Photo By: D.Alyoshin, via Wikimedia,  CC BY-SA 3.0

India is a nation that is full of heritage and has a vast selection of incredible places to visit, but one of the most significant of these is Bodh Gaya, where Lord Buddha achieved enlightenment.

History
Somewhere around 500BC, Lord Buddha discovered the Noble Eight-fold Path under a sacred bodhi-tree in Bodh Gaya. The first temple to be built on this site was under the behest of King Asoka, and resulted in the renowned Mahabodhi Temple.

Getting There and Accommodation
You can reach Gaya Airport, just 12km from Bodhgaya, through a direct flight from Kolkata. The other nearest airport is in Patna, a 3-hour drive away. If you’re looking for a hotel in Bodhgaya there are a few to be found such as Oaks Bodhgaya.

When to Visit
The pilgrimage season commences around September, and then culminates towards January. Where weather is concerned, the ideal time for a visit would be between November and February. March to May is the summer season, and the climate can get extremely hot.

Attractions
A certified UNESCO World Heritage Site and the holiest Buddhist shrine, the Mahabodhi Tempe is the most significant attraction in Bodhgaya. There are also many monasteries that were built and maintained by Buddhist countries from around the globe to be found here.

A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, Joanna James ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought. Her interests include Politics, law and Philosophy. Google+