Why people go
A World Heritage Site and the holiest place in Buddhism, with the Bodhi tree, a descendant of the original, beside the temple.
Getting there
- Nearest airports: Gaya (GAY), about 7 km, Varanasi (VNS), about 231 km in a straight line. Check which have flights from your city.
- Nearest major railway station: Gaya Junction railway station (GAYA), about 12 km. Smaller stations may be closer.
- Base: our Bodh Gaya guide covers where to stay and how to get there.
Tips before you go
- Walk the outer circuit at dawn with the monks.
- Phones and cameras rules change; check at the gate.
Visiting from abroad?
Everyone is welcome. Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered) and follow the queue rules. OCI and foreign passport holders: carry your passport.
Part of
Other shrines nearby
- Rajgir and Nalanda, Nalanda district (about 57 km)
- Shikharji (Parasnath Hill), Giridih district (about 141 km)
Frequently asked questions
Where is Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya?
Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya is in Bodh Gaya, Bihar.
How do I reach Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya?
The nearest airport on our list is Gaya (GAY), about 7 km away in a straight line, and the nearest major railway station is Gaya Junction railway station, about 12 km away.
What is the best time to visit Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya?
Oct-Mar is the most comfortable. The busiest times are Buddha Purnima and the winter pilgrim season (December-January).
Can non-Hindus or foreigners visit Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya?
Everyone is welcome.
How we chose: real demand, from monthly Google searches in India (Semrush, India database, monthly Google searches, checked 21 Oct 2026), plus the circuits families actually travel. Locations: Wikidata (CC0) and Wikipedia. Airports and stations are the nearest on our own lists, measured in a straight line, so check flights and road times. We do not list timings or fees because they change; check with the temple. Checked 21 Oct 2026.
More: Wikipedia