In the North Indian state of Bihar, the city of Bodh Gaya is famous for being where Prince Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment, becoming the Buddha. It’s a major pilgrimage destination for Buddhist people, drawing in pious visitors from around the world. As such, the most popular things to do in Bodh Gaya include visiting temples and attending Buddhist teachings. Don’t miss the city’s most famous attraction—the Mahabodhi Temple—which marks the location of the Buddha’s enlightenment.
The best time to visit Bodh Gaya is between October and March when temperatures are coolest. However, this is also the busiest time of year, so expect crowds. April and May weather tends to be hot. If you can brave the high temperatures, you'll get to visit during key Buddhist festivals, including Buddha Jayanti, which commemorates the Buddha's birthday, and Bodhi Purnima, which honors his enlightenment.
Bodh Gaya is easy to get around, and many of its key attractions are within walking distance of one another. Bicycle rickshaws and auto rickshaws are also available, as are taxis. Some visitors opt to rent bicycles to get from point to point quickly. If you visit Bodh Gaya’s attractions on a city tour, your guide will probably pick you up from your hotel.
Although Bodh Gaya is far from Dharmsala, the seat of the Tibetan government in exile in India's mountain state of Himachal Pradesh, the city does have a sizable Tibetan population. As such, it's a great place to sample Tibetan food. One of the more popular spots is the Tibet Om Cafe, which serves vegetarian Tibetan dishes, including momos (veggie-filled dumplings) and hearty noodle soups.
