Gaya – The city of Buddha
Gaya is the second-largest city in the state of Bihar after Patna. The city’s historical roots go back to the times of the Ramayana and Mahabharata. It is said that Rama came to Gaya with Lakshmana to offer Pind Daan for his father Dasaratha.
Gaya has been mentioned in the ancient scriptures of Buddhism and Jainism. In Buddhism, it is more important because Lord Buddha found enlightenment in Bodh Gaya. The Mahabodhi Temple Complex in Gaya has been tagged as a World Heritage Site. Gaya was also an important centre during the Indian independence movement.
Things to do in Gaya
Gaya is teeming with Buddhist monks, so if you are interested in Buddhism, then it’s a great place to learn more on the subject. If you are fond of old temples, then Mangla Gauri Temple - a shakti peetha is a must-see. Festivals in Gaya such as the Buddha Purnima and the Pitru Paksha Mela draw a huge number of tourists from across the world. You can also check out Gaya’s thriving local handicrafts industry.
Tourist attractions in Gaya
There are temples, historical monuments and local markets to check out in Gaya. Popular tourist attractions in Gaya include Tibetan Refugee Market, Muchalinda Lake, Royal Bhutan Monastery Great Buddha Statue, Bodhi Tree and Cankamana.
Places to shop in Gaya
Local handicrafts such as incense sticks and stone works are a craze among tourists. Then, there are local varieties of sweets that are easily available at the local stores. GB Road is the main destination for shoppers in Gaya as it houses markets such as Ganny Market, Kalamandir and Swadeshi Vastralaya. Private brands like Raymonds, Adidas and Killer are also present on this stretch.
Best time to visit Gaya
The ideal time to visit Gaya is sometime between the months of October and March. Tourists also pour in during Buddha Purnima which takes place in the month of April.
Modes of transport
Gaya is well-connected by road, rail and air to major cities in India. You can use the local bus service for commuting within the city. Tangas and auto-rickshaws are the other two cheap and convenient modes of transport in Gaya.
Weather in Gaya
Summer temperatures in Gaya shoot up to 45 °C. Winters are pleasant but at night, winter temperatures can fall to single digits. Monsoons in Gaya see heavy rainfall.
Airport in Gaya
Gaya Airport (IATA: GAY) is located at a distance of 5 km from the city. IndiGo operates multiple flight routes from Gaya. For flight related information, visit IndiGo’s official website.