Why visit
Mahabodhi Temple is the most important Buddhist pilgrimage site in the world. The complex includes the Bodhi tree, meditation spaces and many monasteries built by Buddhist countries.
- 3 to 4 hours for the complex and one monastery
- October to March; early morning or late aftern...
Bodh Gaya from Varanasi: Mahabodhi Temple & How to Plan the Trip
The UNESCO World Heritage temple complex in Bihar where the Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree.
LocationBodh Gaya, Bihar, about 250 km from Varanasi
Time needed3 to 4 hours for the complex and one monastery
Best timeOctober to March; early morning or late afternoon.
EntryFree; photography may have a small fee
Overview
The UNESCO World Heritage temple complex in Bihar where the Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree.
- Best time: October to March; early morning or late afternoon.
- ui.facts.timings: Open in the daytime with a closing time in the evening; verify locally.
- Time needed: 3 to 4 hours for the complex and one monastery
- Dress code: Modest; remove footwear in the temple
- Nearby: Great Buddha Statue, Thai Temple, Japanese Temple, Sujata Kuti
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Good to know
Visiting Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya: what to know
From Varanasi
Bodh Gaya is about 250 km away, roughly four to five hours by road. Visiting Sarnath and Bodh Gaya together covers the two most important sites of the Buddha's life in this region.
What is inside the complex
- The Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- The Bodhi tree, a descendant of the original tree under which the Buddha meditated.
- The Vajrasana (diamond throne) and a lotus pond.
- Gardens, shrines and meditation areas.
How to reach
By road about 4 to 5 hours from Varanasi. Gaya airport and railway station are 15 to 20 km from the temple, with taxis and autos to Bodh Gaya.
Best time and etiquette
October to March is the most pleasant. Early morning and late afternoon are best. Speak softly, avoid touching the sacred tree and follow the instructions of monks and staff.
Photos
Photos
Trip details
Quick facts
- Dress code
- Modest; remove footwear in the temple
- Nearby
- Great Buddha Statue, Thai Temple, Japanese Temple, Sujata Kuti
- Photography
- Allowed in permitted areas with rules
- Timings
- Open in the daytime with a closing time in the evening; verify locally.
Frequently asked questions about Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya
How far is Bodh Gaya from Varanasi?
About 250 km, roughly four to five hours by road.
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Add to your trip
Tours and trips that include Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya
Varanasi to Bodh Gaya Cab
Private AC cab from Varanasi to Bodh Gaya, about 250 km each way, with a driver who knows the route.
- About 250 km each way
- One way or round trip
- Sedan, SUV or Innova
Varanasi Bodh Gaya Tour Package 3 Nights 4 Days
Varanasi and Sarnath combined with the Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya, the key Buddhist circuit.
- Sarnath and Dhamek Stupa
- Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya
- Ganga aarti
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