7-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Bodhgaya in February 2024

1. Day 1: Mahabodhi Temple and Bodhi Tree
   Located in the town centre
   Estimated time from hotel: 10 minutes (1 mile)

   Start your day with a visit to Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the sacred Bodhi Tree where Buddha attained enlightenment. Learn about the rich history and significance of these holy sites. In the afternoon, explore the colourful market in the town centre, and in the evening, witness the mesmerising Mahabodhi Temple light and sound show.

2. Day 2: Dungeshwari Cave Temples and Sujata Stupa
   Located 12 miles north of Bodhgaya
   Estimated time from Mahabodhi Temple: 1 hour 20 minutes

   Embark on a pilgrimage to Dungeshwari Cave Temples where Buddha spent six years of solitude, meditating and seeking enlightenment. After lunch, visit the Sujata Stupa and experience rural life in India while interacting with locals. In the evening, relax and rejuvenate back at your hotel.

3. Day 3: Barabar Caves and Vishnupad Temple
   Located 25 miles north of Bodhgaya
   Estimated time from Dungeshwari Cave Temples: 1 hour 40 minutes

   Explore the ancient Barabar Caves, the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India dating back to the 3rd century BCE. After lunch, visit the Vishnupad Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and take a dip in the holy Falgu River. In the evening, return to Bodhgaya for some souvenir shopping.

4. Day 4: Thai Monastery and Royal Bhutan Monastery
   Located 4 miles east of Bodhgaya
   Estimated time from Vishnupad Temple: 1 hour 20 minutes

   Visit the tranquil Thai Monastery and admire the beautiful architecture and intricate carvings. After lunch, head to the Royal Bhutan Monastery and learn about Bhutanese culture and traditions. In the evening, attend a meditation session at the Tibetan Monastery.

5. Day 5: Japanese Peace Pagoda and Tibetan Refugee Market
   Located 2 miles south of Bodhgaya
   Estimated time from Royal Bhutan Monastery: 45 minutes

   Visit the stunning Japanese Peace Pagoda and soak in the peaceful atmosphere. After lunch, explore the Tibetan Refugee Market and shop for handicrafts, jewellery, and clothing. In the evening, enjoy a cultural program at the Nepali Temple.

6. Day 6: Rajgir and Nalanda
   Located 40 miles north of Bodhgaya
   Estimated time from Tibetan Refugee Market: 2 hours

   Take a day trip to Rajgir and Nalanda, two of the oldest and most significant historical sites in India. In Rajgir, visit the Ajatshatru Fort, Gridhakuta Peak, and Venuvana Monastery. In Nalanda, explore the ruins of the ancient Nalanda University, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Return to Bodhgaya in the evening.

7. Day 7: Mahamaya Temple and Great Buddha Statue
   Located 5 miles west of Bodhgaya
   Estimated time from Nalanda: 1 hour 20 minutes

   End your trip with a visit to the Mahamaya Temple and pay homage to the Goddess Mahamaya. After lunch, visit the Great Buddha Statue, one of the tallest statues of Buddha in India. Take in the panoramic views of Bodhgaya from the top. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Recommendations

Don't miss the Bodhgaya International Film Festival, held in February every year, showcasing films on Buddhism and spirituality from around the world. For a unique experience, take a hot air balloon ride over the ancient ruins of Nalanda. To maximise your fun, try some local delicacies like Litti Chokha, a popular Bihari dish, and attend a cultural program at the Tibetan Monastery.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Mahabodhi Temple and Bodhi Tree (2 hours, free)
• Dungeshwari Cave Temples (2 hours, free)
• Sujata Stupa (1 hour, free)
• Barabar Caves (3 hours, INR 250)
• Vishnupad Temple (2 hours, free)
• Thai Monastery (1 hour, free)
• Royal Bhutan Monastery (1 hour, free)
• Japanese Peace Pagoda (1 hour, free)
• Tibetan Refugee Market (2 hours, as per purchase)
• Rajgir (4 hours, INR 500)
• Nalanda (4 hours, INR 500)
• Mahamaya Temple (1 hour, free)
• Great Buddha Statue (1 hour, INR 50)
• Total Estimated Costs (excluding hotel and flight): INR 1,300

To check hotel and flight prices, click here.