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The Archeological Museum Bodhgaya is a one-of-a-kind place in the context of India’s history and culture. Founded in 1956, this establishment boasts possessions from the ancient period, depicting events and Bodhgaya as a spiritual location. Relics from the Mauryan and Gupta periods are kept in the museum, giving insight into Buddhism’s heritage. There are four galleries in the museum, where stone sculptures, bronze images, terracotta figures, and other possessions from India’s ancient history can be found.
Quick Details About Archaeological Museum Bodhgaya
Location: Near Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhgaya, Bihar
Museum Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM (Closed on Fridays)
Entry Fee: ₹10
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Nearest Airport: 12 km away from Gaya International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: 16 km away from Gaya Junction
Where To Eat: Maha Bodhi Restaurant, The Gateway Hotel, Tibet Kitchen, Bodhgaya’s Café
Location
Photo: Matt Stabile / Wikimedia Commons
The Archaeological Museum Bodhgaya is situated in the vicinity of the Mahabodhi Temple Complex. The museum is neighboured by sacred monasteries and other historically important sites. It is located near the Gaya and Barachatti districts of Bihar. The roads close to the museum are Nepali Temple Road, which is connected to Domuhan-Bodhgaya Road, Premdasa and Ambedkar Road.
How To Reach
Photo: Matt Stabile / Wikimedia Commons
By Air: The closest airport is Gaya International Airport is located at a distance of 12km, and you can reach the museum by taxi or car in 30 minutes.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Bodhgaya Museum is Gaya Junction at a distance of 16 km. You can reach it by rickshaw or taxi.
By Bus: You can reach the museum by bus by getting down at Bodhgaya Bus Stand which is at a distance of 2 km. Rickshaws and taxis are frequent from here or you can walk to the museum.
Places To Visit Around Archaeological Museum Bodhgaya
There are several sites worth visiting near the archaeological museum of Bodhgaya. There are many temples and monasteries all around the sacred land of Gaya.
1. Mahabodhi Temple
Photo: Amitabha Gupta / Wikimedia Commons
The Mahabodhi Temple in Gaya is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site but also one of the holiest places for Buddhists all over the world. It is the place where Gautama Buddha realised his enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree. The temple is located in a large meditation garden with numerous stupas and shrines. The main temple, the monumental 50-metre-high central spire, dominates the surroundings with its challenging ornamented carvings. The perfectly quiet area is very suitable for meditation, and spiritual tourists visit the temple.
Timings: 5 AM – 9 PM
Entry Fee: Free
2. Thai Monastery
Photo: Amitabha Gupta / Wikimedia Commons
The Thai Monastery in Bodhgaya is a well-designed Buddhist temple that is based on Thai architecture. Its golden roof and the beauty of the ornaments made in stone make it visible from a long distance. The adjacent garden, decorated in a classic style for Thai palaces, accommodates a lot of visitors. A statue of a sitting Buddha is especially popular, directing the flow of excursionists searching for peace and lowering anxiety levels. The green of the exotic plants and the monument make some fresh air. Visits from travellers and pilgrims interested in the original Thai culture and Buddhism are unlimited.
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: Free
3. Bodhi Tree
Photo: Amitabha Gupta / Wikimedia Commons
The Bodhi Tree is one of the holiest spots in Bodhgaya, as it is believed to be a descendant of the original tree under which Lord Buddha meditated and attained enlightenment. The original tree does not exist anymore, but branches from it have been planted in different places, such as the Mahabodhi Temple. Located within the Mahabodhi Temple’s compound, the tree offers a peaceful and spiritual experience. Pilgrims coming to see it from all over the world use this place to meditate and pray, making the track full of prayers.
Timings: 5 AM – 9 PM
Entry Fee: Free
4. Great Buddha Statue
Photo: Andrew Moore / Wikimedia Commons
The Great Buddha Statue is an 80-feet-tall seated sculpture of Buddha looking euphoric. Constructed from sandstone and red granite, the monolith landmark is one of Bodhgaya’s recognised signs of identity. The statue was hallowed by the Dalai Lama in 1989 and insinuated the tranquil, placid, and perturbed nature of Buddha. The vicinity also has some minor carvings representing the disciples of Buddha. The peaceful and unwinding setting of this attraction makes it a must-visit by anyone who requires meditation and spiritual experiences.
Timings: 7 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: Free
5. Vishnupad Temple
Photo: Keymaker31 / Wikimedia Commons
Vishnupad Temple is situated in Gaya, around 16 km away from Bodhgaya, which serves as an important Hindu pilgrimage site. The Hindu temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu and is thought to maintain a footstep of the deity embedded in rock. The latter is built near the Falgu River, and Vishnupad’s architecture belongs to the Shikhara style with intricate carvings to be admired by visitors. Moreover, it attracts Hindu pilgrims due to its religious value when the temple reaches its peak during Pind Daan.
Timings: 5 AM – 9 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Where To Stay
Photo: Andrew Neel / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
For a comfortable stay near the Archaeological Museum Bodhgaya, consider the Hotel Bodhgaya Gautam, Niranjana Resort, Mahayana Hotel, or Bodhgaya Heritage. These options offer proximity to the museum and provide a range of amenities for a pleasant experience.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Amitabha Gupta / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Average Cost Of The Trip:
The average cost of a trip to the Archaeological Museum in Bodhgaya ranges from ₹1,500 to ₹3,500 per day. This includes expenses for transportation, accommodation, meals, and entry fees. It provides an affordable way to explore Buddhist heritage and history while enjoying local culture.
Tips For The Travellers:
- The best time to visit is from October to March as the weather remains cool, making it ideal for travel and tourism.
- Particularly, it is known to be an inexpensive place to spend your holiday, however costs of travelling and staying here may widely vary depending on the season.
- Public transportation is a quick and cheap way to travel.
The Archaeological Museum Bodhgaya leaves on-site visitors with an understanding of the rich history and culture behind Bodhgaya, one of the most significant religious sites globally. The museum and its linked monuments take you on a journey through time and the importance of the past to the present of the site. One is bound to be impacted in whichever way and as such there is something for everyone to learn and come away richer whether by history, spirituality. Make the trip and feel the soul of India through TripXL.
Cover Photo: Kasturi Laxmi Mohit / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
