Bodhgaya, the erstwhile Uruvela, is an international place of pilgrimage located in the central part of
Bihar, 16 km from
Gaya and 105 km from
Patna. Situated on the banks of Niranjana River, it is the place where
Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment. The centre has monasteries and meditation centers run by Tibetan, Burmese, Thai and Vietnamese communities. There is a restored 7th century
Mahobodhi Temple, considered to be originally built by
Ashoka during 300 BC and a museum of Buddhist and Hindu relics here.
An ancient pipal tree - named
Bodhi Tree - is situated at the back of the main temple. It is revered as the descendant of the tree under which Gautama sat in meditation for enlightenment.
The ideal time to visit Bodhgaya is between December and March. Barabar and Nagarjuni Hills, situated about 41 km from Bodhgaya, are sites worth visiting.
Bhar State Tourism Development Corporation conducts daily deluxe coach services to and from Bodhgaya and Patna. Nearest airport is Patna Airport (112 km) and the nearest railhead is Gaya Junction Railway Station (16 km).
