Gaya Sightseeing, Quick Facts, History, Packages, Tours & Excursions

Sightseeing Highlights

The main attraction is the Vishnupad Temple, constructed in the Shikhar style of Hindu architecture. It is on the banks of the River Falgu, in the outskirts of the city. To get a full view of the Ganga, climb up the 1000 steps on the Brahmajuni hill, just 1 km from the Vishnupad temple.

You can visit Gaya’s small Archeological Museum which houses a collection of artifacts from the excavations in the area. Just 36 km away are the Barabar caves, famous for the 3rd century BC inscriptions on the stone walls, from the time of King Ashoka.
 
Other Activities

To complete the religious circuit, you can visit the numerous small shrines in and about Gaya.

Bodhgaya is just 13 km away and is a major pilgrimage centre of the Buddhists since Lord Buddha attained enlightenment here. You can also enjoy boating in the Ganga River and experience the calm spiritual atmosphere.

TOURISM INFORMATION
BSTDC Hotel Siddharth Vihar,
Bodhgaya,
Phone: 0631-2200445, 2200127

Gaya is located 100 km from Patna and 13 km off Bodhagaya, in Bihar. It has a rich cultural past and was part of the Magadha kingdom in the time of King Ashoka. It is situated on the bank of River Falgu or Niranjana and has a mention in the Ramayana. Gaya is one of the most sacred destinations for Hindus, as legend maintains that it has been bestowed with the power by Lord Vishnu, to absolve all sins of people who come here for a pilgrimage. The Vishnu temple is the central pilgrimage centre and people believe it has been constructed on the footprints of Lord Vishnu. Hindus believe that if a person's last rites are performed in Gaya, the soul attains Moksha, so thousands come here to offer the last rites and funerary offerings for their ancestors, every year.