.
