Situated on the bank of Neranjana river, Bodhgaya is one of the most important and sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites as it is considered to be the birthplace of Buddhism. Chanting and prayers are in every corner of the town spreading tranquility and serenity. History and Architecture enthusiasts and tourists seeking spiritual awakening will be delighted to find solace here. The history of this quaint town is more than 2500 years old. Chinese travellers such as Fa Hien and Xuanzang visited Bodhgaya in 5th and 7th century.
It was in Bodhgaya, Sakya Prince Siddhartha Gautam attained enlightenment and supreme knowledge to become Lord Buddha under a banyan tree that later got the name Maha Bodhi tree. Towards the east of Bodhi Tree, Emperor Ashoka built the Mahabodhi Temple (Unesco World Heritage Site) – one of the most sacred and ancient temples. The Giant Buddha Statue is one of the main highlights of Bodhgaya, 80 feet tall Lord Buddha can be seen seated on Lotus in open air in meditation pose. There are plenty of monasteries in Bodhgaya such as Royal Bhutan Monastery, Tergar Monastery, Burmese Monastery, Thai Monastery etc. The Tibetan Refugee Market is paradise for shopping lovers to pick up souvenirs.
