Bodh Gayā

Although Bodh Gayā is a small town, it is the most important Buddhist pilgrimage site in the world, as Gautama Buddha used to attain enlightenment under the 'Bodhi Tree' there. Buddhist communities from all over the world have built numerous temples, monasteries and monuments in Bodh Gayā, including a 25 m high statue, known as the Great Buddha Statue.

Many Tibetan refugees live in Bodh Gayā and the Dalai Lama often spends some time there. There are also many westerners who come to Bodh Gayā to learn about Buddha and to meditate.

Bodh Gayā's major reference point is the Mahabodhi Temple, with its 50 m tall tower. The temple complex is inscribed in the UNESCO list of world heritage sites. Around the temple is a stone railing with beautiful carvings and inside you will find a gilded image of Buddha. The bo tree on the temple's premises is said to be a direct descendant of the tree under which Buddha did his meditation and reading. Archaeological finds suggest that the areahas been used by Buddhists since the Mauryan period.

There are several hotels and restaurants in town, but many people prefer to stay in nearby Gayā, where more facilities are available. Bodh Gayā is in the Indian state of Bihar, some 885 km southeast of Delhi.