Bodhgaya
Bodh Gaya is an extremely popular religious site in Gaya district in the Indian state of Bihar. It is known for being the place where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment under a Bodhi tree. Since then, the place has become extremely popular among the followers of Buddhism who visit here from all over the world for some mental solace.
Bodh Gaya is counted among the four main pilgrimage sites based on the life of Gautama Buddha. The other three sites are Kushinagar, Lumbini, and Sarnath. The holy Mahabodhi Temple here earned the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002.
Bodh Gaya rests along the bank of river Neranjana. The first temple here was raised by King Ashoka. Bodh Gaya complex houses the very popular Mahabodhi Temple. Lord Buddha visited this place after he attained enlightenment in around 250 BCE. Around 200 years after this, King Ashoka visited here to build a holy shrine. The place bestows seamless serenity and spirituality and welcomes people of all religious backgrounds.
Another renowned attraction here is the Great Buddha Statue. This majestic Statue is the tallest in India. It was installed here by the XIV Dalai Lama in the year 1989. It looks majestic with Buddha meditating on a massive lotus.
How to Reach:
By Air: Gaya is the nearest airport around 17 kilometres from Bodh Gaya.
By Rail: The nearest rail head is Gaya Junction 13 kilometres away from the town.
By Road: State buses run from Patna to Bodh Gaya twice a week.