Gaya is a city of ancient history located in Bihar, India. Major attractions of this city are narrow by lanes, old buildings natural surroundings. This is the sacred place to both Buddhists and Hindus. Gaya is named after the demon Gayasur. It is believed that body of Gayasura was transformed into series of rocky hills that make up the landscape of Gaya. This place is mentioned both in Mahabharata and Ramayana. It is believed that Lord Rama along with SIta and Lakshma travelled to this place after they kept Pindan to this father Dashrath.
What to see at Gaya:
Vishnupad Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Shikhara Style can be seen here. In 1787, this was constructed by Ahilya Bai Holkar of Indore. It is believed that footprints inside the temple belong to Lord Vishnu.
Jama Masjid: In the Bihar state it is the largest Mosque. It is famous for Tabligh and Shabina.
Great Buddha Statue: This is associated with life of Lord Buddha. In 1989, XIV Dalai Lama installed this statue. In India this is the tallest Buddha statues. Red Granite and Sandstone blocks are used in the construction of this statue.
Gaya Pind Daan: This is a ritual performed by Hindus to free the spirits of their deceased ones. This will liberate them from bondage of the materialistic world. Lord Rama also had done Pind Daan at this place to his father.
What to see around Gaya:
Chinese Temple: Chinese Buddhist monks constructed this temple. Chinese architecture can be seen on this temple. It is decorated with excellent Chinese design. In 1997, this was renovated with 3 golden statues. It is located 13kms away from Gaya.
Barabar Caves: These are oldest Rock cut Caves in India. These caves belong to Mauryan Period of 3rd century BC. Barabar Caves Attractions are Vishwa Zopri caves, karan Chaupar caves, Sudama caves, Lomas Rishi caves. It is located 25kms away from Gaya.
The Bodhi Tree: During the first 7 days of enlightenment Buddha sat below this tree. Original tree was destroyed by several kings. Emperor Ashoka brought the descendent of original tree from Srilanka and taken so much care to protect this tree. It is located 13kms away from Gaya.
Mahabodhi Temple: This temple is dates back to 7th century. Ancient temple was destroyed during 11th century when Muslims invaded this place. Present structure was reconstructed in 1880. It is located 13kms away from Gaya.
Ajapala Nigrodha Tree: It is located in front of Mahabodhi Temple. It is believed that this was planted by a Shepherd Boy to protect Lord Buddha. It is located 13kms away from Gaya.
Royal Bhutan Monastery: It is located in Bodhgaya. King of Bhutan constructed this monastery.
Other attractions near Gaya: Other attractions near Gaya are Animesh Lochana Chaitya, Indosan Nippon Japanese Temple, Thai Monastery, Cankamana.
Getting to Gaya: Gaya is well connected with road ways, railways and airways. From Ahmedabad, Nagpur, Coimbatore, Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad etc flights come to this place. From Allahabad, Varanasi, Bhubaneshwar, Jabalpur, Pune, Hyderabad, Patna, etc buses and trains come to this place.
Best time to visit Gaya: It is essential to know the best time before visiting any place. Best time to visit Gaya is between October to April.
Where to stay at Gaya: Plenty of hotels are available at Gaya. All range of hotels such as budget, midrange and luxury hotels are available to stay at Gaya. Best hotels at Gaya are Ajatashatru Hotel, Siddharth International, Palm Garden Hotel, Hotel Rose Valley.
Where to eat at Gaya: Plenty of restaurants are available at Gaya. Most popular items of this place are Kopal Ki Kofta, Sukhaota, Sattu ka Roti, Maruna ka roti, pittha, litti, litti Chhokha, sattu etc.