Gaya is one of the famous holy cities of Hindus as well as Buddhists in India. Gaya is situated at a distance of about 100 km from Patna, the capital city of Bihar, on the banks of Falgu river. The city derived its name from the demon Gayasur. According to the legend, Gayasur was killed by Lord Vishnu by pressing his foot over his body, which resulted in the formation of some rocky hills which surrounds Gaya.

There are a number of Ghats on the banks of Falgu river which are believed to be holy. It is believed by the Hindus that their visit to Gaya will result in salvation of the souls of their ancestors. There is a holy ritual, which is performed in Gaya by Hindus, which is known as 'Pinda Dan'. This is also one of the main reasons of Hindu visitors for planning a trip to Gaya.

Gaya city is equally important for Buddhists as well. Gautam Buddha got enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, which is located at lord Buddha a distance of 15 km from Gaya city. After this incident, places near to Gaya have remained the citadel and hub of knowledge like Nalanda, Vaishali, Rajgir and Patliputra. In the ancient period Gaya had remained a part of the Magadh region.

Places of Attraction in and around Gaya

Akshayabat

Akshayabat is the Banyan tree under which Gautam Buddha did meditation in the search of eternal truth. It is situated inside the Mahabodhi temple at Bodh Gaya, which is at a distance of 12 km from the Gaya city. It is one of the major attraction points for the visitors on Gaya tour.

Mahabodhi Temple

Emperor Ashoka is believed to be the founder of Mahabodhi temple. It is a Buddhist temple and literally means 'Great Awakening Temple'. Holy Bodhi tree, under which Gautam Buddha got enlightenment, is also located next to the temple. It was constructed about 250 years after Lord Buddha attained enlightenment and attracts a large number of devotees on tour to Gaya.

Archaeological Museum

Archaeological museum was established in 1952. It houses around 3000 antiquities and is located inside Gaya District Board campus. Ancient manuscripts, photographs, sculptures and arms of Gupta and Mauryan period can be seen in this Archaeological museum of Gaya by travellers on their tour to Gaya.

Vishnupad Temple

Vishnupad Temple is located on the banks of Falgu river. It is believed that the temple has been built on the footprints of Lord Vishnu and that is why it has been named Vishnupad. A 40 cm long foot print of Lord Vishnu can be seen inside the temple imprinted on rock surrounded by silver plated basin. The temple was constructed by Queen Ahilya Bai in 1787 and is a must visit for those travelling Gaya.

Excursion from Gaya

There are many places of attraction around Gaya for the visitors on Gaya tour. Some of the main attractions include Nagarjuni Museum, Brahmayoni Hill or Gayasirsa, Barabar Caves and Bodhgaya.

How to reach Gaya

Air: Patna is the nearest airport for the visitors planning a tour to Gaya. It is at a distance of 125 km from Gaya. One can catch regular luxury and ordinary buses from Patna for Gaya.

Rail: Gaya railway station is connected by trains from major cities like Delhi, Kolkatta, Varnasi, Patna and Puri.

Road: State bus services and buses by private operators ply from time to time to several destinations
in the neighbouring states.