In the footsteps of Lord Rama, Gaya beckons you to embrace its sacredness, delve into its legends, and uncover the timeless wisdom it holds. A journey to the best places to visit in Gaya is not just a mere visit but an opportunity to connect with the divine, gain a deeper understanding of one’s roots, and forge a lasting bond with the spiritual heritage of India.
Gear up on this pilgrimage of the soul, and let Gaya reveal its hidden treasures to you. Discover the best places in Bodhgaya and embark on a transformative journey that will leave an everlasting impression, filling your heart and mind with blessings and enlightenment. Gaya eagerly awaits your arrival, ready to embrace you with open arms and guide you on a path of spiritual awakening and cultural discovery.
Is Gaya Worth Visiting?
Gaya holds immense significance for Hindus as it is believed to be the very place where Lord Rama, the revered figure of Hindu mythology, performed the sacred ritual of Pindaan for his ancestors. This mystical connection has made Gaya a revered pilgrimage site for devotees seeking spiritual solace and blessings. However, Gaya is not just a place of religious importance; it also boasts a rich cultural heritage and offers captivating attractions that will leave any visitor in awe.
22 Top Tourist Places in Gaya That Beacons You to Unfold the Timeless Wisdom it Holds
Gaya and its tourist attractions allure extends beyond its religious significance. Its captivating landscapes, picturesque surroundings, and warm hospitality make it a destination that caters to diverse interests. From exploring the intricate carvings at the Vishnupad Temple to indulging in local delicacies and crafts at the bustling markets, Gaya provides an enriching experience for all. Continue reading to browse the 22 top places to visit in Gaya that beacons you to unfold the timeless wisdom it holds. Continue reading!
1. Maa Mangla Gauri Mandir
Entry Fee: Free Entry
Timings: 6:00 am to 8:00 pm
Best Time to Visit: October to November
Maa Mangla Gauri Mandir is located at the top of the hill. It is one of the 18 Maha Shaktipeeths in Gaya, Bihar. This 15th C temple is well-decorated and offers an aura of holiness. Devotees flock to the temple in huge numbers as its references are found in ancient Puranas, i.e., Padma Purana, Vayu Purana, and Agni Purana. People visit the temple for its history, which says that the breast portion of Sati Mata fell at the spot. Also known as ‘Upa Shakti Peeth,’ the place is worshiped as the seat of power.
2. Mahabodhi Temple
Entry Fee: Free Entry; INR 100 for Camera; INR 300 for Video Camera
Timings: 5:00 am to 9:00 pm
Best Time to Visit: November to February; April to May
Mahabodhi Temple is among the 22 best places to visit in Gaya. The temple is as old as 3rd C B.C. and houses the primary pilgrimage site, Bodhi Tree. Being one of the four holy sites related to the life of the Buddha, the temple is recognized as a Buddhist Holy Place under the Bodhgaya Act. Every year people come to explore the architecture of the temple. It’s believed that Buddha attained enlightenment here. Its major attractions are the six sacred sites of Buddha enlightenment, the Bodhi Tree, and ancient Votive stupas.
3. Dungeshwari
Entry Fee: Free Entry
Timings: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Dungeshwari Cave Temple is situated at a distance of 12 km from the central city of Gaya. As per mythology, Buddha meditated in these three caves before attaining enlightenment in Bodhgaya. This is one of the attractive destinations in Gaya, beholding the history of strict penance Lord Buddha underwent. The major attraction of the cave is Sujata Sthan which houses the 6 feet tall golden idol of Gautam Buddha. You’ll be mesmerized to glance at the meditative pose idol!
4. Barabar Caves
Entry Fee: Free (No ticket charges)
Timings: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
Best Time to Visit: October and March
As old as the Mauryan Period, Barabar Caves are among the oldest rock-cut caves in India. You can visit the caves by climbing the Barabar Hills, Gaya, Bihar. The historical importance attached to the caves makes it popular among tourists. As per belief, monks belonging to the Ajivika Sect used to live in the Barabar Caves. These caves have two chambers, and learning about Hindu & Jain sculptures is magnificent. You can listen to the echo effect from the caves and worship the shrine/ stupa placed inside the inner chamber.
5. Pind Daan Gaya
Entry Fee: Free Entry; INR 2000 for rituals
Timings: 1 pm to 5 pm
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Gaya Pind Daan, near Vishnupad, is one of the most populated tourist places to visit in Gaya. People come here to perform the Pinda daan of their ancestors. You can pre-book any priest at reasonable charges who’ll perform Pind Daan at your budget starting as low as Rs. 25 to Rs. 5000. Performing pind daan with calmness and acquiring inner peace of soul is what devotees get from here.
