Things to do in  Gaya

About an hour's drive north of Gaya in the hills of Makhdumpur, the Barabar Caves are believed to date to the third century AD, making them among the oldest rock-cut cave temples in India. They’re worth visiting if you’re already spending time in Gaya or Bodh Gaya and want to deepen your knowledge of Buddhist history.

Situated inside the hilltop Dungeshwari Caves (also known as the Pragbodhi Caves), this temple marks the spot where the Buddha is believed to have spent many years performing austerities. The main temple features a statue of an emaciated Buddha, representing the Buddha in a state of near starvation. There are a few other Buddhist and Hindu shrines in the caves, including one dedicated to the goddess Dungeshwari.

On the banks of the Falgu River in Gaya, the Vishnupad Temple is a historic temple that attracts Hindu pilgrims interested in performing rituals honoring their ancestors. It gets its name because of a footprint that's believed to mark where the Lord Vishnu first set foot on the earth.

Dating to the 15th century, the Mangla Gauri Temple is one of India's 51 Shakti Peethas—a temple built to mark spots where the Goddess Sati's body parts fell after her death. It's considered an important pilgrimage spot for Hindus, particularly those who follow Shakta (goddess worship) traditions.

Close to the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, the Tibetan Monastery is a residential monastery for Tibetan Buddhists and a popular spot for visitors. This multistory temple is built in the traditional Tibetan style and features a massive Dharmachakra (Wheel of Law), prayer flags, and other religious art.