Tourism in Gaya District provides the attractions which are important to Hindus, Jians and the Buddhists. Gaya District is located on the banks of Lilanjan River and Phalgu River. This district is famous for Gaya, one of the pilgrimage tourist destinations in Bihar. Gaya District has many tourist destinations like Mahabodhi Temple, Vishnupad temple, Mahakala caves, Dungeshwari Cave, Barabar caves, Bodhi Tree and many other destinations.
Mahabodhi Temple
Mahabodhi Temple is the architectural splendour of the modern era and the early era. It laid in a ruined condition till the British era. This temple is standing on a 48 square feet tall basement, the structure resembles a pyramid but for its cylindrical top. Mahabodhi Temple is belonging to the 7th century.
Vishnupad Temple
Vishnupad Temple is considered as the temple of Lord Vishnu"s footprints. This ancient temple was reconstructed in the year 1787 by the Queen of Indore Rani Ahilya Bai. The footprint is 40 centimetres in length.
Dungeshwari Cave
Dungeshwari Cave gains spiritual importance as Gautama Buddha spent many years here before he headed towards Gaya and enlightenment.
Barabar Caves
Barabar Caves is an excellent spot in Bihar. Barabar Caves date back to Mauryan era that span between 322 BC and 185 BC. The four caves comprise Barabar out of which the most fascinating caves are Lomas Rishi caves. The construction of Barbara Caves shares similarity to wooden huts, which were home to Buddhist monks.
Bodhi Tree
Bodhi Tree is considered sacred by followers of Buddhism as Gautama Buddha attained spiritual enlightenment here. The tree is situated on the southern side of Mahabodhi temple is not the where Buddha"s enlightenment occurred but it is the fifth generation of the original tree.
Chinese Temple
Chinese Temple is located near Mahabodhi temple. Chinese Temple is a pure influence of Chinese architecture. Chinese Temple was built by the Government of China and Buddhist monks of China in the year 1945. There is a 200-year-old Buddha statue found in the temple is said to be from China. The temple also houses three golden statues of Buddha.
Bodhgaya Archaeological Museum
Bodhgaya Archaeological Museum is home to numerous relics that are unearthed from this part of the world. The rare collections of Bodhgaya Archaeological Museum include sculptures belonging to 1st century BC, antiques and images of Hindu deities and Buddha made of various metals including gold, silver and bronze.
Muchalinda Lake
Muchalinda Lake is a sacred place for followers of Buddhism. It is said that while Buddha was into the sixth week of meditation by the side of Muchalinda Lake, a severe storm struck. Muchalinda, the snake king protected Buddha who was deep in meditation. The temple found here houses the sculpture of Gautama Buddha and the snake in the act of protecting the God. The lake is a feast to nature lovers, as it is surrounded by lush green environment.
Thai Temple
Thai temple was built in the year1956 by Thailand monarch following the request from the then Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru. The temple is a fine specimen of Thai architecture. The amazing construction of Thai temple with a sloping roof that is curved is a visual delight to those with architectural eye. The golden tiles over the roof look brilliant in sunlight.
Royal Bhutan Monastery
Royal Bhutan Monastery is a monastery that depicts the life of Gautama Buddha. The Government of Bhutan constructed this monastery, which ranks amongst the majestic monasteries in the land.