6. The Great Buddha Statue
Entry Fee: Free Entry
Timings: 7 am to 12 pm; 2 pm to 6 pm
Best Time to Visit: April to June
The Great Buddha Statue is 64 feet tall, depicting the Dhyana Mudra of Lord Buddha. Seeing the statue seated at the top of a lotus in the open air is stupendous. Pilgrims from all over the world flock to Gaya to sightsee the giant statue of Buddha. The statue was built in 7 long years, and it was made available for devotees after its completion by his holiness 14th Dalai Lama. The red granite and sandstone blocks make the statue attractive!
7. The Royal Bhutan Monastery
Entry Fee: Free Entry
Timings: 7:00 am to 7:00 pm
Best Time to Visit: October to March
If you are looking for the top places to visit in Bodhgaya, The Royal Bhutan Monastery is an ideal choice. Buddha followers visit this place for its sacredness. You will be awe-struck to get a sight of the traditional Bhutanese architecture. The interior looks stunning with the serpentine-like cravings on the monastery’s wall. The statue of Buddha is as high as 7 feet, and the neatly carved interior throws light on the various life stages of Buddha. You can practice spirituality and peace in the rooms available within the monastery complex.
8. Brahmayoni Hills
Entry Fee: No Entry Fee
Timings: 5:00 am to 6:30 pm
Best Time to Visit: September to March
Seated at the top of Brahmayoni Hill, the sacred shrine of Brahmayoni is one of Gaya’s top tourist destination hotspots. Both tourists and devotees visit the site to feel the beauty of nature and understand its history. As per ancient Hindu texts, the temple represents the female energy of Lord Brahma. You must climb 424 steps to get to the top of the hill. Brahmayoni Hill is home to 2 caves known as Brahmayoni Gufa and Maitreyiyoni Gufa. You can also pray in the temple – Sri Ashtabhuja Devi.
9. Vishnupad Temple
Entry Fee: Free Entry
Timings: 6:30 am to 7:30 pm
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Vishnupad Temple is one of the most religious temples in Gaya. Built-in the 18th C, the temple was built by Queen Ahilyabai. The temple is located on the banks of the holy river of Falgu. The 40-centimeter-long footprints of Lord Vishnu attract devotees every year. The religious site is dotted by water and steep rocks on three sides. Watch the pyramidal structure of the temple’s interior & the glittering golden flag called Kalash.
10. Archeological Museum Bodhgaya
Entry Fee: INR 10 per person
Timings: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Archeological Museum Bodhgaya lies in proximity to the Mahabodhi Temple. Established in 1956, the ancient museum has two galleries and an open courtyard. Tourists come here to sightsee the beautiful and rare antique collections. The museum houses terracotta items, ancient sculptures, coins from the Mughal Period, and idols of Hindu Gods idols’ made of silver, bronze, and gold. You’ll feel blessed to see the sight of Lord Buddha in Abhaya Pose and Varaha Avatar in the museum.
11. Falgu Rubber Dam
Made of 17 thick rubber, Falgu Rubber Dam is among Gaya’s best places to visit. The dam is the longest in Bihar and covers an area of 400 meters. The height of the dam is 3 meters high. The water in the dam gets stored for about two and a half kilometers. Devotees who come to the Falgu River at Vishnupad Ghat to perform Pind Daan will enjoy easy access to at least 2 feet of water all year round – all thanks to the Falgu Rubber Dam.
12. Sita Kund
Entry Fee: Free Entry
Timings: Morning to Evening
Best Time to Visit: October to February
Sita Kund is a popular tourist site in Naimisharanya that attracts Hindu devotees from every corner of India. The pond is on the opposite side of the Vishnupad temple in Gaya, Bihar. This holy pond is believed to be the place where Goddess Sita took a bath before her exile. It forms an important heritage site from a cultural point of view. Sita Kund is a small temple where devotees offer prayers, especially on the full moon day. The water of the kund is crystal clear and transparent & so a must-watch place.
13. Metta Buddharam Temple
Entry Fee: No Entry Fee
Timings: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Metta Buddharam Temple is an alluring temple that reflects Thai architecture. Situated in Bodhgaya, the outer shell of the temple is very decorative. The temple’s walls are made of mirrors, and the temple’s floor is made of wood. The marble-floored meditation room in the temple lets devotees meditate. Tourists visit the temple to sightsee the marvelous decoration & hand-made sculptures. Made of white cement, clay, and epoxy, you’ll get hypnotized by the beauty of its distinct architecture and Lord Buddha statue.
14. Sujata Stupa
Entry Fee: Free Entry
Timings: 7:00 am to 7:00 pm
Sujata Stupa is one of the best places to visit in Gaya, dedicated to a tribal woman named Sujatha. The temple is situated in the Bakraur area of Bodh Gaya, Bihar. This pilgrimage in Bodhgaya is considered to be a holy and religious site. This stupa was built during the Gupta period. It’s believed that Sujatha offered kheer as the first meal to Gautam Buddha, which the lord consumed after years of starvation. You can visit the small temple built in the stupa.
