Bodh Gaya is a city in Gaya district in the Indian state of Bihar. Bodh Gaya is the most important pilgrimage site for Buddhists among the main four pilgrimage sites related to the life of Gautama Buddha, the other three being Kushinagar, Lumbini, and Sarnath. Bodh Gaya is famous for being the place of Buddha's attainment of Enlightenment.

Bodhi tree under which Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment is one of the oldest and most venerated trees in the world. A branch of Bodhi tree, the descendent of the original tree, was transplanted at Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka during the reign of the great emperor Ashoka. 

Under the Bodhi tree is Vrajasana. Vrajasana under the Bodhi tree is the platform where Gautam Buddha performed his penance.

Bodh Gaya is also famous for the Mahabodhi temple, a fine example of Indian brickwork. As per UNESCO, "the present temple is one of the earliest and most imposing structures built entirely in brick from Gupta period". The original shrine of the Mahabodhi Temple is said to have been raised by the great emperor Ashoka. 

The ancient Mahabodhi Temple has a central tower of 180 feet with a glided image of Buddha surrounded by four smaller towers. The Mahabodhi Temple is bordered by two meters high stone railings on all the four sides. Depicted on the railings are pictures of Goddess Laxmi being bathed by elephants, Surya riding a chariot drawn by four horses, stupas, garudas and lotus flowers while the walls of the temple have scenes from Budhha’s life. 

Other attractions of Bodh Gaya are the seven shrines built on the spots where Budhha spent seven weeks. Tibetian, Burmese and Japanese monasteries at Bodh Gaya especially the Dharma Chakra (the wheel of law) draw attentions of Indian and foreign tourists.

Bodh Gaya Tour Itienary From Delhi

Day 01: Arrival Delhi
Transfer to your booked Hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 02: Delhi
Morning Half day sight seeing tour of Delhi. Visit Jama Masjid, Raj Ghat, Humayun's Tomb, Etc. Evening enjoy the Dances of India show/ Sound & Light Show at Historic Red Fort. Overnight at the hotel in Delhi.

Day 03: Delhi - Varanasi
In the morning take a Half day Sight Seeing tour of New Delhi. Visit Kutub Minar, Lotus Temple, India Gate, Secretariat Buildings & Modern Hindu Temple. Evening transfer to the Railway Station to board train 'Shiv Ganga' Express at 6.15 PM for Varanasi. Varanasi the eternal city is one of the most important Pilgrim sites in India and also a major tourist attraction, situated on the banks of the sacred Ganges. The name Varanasi derived from two rivers - The Varuna & Assi. It is a great center of learning and civilization. It is also known as Kashi & Benaras. Overnight in Train.

Day 04: Varanasi
Arrive Varanasi at 7.15 AM. Upon arrival transfer to your booked hotel. Full day sightseeing of Varanasi including Sarnath, the buried Buddhist city where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. Thai Temple, located near Sarnath managed by Thai Buddhist Monks; Chinese Temple, located near Sarnath managed by Chinese Buddhist Monks; Japanese Temple, located near Sarnath managed by Japanese Buddhist Monks. Overnight at hotel in Varanasi. 

Day 05: Varanasi
Early morning enjoy the Boat ride at River Ganges in Varanasi. Later visit Hindu temples and Benares Hindu University. Overnight in Varanasi. 

Day 06: Varanasi - Bodh Gaya
In the morning drive to Bodh Gaya, which is about 265 kms and takes approx. 07 hrs . Bodhgaya is the most important Buddhist Pilgrimage Center. At Bodh Gaya, after years of Penance and Deprivation, Buddha attained "Enlightenment" under the sacred Bodhi Tree to become "Buddha". Overnight in Bodh Gaya. 

Day 07: Bodh Gaya
Visiting Mahabodhi Temple, Jagannath Temple, Shavite Monastery, Bodh Gaya Archeological Museums, Samadhis etc. Also visit Buddhist Temple in Gaya.
Overnight at the hotel in Bodh Gaya.

Day 08: Bodh Gaya - Rajgir - Kushi Nagar 
Early morning drive to Rajgir, which is a site of great sanctity & significance for Buddhists. Visit Gridhkuta Hill, Venuan Vihar, Bimbisara Jail etc.
Later Drive to Kushinagar, Earlier known as Kushinara. It is believed that Buddha attained "Mahaparinirvana" (release from the endless cycle of birth & rebirth) here.Overnight in Kushinagar. 

Day 09: Kushinagar - Lumbini - Shravasti
Early morning drive to Lumbini - the birthplace of Lord Buddha. It is in Nepal.
Later drive to Shravasti. Here Buddha performed miracles to convince skeptics. He multiplied himself, sat on thousand petal led Lotus, fire and water sprang from his body.
Also visit Sahet Mahet, capital of ancient Kingdom of Kosala, Jetavana Vihar - the spot of excavated ruins & Buddhist Temple. Overnight in Shravasti 

Day 10: Shravasti - Lucknow - Delhi 
Morning leave Shravasti for Lucknow. Upon arrival board your train Satabdi Express at 3.30 PM and arrive New Delhi at 10 PM. Overnight in Delhi.

Day 11 Depart Delhi
Morning Departure for your onward destination.