15. Rajayatna Tree
Entry Fee: Free Entry
Timings: 7 am – 7 pm
Best Time to Visit: March to May; June to August; September to November
Situated on the south of the Mahabodhi Temple complex, the Rajayatna tree forms one of the major religious spots in Gaya, Bihar. It’s believed that Lord Buddha spent his primary time meditating under the tree for seven weeks before attending his enlightenment. Devotees who come to offer prayers in the Mahabodhi Temple conclude their trip by visiting Rajayatna Tree as their final destination.
16. Mangla Gauri Temple
Entry Fee: No Entry Fee
Timings: 6:00 am to 8:00 pm
Best Time to Visit: March and April
Mangla Gauri Temple is dedicated to Goddess Shakti. The temple finds its reference in Hindu Puranas and witnesses a multiple visit of devotees. It would help if you explored the temple, for it’s one of the 18 Maha Shaktipeeths in India. The temple is as old as the 15th century. Sati Mata is worshiped as a deity inside the main shrine. People believe that those who worship the goddess with a pure heart & true devotion get their prayers answered.
17. Tibetan Refugee Market
Entry Fee: Free Entry
Timings: 9:00 am to 8:00 pm
Best Time to Visit: November to March
Located on the Northern side of Mahabodhi temple, Tibetan Refugee Market forms one of the primary Gaya tourist places. This Market is famous for its warm clothes and handicraft articles of the Tibetan faith. Tourists and travelers shop for fashion and other durable items. The exotic Tibetan and Chinese food stalls Market market make the visit more enjoyable. Sandalwood statues of Lord Buddha are also available in the Market.
18. Gandhi Maidan Gaya
Entry Fee: No Entry Fee
Timings: Throughout the Day
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Gandhi Maidan Gaya is a 3.2-mile-long field in Bihar. This extended route is located near Jai Prakash Nagar, Gaya, India. Gandhi Maidan is the best place to stroll, which forms an elevation gain of about 39.4 ft. Pace walkers best review the walking trail. You can take this route and walk at an average of 1h10m to enjoy the surroundings.
19. Shri Markandey Mahadev Mandir
Entry Fee: No Entry Fee
Timings: 4:00 am to 10:00 pm
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Shri Markandey Mahadev Temple is among the 22 best places to visit in Gaya. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated in proximity to Kaithi Village, this Dham is one of the principal deities of the Purvanchal. It’s believed that the temple is equivalent to Dwadash Jyotirlinga. It finds a reference in Shri Markandeya Purana. Devotees from every corner of India come to the Dham to get solutions to various problems and get relief from their grief.
20. Ramshila Hill
Entry Fee: No Entry Fee
Best Time to Visit: July and August
Visit and explore the holiest site of Gaya, i.e., Ramshila Hill. Located on the southeast side of Gaya, the place holds its religious importance for devotees who believe that Lord Rama’s “pinda” offering was made here. Tourists and Hindu pilgrims feel blessed to glance at the antique stone carvings on and around the hill. Mythological beliefs suggest that pilgrims with a pure soul might get the golden opportunity to see Lord Ram’s footprints in the Ramshila Temple. You can also dip in the holy pond and worship in the Shiv Mandir, all housed on the hill.
21. Bodhgaya Water Park
Entry Fee: INR 300 per person
Timings: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Best Time to Visit: October
MarchBodhgaya Water Park is one of the top attractions in Gaya. People come here with families to enjoy and feel the excitement on land and adventure in the water. Bodhgaya Waterpark forms the ultimate fun! Located in Bodhgaya, the land of enlightenment, this waterpark has many water sports and rides to enjoy. Thrill seekers must visit the park with a musical environment, spacious parking, and a food court.
22. Pret Shila Mandir
Entry Fee: Free Entry
Timings: Open 24 hours
Pret Shila Mandir is a holy mandir in Gaya, Bihar. It’s situated at a distance of just 8 km from the central city of Gaya. The place is popular among tourists for the pind daan rituals. The temple is located at the top of the Hill of Ghosts. It’s dedicated to lord Yama – the god of death. Ramkund, the pond, is located beside the temple where Lord Rama is believed to have taken a holy bath. Devotees who come to the temple come with a pure heart to wash away all their sins.
Wrapping Up
Gaya, with its deep-rooted spirituality and rich cultural heritage, stands as a testament to the glorious past and enduring traditions of India. As we conclude our exploration of the best places to visit in Gaya, it becomes apparent that Gaya has something profound to offer to every traveler. Whether you seek spiritual enlightenment, historical insights, or simply wish to immerse yourself in the mystical ambiance of this sacred land, Gaya will leave an indelible mark on your soul..
